When Stu and I first got in touch after 30 years, we had long life stories to share. A common thread turned out to be how travel has become such an indispensable part of life for both of us.
As we talked, we asked each other, “Why are you inspired to travel?” What do you get out of it?
Now that we partner to travel, we decided to start a blog for a specific reason. We want to inspire other seniors to travel! If it has changed our lives in such monumental ways, maybe you will find it does the same for you.
We are sharing why we love to travel in hopes that we can inspire you to set off on an epic road trip to explore America!
Barb
I feel free when I travel. Travel opens my eyes to the wonder all around me. I feel free of my everyday life for awhile. I also love wind in my hair.
Traveling widens my world. Other people see things differently than I do. Different local customs, culture and foods teach me a lot. Experiencing differences gives me a better understanding of others and myself.
I am curious! I get excited to see what is around the curve in the road. Sometimes it is nothing interesting. But there are times when what I find simply amazes me. Curiosity keeps pulling at me to “get up and go”.
Traveling is easy! I know how to pump gas and that is the main requirement.
I get to see visually breathtaking places, historical places and those “regular” places that form the backbone and character of America.
Traveling feeds my soul. Life is truly great. Sometimes that fact isn’t readily apparent to me in the midst of life’s experiences, struggles and news. I feel cleansed and hopeful when I travel.
Travel builds my confidence by challenging me and getting me out of my comfort zone. As a single woman, I get to solve problems, adapt to new environments and people, handle logistics and plan unforgettable experiences. I learn new skills.
Traveling is an education. I’ve learned more from traveling than I learned in school.
Stu
Traveling for photography gives me new subject matter all the time. When you travel with photography in mind, you see details and find unique sights/angles that are what you might call the photographer’s discovery process.
That discovery process makes me a 21st century explorer. I love to explore!
I meet unique and interesting people. The Traveling Seniors stopped in New Mexico for Indian Fry Bread because I’d never tasted it. I ended up talking for a long time to a member of the Laguna Tribe who told me about the ancient history of his people. It ended up being one of my favorite stops (the fry bread was good too)!
Travel creates adventure! I do what I’ve never done before and see what I’ve never seen. Things happen. We get lost. We ruin phones. We share unspeakable beauty. Working though all those situations (good and bad) is a story and life experience that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. Those memories are special to me.
Traveling teaches me about other cultures. I can read about cultures but never learn as much as when I experience them for myself.
WHAT OTHERS SAY
Turns out, there are other reasons why traveling as a senior is important. Traveling is good for the health of seniors!
Research shows that travel reduces stress, keeps your body healthy inside and out and boosts brain health.
According to a paper called, “Destination Healthy Aging: The Physical, Cognitive and Social Benefits of Travel,” there are mental health benefits to senior travel. The research paper says:
Things like navigating new cities, exploring museums, having conversations with new people, practicing new languages and seeing new sights can flex the mental muscles, keeping seniors’ brains active and engaged.
Seniors also benefit from the increased physical activity of travel. Whether it is walking, taking public transit, sightseeing or physical activities like hiking keep seniors healthy and in shape.
MATADOR NETWORK says there are scientific facts that prove travel is good for your health.
- Travel exposes you to different environments, which creates stronger antibodies and boosts your immune system significantly.
- Travel lowers stress levels.
- Travel improves brain health. According to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, those who travel and study abroad tend to be more open and emotionally stable.
- Travel decreases your risk of heart disease, due to less stress.
- Travel keeps you fit.
- Travel lets you live longer. Those who travel tend to have a longer life expectancy.
So, research shows that travel reduces stress, keeps your body healthy inside and out and boosts brain health. What else do you need to know?
The Traveling Seniors sincerely hope we inspire you to get out there and travel.