Why Traveling Abroad After 55 is a Must—Before It’s “Too Late”
I first traveled abroad the summer before my senior year at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. “Europe-on-$5-a-Day” was the rage with college students like me — a guidebook through Europe with listings of student-friendly lodgings and other money-saving tips and travel routes. Along with two college friends, I spent the summer of ’66 in a VW my brother arranged for me to buy in London and ship back to the US. Memories of our adventures live with me today.
When I think about those 55 and older who have never traveled, I must say: “Let’s do something about that!” There’s no better time to explore the world than when the freedom of retirement and fewer commitments give you the time and intrigue for new adventures. But time waits for no one, and the opportunity to experience journeys abroad won’t last forever. Whether ticking destinations off your bucket list or reconnecting with the joy of discovery, traveling abroad ensures you make the most of your healthiest and most adventurous years.
Here are five reasons why travel is a “must” for anyone looking to make the most of life after age 55.
Discovering the Universality of Man
One of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the realization that, despite cultural differences, we are all deeply connected. A visit to a busy market in Morocco, a lavender-laced countryside in France, or a family-owned café in Italy often reveals our common threads: a smile, the joy of lovingly prepared meals, and the importance of family and tradition. Greeting strangers with a cheerful “Bonjour”—can deepen your understanding of what it means to be human. These moments remind us that we share more similarities than differences no matter where we are.
The Power of Observation
Travel teaches us to slow down and truly notice the world around us. It’s an opportunity to hone a skill we often lose in the hustle of daily life: the power of observation. Nonverbal cues and surroundings can bridge language barriers. Travel encourages us to be present and to notice the small details—a local artisan’s craftsmanship, the familiar sounds of a foreign language, or the rhythm of life in a quaint village. This mindfulness enriches your travel experience and enhances your ability to connect deeply with the world around you.
Living in the Moment
Life after retirement often brings a new appreciation for time and the value of savoring each moment. Travel amplifies this mindset, encouraging you to stop and soak in experiences. Whether you’re watching a sunset over the Côte d’Azur, enjoying a quiet meal in Provence, or simply wandering through an unfamiliar town, being present becomes second nature. Living in the moment offers valuable lessons on embracing life more fully.
Building Resilience and Adaptability
Travel inherently comes with its challenges: missed trains, unexpected weather, or finding your way on unfamiliar streets. While frustrating and sometimes harrowing, these moments become opportunities to build resilience and adaptability. As I learned by moving to France and a new culture, being open to the unexpected can lead to some of the most rewarding moments of your life. Each crossed hurdle strengthens your confidence and reminds you that age is no barrier to adventure.
Connection and Community
Travel fosters meaningful connections, whether it’s with locals, fellow travelers, or even yourself. At this stage in life, relationships take on new significance, and travel provides endless opportunities to form bonds that transcend borders. From a shared laugh with a stranger to a heartfelt conversation with a local host, these interactions enrich your journey and remind you of the beauty of human connection.
Rediscovering Yourself
Finally, travel is an invitation to rediscover yourself. It’s a chance to step away from familiar routines and explore who you are in new contexts. Travel reignites a sense of curiosity and wonder, whether tasting unfamiliar foods, learning a few phrases in a new language, or pushing yourself to try something outside your comfort zone. It reminds you that adventure and personal growth don’t have an expiration date.
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14 Responses
I could not agree with you more!
Travel provides so much self enrichment; it changes us for the better. It allows for the relinquishing of biases, self aggrandisement. It opens our eyes to appreciation.
You said it perfectly! I hope that more people will see travel for all the benefits it brings. Thanks for your note, and for following!
