18-to-Thirtysomethings travel diaries: Ivy’s various adventures

From her first steps into solo travel across Europe to exploring far-flung destinations with new friends, Ivy Adam's (@purrpleivy) journey is all about growth, connection, and confidence.

After joining her first 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour in 2018, she quickly discovered that group travel offered more than just convenience — it opened the door to meaningful experiences, lifelong friendships, and a deeper sense of security while navigating unfamiliar places. Now, with five tours under her belt, Ivy shares how these trips have shaped the way she sees the world.

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

'Hi, my name is Ivy! My first 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip was to Southeast Asia way back in 2018. At the time, I had only solo travelled in Europe. I chose this tour mainly for safety, knowing I would be with other travellers and having a local CEO guiding us through everything was a big relief! Secondly, it was an amazing price for all the different countries I got to experience!

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

With group travel comes low-budget, basic accommodations. That was what I expected based on social media, but I can say, hand on heart, that the accommodations on all five of my tours so far have EXCEEDED my expectations. My favourite is by far the “tents” in India.

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

My favourite memory is definitely walking to the Treasury in Petra, Jordan and having the place to ourselves for a good 30 minutes, because our guide, Fawaz, encouraged us to travel early in the morning.

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

You get to meet so many people from different walks of life. I’ve made a close friend on my trip with G Adventures to Jordan, and I’ve been invited to Italy by another traveller from my trip to Nepal with G!

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

As a Black solo female traveller, I get a lot of stares, racial remarks, and unwelcome attention. Although I’ve grown to ignore them, it still affects me somewhat and can dampen my travel experience. Travelling in a group changes that dynamic. I don’t feel singled out by locals or passersby, almost like I’m protected by the group.

For example, when we were in Pokhara, Nepal enjoying a beautiful sunrise, several local men tried to sneakily take photos of me without my permission and even followed me when I moved away. Two of the girls in my group noticed and came to stand on either side of me. As soon as they did that, the men left. Group travel provided that safety and security.

What surprised you the most about the people you travelled with?

I had this preconception that men travelled more, based on what I’d seen on social media, so I was genuinely surprised that on all of my G Adventures trips, around 80% of the travellers were female. Another surprise was the age range. I didn’t expect to see so many people from different ages.

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

I was 28 years old when I did my first 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip in Southeast Asia, and I'm glad I did because I've gained confidence as a traveller. I feel that if I had left it for 'later' in life, I might never have done it.

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

Yes, definitely.

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

One misconception is that everyone will want to go out and overindulge and 'ruin' the trip. This has never been the case in my five tours so far. Everyone on the trips I’ve experienced has been mature, and yes, we do go out and have drinks, but never excessively.

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

Oh, I ABSOLUTELY would book another tour! I have my eyes on a Peru trip for next year!

Ready to follow in Ivy’s footsteps?

From sunrise moments across incredible moments in Nepal to crowd-free views in Petra, Ivy’s story shows just how powerful group travel can be — especially when it comes to building confidence, forming real connections, and experiencing the world in a more supported way.

If you’re looking for a way to explore multiple destinations, meet like-minded travellers, and step outside your comfort zone (without going it alone), an 18-to-Thirtysomethings adventure could be exactly what you need. Start planning your own adventure today. Who knows where it might take you?