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Group travel for 18–35s
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18 to 35s tours
Tick off bucket list destinations like the Taj Mahal, go surfing in Morocco or hunt for late-night tacos in Mexico – with these epic adventures, you can do it all with like-minded people your own age.
If you’re looking for a trip with all the essential highlights (you can’t go to Peru without seeing Machu Picchu, can you?) with enough free time to explore at your own pace – our 18 to 35s adventures are just the thing. Packed with bucket list experiences , these trips are designed to give you enough time off to see the country your own way. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, you’ll be part of a small group of young travelers to share the experience with. Alongside your legendary local leader who handles all the logistics, you’re guaranteed to find the best banh mi and coconut coffees in Vietnam, get the inside scoop on the bustling markets in Marrakech and discover Japan ’s contrasting cultures on a trip of a lifetime.
Sure, you can travel to India to see the Taj Mahal, but we like to share a laugh with a local chai wallah in the market while we’re at it. Our trips include loads of big-ticket attractions as well as plenty of unique and unexpected experiences you can only have with a local guide.
The best folks to show you around are the ones who live there. Our local leaders know these destinations like an old friend, so get ready to eat at the best street food joints, get to know the culture in depth and experience things you wouldn’t be able to on your own.
We're on a mission to create positive change through the joy of travel. That’s why all our trips are carbon offset, and we give back to the communities we visit with the help of The Intrepid Foundation. When you travel with us, you travel with purpose.
With an average group size of 10 people, our groups are big enough to create a good vibe but small enough to blend in with the locals. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, you’ll really get to know your group and will never be stuck for someone to grab a drink with.
Want big-time experiences without the big-time price tag? Our 18 to 35s travel style means staying in simple, well-located accommodation, taking local transport and enjoying tasty local food. This way, you choose where your spending money goes.
We’re committed to ensuring our trips are safe for everyone, including our travelers, our leaders, our crew and the people we visit along the way. That’s why we’re always up to date with world events and changes. Rest easy – you’ll be well taken care of.
"When you travel with me we'll be hanging out with the locals, tucking into the best street food and trying to master Vietnamese pronunciation (FYI, it's hard!). Whatever we do, we'll laugh a lot and make amazing memories together. Pack your best smile and count on me for the rest – I'll be your local buddy."
“It will be a pleasure to share our traditions and beliefs, take you to the most amazing sites and, most importantly, interact with the locals! Get ready for a behind-the-scenes tour where we’ll visit hole-in-the-wall restaurants and find the best picarones (Andean doughnuts) *chef’s kiss. I’ll be waiting for you here, in my beloved Peru."
"You might come to Vietnam for the beautiful scenery, but you'll stay for the friendly people! I love introducing travellers to locals and having a chit-chat, going on spontaneous walks to explore the hidden spots and sharing stories to keep our beautiful culture alive."
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One Week in Morocco: Sahara & Todra Gorge
Essential Japan
Is every trip guaranteed to run?
Our trips are guaranteed to depart once they have one fully paid customer, unless the minimum group size listed in the Essential Trip Information and/or Special Conditions state otherwise.
Do you cater for food allergies/dietary requirements?
We’ll try our very hardest to accommodate all dietary requirements, but it can be difficult to guarantee in some out-of-the-way places. We'll let you know if there are places on your itinerary where this is the case. Please let us know your dietary requirements at the time of booking and we’ll pass the information on to your leader.
What’s the standard of accommodation on an 18 to 35s trip?
You’ll be staying in simple, well-located accommodation with shared amenities, though it's common for rooms to be ensuite. Rooming is organized on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travelers with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports.
If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. If you'd like your own space, most of our trips also have the option to pay a fee for an individual room.
Will the accommodation have wi-fi?
Most hotels, cafes and bars have Wi-Fi, especially in big cities and towns. In remote places (like the Sahara and the Amazon Rainforest) or on treks or homestays, you won’t be able to access Wi-Fi or cell data as easily. Your leader will give you a heads-up beforehand so you can call home or send a quick WhatsApp.
Your leader can also help you buy a local SIM card if you'd like to stay connected.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
You sure do. Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips if you’re traveling internationally. Your leader will take down your insurance details on the first day in case they are needed during the trip, so make sure to bring your policy documents.
Do I need any travel vaccinations?
Vaccination requirements differ depending on the destination, and as we’re not medical practitioners, unfortunately we can't advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip?
