20 Trips to Take in Your 30s

Every Canadian, at least once in their lives, should take a train trip across Canada — or at least through the Rocky Mountains. You'll remember it for the rest of your life.

BC's Okanagan Valley has it all: warm weather, beautiful lakes, mountains and, of course, wine. Grab you best friends and book a house or houseboat and feed your soul.

Santorini is the Greece we see when we close our eyes. White buildings towering over the blue sea below. It's just the spot to contemplate life by pouring a big glass of wine and kicking up your feet as you watch the sun slip into the sea. Priceless.

It's amazing how many Canadians have never been further east than Montreal. It's a shame, because they're missing one of the best parts of Canada. Nova Scotia makes an excellent introduction to the beauty of Atlantic Canada. If you're a seafood lover, this is your nirvana. Best of all, even the furthest reaches of the province are an easy drive from Halifax.

It's hard to believe Austin is in Texas, but it is. The state capital and university town is known for the SXSW Music, Film and Interactive Festival and for keeping it weird.

Travel Channel highlights Austin's music scene, tasty food trucks and a chilled-out vibe. Don't forget to kayak on Lady Bird Lake.

Another Travel Channel recommendation for places to visit in your 30s is Iceland. From the exuberant nightlife of Reykjavik to the solitude of a fjord, Iceland is a study in contrasts.

Travel Channel recommends taking a dip in the naturally heated Blue Lagoon. Hopefully its powers of rejuvenation will keep you young long after you've returned home.

Tokyo is fast-paced, steeped in culture and offers some of the best food on the planet. Spring is a terrific time to visit as that's when the cherry blossoms turn the city pink.

Istanbul is a wonderful destination for those in their 30s. The city is literally a crossroads, spanning two continents (Europe and Asia). Must-dos include taking a boat tour on the Bosphorus Strait, visiting the enchanting Blue Mosque and feasting on the sights (and food) of the Grand Bazaar.

Vancouver makes a delightful holiday destination, especially if you love the great outdoors. Top notch skiing, world-class beaches and challenging hiking trails are just minutes from the exciting downtown core. Vancouver is also a prime foodie destination. It's all here. But bring your umbrella.

Travel Channel picks the Great Wall of China as a must visit. The centuries old wall is a marvel of human engineering, stretching thousands of kilometres.

Travel Channel recommends visiting the Mutianyu section of the wall, located about 70 km from Beijing. It's less crowded and there's a cable car to take you to the top.

Napa Valley is another must-visit destination when you reach your 30s. You've likely learned to appreciate wine a little more and know how much fun you can have with friends on a wine tour!

Travel Channel raves about the relaxing qualities of Napa Valley, not to mention the fine dining, spectacular sunsets and, of course, the wine.

Gazing at the stars from Maunu Kea on Hawaii's Big Island is another Travel Channel pick for 30-somethings. Free telescopes are available for use at the visitor centre and staff will help point out constellations.

During the day, experience the incredible natural diversity of the Big Island: the pristine beaches, lush rainforest and not one but two active volcanoes.

Ireland is a fantastic place to visit in your 30s. If you love traditional Irish music and dance, you'll find it in the big cities and the smallest villages.

If scenery is more to your liking, Ireland's size makes it easy hop around the country. The summer is chock-a-block with festivals. The best way to see this friendly country is to rent a car and go exploring. If you ever get lonely, just pop into the nearest pub.

With all the new Silicon Valley wealth, San Francisco is changing — and fast. However, the old standbys still attract hoards of visitors.

The Castro District, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Alcatraz, the list is endless. San Fran offers up superb dining options as well.

Canadians are funny. We love to travel, but there are many parts of the country that we never get around to visiting, like the North.

You can see polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, go kayaking in the Yukon, birdwatching in Nunavut or watch the northern lights in the Northwest Territories. And that's just the beginning. Plus, you'll get bragging rights for actually visiting this extraordinary part of the country.

If you need to unleash your inner Indiana Jones, Travel Channel says Petra is the best place to do it.

The ancient city, carved out of rose-coloured stone, is one of Smithsonian Magazine's '28 places to see before you die'. You can take a candlelit tour of the site and feel like you've gone back in time.

Spain is an excellent destination for any age, but Seville offers something special if you're in your 30s. There's the shopping and tapas, of course. But the city is bathed in culture. Spend the day cycling around the city checking out the sites and then enjoy authentic flamenco in the evening.

Hey! It's the city that many people have never been east of! But it's not surprising that people get stuck in Montreal. The food, the wine, the joie de vivre.

Montreal offers some of the finest dining in Canada along with its world famous nightlife.

Far from the beaches and parties of 'tourist Mexico', San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas is a mix of modern Mexico and Mayan culture.

The city centre has a comfortable central park to enjoy live music, or stroll the walking streets and pick from dozens of restaurants to try. Outside of the city there are many adrenaline filled activities, from zip lining to caving. With its many language schools, it's also a great place to learn Spanish.

And finally, you can't pass through your 30s without visiting a tropical paradise.

Travel Channel picks the South Pacific island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia. Can you imagine a better holiday than snorkeling during the day, enjoying a glass of wine at sunset and then sleeping in an overwater hut? That's definitely paradise!