Why Traveling Abroad After 55 is a MustโBefore 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 cafรฉ 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”โcan 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 detailsโa 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 Cรดte 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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4 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 Uzรจs so we can compare notes. Thanks for your note, and for following the BFB. Cheers!