Embracing Midlife Travel
Expert tips for crafting unforgettable journeys that broaden your horizons and breathe new life into every day.
Midlife—whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s or beyond—is often a time of profound transformation. “When we reach midlife… we start living for ourselves, not for others. We travel with purpose and intention, not to check places off a bucket list,” notes Carolyn Ray, CEO and editor of solo travel website, JourneyWoman. Whether it’s self-discovery or connection, midlife travel allows you to create lasting memories and embrace new adventures. To help you on this journey, we connected with midlife travel experts to share their top tips for crafting the perfect trip wherever you go.
The Low-Key Day or Weekend Trip
Easy, relaxing getaways that allow for a quick recharge without extensive planning.
The Inspiration
• Solo Explorations: Use this opportunity to enjoy some solitude—visit art galleries, enjoy a leisurely coffee at a local café or spend time reading in a scenic park.
• Cultural Curiosity: Time your next adventure with local events or festivals. This not only enriches the travel experience but also provides a deeper connection to the place you’re visiting.
The Expert Tips:
• Go Midweek: Midlife influencer and author of the blog Hello I’m 50ish, Robin LaMonte, advises fellow travelers to avoid the weekend crowds by planning their day trip during the week. “Midweek is always cheaper than going somewhere on the weekends (lower airfare, hotel rates, etc.). Plus, there are fewer crowds at attractions and restaurants,” she says.
• Pack Light: Keep it simple—just a day bag with essentials. Without the burden of heavy luggage, you can easily navigate through cities, hop on public transportation, or explore new places on foot.
• Plan a Loose Itinerary: Leave room for spontaneous detours or extended stays at places that catch your interest. LaMonte says the one place where it pays to do your research is when it comes to accommodations and dining. Nail these down, check the weather, and you’re good as gold!
Where To
• Asheville. A favorite of LaMonte’s, fall is the perfect time to head north and take in the foliage across Asheville’s mountain ranges. Plus, enjoy a vibrant brewery and arts scene.
• Savannah. Head to Savannah for the Georgia Color, 6th Annual Plein Air Competition, Oct. 16-20. Meet artists and watch the magic happen under the Spanish moss-covered trees and along the shores of the Savannah River.
• Chattanooga. Just a short 2-hour drive from Atlanta, Chattanooga provides a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences like the Tennessee Aquarium and Bluff View Art District.
The Luxe Getaway
Luxury escapes designed for relaxation, indulgence and rejuvenation.
The Inspiration
• Pamper Yourself: Now’s the time to truly indulge. Book that deep tissue massage, order room service, and spend a lazy afternoon by the pool with a good book.
• Wellness Retreats: Consider resorts that offer wellness programs, including yoga, meditation, and nutrition workshops. It’s a great way to focus on health and well-being.
The Expert Tips
• Take Advantage of Off-Peak Rates: “Travel during the ‘shoulder season’ February-May or September-November. You’ll find fewer crowds and better rates,” notes Cathy Stokes, owner of Seniors on The Go Travel, a group travel service.
• Pre-book Spa Treatments: Ensure your preferred treatments are available by booking in advance. This way, you can plan your day in a way that works for you and not around narrow spa times.
• Consider locally-owned stays: “By staying with locals you can ensure money stays in the community rather than going to a multi-national conglomerate,” notes Ray. You can browse safe, woman-owned stays on the JourneyWoman website.
Where To
• The Cloister at Sea Island: A perfect blend of luxury and Southern hospitality, with a stunning spa and private beach access, The Cloister has been a Southern favorite and one of LaMonte’s for 80+ years.
• The Seaside Amelia Inn: Amelia Island is a favorite of Stokes’ thanks to plenty of shopping, golfing and kayaking in gorgeous scenery. The Seaside Amelia Inn, owned by local women, offers a luxe boutique experience with just 46 rooms.
• The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee: Enjoy the relaxing benefits of water without all the sand. At this lakeside retreat just an hour and a half from Atlanta, guests can relax with luxury amenities like a spa, golf course and gourmet dining.
The Outdoor Adventure
Immersive experiences in nature, offering both excitement and tranquility.
The Inspiration
• Reconnect with Nature: Whether it’s a challenging hike or a peaceful walk through the woods, immerse yourself fully in the natural surroundings.
• Glamping: If traditional camping isn’t your style, glamping offers comfort with a side of nature. A fabulous and restful retreat awaits.
The Expert Tips
• Know Your Limits: Jacque Lederman, owner of Ageless Adventures, a travel group and resource for adults 55+, emphasizes understanding your physical limits and the demands of the itinerary. “Are you able/want to climb steps to tour monuments? Are cobblestone streets going to be a charming experience or a troublesome hindrance? These are important considerations in choosing where you want to go,” she says.
• Plan for Peak Moments: Sunrise hikes, sunset views, or nighttime stargazing can be the highlight of your trip. Keep in mind the impact of time changes and be prepared for early mornings or late nights to fully experience these magical moments.
• Prepare for All Weather: Pack layers and be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially in the mountains. Stokes recommends having two walking poles on hand to help with balance and trail navigation.
Where To
• Amicalola Falls: Ideal for visitors of all ages and abilities, this park features a variety of well-maintained trails, including a shorter, wheelchair-accessible pathway that leads to a stunning 729-foot waterfall.
• Cumberland Island: Secluded beaches, historic ruins and wild horses make this undeveloped island a magical escape and a favorite of LaMonte, Stokes and thousands of people from around the world each year.
• Andes Mountains: Ray’s favorite spots are those filled with adventure. An unforgettable experience: riding horses in the Andes mountains of Ecuador with the Cotopaxi Volcano behind you.
The International Bucketlist
Dream destinations that offer cultural richness, adventure and more.
The Inspiration
• Slow Travel: Spend more time in one place rather than hopping between destinations. This allows for a deeper connection with the culture and people.
• Group Guide: Travel with other women which can help you feel comfortable and look after all the logistics.
The Expert Tips
• Safety First: When traveling abroad, especially as a woman, Ray and Lederman both cite the importance of picking safe locations. Keep an open mind and consult with experienced travelers as to what felt like safe and unsafe areas.
• Passport and Visas: Before booking your destination, make sure your passport is up-to-date. “Depending on where you wish to travel to, a tourist visa may be required for individual countries. Check into that well in advance so you are not caught off guard,” Lederman adds.
• Take The Road Less Traveled: It may be tempting to head to that Instagram hot spot, but over-tourism is a real problem putting strain on local businesses, according to Ray. Instead, look for less-traveled places that’ll offer you an intimate experience without the crowds.
Where To
• The Swiss Alps: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Alps. The Ageless Adventures crew recently explored this stunning region, blending hiking, city sightseeing, and more.
• Costa Rica: Adventure awaits in the lush rainforests, with opportunities for zip-lining, wildlife tours and exploring volcanic hot springs.
• Puerto Escondido, Mexico: The untouched beauty of Puerto Escondido sets it up for extraordinary experiences. Ray describes the unique opportunity of ushering baby sea turtles into the ocean on a recent trip.
Sources:
Robin LaMonte, Hello I’m 50ish, helloim50ish.com
Jacque Lederman, Ageless Adventures, agelessadventures.net
Carolyn Ray, JourneyWoman, journeywoman.com
Titilola Sogunro, @titispassion, titispassion.com
Cathy Stokes, Seniors On The Go Travel, seniorsonthegotours.com
