TRAVEL TIPS
Why You Will Love Traveling Even More When You Are Older
Stop telling yourself you are “too old”!
Travel is not a competition.
Before my 30th voyage around the sun, I had visited less than ten U.S states and been to three Canadian cities. Many of my peers, who wouldn’t even identify as avid travelers, had explored more of the world than I had.
I spent most of my 20s pursuing a career with a very low chance of success — becoming a famous musician. Like many aspiring artists, I had a 40-hour-week “day job”. Nearly 100% of my income was divided between rent, food, and music. There wasn’t much money nor time for me to devote to travel.
At age 32, I made a new goal for myself: visit every state in the U.S. Before I embarked on my exciting journey, I admit that, at times, I felt I was ‘too far behind’. I lambasted myself for pursuing music. To combat this feeling, I asked myself, “Do you want to travel just to prove to others you’re successful or do you want to travel because you sincerely enjoy it?” Fortunately, it’s the latter! Once I stopped comparing my progress to others, I realized there were advantages to traveling when you’re older.
Speaking of your age, you’ll see it really is just a number because…
Traveling makes you feel younger
As you get older, you may feel as if you’ve ‘done it all’. When you’re a child through your 20s, much of the world is new to you. Older? Much of the world is familiar to you. Routines set in. Your life is predictable. Novelty becomes rare. As a consequence, you may start to feel old. Traveling to places you’ve never been will spark some much needed feelings of youthfulness inside you! Why? Because it’s new! Just like when you were younger.
On vacation, obligations and responsibilities are temporarily set aside. Enjoyment takes priority.
Don’t worry if you can’t walk as long as you used to or enjoy the nightlife. Age is a number but it is also a mindset. The fact that you’re willing to see new things and break out of your routine is a sign of youthfulness.
You can spend a lot more money
In general, travel is an expensive hobby. When you’re in college vacationing with friends, you’re all on a tight budget. If you fly, no one’s getting a seat in first-class. A motel room with two queen beds gets split between four people. Fast food joints and convenience stores are the only places you can afford to eat.
As you get older and acquire more years of experience in your field, your income tends to rise. You’re past working minimum wage or entry-level employment. With more money comes more opportunity to splurge when you go on vacation. That first class airline ticket? You can buy it. That 3-star Michelin restaurant? You can dine there. Want to stay an extra week? You can prolong your stay.
As you may recall from one of my previous articles, I don’t spend much money when I travel. There’s a big difference though between choosing to not spend money versus being forced to not spend money.
You’ll have more people to share the experiences with
There is nothing wrong with preferring solo travel. In fact, it’s an experience I think everyone should do at least once. I’ve done it myself a few times. That being said, if I had to choose between traveling alone or traveling with close friends, I’d choose the latter.
When you’re older, you may be in a serious relationship with someone, if not already married. A romantic partner or spouse can be a wonderful companion to share the travel experience with.
This advantage ties in with the perk about having more money as well! Assuming your friends are in the same chapter of life as you are, if you are earning more money, your friends are earning more money too. When you’re in your teens and early 20’s, it’s likely some of your friends can’t accompany you on your travels because they can’t afford to.
It’s harder to scam you
Due to a lack of experience with shitty people, younger travelers are more susceptible to becoming victims of criminal behavior. An inexperienced person may neglect to shield their information as they withdraw money from an ATM and later find their checking accounts emptied. A criminal impersonating a police officer may coerce a younger traveler to hand over their wallet and passport. Doing financial transactions on public wifi can lead to login information and personal information being stolen.
If the destination you’re traveling to operates more so on cash, I suggest withdrawing the cash at home as opposed to a busy airport where ATM lurkers are bound to be. If an officer approaches you, demand to see their identification first. If you use public wifi, use a VPN like Surfshark or NordVPN.
When you are older, you’re more likely to exercise precautions to protect your money and identity while you travel. Life has shown you that people with dishonorable intentions target the vulnerable and naive. You were likely once a victim yourself and are now more guarded.
You know more things so it’s easier to relate
You’ve had more time on this earth to acquire more knowledge. Perhaps you read a fascinating article about post-impressionism a week ago and now you find yourself at an exhibit on post-impression in an art gallery. You can do more than simply admire the art; you understand the qualities that distinguish post-impressionism from, say, expressionism. Your enjoyment of the art is enriched due to knowing some extra facts.
Conclusion
Allow the lessons and rewards you’ve reaped from your longer duration on this planet to enhance your travel experience. It’s not too late to start. Buy that airline ticket, book your hotel, and pack your bags! Age is just a number. Time stands still for us all when we explore new lands.
It’s time you treat yourself to new experiences!
Love Michael DeFranceschi’s work? Check out his travel blog! Connect with him on Instagram and LinkedIn!
If my writing has brought you value, please support me as a writer by signing up and becoming a Medium member. It’s less than $0.20 per day and it gives you unlimited access to all stories on Medium! If you sign up with my link down below, I will earn a small commission.
