Take advantage of healthy years...now? [Archive]

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Rachel

4-11-25, 10:16am

I'm wondering how those of you in your mid-70's are dealing with the fact that it is most likely now or never for this demographic to engage in active travel experiences ... while the economy is going haywire.

We delayed our more expensive dreams for such a long time. We've done a few, and we are thankful for these.

We always knew there would be ups and downs in our portfolio, but we didn't expect the chaos and extreme unpredictability of the entire system.

I realize there are a lot worse problems to have...

iris lilies

4-11-25, 10:35am

I really want at least one more overseas blow out trip. Maybe two.

I have travel ennui, which is so annoying because I have time to travel and I have money to travel. But I will say honestly I’m a little worried about getting Covid and being stuck in a European hotel while recovering. Everyone I know who travels extensively comes home sick.

instead, my traveling this year so far looks like it has looked in the past couple of years: I travel to plant seminars, workshops, and shows, in nearby states and stay in boring undistinguished hotels in boring, undistinguished towns.

Tybee

4-11-25, 10:37am

I think somehow we missed that healthy stage, so I guess our travel plans are scaled back at 69 and 70.

Rogar

4-11-25, 10:41am

I'm not quite mid-seventies, but I have little or no desire to travel as a tourist and deal with airports, strange beds in motels, tourist shops, rude tourists, or lines for attractions. I took my last backpacking trip when I was 65 and have regrets that I'm probably not physically capable of that any more. I do still bicycle and hike locally and take a few close-by fishing trips. As a poet once said, enjoying local wonders, so basically travel a few times a week.

I pretty much filled much of my wider travels dance card in years past.

catherine

4-11-25, 10:48am

i'm 73, and my travel desires are minimal. This year I'll be doing my annual trip to see my 8 college friends/partners. Luckily, I don't have to get on a plane--it will be in Gloucester, MA this year. Over the next couple of years, I'd like to use my saved frequent flier miles--inflation is hitting those, too, so I'd like to use them before they either go away or devalue.

So, really, the current state of affairs hasn't made me feel that I am losing out on any special experiences.

HappyHiker

4-11-25, 12:48pm

Sometimes my favorite travel experiences are coming home to my own bed. We're doing car trips at this time of our lives. Flying has become too troublesome and uncomfortable...and our current political climate makes me concerned about leaving our nation--we're not a favored country right now among other places across our border...

iris lilies

4-11-25, 12:58pm

pinkytoe

4-11-25, 2:12pm

I guess I'm basically a homebody. As a retiree, I am supposed to be traveling around the world and playing pickleball or so I read. Airports, crowds, flying in general, mediocre food, tourist spots - it just doesn't appeal at all. If I am out in the garden or hiking close by, I am content. A few road trips now and then is enough though I would like to see New England next fall.

Rachel

4-11-25, 2:50pm

These are words of wisdom. Contentment and intentionality in every reply. Thanks for sharing these perspective.

frugal-one

4-11-25, 3:59pm

Like those who expounded above….I plan on traveling in the US. We said early on we would travel to exotic and hard to reach places when we were younger. When we got older we would stay in the states, where it is easier to travel, and take advantage of senior discounts.

happystuff

4-11-25, 5:03pm

I was actually planning an "around the country" trip later this year as a retirement gift to myself. That has been post-poned a bit as I have been gifted by a sibling to go to a Caribbean island for a week. Totally unplanned for (yeah for me being flexible!) and totally appreciated. It was too good an offer to say "no" to, so off I will go!

On a side note, I never in my life expected to go to as many places - domestic and international - as I have been. I am grateful and appreciative of the opportunities and experiences I have had.

Rachel

4-12-25, 8:53am

What a lovely gift from a sibling, happystuff! May your "around the country" trip be truly rewarding and beautiful.

nswef

4-12-25, 5:40pm

My "dream" was to spend a couple weeks in Ireland in a small town near the water. We put it off the last time Trump was in...then Covid and although I had contacted a travel agent and was firiming up plans my husband said he didn't want to fly...And I was relieved. I realize that I have no real desire to get to a plane, get on a plane, land and travel to some small village...Strange for me to feel that. The plan is to perhaps get a cottage in Quebec, or the Isles De Madeline if the 5 hour ferry after getting to PEI doesn's stop me. In the meantime, we do car trips and are quite content. Last year we drove from Md. to Illinois avoiding every big city! It was great. Crowds and touring do not interest me any more. We are both 76 and in good health.

Rachel

4-20-25, 1:33pm

nswef, That is a perfect example of giving a little extra time to your first thought and then digging in to discover the better alternative. So often, what we reach for first has not weathered a period of reflection. Good on you! Sounds like a lovely plan.

pinkytoe

4-20-25, 2:13pm

One of our reasons for staying home is our two very elderly cats. One is near his end (17yo) with advanced kidney disease and yet he persists. He requires a lot of special care and I don't have the stomach for paying what a specialized sitter costs these days. At least to be gone for more than 7-10 days.