I just went abroad for the first time at 30

[Anonymous]

Anyone else here get a late start to traveling because their family never took them on trips growing up due to financial constraints? I didn’t have any money in my early/mid 20’s either, just started making good money in the past 3 years. It feels kind of weird being a travel virgin at this age because I had so many classmates who have traveled extensively by now.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I couldn't afford it until I was 25. Traveled a lot now, totally love it. My parents now have started traveling themselves, now their finances are better.

[Anonymous]

My DH on our honeymoon.

[Anonymous]

I know people who live in Virginia who have never been out of state. So it’s all your perception.

[Anonymous]

Other than doing the Caribbean and that was mostly cruises, I’m 55 and had never been out of the country until this summer. Not sure if it was financial or just no real interest. And I know a number of folks that haven’t traveled to Europe, Asia, etc.

[Anonymous]

That was me! I’m in my mid-40s now and reading this from a hotel in a random SE Asian city. My DD thinks it is normal to go travel abroad and I wonder a lot how that will impact her life- will she be more adventurous in her friendships and career? or just spoiled?

I’m proud of you, OP! I was self-conscious throughout college and my early career by my lack of travel experience. Even very cheap travel takes a lot of resources (in my case financial and otherwise) that I didn’t grow up with. My lack of travel felt like a billboard broadcasting my upbringing.

[Anonymous]

How was your trip OP?

[Anonymous]

I was 21 when I took my first vacation that involved an airplane. My family only took road trips.

As an adult, I’ve prioritized travel for myself and my family. I don’t want my kids to miss out on travel.

[Anonymous]

Never even sat on a plane until my 20s. In my 30s and been on 6 continents and many, many countries. If you want, you can make up for lost time. Be safe, have fun!

[Anonymous]

OP how was it (your trip)? Was it as you anticipated?

[Anonymous]

I'm 39 and have been to Mexico and Canada

[Anonymous]

You're not alone, OP! My family didn't have much money growing up so we never went on vacations. I put myself through college and grad school (still paying off those loans, too!). I wasn't able to travel until my mid 30s and it's been slow going. I still have a lot of trips on my bucket list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 39 and have been to Mexico and Canada

I'm 46 and went to Canada when I was 13 with camp, and then had to get a passport to go to Mexico in my 30's for a relative's wedding. I've never left North America.

[Anonymous]

Did you have fun? Did the travel bug bite you? Have you started planning another trip?

[Anonymous]

You’re not alone at all, but I understand it can feel like it, especially in this area.