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
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We've got trips to suit every adventurer – no matter your budget, interests or travel style. If you can't travel on an 18 to 35s trip, you can always book a seat on one of our other trips, which are open to all ages!
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North America
Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.
Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.
G Adventures Land
G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.
Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.
The Geluxe Collection
Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.
National Geographic Journeys
Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.
National Geographic Family Journeys
Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.
Jane Goodall Collection
Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.
Roamies by Hostelworld
The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.
Why choose us
As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.
Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.
Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.
Trees for Days
Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.
Travel resources
Last minute deals.
Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.
Loyalty discount
Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.
Student discount
Got proof that you’re pursuing higher learning? Then we’ve got a travel voucher with your name on it.
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18-to-Thirty somethings tours
On your terms.
So you’re thinking of adventuring around the world? Good call. Sure, there’s no right way to do it. But there is “your way.” Want days filled with culture, followed by nights of just going with the flow? Do it. Want to go where the entire planet hasn’t already been, with free time to explore how you want? Make it happen. Want to travel far and wide with new friends from far-off places? You do you. Because in your life, you call the shots. Make sure you travel that way, too.
Five reasons to travel with us
Travel with an, international.
Going on our tours means travelling with people (22 or less, if you want to get precise) from all over the world. So on top of learning about the local culture, you'll also learn from your international crew.
The numbers speak for themselves: group travel is a safer way to see our world. Plus, our expert CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) have local knowledge you can count on as they lead you on your adventures.
Making it rain:
Not required.
Seeing the world shouldn’t require spending all your savings. With us, you’ll get the travel experience of a lifetime, plus good bang for your buck.
do your thing
We built our tour itineraries to feature a lot of free time, giving you the freedom to explore on your own, with your new crew, or whatever way suits your style.
A bit of this
A bit of that.
Like balance in your life? We can help. Our tours give you a healthy dose of culture during the day, before letting you get a taste for local bars and restaurants as the sun goes down.
Our ears are burning
They went. they saw. they captured. follow us on instagram, so where you headed, central america, middle east, you’re making us blush.
Sure, we’ve won some awards over the years. But what really makes us giddy is what they mean: that you, our travellers, have loved what we’ve been doing.
Things you’ll get to experience.
Sweet rides.
Travel in style and in comfort on our private rides. Our Landos in Africa have oversized windows for easy picture-taking, and USB ports at every seat. Sit back, relax, and soak in the experience.
So many ways to stay.
Hostels, hotels, homestays, camping — on our tours, you’ll stay in a number of accommodation styles specifically chosen to give you that oh-so-authentic travel experience.
First Night Out
On the First Night Out, we’ll take you to local hot spots where you’ll have the chance to get to know the crew you’ll be travelling with, plus the destination itself.
Big Night Out
Towards the end of your trip, you and your new BFFs will hit the town to celebrate all the crazily-unbelievably-inspiring moments you’ve had together so far. Oh, and your first drink is on us.
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Italy Tours for Young Adults
Explore Italy with other Young Adults. These 38 tours include popular destinations like Florence and Rome.
38 trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in Italy with 310 reviews
- Christmas & New Year
Amalfi Coast Experience
"Overall, it was an amazing experience and a great way to make new friends!" Cheryll, traveled in September 2023
- €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
- In-depth Cultural
Mamma Mia! - 13 Days/12 Nights
"There were so many beautiful sights to see, delicious food and new friendships made." Melissa, traveled in July 2023
- Coach / Bus
Italian Espresso (Summer, Classic, 10 Days)
- Sightseeing
Italian Escape (Summer, Classic, 6 Days)
"I really enjoyed the trip to Italy. The hotels were good, only in Naples the accommodation could have been cleaner." Nadine, traveled in August 2021
Rome To Amalfi Coast
"Really great itinerary, lots of different activities to choose from and lots of information." Anita, traveled in July 2018
Rome 2 The Amalfi Coast
- Walking Adventure
Delve Deep: Italy
- €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
Florence To Amalfi Coast
Naples Airport 2 The Amalfi Coast - Meet Us There
Alps and Lakes Flashpacking Group Tour
- 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
What people love about Italy Tours for Young Adults
The accommodation was a bit too small but wasn’t as big a deal as we were out for most of the day. Overall, it was an amazing experience and a great way to make new friends!
