Travel After 60: Planning Adventures That Fit You

· 5 min read

Aging Wildly: Ikigai and Kaizen Principles for an Unstoppable Life After 60, by Anne Jensen.

Buy Anne's book on Amazon · About the book

Maybe there's a place you have wanted to see for forty years. Maybe you want to visit grandchildren across the country, finally take that train trip, or simply spend a weekend somewhere new. Whatever the destination, travel after 60 can be one of the richest parts of later life.

In Aging Wildly, Anne Jensen lists a long-awaited trip among the many ways people can keep living fully. At her first Aging Wildly event, an experienced traveler even taught classes on travel. The message was clear: adventure doesn't have an age limit. It just takes a little more planning.

Start With What Kind of Trip You Want

Before you look at flights or hotels, think about what makes a trip feel good to you. There is no right answer, only your answer.

  • Do you want adventure and new experiences, or rest and comfort?
  • Do you prefer traveling alone, with a partner, with friends or with a group?
  • How much walking, climbing and carrying feels comfortable?
  • Would you rather see many places quickly, or settle into one place slowly?
  • What is your budget, including meals, tips and surprises?

Your answers might point you toward a cruise, a guided tour, a road trip, a city break, a national park or a long stay in a rented apartment. Each has its own pace.

Travel Styles That Work Well Later in Life

Some types of travel are especially friendly to older adults:

  • Group tours handle the planning, transportation and luggage, and they come with built-in company.
  • Cruises let you unpack once and see several places.
  • Train trips offer scenery without the stress of driving.
  • Road trips let you set your own schedule and stop whenever you like.
  • Slow travel, staying a week or more in one spot, gives you time to rest and really get to know a place.
  • Learning trips built around history, art, nature or cooking combine adventure with curiosity.

Living in Southern Colorado also means wonderful trips are close to home. A day drive can take you to mountain towns, hot springs, historic sites and scenic byways.

Plan for Your Health

A few health steps before you go can prevent a lot of stress on the road:

  • See your doctor before a big trip, especially if you are going abroad or to high altitude. Ask about vaccines and any travel concerns.
  • Bring enough medication for the whole trip plus a few extra days, and keep it in your carry-on bag.
  • Carry a written list of your medications, allergies, doctors and emergency contacts.
  • Check what your health coverage does and doesn't include when you travel. Original Medicare generally offers very limited coverage outside the United States, so ask a Medicare expert or your plan about your options.
  • Consider travel insurance, which may cover trip cancellation, medical care or emergency evacuation. Read the details carefully.

Make the Journey Easier

Small choices can make travel far more comfortable:

  • Pack light. A small rolling suitcase is easier to manage than a big one.
  • Request airport wheelchair or cart assistance if long walks are hard. Airlines provide this service, and there is no shame in using it.
  • Choose direct flights or longer layovers to reduce rushing.
  • Book hotel rooms near elevators, or ask for a ground floor room.
  • Plan rest time into every day. A good trip is not a race.
  • Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes.

If you no longer drive, or prefer not to, you can still travel. Shuttles, trains, tour buses and ride services can fill the gap. Our post on transportation when driving changes has more ideas for getting around.

Traveling Alone

Many older adults travel solo, whether by choice or circumstance. It can be freeing and confidence-building. To travel alone safely, share your itinerary with someone at home, check in regularly, keep copies of important documents, and choose well-reviewed lodging in walkable areas. Some tour companies offer trips designed for solo travelers, which can be a great way to make new friends.

Learn From Other Places

Travel is also a way to see how other cultures live and age. In Aging Wildly, Anne Jensen looks to Japan for lessons about aging well. Our post Postcards from Japan explores some of those ideas. Wherever you go, notice how older people spend their days. You may come home with a new habit or two.

Start Small If You Need To

If a big trip feels overwhelming, start with a small one. Spend a night in a nearby town. Take a day trip on a tour bus. Try a weekend with a friend. Each small trip builds confidence for the next one. That is the heart of kaizen: one manageable step, then another.

The world is still waiting for you. Go see it in a way that fits.

Your Kaizen Steps This Week

  • Write down three places you would love to visit, near or far.
  • Check that your passport or ID is current, and note when it expires.
  • Plan one small outing or day trip in the next month and put it on your calendar.

Aging Wildly: Ikigai and Kaizen Principles for an Unstoppable Life After 60, by Anne Jensen.

Buy Anne's book on Amazon · About the book

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