Make Travel a Priority
My transition from a corporate career into a world explorer, travel writer, and photographer has been exhilarating. After decades in a structured professional life, I ventured into a new chapter, pursuing a master’s degree in spirituality while exploring the globe.
My travels have taken me from an artistic and ancestry tour of Ireland, where the lush landscapes of Mulranney reignited my passion for life, to Virginia beaches, capturing the beauty of the wild Chincoteague ponies through my lens.
The Pandemic Pause and Its Silver Lining
As my journey gained momentum, the world paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While my travel was put on hold for a while, I focused on improving my photography and editing skills and found a passion for helping older women find fulfillment as they age.
When I could travel again, I took a three-week Mediterranean tour with one of my close friends. It was a photographer and historian’s dream of a lifetime.
The Comprehensive Benefits of Travel Beyond the immediate joy of discovery, travel has enhanced my physical and mental well-being.
Preparing for trips keeps me active and engaged, while the actual travels—a mix of leisurely walks, challenging hikes, and cultural immersion—serve as its daily workout.
Each destination has offered unique lessons, broadened my cultural understanding, and fostered a global network of friendships.
A Call to Women Over 55: Why Now Is the Time to Travel
Reflecting on my travels and the wisdom gained, I’m compelled to share why travel is beneficial and essential for older women: Empowerment and Confidence: Tackling new challenges solo or with peers instills a deep sense of achievement.
Enhanced Well-being: Active lifestyle travel promotes benefits to both mind and body. Lifelong Learning: Every destination is a lesson in history, culture, and humanity. Fostering Connections: Travel introduces us to like-minded individuals, enriching our lives with new friendships. Personal Growth: Each journey is an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. Voluntourism: Traveling offers chances to give back, adding a layer of purpose to our adventures. Bucket List Dreams: It’s the perfect time to fulfill those long-held travel desires.
Culinary Exploration: The world is a whole of flavors waiting to be discovered. Unmatched Freedom: We can dive deep into our travels with fewer daily obligations.
Inspiring Others: By embracing adventure, we set an example that exploration knows no age limit. Global Insights: Traveling allows us to witness the diversity of life firsthand. The Prime Time is Now: With the blend of freedom and capability, this moment is ideal for embracing the world’s wonders.
Looking Ahead: A Journey Continues As I plan my future travels, with a keen interest in wildlife and bird photography, I’m reminded of the boundless opportunities waiting to be seized. My message to fellow women over 55 is simple: the world is vast and filled with wonders, big and small, waiting for your footprints. Let’s not wait for ‘someday’—the time to embark on your next adventure is now.
Group Travel: A Medley of Joy and Adaptation Traveling with companions has its set of challenges and delights. A three-week Mediterranean voyage with friends highlighted the importance of flexibility and understanding. Despite our divergent interests—my passion for photography not being shared by a travel companion—we found common ground and tailored our journey to enrich our collective experience.
Solo Ventures: A Testament to Independence The liberation in solo travel, especially for women over 55, is unparalleled. Each solo trip has been a step toward rediscovering my independence, resilience, and the joy of making spontaneous connections. This mode of travel has not only been about places but also about rediscovering my capabilities and pushing my boundaries.