Amazing experience. All of the tour guides I had (Ned, Meaghan, Lorenzo and Amy) were so kind, helpful, knowledgable and FUN!!) I can’t thank them enough for making my first trip to Italy amazing. There were so many beautiful sights to see, delicious food and new friendships made. Thank you for the trip of a life time. Melissa C
I really enjoyed the trip to Italy. I think Joel was a great tour guide and especially with Adam they made a great team! I liked the program and enjoyed meeting all the nice people. The hotels were good, only in Naples the accommodation could have been cleaner.
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Under30Experiences
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How well do you know the world?
Under30experiences reviews & ratings, i had an amazing time on the costa rica starter trip..
I had an amazing time on the Costa Rica starter trip. This was my first time traveling solo and U30X was a great way for me to safely see another part of the world a...
How PHENOMENAL of a trip I experienced going to France and Spain.
No words can begin to describe how PHENOMENAL of a trip I experienced going to France and Spain. Angelo and Becca were the perfect trip leaders who made sure everyth...
Just got back from Belize and had such an amazing time
Just got back from Belize and had such an amazing time touring the island, snorkeling, and eating great food! The highlight of the trip was not having to worry about...
Creating memories the whole time
The best way to describe the atmosphere this company creates is to imagine you’re visiting good friends in a different city that you’ve never been to and they’re rea...
See all Under30Experiences reviews
Editoral Review of Under30Experiences
Under 30 Experiences was launched by two youngsters, Matt Wilson and Jared O'Toole, during 2012, with their first trip to Iceland.
They gradually expanded their scopes and now have offices around the world and arrange about 300 trips annually. Forbes magazine called them to be "A New Kind of Travel Company."
What Makes Under30Experiences Stand Out?
What makes under 30 tours different from others is that they are solely focused on young travelers between the ages of 21 to 30 years. They understand their demands and what kind of adventure these young travelers would like, so they are striving to provide the best possible travel experience to them.
U30X comprises a community of experienced people who have traveling as their life priority. They have vast experience in the field and are happy to help others in having some awesome experience. They are not just focused on arranging an itinerary for you, rather taking you on a guided tour that will let you have a unique experience like a real and responsible traveler.
They support and help you in connecting with the locals and teach awareness about every important aspect, including how you should travel without harming Mother Nature. They have a partnership with the local communities in the countries they are dealing with and provide complete support in conserving their natural habitats as well as the traditions and cultures.
There are various local culture centered activities like elephant education in Thailand, cooking experience during the Costa Rica tour, support the weaving communities in Peru, and much more.
The experts here not only arrange trips, but they design tours for millennials. Their trips for young adults connect them to the U30X community for a lifetime. After your trip, you become an official member of U30X Alumni and the part of their larger online community that gives you access to a huge network of past travelers. You get the chance to connect with other travelers like you, as well as many special discounts.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Under30Experiences?
U30X arranges trips for young adults where you can enjoy life with a different perspective. Anyone who wants a break from everyday robotic life and wants to get out in the open air to spend some moments of peace and harmony, this is the best opportunity for them.
You can come along and travel with other like-minded solo travelers from around the world and have a unique experience out of your everyday routine. You can also plan a trip with your friends and travel in a group, in the company you love most, your valuable friends.
Students, professionals, teachers, entrepreneurs, and people from almost every profession or lifestyle travel with them to have the most wonderful time of their lives.
Top Destinations
- Central America
- Asia and Oceania
Under30Experiences Travel Style
There is a huge variety of affordable adventure trips for you to choose from. Whether you are an art lover, historical explorer, adventurous soul, or love to experience various cultures, you will get everything in the group travel for adults with U30X.
If you want a break from your circle, you can also travel alone. Solo traveling gives you the opportunity to connect with new people from other countries and enhance confidence in you. You set out to discover yourself and feel more independent, learning a lot about yourself.
In other words, you have a chance to rediscover yourself, away from all the preexisting notions about your personality, exploring yourself with a new perspective.
Why Choose a Tour with Under30Experiences?
With years of experience, know their job very well and have well-established connections with the service providers. For the people who are so busy in their daily life but want to go out on a safe and entertaining vacation, the experts at U30X will design the best possible trip for them.
Leave planning to them as they will curate the best possible activities and maximized itinerary, just like a trusted friend. They will make all the arrangements, i.e., booking the accommodations, transportation coordinates, activities schedules, and even airport pick up.
