Any advice for someone over 30 backpacking for the first time?

What's it like staying in hostels at that age?


Anything you think an over-30 should be warned about?


What do you wish you'd been told before you set off?


Any tips?


What should I avoid?Any advice for someone over 30 backpacking for the first time?
There isn't much difference between staying in a hostel at 20 or at 80 - only the noise. As people get older, it seems tolerance for noise decreases.





Otherwise, just leave your age at home. I remember waking up in a group room in a Durban hostel one day to see an 80-year-old man getting ready to leave. He seemed perfectly at home and at ease - so in the end it'll be up to you.





My approach to backpaking (and I'm well over 30 and then some) is total immersion - in the country or region, and in the experience. I look for similarities and I enjoy the differences too. I try to meet as many people as I can, local people and backpackers. The more open I am with people, the more open they are with me, I find.





One practical tip I find useful is to take half the clothes I think I need - and twice the money. Leave most of your cash at home - bring a card or two. Keep it in a money belt or neck or ankle wallet. Keep in touch with friends or family back home - make sure you have a regular check-in schedule.





You should avoid the same things you would avoid at 20 or 50: going out at night alone, dark streets or parks, out of the way places, showing off your jewelry or money... just use the same basic common sense you would back home. Most places aren't any more dangerous than your own home town - and some probably even less so.





Have a wonderful trip!Any advice for someone over 30 backpacking for the first time?
We made our first backpacking trip in our late 30's when the children were grown up. The first thing we learnt was that we could not carry as much as we thought we could!! So, travel light. Discard everything that is not essential. We found hostels very welcoming and the younger people accepted us and were great fun (It probably helped that we like a beer). Just relax and enjoy yourself and don't be too judgemental about the younger backpackers you meet, they would be the first to help if you found yourself in trouble.
Don't go on your own, take a friend with you. It also depends where you are going. I stayed at the Generator Hostel in Russel Square in London and I had an absolute blast.


You meet the most interesting people. Have a great trip and enjoy yourself.PS Wish I was coming with you.
Hi there. There are a few tips. In most backpackers, usually there is a laid back attitude about lounging about in the lounge, sipping some beer and sharing some laughter. Most people over 30's however, seem to be more serious about whether this is fruitful to their stay there. It is up to you to decide then. You should avoid drunk people, that's all. Ensure you know emergency exits and the like, so ask the owner about these.