4 Inspiring Tips for Traveling More In Your 50’s

Here’s a Guest post from our friend, Wayne Thomas, inviting you to go for it!

(Note: this post contains affiliate links.)

Traditionally, the image of the international traveler is someone too young to have roots – someone without pressing responsibilities who’s off to see the world. These days, that same description could – and should- easily apply to someone in their fifties. Those who had children in their twenties or early thirties and are now free again to put themselves first, even if only for the length of a holiday. So read on for reasons why you should consider seeing the world in this special decade.

A Time of Change

Whether you’ve had a family or not, the fifties are a momentous time in anyone’s life. The body is changing, roles may be reversing, and retirement is just over the horizon.

Indeed, the changes can be so seismic that some struggle to adapt. But rather than fighting nature, it’s always best to find a way to work with it. Consequently, one means of acknowledging this shift is to do something brave and memorable. Don’t have a mid-life crisis – have an overseas adventure!

Exploring a totally new place will remind you just how many experiences there still are out there – it’s the perfect tonic for anyone who may feel diminishing returns in their routine. And, by getting outside your comfort zone and challenging yourself again, you’ll likewise signal to yourself and those around you that you’re still full of surprises.

Flying through a golden sky off Australia’s Gold Coast

Better health

One understandable reason that people in their middle years traveled less in the past was that there was a poorer standard of general health. Thankfully, due to a greater awareness of nutrition and exercise these days, today’s fifty-somethings are generally much fitter than even the previous generation. (Check out these tips from WebMD to help you live younger).

That said, if your health isn’t quite at the level you’d like, don’t worry – simply seek out a travel experience which is less physically demanding. The range of options nowadays means there are options for all. Besides – by putting yourself out there, there’s a good chance you’ll improve your health at the same time. Travel is an especially good way to break bad habits, and getting by without luxuries is a great way to remind yourself what it is you want – and what you need.

Vintage British railway carriage interior in Ropley, United Kingdom

Better facilities

The cliché in TV and films is that affordable overseas travel involves rough and ready hostels in which travelers sleep ten to a room and have to compete for a single shower. Now, while these places still exist – and still have their charm, if that’s your thing – they are no longer the only option.

So, if you’re lucky enough to have more of a budget in midlife than you might have had when travelling as a youth, more comfortable accommodation is a great place to spend it. The rise of the homestay movement has meant those with the funds – and enough of a plan – can make sure all the stops on a journey are both comfortable and homely.

What could be more comfortable than a cost homestay cabin overlooking a Norwegian fjord?

Technology is your friend

Whatever you think of them generally, travel is one area in which a smartphone is an absolutely invaluable tool in making any journey easier.

Through free apps which are widely available, your phone can provide maps (with GPS tracking), access to bus and train schedules, and help with basic translations. Add to these music or podcasts to while away long rides, links to other travelers’ advice and much, much more. In fact, 48% of smartphone users recently surveyed (in the US) are comfortable and confident booking an entire trip on their device.

And of course, we all have TripAdvisor, where you can compare hotel prices and impartial reviews from everyone. It’s a great place to book your accommodation.

If they can, so can you.

So, don’t let anything hold you. Your 50’s are the time to pick up your heels and get out on the road.