18-to-Thirtysomethings travel diaries: Michelle Myer's adventures across Africa, Japan and beyond

From trekking to see mountain gorillas in Uganda to floating above the Serengeti in a hot air balloon and experiencing a traditional tea ceremony in Japan, Michelle Myer's travels have taken her across some of the world's most unforgettable destinations. After joining her first 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour at 23, the Swiss traveller quickly discovered the confidence, friendships and life-changing experiences that come with group travel.

Since then, she's completed five adventures across Africa, Asia and Australia. Here, Michelle shares why group travel was the perfect way to start exploring the world, the moments she'll never forget and why she's already planning her next adventure.

Why did you choose an 18-to-Thirtysomethings travel tour instead of travelling solo or independently?

"Hi, I'm Michelle and I live in Switzerland. When I graduated from university at 23, I had one big dream: to travel the world. Although I was excited to start exploring, I'd never really travelled independently before, so the idea of setting off completely on my own felt a little intimidating."

"Joining an 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour gave me the perfect balance of independence and support. I could experience new countries, meet other travellers and step outside my comfort zone while knowing there was an experienced CEO and a great group travelling alongside me."

"From that very first trip, I was completely hooked. I made friends for life, discovered incredible destinations and realised just how much I loved travelling. I originally thought I'd only do one or two group tours, but over the last two years I've joined five different 18-to-Thirtysomethings adventures. Today, I work as a primary school teacher and still travel whenever I have the opportunity."

What were your expectations before joining an 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip — and did the experience meet or exceed them?

"Before my first trip, I honestly didn't know what to expect, and I was definitely nervous. Looking back now, I think that's completely normal when you're about to travel with people you've never met before."

"Those nerves disappeared almost immediately. The CEOs were always incredibly kind, patient and knowledgeable, and they made everyone feel welcome from the very beginning. Every group I travelled with was full of curious, open-minded people who wanted to experience new cultures and make genuine connections."

"The whole experience exceeded my expectations because it wasn't just about visiting amazing destinations. It was also about the people I met along the way, the conversations we shared and the friendships that continued long after the trips ended."

What was your favourite memory from your 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip?

"Choosing one favourite memory is almost impossible because every trip has given me experiences I'll never forget. Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild during my Uganda adventure was absolutely breathtaking and something I'd dreamed about for years. Taking a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti National Park was another unforgettable moment. Watching wildlife from above as the sun came up felt almost surreal."

"Namibia was also full of incredible experiences. Skydiving over Swakopmund pushed me far outside my comfort zone, while spending the night beneath the stars at Spitzkoppe showed me one of the most beautiful night skies I've ever seen. Staying overnight in Botswana's Okavango Delta was another once-in-a-lifetime experience that brought me even closer to nature."

"Outside of Africa, kayaking through Ha Long Bay in Vietnam was spectacular, and snorkelling on Australia's Great Barrier Reef is something I'll always remember. I also loved taking part in a traditional tea ceremony in a small town in southern Japan. It was such a peaceful and meaningful way to learn about Japanese culture and traditions."

"There are so many more memories I could mention, but these are the experiences that immediately come to mind whenever someone asks me about my travels."

Why is 18-to-Thirtysomethings group travel a great option for people in your age range and life stage?

"I think it's the perfect way to travel because you're surrounded by people who are at a similar stage of life and share the same excitement for discovering the world."

"Everyone is open to trying new experiences, learning about different cultures and stepping outside their comfort zone. Every trip challenged me in a different way, whether that was trying something adventurous, learning more about local history or simply becoming more confident travelling."

"It's about so much more than ticking destinations off a bucket list. You learn about yourself, build lasting friendships and come home with experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends."

Was there a moment you felt outside your comfort zone — and how did the group dynamic help?

"Not every unforgettable moment came from adventure activities. Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan was deeply moving. Reading about the experiences of local people and learning about the impact of the atomic bombing was incredibly emotional. I felt something very similar when we visited the S-21 Prison in Cambodia."

"Both places were difficult to visit, but they were also important. Having the support of the group and our CEO made a huge difference because we could talk about what we'd seen, share our thoughts and help each other process those emotions. Experiences like these remind you that travel isn't only about seeing beautiful places. It's also about learning from history, understanding different perspectives and appreciating how important it is to build a better future."

What surprised you most about the people you travelled with?

"The biggest surprise was how quickly complete strangers became genuine friends. Although everyone came from different countries and backgrounds, we all shared the same curiosity and excitement about travelling. It didn't take long to realise how much we actually had in common."

"One memory that always makes me smile is discovering that an American traveller sitting next to me was reading exactly the same book as I was. It was such a small coincidence, but it perfectly summed up how travel brings people together. When you're sharing adventures every day, it's amazing how quickly friendships develop. After only a couple of days, it already feels like you've known each other for much longer."

Why was this the right time in your life to take an 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip?

"Travelling in my twenties gave me opportunities that I don't think I would have experienced in quite the same way at another stage of life."

"I was eager to discover new countries, learn about different cultures and meet people from around the world who shared the same sense of adventure. Every trip helped me become more independent while also creating friendships that continue today."

"Whenever we catch up, we always end up talking about the incredible memories we made together somewhere around the world. Those experiences have become a really special part of my life."

Did this experience change how confident you feel about travelling now?

"Absolutely. Every trip has made me more confident, not only as a traveller but also as a person. Travelling has shown me that, regardless of where people come from, we're often looking for many of the same things. We want to discover new cultures, taste local food, experience incredible places, meet interesting people and enjoy life's adventures."

"Each journey has encouraged me to be more open, more curious and more willing to embrace new experiences. That's something I'll carry with me wherever I travel next."

What’s one misconception about 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips that this experience proved wrong?

"Before my first tour, I assumed that group travel meant you had to spend every minute with the group and follow a fixed schedule without much flexibility. I quickly realised that wasn't true at all."

"While there are plenty of amazing experiences included in the itinerary, there's also lots of free time where you can choose how you'd like to spend your day. If you want to join optional activities, the CEOs are always happy to recommend and help organise them. If you'd rather explore on your own, relax with a coffee or simply enjoy some quiet time, that's completely your choice too."

"I really appreciated having that flexibility because it meant I could enjoy the benefits of group travel while still travelling in a way that suited me. Having the support of experienced CEOs also gave me confidence, knowing there was always someone looking out for the group's safety and wellbeing."

Would you book another 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour — and where would you like to go next?

"Without a doubt. I'm already looking forward to my next 18-to-Thirtysomethings adventure because there are still so many places I'd love to explore. South America is high on my travel wish list because I've never been there before, and I'd love to experience its landscapes, wildlife and cultures."

"I'm also really tempted by the Sri Lanka and Maldives Adventure. It looks like the perfect combination of wildlife, culture, adventure and beautiful beaches."

"Wherever I decide to go next, I'm excited to see where travel takes me and what new memories and friendships are waiting along the way."

Read more:

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