Eliza Hartley
When you hit 70, some might say you’re past your prime. But I say, that’s when the real adventure begins. Age is just a number, right? So why not make it a number on a boarding pass?
Traveling isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing new experiences and, above all, it’s about feeling alive.
Sure, it may not be as simple as packing a bag and hopping on the next flight out. But with a bit of planning and an open mind, it’s more than possible.
So here we are, with the ultimate travel list for those over 70 who still have that thirst for life.
This article is for you, my fellow wanderers. Buckle up, because we’re about to take off on an exciting journey.
1) Embrace mindfulness in every journey
Traveling isn’t just about ticking off destinations on your bucket list. It’s so much more than that.
It’s about immersing yourself in the moment, fully experiencing what the world has to offer, and truly being ‘present’ during your journey.
Mindfulness, in this sense, is your ticket to a richer travel experience. When you’re mindful, you’re not just observing the sights and sounds around you, but you’re also tuning into your own emotions and reactions.
It’s about taking a step back, breathing in the culture, the people, and the atmosphere. It’s about savoring each moment, no matter how big or small it may be.
For those over 70 with a zest for life, mindful travel can make every trip feel like a grand adventure. Even a simple stroll through a local market can be an exhilarating experience when you approach it with an open mind and a keen sense of awareness.
2) Rediscover yourself in new experiences
I still remember the day I turned 70. There were the obligatory cake and candles, of course, but what struck me was a sudden realization: I still had so much more to discover about myself.
The perfect way to do this? Travel.
Once, during a trip to Bali, I decided to join a local cooking class on a whim. Now, I’ve never been much of a cook. In fact, my culinary skills were limited to heating up frozen dinners.
But as I pounded spices for a traditional Balinese dish, under the watchful eye of the village chef, I felt an exhilaration I hadn’t experienced in years. It was a simple activity, yet it opened up a whole new world for me.
That day, not only did I learn how to cook a delicious Indonesian meal, but I also discovered a newfound passion for cooking that I never knew existed.
Don’t be afraid to try something new when you’re traveling. You might just stumble upon another piece of yourself you never knew was there. It’s never too late to learn and grow.
3) Connect with nature and reap the benefits
Immersing yourself in nature can do wonders for your mental and physical health. A walk in the woods, a picnic by the lake, or even just a quiet moment under a tree can make you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated.
And it’s not just a feeling. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower stress levels, improve mood, and even boost your immune system. It’s like a natural elixir for vitality and well-being.
Why not take advantage of these benefits on your travels? Include destinations with stunning natural landscapes in your itinerary. Whether it’s hiking in the Swiss Alps or strolling through the cherry blossom parks of Japan, make sure to take time to connect with nature.
After all, there’s no age limit on enjoying the outdoors. In fact, it might just be the secret to feeling alive and youthful, no matter how many candles are on your cake.
4) Seek out meaningful connections
Traveling is not just about the places you visit, it’s also about the people you meet along the way.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. These interactions can offer fresh perspectives, enrich your understanding of the world, and even lead to lifelong friendships.
Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the local barista, join a communal table at a restaurant, or participate in local festivals. These moments of connection can add an extra layer of richness to your travel experiences.
Remember, it’s these shared moments and stories that breathe life into our journeys, making them unforgettable. So go ahead and reach out – the world is full of friends you haven’t met yet.
5) Find joy in the simple things
I’ve found that as I’ve grown older, my appreciation for the simpler things in life has only increased.
While it’s exciting to visit iconic landmarks and try adrenaline-pumping activities, there’s so much joy to be found in the quieter, simpler moments of travel.
I remember sitting on a quiet beach in Greece, watching the sunset paint the sky with hues of pink and orange. There was no agenda, no rush. Just me, the rhythmic waves, and a spectacle of nature unfolding before my eyes.
These small moments of peace and tranquility have become some of my most treasured travel memories. They remind me that sometimes, it’s not about where you are or what you’re doing, but about how you choose to experience the moment.
Whether it’s enjoying a local cup of coffee at a street-side cafe or just watching the world go by, make sure to slow down and savor the simple pleasures during your travels.
After all, feeling alive isn’t about chasing grand experiences, it’s about fully embracing each moment as it comes.
6) Don’t shy away from technology
Technology and travel might not seem like a natural pairing, especially for those of us who remember a time before smartphones and GPS. But embracing technology can actually enhance your travel experience significantly.
Now, I’m not suggesting you spend your entire trip glued to your screen. But used wisely, technology can be a powerful tool for travel.
It can help you navigate unfamiliar places, translate languages in real-time, keep you connected with loved ones back home, and even provide valuable insights about the places you’re visiting.
And the best part? There’s no age limit on learning new technologies. With a bit of patience and practice, anyone can master the basics.
So don’t let the digital age intimidate you. Embrace it instead. You might be surprised at how much it adds to your journey.
7) Prioritize experiences over possessions
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through my travels is that experiences trump possessions every single time.
Sure, it’s nice to bring back souvenirs from your trip. But what truly stays with you are the memories you create, the experiences you have, and the people you meet.
Whether it’s trying a new cuisine, learning a traditional dance, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of a bustling local market – these are the moments that truly make us feel alive.
So when planning your travel, focus on creating meaningful experiences rather than accumulating things. After all, you can’t put a price tag on a memory.
8) Never stop exploring
No matter how many years you’ve lived, how many places you’ve been, there’s always more to explore, more to discover.
Traveling is a lifelong journey, an ongoing adventure that doesn’t stop at a certain age.
It’s about constantly seeking new experiences, broadening your horizons, and embracing the unknown.
Keep that spark of curiosity alive. Keep exploring, keep discovering, and keep living life to the fullest. Because age is just a number, and the world is waiting for you.
Embrace the journey
If you’ve journeyed this far with me, you’ll have realized that age is no barrier to exploration, discovery, and feeling alive.
Traveling over 70 isn’t about recapturing youth, it’s about embracing the joy of life in all its forms, right here and now. It’s about nurturing curiosity, seeking connections, finding joy in simplicity, and above all, never ceasing to explore.
Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
May these words resonate with you as you continue your journey of exploration and discovery.
After all, life isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. So get out there and create those moments because the world is waiting for you.
