Backpacking in ones mid- to late-twenties is about finding a balance and going with the flow. So many of the people I’ve met here are 18-22. But to be honest, I’m glad I waited a couple years before going on this trip.
While I’m still young enough to hit the youth hostel scene sometimes, I also have standards. On a couple of occasions Hannah and I have walked into a hostel bedroom, took one look around, and walked right out, checking into the ever-so-slightly-more-expensive (but cleaner) hotel down the street.
We can afford to splurge on a nicer meal when we’re sick of pad thai and street food, but sadly not enough to dine at the fancy hotel that overlooks the beach, glows at night, and looks shiny and pristine and like they probably have real napkins and toilet paper provided for their guests.
Sometimes we hang out with our young new friends from the hostels. But we also have the resources to go on excursions while the rest of our younger dormmates find affordable outings nearby. And lucky us, we are typically the only not-married, middle-aged couple on said tours (of 30-50 people). Nevertheless, we cling to each other just as the wives do to their husbands when the boat slams over the wake.
We do still drink local beer when we go out, to save money. We’ve avoid the wine (even though I salivate just reading Cabernet on the menu). But every once in a while we’ll split a cocktail for good measure.
Like the youngins, we live out of our packs, and hike up mountains to avoid unnecessary taxi fare. We take terrifying bus routes through winding and incomplete roads of developing countries because it’s just that much more affordable. But we also appreciate a comfortable mattress, actually see the beauty of the beaches (not just though selfie view of our phone cameras), and are having an incredible time.
So there’s the balance. We’ve gotten pretty good at it actually (this is written from our $36 a night 4 star resort in Krabi, Thailand. Our trade off agreement is to eat thai oodles-of-noodles and buy everything from 7-11 for a few days.)
I recommend traveling at any age. You can find a balance for any budget, arthritic pain, or emotional state of wellbeing! Be young and fun, but also don’t sleep on a moldy, hair-covered mattress in a room with leaking air con and a suspicious stain on the carpet.