I may have bloomed, but I am not yet withered, I may have passed my peak, but I am still on the mountain. Just because I am over 60 doesn’t mean there isn’t a whole lot of life ahead of me; in fact, I can be braver, perhaps even a little riskier, as I am no longer the bread winner, the mum, the one who so many depend on. I can fill my life doing things I love.
Whenever I have taken the road less travelled it has always paid me handsomely. Meeting interesting people, learning new skills, going to places that have taken my breath away.
As a 60-something solo traveller, I have become very good at communicating. I would live a very lonely life if I didn’t! Neighbours, taxi drivers, people in restaurants/bars, shopkeepers, at the beach, mums in the park. Many people have excellent local knowledge, and I have been to places I would never have heard about if I hadn’t said hello to a stranger. :)
Different Types of Travel
Travelling doesn’t necessarily mean moving in the physical sense. Imagination is mind travel, and you can go anywhere you choose in an instant. You can fly to the Moon, travel the world, or sail the ocean. The world (or more!) is your oyster.
As a lifelong traveller, I struggled when a few recent health problems set me back for a while. Now, with the power of YouTube, I can spend the night in the desert under the stars, back pack around India or climb to base camp Everest. Of course, it is not quite the same, but we are the first generation to be able to share these experiences, and whilst I am recuperating, I would rather travel alongside someone else virtually, than not at all.
So Much to Learn
I can learn about the region, culture, food, climate, people, all from the comfort of my sofa. I can explore different modes of travel and find the perfect season for me at the click of a button. I can research prices, accommodation, visas, history, and even brush up on my language skills!
I have become emotionally invested in some of my favourite YouTubers, delighting in their successes, worrying when things aren’t going great, and marvelling at their bravery. There are people travelling the world in a jeep, a couple cycling from London to India, a man who walks around the UK with a tent, and many van-lifers. :)
My mind is expanding, my knowledge growing and, through their adventures, I am able to consider whether places might suit me in the future. I can see if the land is flat or mountainous, the weather too hot – or just right, how arduous the journey is, and whether I would like it. :)
So Many Choices
There are as many things to do as your imagination allows for. Cooking trips to Italy, river cruises on The Danube, Walking tours, Safaris in Africa, Photography Courses, Ancient Egypt, Language Immersion Villages, Rail Travel, The Golden Triangle in India, Camel Trips in the Desert, Wine Tasting holidays, Chateau Tours…
Many you can do independently, or you may prefer to go on small tours with like-minded people. Travelling with others can be a great idea if you are a little nervous about travelling alone. Often these trips are quite small, so you get to know others in your group while having an almost personal service.
So whether you are a physical explorer or prefer to watch on the sofa with a cup of tea, it doesn’t really matter. The road less travelled has so much to offer. Who knows, it might be your YouTube channel that I subscribe to next! :)
Join the Conversation:
Do you prefer to travel physically or virtually? What would be your ideal trip? Where is your dream destination?
