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Travelling in your 20s vs travelling in your 30s
Travelling in your 20s vs travelling in your 30s
Your life at 21 is a world away; your weekends weren’t occupied with weddings and you didn’t have to find ‘kid friendly’ locations to meet your friends at. But nowhere is the difference so noticeable as when you go travelling. Here are just some ways travelling in your thirties is different from in your twenties.
Travelling in your 20s vs travelling in your 30s
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You go for different amounts of time
Your first overseas adventure probably started with a one-way ticket and a hungover flight, and it probably ended in a similar way when your money or visa ran out. In your thirties you have a job, commitments, and a pretty serious commitment to Game of Thrones, so you always know when you’ll be returning.
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You visit different things
Travelling in your early twenties means finding the craziest club with the cheapest drinks and the hottest Irish guys (it’s the accent). The first time I went to France I didn’t even visit the Eiffel tower because I was too hungover. Fast forward ten years and you visit every gallery, museum, cathedral, and landmark you can fit around eating.
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You eat better
Travelling in your thirties means pretending to be Maeve O’Meara from Food Safari; the majority of your itinerary focusses on the culinary offerings. You might even take a cooking class, which is a world away from that time you ate a street kebab every meal for 2 weeks because it was cheaper than McDonalds.
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You stay at different places
In your thirties, an 18 bed dorm – no matter how cheap it is – has lost all of its charm. You’re happy to pay the extra money for Airbnb over couchsurfing to ensure you don’t get woken at 3am by a group of semi naked Israeli’s wearing road signs as hats. Words like ‘boutique hostel’ and ‘private balcony’ make your insides warm and gooey.
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You don’t get tinea
Probably because, this time, you didn’t lose your thongs on a beach in Thailand. And if you did get tinea, you’d know the right tinea treatment to sort it out.
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You pack better
You no longer suffer from over packing (or under packing) and you’ll tell anyone who will listen about your bag’s chest strap that really takes the weight off your hips, or how that microfibre towel was the best thing you ever bought, or that a merino cardigan is the perfect layering item.
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Your stuff is nicer
Not only do you pack better, but your stuff is nicer. You only took one pair of boots because they’ve got the perfect tread and water resistance, and you probably bought a new camera lens or iPad just for this trip.
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You don’t mind cliche
You don’t care if the gondolas in Venice are cliche, it’s a beautiful way to see the rustication on the facade of the buildings. Damn those Venetians knew what they were doing.
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Your luggage looks different
In your early twenties you would have used a plastic bag held together with a broken clothes peg if you had to, but now you get excited if your carry on matches your check in luggage. By the way, nice luggage tag.
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Hangovers are worse
The crippling hangovers you inherited in your thirties make that early morning hike you promised yourself you’d do nearly unbearable.
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You won’t feel obligated to read Shantaram
Even if it someone says it’s, like, oh my god, so life changing.
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You travel with different people
In your early twenties you were probably with your BFFs, and even if you’re still lucky enough to travel with friends there’s probably some partners or kids in the group now. You’re also Ok with travelling by yourself, because you never have to compromise on itineraries or feel guilty for wanting to spend 3 hours reading in a cafe.
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You don’t try to see everything
Every one has a to do list when they go travelling, but the more you travel the more you’ve learnt that you won’t do everything so you might as well prioritise, which is good because…
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You get tired quicker
Travelling is exhausting and it feels like you need a holiday after your holiday. Remember your early twenties when you’d do a walking tour and then a pub crawl? Who was that person? Where did they get their energy? Now you need a foot rub after the Louvre.
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Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Find out why Sand boarding, Diving and Safaris through the desert are included in the Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar.
Qatar is a country of reinvention. Shimmering towerblocks rise against a desert horizon, and maze-like souks thrive next to 21st-century shopping palaces. It’s also one of the more accessible countries of the Arab Gulf, with a welcoming reputation towards visitors and plenty of attractions to keep them coming. Some of the best holiday activities you’ll find in Qatar are the adventurous kind. And these are the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar.
Sunset in Qatar – Photo by wj2012
Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Diving expeditions
The Gulf Sea is famed for its crystal waters and the exuberant marine life which lurks just beneath the surface. Messaid is a good jumping-off point where you’ll find angelfish and barracuda, while those intrigued by underwater wrecks will love the Hall Island dive site at Al-Sharqi, where bright clownfish circle the abandoned boat.
Sand Adventures
Many of the sports here have been adapted from colder climates, so instead of skiing down a mountain piste, try Khor Al Adaid beach to glide down the impressive dunes on a sand-board. Alternatively, race your blo-kart along the sands of Al Wakrah, south of capital Doha, to experience the thrill of wind-sailing on dry land.
Sand Boarding – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by ground zero
Al Jassasiya
The ancient carvings of Al Jassasiya lie to the north near Al Shamal, amid a truly remote landscape of village ruins and limestone. Hire a 4×4 of your own and make the journey to see the 900 petroglyphs which riddle the rocks here. The carvings denote flowers, animals, fleets of shows, or traditional Arab boats, and to this day, their origins remain a mystery.
