While many of Charlie Burness’ peers are settling into long-term careers, homeownership, or parenthood, Burness has a different plan—backpacking for a year.
Her recent TikTok video, where she candidly addressed concerns about traveling solo at the age of 36, has struck a chord among viewers on the platform, igniting discussions about career breaks and redefining life choices beyond one’s 20s.
The video, shared on January 25 by Burness under the handle @burnessietravels, has garnered more than 37,000 views. In it, she looks into the camera and tells her audience: “When I tell people I’m going backpacking for a year aged 30 they’re always like, ‘Oh aren’t you worried about doing it in your 30s?’ No and I’ll tell you why for free…In your 30s, 15 years into your corporate career, your appreciation for simply not working is so great that I genuinely believe this is going to be way better than all my trips in my 20s.”
“I think a lot of people naturally associate backpackers as being in their 20s, fresh out of college or only a few years into their careers, but a lot more people are taking a break later on now and traveling in their 30s,” Burness, from London, told Newsweek.
The creator said she was surprised by the traction her candid video received, though she believes it resonated because of a shared desire among many professionals to step away from the relentless grind.
“I have been sharing my plans to take a career break and go on my third backpacking trip in my 30s for some time,” Burness said. “Clearly the part about simply having a break from the corporate world resonated with a lot of people.
“Most of my friends are married with kids so I have felt like the anomaly, but there are a lot more people out there in a similar position as me who are thinking about taking the plunge,” she added.
“I am 8 months into a year long trip and I’m 35. It’s epic! You’ll love it,” one viewer commented.
Another added: “38, just quit my job to try and live in South America!”
“I would love to do this but I couldn’t afford it. Too many financial responsibilities in my late 30s and I don’t even have kids,” a third viewer said.
While she is looking forward to her travels, she acknowledged that there are unique challenges to traveling in one’s 30s—particularly adjusting to a more rugged lifestyle after years of professional comfort—but believes the rewards are even greater.
@burnessietravels
“By your 30s most people are more used to a certain level of comfort, but the appreciation of having a break from the daily grind is far greater,” she said. “This combined with having more money to spend and knowing myself well means I genuinely think backpacking in my 30s will be far better and more rewarding.”
Burness’ perspective aligns with a growing trend of professionals seeking career breaks or sabbaticals as a means of rejuvenation. The concept of a “mini-retirement,” as she lightheartedly refers to it, is gaining traction as people reconsider the idea of waiting until traditional retirement age to enjoy extended leisure time.
The evolution of social media and remote working culture has also played a role in reshaping how people approach travel. Unlike her previous backpacking trips in her 20s—when she relied on internet cafés and dial-up connections—Burness will now be sharing her journey in real-time, offering insight into the highs and lows of long-term solo travel through her blog.
“I have an established travel blog and will be documenting my experiences in an honest way as well as sharing all the practical tips to help others make the move to a career break,” Burness said. “I am excited to share my trip with people online; when I backpacked in my 20s it was pre-Instagram!”
Burness also hopes to inspire other women to take on similar adventures, emphasizing that solo travel after the age of 30 is not something to be feared.
“If I can inspire anyone to do the same thing, especially to do it as a solo female, that is brilliant,” she said.
