{"id":7052766,"date":"2026-08-31T14:42:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T14:42:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/adventure\/18-to-thirtysomethings-millys-south-american-travel-adventure\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T14:42:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T14:42:19","slug":"18-to-thirtysomethings-millys-south-american-travel-adventure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7052766","title":{"rendered":"18 to Thirtysomethings: Milly\u2019s South American Travel Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"


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At 25, graphic designer Milly<\/a> from Aotearoa, New Zealand<\/a>, decided she wasn\u2019t going to wait around for someone else to be ready to travel. After an unforgettable G Adventures trip through Southeast Asia, she joined 18-to-Thirtysomethings<\/a> for a second adventure \u2014 this time through South America<\/a>.<\/p>\n

From hiking the Inca Trail<\/a> and discovering incredible landscapes to making friends from around the world, Milly\u2019s trip gave her the adventure she was looking for, while helping her become more confident travelling solo. We caught up with her to find out why she chose group travel, what made the trip so memorable and where she\u2019s heading next.<\/p>\n

Taking the leap into solo travel<\/h2>\n
\"Traveller<\/figure>\n

“Kia ora! My name is Milly, I\u2019m 25 years old, from Aotearoa, New Zealand, and I currently work as a Graphic Designer.
\nSometimes you have to stop waiting for someone else to join you and just go alone, so I booked the G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour. As a solo female traveller, it gave me that extra peace of mind when it came to safety, while still letting me experience the adventure I was craving. It\u2019s also a great way to make lifelong friends with people from all over the world.”<\/i><\/p>\n

From Southeast Asia to South America<\/h2>\n
\"Traveller<\/figure>\n

“In 2025, I travelled to Southeast Asia with G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings and had the time of my life, so I decided to join them for a second time in South America! All I knew was that I wanted plenty of adventures, new experiences and to push myself. My last G group was one-of-a-kind, so my expectations were set really high, and somehow this group matched them! It ended up being one of my favourite parts of getting to know everyone.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“As usual, the trip exceeded my expectations. I met the most wonderful people, saw the most incredible landscapes, immersed myself in the local culture, pushed my body to the limit and soaked up every possible experience I could.”<\/i><\/p>\n

Conquering the Inca Trail<\/h2>\n
\"Traveller<\/figure>\n

“As an avid hiker, I was super excited to do the Inca Trail \u2014 four days and three nights surrounded by nature.
\nThe views were unbelievable and I felt so connected to the culture walking in the footsteps of the ancient Incas. It was by far the hardest multi-day hike I\u2019ve ever done. The trail really pushed me with its extreme elevation, but it\u2019s the best thing I\u2019ve ever done! At the end of each day, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment and euphoria.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“The guides were absolutely amazing too, filled with knowledge and endless positive reinforcement. I also have so much respect for all the porters who carry everything needed for us to complete the Inca Trail.”<\/i><\/p>\n

Why group travel is perfect for a reset<\/h2>\n
\"Traveller<\/figure>\n

“As a female traveller, I found the 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour was a great way to ease into the solo travel lifestyle. You\u2019re surrounded by like-minded people and you get the freedom and adventure of travelling without having to stress about planning every single detail yourself.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“I think it\u2019s a really great option if you\u2019re looking for a bit of a reset or trying to figure out what you want from life. Being somewhere completely new, where nobody knows you or has any expectations of you, gives you the freedom to just be yourself.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“You can take some time to reflect, do a bit of soul searching and work out what\u2019s important to you, all while having an adventure at the same time.”<\/i><\/p>\n

Pushing yourself and trying something new<\/h2>\n
\"Traveller<\/figure>\n

“As a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie and adventurer, I\u2019m usually the first to sign up for anything that gets the heart racing.
\nWhile I didn\u2019t necessarily feel outside my comfort zone on this trip, it\u2019s such a great way to build confidence and give new things a go! Whether that\u2019s hiking, ziplining, rock climbing or anything in between!”<\/i><\/p>\n

“Being in a group dynamic means you form close relationships with people fairly quickly, and there\u2019s a lot of encouragement, support and kindness from others. Everyone looks out for one another, making sure no one is left behind.”<\/i><\/p>\n

From strangers to lifelong friends<\/h2>\n
\"Traveller<\/figure>\n

Honestly, there\u2019s so many things! But probably how quickly a bunch of complete strangers from all around the world become your friends within just a few days.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“You go from the initial awkward introductions to sharing multiple inside jokes, supporting each other through activities and making plans for the next adventure. I love you Pimpilalas! \ud83e\udd8b And Sexy Llamas! \ud83e\udd99”<\/i><\/p>\n

“I was also impressed by how good everyone\u2019s Spanish was. I probably should\u2019ve done a little more Duolingo before I came to South America because I was relying heavily on the basics I learnt back in school.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“Luckily, I picked up more as the trip went on, and the group were absolute legends at helping me communicate when I got stuck.”<\/i><\/p>\n

Why the timing was right<\/h2>\n
\"Traveller<\/figure>\n

“I\u2019m very lucky to work for some awesome people who let me take unpaid time off work to pursue my travel dreams.
\nSouth America had been on my bucket list and I wasn\u2019t going to wait for someone to be free to come with me. I crave adventure and love getting out there, seeing new places and trying new things.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“The 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour meant I could just take that leap, meet a bunch of cool people and make some pretty epic memories along the way.”<\/i><\/p>\n

Finding confidence in travelling alone<\/h2>\n
\"A<\/figure>\n

“Absolutely! Two 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips later and I feel more than confident enough to head off on an adventure completely on my own. I think these trips have shown me that I\u2019m more than capable of getting out there and figuring it out.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“I also feel more confident now because I\u2019ve realised how effortless it actually is to meet new people and form connections when you\u2019re travelling. You\u2019re all in the same boat, so it\u2019s really easy to strike up a conversation and make friendships.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“I\u2019ve also learnt that you don\u2019t have to have every single day planned or a jam-packed schedule. You can just take each day as it comes.”<\/i><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not all about the partying<\/h2>\n
\"Traveller<\/figure>\n

“I actually think it\u2019s a few things, but when people hear \u201cgroup tour\u201d they assume it\u2019s a jam-packed schedule where you have no time to yourself or explore on your own.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“The 18-to-Thirtysomethings experience offers a perfect balance of planned activities, optional activities and free time, so you have time to do the things you want to as well.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“I think a lot of people also assume that when it\u2019s young people in a group tour it\u2019ll just mainly be partying, and that couldn\u2019t be further from the truth. Yes, you may go out a couple of times, but everyone\u2019s there for the same reason: to experience a new country and to explore.”<\/i><\/p>\n

What\u2019s next? Kyrgyzstan<\/h2>\n
\"Traveller<\/figure>\n

“Absolutely, without a doubt! I cannot fault a single thing about these trips. Every time I go, I have the time of my life, new-found friends and memories that will last a lifetime.”<\/i><\/p>\n

“I already have my eyes on the Kyrgyzstan tour, which looks absolutely incredible. The nomadic living and breathtaking scenery definitely make it high on my list of things I want to do next.<\/i>“<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n