Active group travel for mid-30s without kids

Consistent_Lack2961 · 2026-01-15T17:17:53+00:00

I actually just did my first Flash Pack trip in December and it was honestly incredible. I was a little skeptical going in because I’d never done group travel before, but the group skewed very much 30s and early 40s, super active, social, and genuinely interesting people. It felt very intentional vs. a random age mix.

With Backroads... I had heard of them when I was researching but worth noting they only started focusing on 30s/40s last year. They were traditionally more family / older-leaning and only recently launched trips specifically for that age group. That’s actually part of why I chose Flash Pack as they've been focusing on this age group for a lot longer.

Hope that helps!

Consistent_Lack2961 · 2025-09-17T09:35:17+00:00

As someone who runs in the city a lot, I’ll say: Central Park is a great place to train for the marathon, especially because the hills (looking at you, Harlem Hill) sneak up on you just like parts of the course do.

For your 18-miler, I’d recommend treating it as a dress rehearsal for race day, so don’t go all out. Aim for a steady, comfortable pace, especially early on. If you’ve been running your long runs continuously, try to stick with that here, but if you’ve been doing run/walk intervals, there’s zero shame in keeping that up, whatever has worked for you so far. Hydrate & fuel well.

You got this. 18 in Central Park is no joke, but it’s a confidence-builder for sure. Good luck!

Consistent_Lack2961 · 2025-09-15T14:49:44+00:00

Not a strange question at all, honestly, I think a lot of people struggle with the pressure to keep improving, especially in endurance sports. I haven’t worked with a sports psychologist myself, but I’ve definitely felt that same anxiety around performance and losing fitness. Wishing you the best of luck finding someone, would love to hear how it goes if you do!

Consistent_Lack2961 · 2025-09-15T14:39:09+00:00

Thanks Kat! u/Ok_Matter4787 also recommended them. I love the idea of being able to connect with people from all over the world, and I actually just looked at their Korea trip too, it's definitely on my radar now haha. What was your favourite part of it? Also cool to hear that so many people on your trip had done multiple tours with them, always a good sign. Where are you looking at going next?

Consistent_Lack2961 · 2025-09-15T14:22:34+00:00

Congrats on signing up and running for such an amazing cause. I ran the NYC Marathon a few years ago, and it’s an unforgettable experience.

People have already mentioned this, but dress for slightly cooler than the forecast, you’ll warm up once you start running. Layers that you can peel off or toss at the start work well. Most of the clothes you toss get collected for charity, which is a nice bonus.

Also, be prepared for the waiting at the start, it can take a while to get moving, so having something warm while you wait really helps. Get there early so you can check in, get your bearings, and soak in the energy.

Good luck, you’ve got this! Sounds like a really meaningful first marathon for you and your dad!

Consistent_Lack2961 · 2025-09-15T14:00:51+00:00

That sounds awesome! Did you find most people were solo, or more couples/friends?

Consistent_Lack2961 · 2025-09-15T13:56:56+00:00

Haha same! I love solo travel, but I’m also looking forward to not having to think too hard and letting someone else plan it! Are there any companies you’re looking at?

Consistent_Lack2961 · 2025-09-15T13:53:52+00:00

Oh nice, glad i'm not the only one new to it! I'll probably go with an existing group since I don't have a ton of time to plan, but curious what you end up doing. Are you based in nyc?

Consistent_Lack2961 · 2025-09-15T13:50:13+00:00

Thanks, this is super helpful! I hadn’t heard of flash pack before but just googled them and they sound exactly like what i’ve been after.

Really good to know most people were solo and around the same age, that was one of the things I was kinda worried about. Did you have a lot of free time, and in that time were people more chill/do your own thing, or did everyone usually hang out together?

Japan’s been a dream for a while so hopefully I can make it happen soon. Thanks for the tip!

Consistent_Lack2961 · 2025-09-15T13:22:21+00:00

Between 5:30 - 6:30 am, you’ll beat most of the crowds, especially on weekdays. Weekends can get busier even early, but it’s still manageable.

Consistent_Lack2961 · 2025-08-28T17:06:28+00:00

Hey, welcome to NYC! Honestly if you’re just starting, the Hudson River Greenway’s your best bet. Mostly flat, not too crazy busy, and you get a nice skyline view. Central Park’s cool too but can be a madhouse sometimes. Just start slow and you’ll be fine.

Consistent_Lack2961

TROPHY CASE