In 2022, the median age for new mothers rose from 27 to 30. A study by Morgan Stanley predicted that 45% of women between the age 25 to 44 would be single/unmarried in 2030. As of 2022, 63% of solo travelers in the United States are women.
All of these statistics showcase a change in lifestyle for women in her 20s and 30s, one that involves independence, exploration, and freedom from traditional roles. Many have turned to solo traveling as a means of supporting that life, and there are plenty of reasons why this age range is the prime time to do so.
Most Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of solo travel is the freedom and flexibility to make your own itinerary. As highlighted by the statistics earlier, a good number of women in their 20s and 30s are not tied down by family or relationships. The average age for young adults graduating college is 22 to 24, so being free from college obligations is another reason to travel during this time. In fact, a 2019 study revealed that a whopping 93% of students expressed a willingness to travel after graduation.
As a solo traveler, you have the ability to make your own schedule, make last-minute changes to your own itinerary, and not worry about any other obligations besides your own wellbeing. Whether you’ve nailed your dream job or have no idea what to do after college, solo traveling is the opportunity to take risks, break from the routine, and explore the world.
Period of Personal Growth
Speaking of not knowing what to do after college, solo traveling is one of the best methods of self-discovery and finding direction. 86% of Millennials experience a quarter-life crisis (Forbes defines this as a period of “intense soul-searching and stress”) during their mid-20s and 30s when it’s difficult to come to terms with what you want to do for the rest of your life.
Quarter-life crisis is typically sparked by frantic job searching, realizing your current job isn’t the one you want for the next few decades, or just feeling the pressure to settle down when you’re not ready. So why not push back against those odds; traveling solo can help you discover your passions and your purpose with new perspectives and greater self-confidence. It’s the quickest way to learn about yourself because you get to be in charge of your life.
Meet New Friends
A Snapchat study in 2019 found that the average age of meeting your best friend is 21. You each have formative experiences – first loves, defined hobbies, personal goals – to bond over and have an idea of what you’re looking for in a true friend. That being said, research has found that the average age people stop making friends is 25. This is a time when people are slowly settling into their adult lives and becoming too busy to branch out.
But solo-traveling can help you break that stifling mold. It provides a setting for you to develop new relationships outside of your inner circle. Globesisters, for example, already connects you with a hostess who not only can be your tour guide for the duration of your stay, but also can be your friend in a place you’ve never been before. Being a part of this network means you’ll always have someone to turn to for a fresh perspective on your latest life goals.
Lower Health Risks
The prime physical years for women average around the age of 28, although this varies for every individual. The increased likelihood of being in good health and peak energy helps handle the physical demands of travel. As the age range that minimizes the risk of injury the most, this time frame maximizes the efficiency of your adventure.
For the most part, physical strength and activeness peaks in a person’s 20s, which is vital for the endless adventure in unknown territory that comes with solo travel. Memory and intellect peak in a person’s 30s, which helps with keeping track of belongings and taking wise precautions. That being said, medical revolutions in the past decade have increased the average lifespan and broadened the age range of prime physicality, opening up even more time to travel.
More Affordable
The 20s and 30s not only mark the early stages of careers but also of personal financing and saving money. People often think traveling is expensive, but solo traveling is actually budget-friendly.
When you travel alone, there are more and often cheaper options for accommodation that are open to you than if you were traveling with a group. Globesisters’ couchsurfing homestays, for instance, are tailored to solo travelers who are on a tight budget.
Not needing to stick to a group also means you can find better plane deals because of increased flexibility. The budget allocation on your itinerary is also yours alone to decide without any impulse spending induced by friends or family. Plus, in an increasingly digital world, working remotely as you travel in your 20s and 30s is a popular option – almost like an informal business trip!
Solo traveling in your 20s and 30s has so many benefits at just the right time and place. It’s that period in your life when you are free to explore the world around you with fewer restrictions than any other period. Globesisters is here to provide direction towards newfound purpose for all the female travelers who are full of energy, a variety of passions, and extra time on her hands. We don’t just value your safety; we want to be part of your life goals. The world is vast and ripe for your travels as a member of Globesisters. Download the app because it’s now or never!