As we age, we might notice a shift in our pace. While maintaining fitness can ease this transition, it’s perfectly natural for our bodies and minds to change over time. On a recent trip to Greece, I found myself not bouncing back as quickly after back-to-back high-intensity days. So we took some time in between our adventures to slow down and recover, which made the trip. We really got to spend time with locals and enjoy the atmosphere more deeply than we had in the past. Yet, many older travelers remain active and adventurous, seeking to explore and engage with their surroundings. We begin looking for more comfortable accommodations, easier travel days, and more opportunities to thoroughly enjoy the places we visit. But how exactly?
Better Travel After 50
Getting to your destination:
- Flights:
- Class of service and seat choice matter. While first and business class may be a budget buster, premium economy is a nice compromise. Offering a larger seat, more legroom, and early boarding.
- Flight duration and layovers – look for the most direct flight options, which reduces the number of flights (and possible delays), review the time between flights, and the airport size – consider possible delays, getting to the furthest gate, and your mobility. Wheelchair or cart assistance is available at all airports. Requesting it when you book your trip gives you peace of mind.
- Check your bag, but keep your medicine, travel essentials, and a change of clothes. If you have prescriptions, carry them in their labeled container and have your doctor’s information handy.
- Pre-book transportation to your hotel – this reduces stress by getting you there quickly and avoiding the need to navigate a new city right away. Not sure how to book? Your hotel can arrange this service for you; it gives you confidence that you’ll arrive at the hotel safely and quickly.
Where to Stay comfortably:
- Tips for picking the best accommodation for comfort:
- Look for places that are central to most of your sites or close to major transportation hubs.
- Consider steps, elevators, and the property’s security – are entrances or elevators locked after a certain time? Is the front desk always manned?
- Read reviews for your accommodation – look for a comfortable bed, helpful and knowledgeable staff, and amenities that feel like home.
- If you have special needs, contact the hotel before you travel to let them know and arrange extras as needed. Consider accommodations that offer accessible bathrooms with grab bars, step-free access, and rooms with wider doorways. Such features can significantly enhance comfort and safety during your stay.
- We find Hotels.com easy to filter by our favorite amenities and features, and the honest reviews give us firsthand insight.
How to spend your time:
- Plan your itinerary with planned rest days or times
- Look for restaurants, pubs, and coffee houses within your travel days- having some ideas within your routes will create less stress.
- Discuss your start times and ensure all travel companions have the same start and end times for each day.
- Be realistic about your fitness and physical abilities – overextending yourself will severely limit your experience.
Traveling after 50 doesn’t limit you
Comfortable doesn’t mean boring. While we may be slowing down, we are not ready to be put on the shelf. Do your research and create your to-do list, then break it into must-do and nice-to-do experiences. Lists will help you prioritize and not feel guilty if you don’t see everything.
It means going at your own pace, recognizing your limits. Using our Energy Scale™, we plan our days with rest or lighter-energy days between high-effort days. High Effort for us would include walking all day (up to 20,000 steps), hiking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or high-temperature days. We also plan our high energy for the morning or early afternoon, which gives us time to return to the hotel or stop at a cafe to recharge. Our evening would include dinner, a local show, or an evening tour. If we have a full day of high energy, our evening is much simpler with dinner close to the hotel. We also allow for some spontaneity by not planning every hour of every day. We might wander into an interesting view or find a spot so beautiful we can’t pass it up.
Don’t let age stop you from traveling.
Traveling comfortably after 50 means taking stock of your limits and balancing expectations. By slowing down to enjoy more, take in the city, and find joy in the everyday, your vacations become deeper and more meaningful. So, embrace the joy of discovery, savor the experiences, and cherish the moments that make each journey unique. Remember, the best adventures are ageless, and add more incredible chapters to your life story. Safe travels!
Read more about our Travel Planning System to help you get the most out of your trips. Let us know in the comments what makes your travel more comfortable?
