Traveling when you're over 60 is like discovering a secret superpower within yourself—you get the gift of endless stories, a tan that lasts longer than your patience for bad hotel food, and the undeniable happiness of proving that age is just a number, not a travel restriction.

The benefits of over 60 travel far outweigh the negatives:

  • Time is no longer an issue. You can explore the world without the stress of work emails or missing deadlines. Your biggest concern is whether to visit the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China, and frankly, both sound equally exciting—especially if you can take a nap at the top of each.
  • Gaining more wisdom about the world and its inhabitants (both animal and human), especially if you don’t believe you know enough. You can master the art of the slow walk, which is the perfect way to really soak in the sights and ponder the greatest mysteries of life, all while you may be trying to find the nearest bathroom.
  • Connection with other souls who may be in a similar situation to your own. You get to share travel tips for the inquisitive oldie, regale embarrassing stories, or learn the secret to packing light—something that becomes increasingly important when you’re trying to fit everything into a carry-on that might be more like a treasure chest than a suitcase. No one knows you, so you can make up fantastical stories about yourself if you wish.
  • Travel gives you the chance to reconnect with your passions, hobbies, discover new interests, or to go to that one destination that you have always dreamed about—if you love your wine, visit France’s vineyards; if you love art, then hit all of the amazing art galleries in the world; love animals, go on a safari in Africa; consider yourself a bit of an expert potter, head to Uzbekistan that’s famous for its colorful pottery made in hubs like Rishtan; or maybe you have wanted to sleep under the stars, head to the certified dark sky zone in Elqui Valley, Chile. You are never too old to open your eyes to all of the travel possibilities.
  • Funny tales of travel mishaps for your family at home that you can tell and retell, time and time again (if you have a mild case of Alzheimer's). Humor is a necessary part of life, and a prime attribute for travel. Like understanding a stranger’s hand machinations to explain directions, not realizing how much you are actually paying a street vendor, getting on the wrong train and going in the wrong direction, walking into the wrong designated toilet, getting locked in a toilet, and having to yell for help. These wonderful happenings become legendary tales when sipping on a glass of wine at home.
  • Health benefits are undeniable. You don’t have to do chair exercises or join a gym for oldies that’s overflowing with crinkly, misshapen bodies. You can give your heart a workout by joining city walking tours, meandering through shopping districts, or taking gentle hikes in the hills, all at your own snail pace, if need be.
  • Traveling can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common concerns among older adults, by enabling them to connect with others, perhaps outside their usual comfort zone of acquaintances and friends, or with new acquaintances during their journeys. Social interaction during travel can boost mood and emotional well-being, contributing to a more positive outlook on life.
  • Traveling also keeps your mind sharp and your spirit young, as every new destination offers a fresh challenge—finding your way through a maze of alleyways or deciphering a menu written in a language that looks like it was designed by modern art enthusiasts. You get to learn about different histories and cultures, while adapting to unfamiliar situations, which helps keep the brain active. This mental stimulation can delay cognitive decline. At least, that is what we are led to believe.
  • Travel gives you a greater sense of independence, self-confidence, and empowerment that you may have lost.
  • And finally, the greatest benefit of all is the joy of freedom—freedom from routines, responsibilities, and the constraints of everyday life. Travel gets better with age, like a fine wine.

Do ensure that you have the best travel insurance for where you are going and your current health condition to cover any unforeseen mishap—getting kicked by a camel in Morocco, falling down stairs in your cute apartment in Venice, coming off a motor scooter on an island paradise, getting hit by a truck when crossing a road in Vietnam, or heaven forbid, you do want to know that if you pass away anywhere in the world, that your body will be repatriated to your home city (unless you do want a funeral pyre in India).

Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.