Sunset Cruise
When the time comes for a more relaxed excursion, you can do no better than a sunset cruise onboard a wooden dhow as you drift past the super-modern Doha seafront of Al-Corniche and the old harbor at Al Khor. If you’re still hankering after some adventure, rent a smaller vessel and go for a fishing trip the following day.
Desert Safaris
Much of the inland desert in Qatar remains inaccessible on foot, but fortunately, that’s where a 4×4 comes in very handy for a safari trip you won’t easily forget. There are numerous options available from Doha, including day-long excursions, bumping, and rolling to the inland sea at Khor Al Adaid. Or make the trip at dusk for a spot of star-gazing before you settle in Bedouin-style tents for the night.
Desert Safari – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by robertpaulyoung
Most activities can be arranged via a tour company. Although cash has been the predominant payment method in Qatar, this is beginning to change, which is good news for tourists since HSBC offers protection against loss or theft. If you’re planning on taking part in several activities, it can be handy to have some plastic on you to avoid expensive traveler’s cheques, plus credit cards from HSBC and other familiar providers also enable easy access to money at the ATMs. However, it’s wise to exercise caution, using only official bank machines here and sticking with local currency at the market and in smaller shops.
There’s no doubt that Qatar offers some world-class cultural attractions beyond the more energetic highlights, and while you’re in the country, set aside some time for the historic Al Zubarah fort or browse the recreated 19th-century Souk-Waqif, in Doha.
This country has been undervalued in the past but is now coming to the world’s attention. With its desert adventures, ancient sites, and thriving culture, this attention is thoroughly deserved.
This is a travel feature by world traveler, Jose Capelo. He loves exploring the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar and has spent many trips exploring the wild deserts of Qatar.
Bondi is well known for sun, surf, and fun, but what can you do if you find yourself there in the colder months from June to August? Here are a few suggestions for things to do in Sydney’s most popular suburb when the temperature drops.
8 Things to do in Bondi in Winter
1. Go on an art tour
If the weather doesn’t allow for the typical outdoorsy activities Bondi is known for, a tour of some of its first-rate art galleries can be a great way to spend an afternoon. Don’t miss the Cooee Aboriginal Art Gallery, dedicated to promoting Indigenous art, and the Bondi Art Lounge, where you can view works from local artists or even take a beginner class and create a masterpiece of your own.
2. Take a hike
In crisp cool temperatures, a hike along the coastal cliffs with a view of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean below can’t be beaten. One of the most popular hikes is the Bondi to Coogee Walk, which is 6 km and takes you through Sydney’s eastern suburbs and past plenty of cafes, restaurants, and kiosks where you can stop to rest and take in the sights.
3. Head to Bondi Icebergs for some winter swimming
Even during winter, swimming is not entirely out of the question in Bondi. The Oceanside pool at Bondi Icebergs Club is open year-round, and the winter swims every Sunday from May to September have become a time-honored tradition. Although club members must complete at least three winter swims a year to retain their lofty membership title, non-members who are up for the challenge can pay a one-time fee to use the pool and sauna.
4. Strap on your skates and visit the only beachside skating rink in Australia
If winter swimming is a step too far for you, why not skate instead? Bondi has Australia’s only beachside ice rink, and the ocean view in the background makes for a striking contrast. The ice rink is open from June 27 to July 13, and aside from hosting skating sessions that are open to the public, it also features spectacular ice shows from Stars On Ice.
5. Settle in for brunch at one of Bondi’s decadent cafes
Winter wouldn’t be the same without a few indulgences, and after all your skating and hiking, you’ve probably earned a hearty brunch anyway. Fortunately, Bondi is full of great brunch options, from Trio Café with delicacies like poached eggs with truffle oil and char-grilled halloumi; to the rustic Brown Sugar, where you can indulge in classic comfort food like buttermilk pancakes and English muffins with bacon.
6. Join a cooking class, dodge ball game, or salsa lesson
During the winter, it may seem like most people have gone off to hibernate, but if you know where to look, you can still find plenty of social things to do. Start by checking out the Bondi community page on Gumtree. You can find like-minded individuals to explore the area with or even join a group for fun activities like hiking, biking, or cooking.
7. Score some vintage fashion at Bondi Markets
The Bondi Markets, held every Sunday on Bondi Beach, are known in Sydney for being the best place to shop for vintage clothing and accessories and hip new fashions from emerging designers. Aside from style, you can also shop for art, furniture, flowers, books, local produce, and delicious street eats. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great place to do some people-watching and see the Bondi locals in their element.
8. Stop by the Bondi Pavilion
The Bondi Pavilion is one of the suburb’s oldest landmarks dating back to 1928 when it first opened, featuring grand dining rooms, a lounge, a ballroom, and the Turkish and Hot Sea Water Baths. Today, it’s used as an art and cultural center and is home to a theatre group, recording studio, and art gallery. There’s always something going on here, from pottery classes to festivals to open-air cinemas, so check it out if you have a chance.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
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