I used to think getting older would make me a worse traveler.
Less energy. More responsibilities. More things to worry about. And less patience for sleeping in questionable hostels.
I also thought I might “grow out” of solo travel. Well… that didn’t happen.
I’m 37 now, I’ve been to 67 countries and all seven continents, and some of my biggest travel adventures have happened in the last few years. I’ve traveled alone through Greenland, gone to Antarctica, chased the Northern Lights in Norway and explored Central Asia.
And I enjoy traveling more now than I did in my twenties. Why? I know myself better.
I Care a Lot Less About FOMO
When I was younger, I wanted to do all the things.
If there was a famous viewpoint, I had to see it. Popular restaurants? Add it to the list. Everyone going to a certain beach? Obviously, I needed to go too.
These days, I’m much better at saying, “That looks amazing. Maybe next time.” I don’t need to squeeze six cities into five days or visit every attraction because someone on Instagram said it was a must. Although, I do have one rule: I always try to watch at least one sunrise in every country I visit. Some travel traditions are worth keeping!
Getting older has made me better at choosing what I want to do instead of what I think I’m supposed to do.
I Know What Kind of Traveler I Am
Getting older has made me more aware of what I enjoy when I travel.
I like budget travel, but I’m also willing to spend more when it makes my life easier. I love meeting people, but I need alone time too. I like adventure, but I’ve learned that adventure doesn’t have to mean exhausting myself every day.
When I first started traveling alone, I thought being alone meant doing everything myself. Ask nobody. Figure everything out. Never look lost.
Now? If someone offers to help me with directions, I’m taking the help. If I don’t understand the public transport system, I’ll ask.
Being alone doesn’t mean proving you can do everything alone. Sometimes it just means knowing what you need.
Things Going Wrong Don’t Feel Like the End of the World
Travel has taught me this one the hard way.
You will get lost. You will miss a bus. You will book something that looked much better in the photos. You will order food that looks amazing and tastes like regret.
When I was younger, something going wrong could throw me off. Now, my first reaction is: “Okay. What are my options?”
I’m not fearless now. I’ve just learned that being nervous doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do something.
That was a useful lesson when I decided to travel solo to Antarctica.
I was nervous before going. Antarctica sounded remote and intimidating… But once I got there, I realized I wasn’t alone. There were guides, other travelers, shared meals and excursions.
It’s difficult to worry about being lonely when you’re in Antarctica watching penguins waddle around.
I Care Less About What Other People Think
Solo travel comes with questions.
“Alone?” “Isn’t that dangerous?” “Why don’t you go with someone?”
Sometimes people are worried about you. Other times, they can’t imagine doing it themselves.
When I was younger, I felt like I had to explain my choices.
Now I’m more comfortable saying, “This is what I want to do.”
I don’t need everyone to understand why I wanted to go to Antarctica alone. I don’t need to convince someone that Greenland was worth visiting. It’s my trip.
I Compare Myself to Other Travelers Less
This one is difficult when you work in travel and spend a lot of time on Instagram. There is always someone somewhere beautiful.
Someone is staying in a fancy hotel. Someone is flying business class. Someone is hiking a mountain at sunrise with perfect hair and no visible struggle. And if you’re not careful, you start feeling like your own trip isn’t good enough. My trip doesn’t have to look impressive online for me to have an amazing time.
Maybe I spent an afternoon sitting in a café. Maybe I took the cheap bus. Maybe I stayed in a hostel and talked to someone for three hours. Maybe I skipped something everyone told me I “had” to see.
I’m More Interested in the Experience Than the Checklist
When I was younger, I think I was more focused on collecting destinations. Now I’m more interested in what happens while I’m there. I remember hiking around the Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland and just staring at the ice.
But I also remember the smaller things. The stranger who helped me when I was lost. The random conversation at a hostel. The local meal I ordered without knowing what I was getting.
Getting Older Hasn’t Made Me Less Adventurous
If anything, I think it has made me more adventurous. Adventure isn’t always climbing something terrifying or packing five activities into one day.
Sometimes it’s booking the solo trip you’ve been putting off for years. Sometimes it’s sitting alone in a restaurant. Sometimes it’s getting on the plane even though you’re nervous.
I’m 37, and I still have a looong list of places I want to see. But I’m no longer in a race to tick everything off. I can take my time, change my plans, say no, sleep in and spend money on the things that matter to me.
I care less about making my trip look good and more about enjoying it. I’m not trying to prove that I’m adventurous anymore. I just want to see what’s around the next corner, meet interesting people and watch the sunrise. I’ll take that over FOMO any day.
Want More Solo Travel Inspiration?
If you’re planning your next adventure or just looking for some inspiration, you can find more of my solo travel adventures, destination guides and tips on Flightmodefeven.
I share the real stuff too — where I stayed, what I spent, how I got around and what I wish I’d known before I went.