Their high repute and local contacts enable them to provide you the best services and show you off the beaten path spots. You will visit the important landmarks of every place and then experience the place like a local.
The guides are experienced, and well-aware of the requirements and details of each destination and will help you with the packing list and the detailed itineraries to keep you prepared at every step.
The experienced and responsive customer service team is present to guide you and answer all your queries. Their knowledge and well-aware representatives will attentively listen to you and help you deal with any confusion you have.
They also offer trip switching policy to make it easier for you to reschedule or postpone your trip due to whatever reasons. You can also transfer your deposit credit to someone else if you are no more in a mood to go for a vacation. No matter how long you delay or postpone rescheduling, your money is safe with them.
U30X has your safety as their priority hence, they plan your trips accordingly and also recommend safe places and activities during day and night. Their staff is CPR and First Aid certified and aware of the best clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals for an emergency.
The experienced trip leaders have knowledge about every country they visit and know when and where it would be safe to go, so they devise your trip plan as per the safety requirements. With Under 30 Experiences, you will have an adventurous trip of an extensive itinerary, safely and happily.
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Solo friendly.
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About the company.
How Is U30X Different?
U30X Is An Experience Company, Not A Travel Company. Here Are The Basics:
1. We aim to be travelers, not tourists. 2. U30X is a Community of people who prioritize travel in their lives. 3. We make travel affordable & stress-free. 4. Our trips are for 21-35-year-olds. 5. Our Reviews are impeccable. Who Should Come On A U30X Trip? Over 70% of the people that come on our trips are solo travelers. This is why. Attendees normally range from ages 21-35 from the US & Canada but U30X has given amazing experiences to people from every inhabited continent. And yes, many travelers have been over 35. Our age minimum is 21. Many people in our community are professionals, creatives, students, teachers, entrepreneurs, and others just figuring it out. Most travelers come alone, but lots come with friends, significant others, or anything in between. Please, no divas, egos, or complainers. Yes, you might see bugs, and yes, your trip will be awesome!
Under30Experiences Trips & Specials
Machu Picchu & Peru
Starter Costa Rica
Iceland Trek
Costa Rica Extended
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
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Under30experiences company ranking by category.
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Travel insurance is not included in the package, but every traveler is responsible for booking travel insurance at least 30 days before the trip starting date. The insurance must have a minimum of $200,000 coverage, including medical expenses, personal injury, loss or damage to luggage, evacuation expenses, repatriation expenses, etc. See top travel insurance companies
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About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip, travel confidently.
Over30Experiences
Small group travel, international trips & adventures. ages 30's & 40's., visualize the experience.
France + Spain
Connect and travel with people your age.
While we have a slight different style than when we'd travel in our 20s , we're still looking for affordable trips so we can make travel a priority in our lives. Most of our travelers in their 30s and 40s come solo, but others come with friends, as a couple, but always leave the kids at home. Meet like-hearted folks, who want to be active, and know life doesn't end when you turn 30!
In 2008, Co-founders Jared O'Toole & Matt Wilson started the popular media site Under30CEO.com. In 2012, they founded Under30Experiences which was named the Fastest Growing Travel Company by Inc. Magazine. For years, people asked "what happens when we turn 30?" Over30Experiences is the answer.
Want to travel abroad?
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© 2022-2024 Shadow Concepts LLC. All rights reserved. "Over30Experiences", “Under30Experiences,” “O30X” & all associated proprietary marks are trademarks of Shadow Concepts LLC & its related entities. Other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
30 Travel Experiences to have Before Turning 30
Published by eclectic emissary on july 5, 2022 july 5, 2022, an exhilarating bucket list for your 30th birthday.
As the existential dread of approaching my 30th birthday creeps in, I’m also gifted another opportunity to reflect. 3 decades of being alive means there’s a lot of memories and experiences to think back on. Maybe the arbitrary 30 has an over exaggerated importance, but it makes for a great excuse to accomplish goals before a deadline. Here are some of the ultimate travel experiences you MUST add to your bucket list. I hope this 30 under 30 list inspires you to try a fantastic new experience!