Oh how well I remember my dog-eared underlined pages of “Europe on $5 a Day.” It still makes me smile. And travel I did, mostly solo, internationally from the age of 20 (1967) to present day, at now age 78. Just 4 months ago I returned to the Cote d’Azur, again basing in Nice and re-visiting Cannes and Antibes, spending an afternoon in lovely Saint-Paul-de-Vence, plus venturing across the border into the “Italian Riviera,” to San Remo, Ventimiglia and Dolceacqua, then on to London for a week. Great trip, beautiful locales, fabulous food/wine — I highly recommend it for everyone of a “certain age.” Keep on traveling. Cheers!
I love your travel itinerary, Sharon. You hit some of my very favorite places. I’m glad someone else is still around who knows “Europe on $5 a Day.” Wish I still had mine, but it surely paid for itself. We probably ran into each other at a train station or American Express! Next time you’re in France, stop by Uzès so we can compare notes. Thanks for your note, and for following the BFB. Cheers!
Hi Deborah…loved ur post re – travel after 55!! I’ll be in south France for 3 months soon..and 1 month in Uzes!! Fell in love with Uzes in 2023 when I visited for 48 hrs…in fact I love everywhere I travelled in the south (not near coast) all interior….in the Sth for 6 months!! …Can’t wait to experience more of the south, spending linger in villages, exploring new villages and loving all things french..!! Ps I have a lady from Paris with me atm she’s half my age but travelling Australia for a long time….She’s just a devine to have here with me….pps She’s helping me in her spare time with basic french!! See u in july
Oh Jennifer, I hope you’ll enjoy Uzès as much as your last visit. Obviously, I can’t bear to leave there! Please send me a note when you’re in town. Would love to say “hi”! Enjoy your travels to some of my favorite places. Let me know I you need more info. Thanks for touching base. See you soon!
Replying to Sharon Stahl:
I, too, am in my 70’s and have traveled alone, often to yoga retreats in Europe. I’d like to throw out a question to anyone reading: Do you know of a (senior) yoga retreat around Uzes? For me, this is a safe way to travel, surrounded by people yet still on my own.
A special thanks to Deborah for always reminding us that there is a world out there that we need to see!
Sharon, you put me to researching something I’d like to know, too. Here’s some information for you to check out about Yoga retreats — santosha-uzes.com
Thank you for your encouraging words. I’m so happy that the posts and encouragement I put out into the Universe are received and welcomed by those who need a little reminder. Life is short! Let me know what you learn about joining a yoga retreat near here. Have fun!
Hi Deborah I’m so glad that my hubby and I have prioritised travel over paying off the mortgage and redecorating and renovating our house. We’ve been enjoying extended travels since our forties and now 20 years on, we hope we have another 20 but if that’s not to be, then we can at least look back on so many amazing memories. Wow the wonderful experiences we have had. Yes we are both working but we do so with the purpose of “Where to Next”. thanks for a great blogpost
So glad to hear from you, Carole. We need to connect again. I know you have many memories of travel and I’m happy that you are sharing them. I’m afraid I would forget the details if I didn’t write about it! Keep on traveling and keep on blogging about it. It’s a gift you give yourself and others. Thanks for saying “hi.”
Ah, yes, Eurail Pass, Youth Hostels, and shared meals with other young travelers from around the world…the year was 1973, and I still enjoy reading the entries in my dog-eared journal as well as the MANY aerogrammes my mother kept over the 3 months I was gone. She corresponded with me via American Express offices. I would return to Paris every few weeks and collect my mail (and cash in my Traveler’s Cheques. I have the BEST travel partner, my husband, who is always game to return to France, the UK, or Scandinavia. Our life priority is to stay healthy in order to stay on the global road. $5 a day…we’ve upped our budget a bit. See you, hopefully, the next time we’re in your area!
I think you’re making a great life for yourself using your plan. You should write it all down to share. And yes! I remember the American Express office to retrieve mail… and train stations where you meet everyone you’ve run into at least 3 more times. Love the memories!
Traveling is a must for everyone, it makes you grow as a person
You are so right! Travel makes us all aware of our similarities and more understanding about our differences. Enjoy traveling as long and as far as you can go! Thank you for your inspiration.