cheapest countries to visit in europe

Solo, Safe, and Sub-$1000: The Best Hidden Gems for Your Next 30-Something Getaway

By the time you hit your 30s, the travel bug usually evolves. The chaotic 12-bed hostel dorms of your early 20s have lost their luster, replaced by a desire for meaningful experiences, local culture, and—let’s be honest—a decent night’s sleep. However, the “founder hustle” or mid-career grind often leaves us with a specific set of constraints: we want safety, we want sophistication, and we’d really love to keep the total bill under $1,000 without feeling like we’re “roughing it.”

Solo travel in your 30s is a superpower. It’s the ultimate reset button. But finding that “Goldilocks” destination—not too touristy, not too expensive, and perfectly safe—can feel like a full-time job. To save you the research, we’ve rounded up the best hidden gems that offer a polished experience for under a grand.

1. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: The European Fairy Tale

While crowds swarm Dubrovnik and Split, savvy 30-somethings are heading …