30 Under 30
1. Hike to the summit of Mount Fuji to watch the sunrise
2. Climb to the Top of the Statue of Liberty
3. Do a cross-country road trip across the USA
4. Celebrate spring break in Miami
5. Fly in a hot air balloon in Luxor, Egypt at sunrise
6. Go to the top of the Empire State Building
7. Take a tour of the DMZ on the North-South Korean border
8. Celebrate Carnival in Brazil
9. Go hand gliding in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
10. Go inside the Colosseum in Rome , Italy
11. Take a gondola ride in Venice , Italy
12. Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana
13. Walk across Tower Bridge in London
14. Witness the majestic Niagara Falls
15. Gamble at a casino in Las Vegas , Nevada
16. Watch Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone National Park
17. Hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu
18. Swim with whale sharks in Georgia Aquarium
19. Kayak in the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay in Vieques , Puerto Rico
20. Experience America’s longest zip line at Toro Verde in Puerto Rico
21. Ride a mechanical bull in Nashville , Tennessee
22. Find your favorite celebrity on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in Los Angeles
23. Go sandboarding in Huacachina , Peru
24. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
25. Gaze upon the Northern Lights in Iceland
26. Spot some whales on a whale watching cruise in Reykjavik
27. Go sky diving
28. Go SCUBA diving in Aruba
29. Ride a camel around the Great Pyramids of Giza
30. Taste some of the world’s best beer in Munich, Germany (extra points if it’s at Oktoberfest! )
This is by no means an exhaustive list, just some inspiration from my own personal experiences I think everyone would enjoy doing. So what happens next? With so many more amazing places to see, I guess I’ll just have to keep creating new bucket list ideas. The problem we all face is overestimating the amount of time we actually have, and putting our dreams off till “someday”. Only the current moment is guaranteed, so we must seize each opportunity that presents itself. Thanks for reading, and keep leveling up!
Here’s our full 30 under 30 travel vlog experience!
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"We have been getting a little backlash because of our policy, but that's okay, we're sticking to our code," said Marvin Pate, who owns Bliss, a Caribbean restaurant in St. Louis County
A restaurant in Missouri is making headlines after it set a rather unusual age policy for its clientele — most under 30s won't be allowed.
Bliss Restaurant in Florissant, Mo., near St. Louis, opened in May and has already garnered national attention for its age limitations. Owner Marvin Pate, 36, and assistant manager Erica Rhodes told KSDK that they intend on Bliss being an upscale destination in the suburban Missouri town for Caribbean cuisine — and that atmosphere won't include men under 35 and women under 30.
"The restaurant is just something for the older people to come do, have a happy hour, come get some good food and not have to worry about some of the young folks who bring some of that drama," Rhodes told the outlet.
According to KSDK, the restaurant's hosts — or in some cases, a St. Louis County police officer — will be checking the IDs of those who look to be under the age requirement after 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays.
"Of course, we have been getting a little backlash because of our policy, but that's okay, we're sticking to our code," Pate added.
Bliss management did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
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In a recent Facebook post , the restaurant expanded on the reason why they decided to implement the policy.
"Recently, we have had incidents where our age requirement has been violated and put on social media," read the post, shared on May 28. "To reiterate, Bliss Caribbean Restaurant requires all guests to be 30 or older for women and 35 or older for men. This policy is in place to ensure a mature, sophisticated, and safe dining environment for everyone."
They experienced a flood of negative Yelp and Google reviews from those who disagreed with the policy — but satisfied customers have also been leaving glowing feedback on both for the food and the atmosphere.
According to Bliss's chef Alex Dixon, all of the cooks are from Jamaica and the food and cocktails take much of its inspiration from Caribbean cuisine.
"We offer delicious oxtails, fresh snapper, jerk lambchops, wonderful cabbage, fresh snapper and more. All of it is delicious and Jamaican-style," Dixon told KSDK.
Related: BBC Sends Cease-and-Desist to Restaurant That Tried to Plan a ‘Redemption’ Bluey Day After Its First Failed Event
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Pate added that the restaurant aims to make its clientele actually feel like they're on a Caribbean vacation.
"I think Bliss is a home away from home. You can come here and actually feel like you're at a resort. People will feel like they're on a vacation," the owner said.
Rhodes added that the restaurant has no plans to change its rules anytime soon.
"I would tell those younger ones to come patronize the business once you turn 30 or 35 because we're going to be here for a while," she said.
