Although lots of people like to travel in their early adulthood—perhaps as soon as they start making their own money—there’s a different kind of charm to trekking around the world when one is in the so-called “halfway point” in their life, which is typically their mid-thirties or forties.
At this age, you may be looking forward to more than raw adventure and a change of scenery whenever you book a plane ticket. Many in your position want a holiday where they can live slowly and get to know themselves better in a place that has no pre-existing context of who they are. Such a break from your own daily routine can help you attain a fresh outlook, reassess your priorities, and gain a broader and more meaningful view of life.
If you’re planning for a journey in your halfway years that you’re hoping can serve as a catalyst for your personal growth, check out the following destinations:
1. Santorini, Greece
A gem in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and iconic whitewashed buildings overlooking the cliffs. This picturesque island provides a serene environment that’s ideal for individuals who are looking for a place where they can live in a more mindful manner.
The beauty of Santorini inspires a sense of tranquility that invites visitors to reflect on their lives and the peace and inner quiet that they value more as adults. The striking symmetry of your surroundings will also encourage awe and contemplation.
There are several ways that you can find healthy ways to reconnect with yourself amidst the azure waters and charming villages of Santorini. The village of Oia, which is famous for its sunset views, offers a perfect opportunity for you to take photos and collect musings that you can keep in your personal diary. You can also explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, an activity that provides a historical perspective and allows for prompt reflection on the passage of time.
Make sure to pack supportive walking shoes, shop leggings for women and other travel essentials, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen before you go enjoy a leisurely boat ride in the caldera or savor the freshest and most flavorful Mediterranean cuisine in a traditional taverna.
2. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, with its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, stands as a city where Japanese tradition seamlessly blends in with modern Japanese life. The old capital’s ancient temples, serene gardens, and historic architecture all create an environment that encourages mindfulness, self-reflection, and attunement with nature in tourists.
Here, you can have a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Japanese way of life, which is grounded on values like honor and respect, and see how they might apply both to the lives of strangers and your own.
There are plenty of things to do in this historic city. You can join a tea ceremony and gain insight into the art and craft of mindfulness. You can also visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and take a meditative stroll along its famously photogenic path. The Fushimi Inari Shrine and its iconic torii gates, meanwhile, may be an ideal site for introspection about yourself and the things you and other people hold sacred.
3. Machu Picchu, Peru
Nestled in the Andes Mountains, the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu beckons those who are up for an adventure and a journey of self-determination in their halfway years. Beyond its awe-inspiring architecture and breathtaking landscapes, Machu Picchu presents an inspiration for individuals who want to conquer new physical and mental challenges.
The journey to this UNESCO World Heritage Site involves trekking through diverse terrains that can remind you of the resilience and willpower you’ve honed for yourself over your adult years.
Embark on the Inca Trail, which is a multi-day trek leading to the citadel, or check out the Sun Gate, Inti Punku, which offers the perfect vantage point to reflect on your experience and gain perspective on this and your other personal achievements.
4. Ubud, Bali
Ubud is renowned for its lush landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and spiritual retreats. This Balinese town is an ideal destination for individuals who are seeking a deeper connection with themselves, whether through exercise, eating healthy food, communing with nature, or making new friends among kindred souls.
The serene rice terraces, traditional Hindu temples, and wellness retreats in the area may be a welcome change from the busy milieu that awaits you back in your home city.
Perhaps you’ve thought of participating in yoga and meditation retreats as a way to care for yourself? Then feel free to immerse yourself in these spiritual practices during your holiday. A visit to Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary will allow you to nurture a playful connection with nature, while the Tegallalang Rice Terraces will offer you a tranquil setting for contemplation.
It’s also an option to explore Ubud’s vibrant arts and crafts market, which may inspire your own love for creativity and self-expression both when you’re there and when you return home.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik stands as a gateway to some of the country’s most stunning natural wonders, including geysers, waterfalls, and the enchanting Northern Lights.
This Nordic destination offers travelers a unique environment to reconnect with the most powerful forms of nature and find comfort and assurance in themselves. Iceland’s pristine landscapes, coupled with its capital city’s artistic charm, create an inspiring backdrop for a particularly transformative journey.
In Reykjavik, you can embark on the Golden Circle route and visit the geothermal wonders of Geysir and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. For a cultural immersion, how about exploring the Harpa Concert Hall and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church?
For those seeking relaxation, a dip in the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters offers a serene experience amidst the country’s rugged beauty. Whatever it is you’re looking to enjoy deeply at the halfway point in your life, you may be able to find it in Reykjavik.
Final Thoughts
Travelers in their thirties or forties, much like yourself, often bring a unique set of perspectives and preferences to the table when compared to younger travelers in their twenties.
Your mature worldview may help you establish a quick connection with places that offer you more than a shot of pure adrenaline, and you may be able to appreciate your experiences of local culture, history, and traditions more deeply in the countries listed above.
If any of these destinations have been on your bucket list for some time, here’s to visiting them soon—and experiencing the personal epiphany you most need at this point in your life.
