In your later years, you may have the time and financial resources to make travel plans you could only dream of when you were younger.
Yet, it’s natural to feel more cautious as you get older and booking that flight might feel daunting.
So, if wanderlust has set in, but you’re procrastinating about taking the next step, keep reading to discover the physical and emotional benefits of travelling in your golden years.
Opportunities for personal growth and positive change
Perhaps you’re stuck in a rut at home, seeing the same people in the same places and following a set routine every day.
This may not only be dull, but it could also limit your opportunities for personal growth.
In contrast, navigating unfamiliar environments and immersing yourself in different cultures is a fantastic way to break out of your comfort zone.
Experiences such as learning a language, trying local cuisines, and meeting new people could shift your perspective on life.
What’s more, overcoming obstacles such as missed flights, lost luggage, and misleading directions, could boost your self-confidence, resilience, and adaptability.
All of which may empower you to make positive changes when you return home.
Build new social connections and reduce loneliness
Whether you’re travelling solo or with others, exploring the world is a fantastic way to grow your social circle.
Shared experiences with fellow travellers, locals, family members, and friends could forge meaningful connections and strengthen existing relationships.
Moreover, building a global friendship circle could encourage you to live with more respect and acceptance of others in all areas of your life.
You may even notice some health benefits of expanding your social network.
Research published by the Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health has revealed that socialising can help people live longer, healthier lives. In contrast, social isolation and loneliness – a growing problem in many cultures – has been shown to increase the risk of premature death by 29% and 26% respectively.
Improve your mental and physical health
Getting away from your responsibilities at home could provide much-needed rest for your body and mind.
Depending on the type of trip you take, you may also find yourself spending more time:
- Sleeping
- Relaxing
- Socialising
- Being active
- Outdoors in nature
- Doing things you enjoy.
As a result, you might notice improvements to both your mental and physical health.
Indeed, research published by Psychology Today found that travelling can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and increase life satisfaction.
Furthermore, a study by Melon et al. in 2018, cited by the Travel Psychologist, found that older people who travel regularly enjoy higher levels of wellbeing than those who don’t travel.
Renewed sense of purpose and optimism
It’s common to feel a diminishing sense of purpose in later life.
The roles you previously fulfilled, which gave you meaning and direction in life, may be changing. For example, your children might have flown the nest, and your career may be behind you.
Travelling could give you the time and space to reflect and view the future with a renewed sense of optimism.
You might also find inspiration for change in the places and people you meet.
3 tips for sustaining the positive effects of travel after you return home
As you have seen, travelling in later life could offer many benefits for your wellbeing.
Yet, retaining these positive effects after you get home may take a little effort. These tips might help.
1. Keep a travel journal
Noting down your experiences and reflections while you’re away could help you carry the benefits of travel into your life at home.
For example, you might write about the exhilarating and confidence-boosting effects of trying a new activity or overcoming a particular obstacle.
Reading your journal back could act as a valuable reminder to seize the day when you return to familiar surroundings.
2. Seek out adventures and new experiences locally
While visiting new countries is exciting, you can also create adventure in the familiar.
Try exploring your town like a tourist, by visiting museums or attending events you’ve never been to. Or seek out new cuisines and join clubs that expose you to different cultures and languages.
3. Keep in touch with your travel buddies
One of the joys of travel is the connections you make – or strengthen – on the road.
In today’s world of social media, email and conference calls, there’s no reason to abandon these relationships when your trip is over.
Keep in touch with your travel buddies and perhaps even start planning your next excursion!
Get in touch
If you’d like help building and managing the wealth you need to spend more time travelling in later life, financial planners in Bristol can help.
Email helpme@aspirellp.co.uk or call 0117 9303510.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
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