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Traveling alone leads to improved confidence, independence, and self-discovery. Although Under30Experiences hooks you up with a detailed itinerary, local guide, and a fantastic group of travelers, taking the first step to leave the country alone is a HUGE accomplishment! When you travel alone you can expect to learn a lot about yourself. You'll be surprised to find how easy it is to open up and start conversations with others. Solo travel also gives you the unique opportunity to reinvent yourself. Gone are all the preconceived notions about you from your peers back home... traveling abroad gives you a fresh start.
Having the courage to step outside your comfort zone, face your fears, and challenge yourself can help you learn more about yourself and the world. However, it is common for some women to feel nervous or intimidated about traveling solo. We’re here to help! Under30Experiences gives you the tools to be confident, smart, and informed while traveling abroad alone for the first time. Recent Female Solo Travel Stats: A recent travel industry study found that 86 percent of women state that they are not afraid to travel regardless of what is going on in the world today; 73 percent of women feel that travel has made them stronger; and 69 percent of women draw inspiration from travel. How many women are on your trips? On average about 75% of our travelers are women. The majority of those are traveling solo. Will my roommate be the same gender? Yes! Same gender roommates are guaranteed unless you request to room with a friend or significant other.
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Veterans gather for their last big D-Day anniversary under the cloud of a new war in Europe
CAEN, France — For almost 80 years, the United States and Europe told themselves that a lasting postwar peace had been won here, in the bloody shallows and sands along 6 miles of Normandy beach.
On Thursday — the 80th anniversary of D-Day , perhaps the last major milestone for many of the invasion’s dwindling heroes — that peace in Europe finds itself shattered .
Replacing it are fears of another world war that until recently seemed outlandish, uncertainty about Washington’s European allyship that the Normandy landings cemented, and questions about the future of the Western alliance itself.
For many, the ideals that D-Day helped win are at risk of fading along with its survivors.
“I believe that freedom and democracy are definitely under threat,” D-Day veteran Harold Terens, 100, told NBC News on Monday.
He spent that day working as a radio operator mechanic based in Yorkshire, northern England, communicating with 60 P-47 Thunderbolt fighter planes flying over France — only 30 of which returned. Twelve days later he traveled to Normandy in person to transport freshly freed American prisoners of war back to England, and pick up newly captured Germans.
“It was one of the most disgusting things I’ve seen in my life,” said Terens, who lives in Lake Worth, Florida. “Bodies without arms and legs, bodies without heads — war is hell,” he added, referencing the quote first attributed to Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, who fought on the side of the Union during the Civil War.
More than 150,000 Allied troops landed in Nazi-occupied France on June 6, 1944, including 73,000 Americans, 60,000 British and 15,000 Canadians. It was the largest amphibious invasion in history, a meticulously planned assault that altered the course of World War II — and the 20th century.
Around 4,500 Allies died, including some 2,500 Americans, in their historic bid to loosen Nazi Germany’s grip over mainland Europe.
And so for a few weeks every year, Normandy is transformed into a festival of remembrance, with cities, villages and cemeteries festooned with flags — including many American flags flown by French locals — while playing host to concerts, parades and ceremonies.
It’s not clear how many veterans are still alive. But some 150 Americans who took part in the monthslong Battle of Normandy, including two dozen D-Day veterans, are expected to make the trip to France this year, according to the American Battle Monuments Commission, the government agency overseeing cemeteries and monuments abroad.
The centerpiece will be a ceremony attended by President Joe Biden, his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Britain’s Prince William and other world leaders. Biden will give a speech about defending freedom and democracy.
“D-Day is a critical moment for President Biden to speak to what our collective security has done to deliver mostly a peaceful Europe since the second world war,” said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., a friend of Biden and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “This is a chance to demonstrate what I think President Biden has been so good at. It’s not America alone. It’s not America first, but America as a critical leader in the world and as the indispensable nation.”
Still, the stars are the veterans.
NBC News is spending part of the week traveling with a busload of 50 American vets who have been brought over by the Best Defense Foundation charity, based in California.
They are set to include Richard “Dick” Ramsey, aged 100, a coxswain aboard the USS Nevada as it fired shells into the D-Day battlefield and narrowly missed getting hit in return. Also expected on the bus is Richard Rung, 100, who ferried troops to Omaha Beach while hosing his fellow soldiers’ blood from the small landing craft.
The youngest D-Day veterans are in their 90s; for many this will be the last major milestone they see as this event begins to pass out of living memory.
For the French, the legacy of D-Day is more complex. There is the decadeslong veneration of their Allied liberators, but also lament for the 20,000 Normandy locals killed in the assault, with cities such as Caen razed to rubble.
