Contributed by Wanders of Eve
I was 27 when I had my first airplane ride; that was for a business trip. I was 30 when I started travelling outside my country. Late bloomer, eh?
Almost ten years ago when I was just starting out as a young professional, my priority was to help the family. I still do today, but by the grace of God, things are a lot better now. Way back in my early twenties, all I did was to work and work and work. Sometimes I was jealous of friends who get to enjoy their youth and have the time of their lives, travelling wherever they want to go. But I also understood that it was beyond my financial capacity as I was supporting two younger siblings in college. So I stood by the financial principle “live within your means”. And I saved diligently to establish my financial stability.
Also read: How To Travel Frequently Despite Being Employed
So this is for those who want to travel soon but are held back by more important priorities like helping the family, supporting your own education or still establishing yourself financially. Keep calm, in everything, there is a season.
Besides, travelling in your 30’s can have some advantages and can be very rewarding.
- You are more responsible in handling your finances
- Chances are, you are more financially stable
- And because you are more financially stable, you have high chances to get visas approved (Well hello, Japan visa)
- You are more independent and can act wisely on decisions
- You are more composed when confronted with tough situations (like when your friend keeps nagging on you because you can’t find your way back to the hotel or when you can’t figure out the city map because it is written in Hangeul)
- You become more aware of social issues surrounding you and you develop compassion towards others
The list can go on and on.
Also read: 8 Precious Life Lessons You’ll Learn from Travelling Often
At one point I thought I was already old to start travelling. I was thinking time has already passed me by. But looking back, I would not have it another way to be where I am today. I worked hard in my 20s. Now I am starting to enjoy the fruit of my hard work; I’ve been to three countries for the last one and a half years and soon four before the year ends.
Also read: My 7-Day Trip to Japan: Travel Tips & Cost Breakdown for Filipino Travellers
This is not to demean the young adults who set out early in seeing the world. Do so in liberty while you can and if you can. But this is to inspire those who, like me, started out beyond their twenties, to those who are yet to embark on an adventure, or to those who are thinking the world has already passed them by. Do not fret, the world will be there when you are ready to fly. Work hard, set your travel goals and make them happen. It’s a small world; we will see each other around 🙂