SINGAPORE: A 31-year-old Singaporean woman took to Reddit to share that she feels like she’s falling behind in life, as she’s only just beginning to plan her travels in her 30s while others around her seem to have already explored half the world.
Writing on Reddit’s r/askSingapore forum, the 31-year-old explained that travel was never a realistic option for her during her 20s. She faced “unemployment, health issues, and various personal challenges,” which meant she had to forgo typical experiences such as graduation trips or leisure holidays.
As friends ventured abroad and shared their journeys, she stayed home and focused on getting through a difficult period in her life.
“Now that things are finally more stable—I have a good job, and I’m working on my health—I’m looking forward to travel. But I’ll be 32 by the time I properly recover and get going, and honestly… it feels kind of late,” she wrote.
“Singapore has such a heavy travel culture—it’s all anyone ever talks about at work, during lunch, etc. The second I open Instagram, I’m inundated with everyone’s travel posts. Singaporeans travel a lot, and it feels like everyone’s already been everywhere.”
She added that while she is excited to begin travelling, she sometimes feels awkward that her first few destinations are mainstream places like Tokyo and Seoul.
“I fear looking or sounding super basic to others when I mention places they went to years ago. The idea of posting a ‘first time in Tokyo!’ pic on social media feels almost embarrassing. Like I’m only just starting out while everyone else is already on to their ‘hidden gem in Eastern Europe’ phase,” she explained.
She ended her post by asking if others have had similar experiences. “Anyone else in the same boat? Did you start travelling later in life? How did you deal with that feeling of being behind or not having anything “exciting” to share?”
“Your trips should be for you, not for others.”
In the thread, many users told the woman not to worry so much about what others might think. They reminded her that “travelling isn’t a competition,” and that it’s perfectly fine to start exploring the world in her 30s.
One user said, “Just do what you want and enjoy in your life. You don’t have to update your details for the world to see. Enjoy silently.”
Another commented, “Sounds like you care more about the sharing part/social media posts than the actual excitement from travelling. No one cares because they’re living their own life too. Do whatever you want and just enjoy your trips, but don’t go just because you have FOMO. Go to places you know you’ll enjoy, not because a social media post told you to.”
A third stressed, “Why do you even care what other people might say or think? Your trips should be for you, not for others.
“I am 47, and I have learned quite late not to give much importance to other people’s opinions regarding your personal life, especially those who themselves do not really matter much in your life. This is essential to remain happy and mentally healthy.”
Is travelling really common these days?
A survey conducted by Skyscanner suggests that it is. The study found that nearly one in two Singaporean travellers had already embarked on independent trips before the age of 18. Among these early travellers, more than half had personally funded their own journeys.
The survey, which gathered answers from 1,000 Singaporeans aged 18 to 25, shows that travel has become an important and common part of life for many young people in Singapore.
Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