Macron says now is the right time to acknowledge these memories. On Wednesday, the French president is expected to emphasize this point at a ceremony in Saint-Lô, a city whose destruction in the battle was so complete that in 1946 Irish novelist Samuel Beckett named it “the Capital of Ruins,” a moniker that has become widely used since.
With questions over Washington’s long-term commitment to Europe, Macron has attempted to cast himself as a de facto leader on European security, calling for more defense spending and refusing to rule out deploying French troops to Ukraine — much to Moscow’s fury.
It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not invited this year.
This presents an awkward juxtaposition for those involved. Many feel it would be untenable to include a Russian delegation while its soldiers wage unprovoked war on Ukraine, an attritional grind of tanks, troops and artillery whose scale evokes WWII itself.
At the same time, it is impossible to tell the story of Nazi defeat without the Soviet Union.
After Adolf Hitler reneged on a nonaggression pact and invaded the Soviet Union, the Red Army spent millions of lives fighting back, repelling the Nazi advance in what was a pyrrhic Soviet victory on the Eastern Front.
“It’s a very changed time,” said John M. Koenig, a veteran American career diplomat who served as ambassador to Cyprus and was posted in Belgium and Italy before retiring in 2015 . “The perception of Russia, and the way ahead, is far darker than it was back when we used to invite Vladimir Putin to the celebrations.”
“It’s a different Europe than it was,” he added. It is not “one of compromise, cooperation and common interests that we had hoped even, I would say, up until at least 10 years ago.”
Many in Europe fear that if Moscow’s aggression goes unpunished, other countries, such as the Baltic states and perhaps even Poland, could come into the Kremlin’s crosshairs.
Ukraine has been armed to the teeth by the West, receiving $50 billion of missiles, tanks and air defense systems from Washington. But many observers are nonetheless questioning the future of the Western unity.
Looming large is the American presidential election between Biden and Donald Trump, the former president and presumptive Republican nominee. Trump has previously suggested he would withdraw from NATO, and many Ukraine allies fear he could end support for its defense against Russia.
Compounding this, European Parliament elections this month look certain to herald victories for far-right and nationalist parties, some of which share Trump’s skepticism on the importance of helping Ukraine resist Russia’s invasion.
John Kelly, a retired four-star general and Trump’s longest-serving White House chief of staff, said in an interview: “People make the argument that American forces should come home. We made that mistake once after World War I.”
“Yes, our allies and partners need to do more for themselves and live up to their financial commitments,” added Kelly, who had a falling out with Trump. "But we tested isolationism once before, and it didn’t work. The rules-based world order works and if it’s going to work America must lead it.”
Also testing Washington’s relationship with its historic partners is the Israel-Hamas war.
Israel faces accusations of genocide and possible arrest warrants in international court, leaving the country and its chief ally, the U.S., increasingly isolated on the global stage. They have both rejected the accusations.
Israel’s assault on the Gaza Strip has killed more than 36,000 people, according to local officials, and the Palestinian enclave needs $40 billion in postwar reconstruction — the largest since 1945 — the United Nations estimates. Meanwhile, eight decades since the Nazi murder of 6 million Jews, the deadly Oct. 7 attack and its aftermath have stirred fears of rising antisemitism in the U.S. and Europe.
And yet, amid the horror both historical and contemporary, there are shards of light here, among the hedgerows and headstones of mild-but-overcast northern France.
Terens, the D-Day radio operator, has traveled back here to get married, at the age of 100, to his 96-year-old fiancee Jeanne Swerlin.
“Love is not reserved for the young,” he said. “We need a little action ourselves.”
The pair met in 2021, and 40 family members have traveled over from the U.S. for their ceremony and parade June 8. Most poignant will be those not able to attend in person.
“I’m spiritual, and I came here to invite all those soldiers buried on Omaha Beach, 9,836 of them, to my wedding,” he said. “I’d like them to attend in spirit. And I want them to know that they’re not forgotten.”
Alexander Smith is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital based in London.
Peter Nicholas is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.
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Whether you're 20-something, under 30, or under 40, we have a variety of adventures that will take you down the streets of London and astonish you with the vibe of Rome. Shop 2,500 operators. 4.5 stars on (6,156 reviews) ... Travel Talk This operator has the highest review ratings and fastest responses to enquiries . 45% Off . Duration
From discount air fares to working vacation visas, we've rounded up some of the best travel experiences and adventures only available to travelers under 30. CNN values your feedback 1.
Five amazing days of surf, sun, great food and people await you. This is "the be all and end all" of Surf Adventures, the best way to immerse yourself in Australia's favourite pastime. Duration: 6 Days. Prices From: US$ 564. Trip Type: Active & Adventurous, Ideas for 18 to 30 Somethings, Tailor-made Travel Ideas.
Whether you're 20-something, under 30, or under 40, we have a variety of adventures that will take you down the streets of Las Vegas and astonish you with the vibe of Los Angeles. Shop 2,500 operators. 4.5 stars on (6,118 reviews) ... Intrepid Travel This operator has the highest review ratings and fastest responses to enquiries . 25% Off ...
162 reviews and 311 photos of UNDER30EXPERIENCES "Under30Experiences is the premiere company to travel with fellow open-minded entrepreneurs and passionate individuals. The team consists of a group of fun, loving and adventurous individuals who are focused on giving their clients the best possible experience. Our trip to Costa Rica was well thought out and included a fantastic mix of ...
Adventure travel for young adults. Book a trip today.
Whether you're 20-something, under 30, or under 40, we have a variety of adventures that will take you down the streets of Florence and astonish you with the vibe of Rome. Shop 2,500 operators. 4.5 stars on (6,156 reviews) ... Italy Travel Guide | All You Need to Know; Itinerary Ideas for 10 Days in Italy, 2022-2023; Best 7 Day Italy ...
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Editoral Review of Under30Experiences. Under 30 Experiences was launched by two youngsters, Matt Wilson and Jared O'Toole, during 2012, with their first trip to Iceland. They gradually expanded their scopes and now have offices around the world and arrange about 300 trips annually. Forbes magazine called them to be "A New Kind of Travel Company."
Over30Jordan. Early Signup: From $1,995. Over30Greece. Early Signup: From $3,395. Why the Over30 Community is Special. While we have a slight different style than when we'd travel in our 20s, we're still looking for affordable trips so we can make travel a priority in our lives. Most of our travelers in their 30s and 40s come solo, but others ...
30 Under 30. 1. Hike to the summit of Mount Fuji to watch the sunrise. 2. Climb to the Top of the Statue of Liberty. 3. Do a cross-country road trip across the USA. 4. Celebrate spring break in Miami. 5. Fly in a hot air balloon in Luxor, Egypt at sunrise. 6. Go to the top of the Empire State Building. 7. Take a tour of the DMZ on the North ...
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According to KSDK, the restaurant's hosts — or in some cases, a St. Louis County police officer — will be checking the IDs of those who look to be under the age requirement after 7 p.m. on ...
Primary Application Forms for a U.S. Passport. 1. Application For A U.S. Passport (DS-11) . You should complete this form if you're applying for the first time, you're applying for your child who is under age 16, or you don't meet our requirements to renew your passport.Print the form but do not sign it until you are instructed to do so.
We are a safe space for everyone! After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our larger community, where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours, to hikes, to outdoor movie nights. More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but ...
Travel within / between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands - 1st checked bag fee is $40 ($35 if you pay online) and the 2nd checked bag fee is $45. ... *For travel to Cuba, a $30 1st bag fee applies to Basic Economy and Main Cabin for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023. For tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023 a ...
TSA checkpoint travel numbers (current year versus prior year/same weekday) Passenger travel numbers are updated Monday through Friday by 9 a.m. Travel numbers during holiday weeks though may be slightly delayed.
Travel All Travel ... This bestselling, relaxed-fit pair comes in a variety of washes, all priced at just under $30 on Amazon. From $28 at Amazon
Original travel dates Airports affected Original ticket purchased on or before; January 8, 2024 - January 9, 2024: Appleton, WI, US (ATW) Cedar Rapids, IA, US (CID)
Traveling alone leads to improved confidence, independence, and self-discovery. Although Under30Experiences hooks you up with a detailed itinerary, local guide, and a fantastic group of travelers, taking the first step to leave the country alone is a HUGE accomplishment! When you travel alone you can expect to learn a lot about yourself.
The D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Normandy, France, reflect a Europe where peace has been shattered by Russia's Ukraine war and where the U.S.-Western alliance is tested by Putin and ...