Travelling when older👨‍🦯👴 (hi I'm 39)

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A few thoughts on what it's like to travel back in my 20s compared to now. A lot of things have honestly stayed the same, but some have changed. The biggest thing that changed? My brain is no longer getting constantly flooded with dopamine, which has some pros and cons...
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[@stonew1927]

This is really an interesting topic, and I'm glad that you did it. It's actually something that is very relevant in my life, as I just turned 55 last week. I used to be a huge traveler when I was younger, but over the last 20 years I felt the need to keep still and ground myself, and tend to my life's responsibilities. I've also experienced a lot of difficult things in my life that have caused me a lot of stress. Over the years that has taken a toll on my body. Now i'm older, and have evolved and matured a lot, and am in a much better place. But I've also started to see life from a different lens, realizing that I don't have "the rest of my life ahead of me" to seize and make the most of, as I perceived when I was younger. Now I see the time I have limited on this beautiful planet of ours as being limited. And it's not just the amount of years left in my life, but the amount of "good" years to truly do the things I want to that require more physical effort. As I said, earlier, the stress has taken its toll on my body. I now deal with a lot of aches and pains everywhere. Yet, I also feel the need to take advantage of the shorter time I have left on Earth to get back to doing some traveling, exploring, and reconnecting like I used to. So I have planned a five week trip to Morocco starting in late February. I very much look forward to exploring all the cultural aspects, but I also want to do some hiking/trekking. This time of year the weather will likely limit me to where I can explore. But the other element I have to consider is how far can I push my body at this age. I know there are many people that are still in great shape and very fit well into their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. But unfortunately due to my life that's simply not my case, although obviously I hope to change that by lessening my stress, keeping a positive mindset, and eating healthier. So in a way it's now or never, carpe diem, because in 5, 10 years, I may not have the energy or health to explore and adventure like I used to and still desire to. That's definitely a consideration as we get older. I agree with you though, if you live a healthy lifestyle when you are younger, that will definitely benefit you when you get older and you should be able to continue living fully well into your elder years. Again, thank you for making this video. Enjoy your travels in Colombia and keep safe....

[@indietraveller]

Thanks for sharing this! I'm glad you've been able to plan your Morocco trip. I don't think it's ever too late but eventually we are ultimately limited by our own bodies and abilities. I hope I'll still be travelling a lot 10 or 20 years from now, but perhaps I'll also have the wisdom to slow down a bit. With age I think you can also gain the ability to go a bit deeper in the destinations and perhaps to do the same activities but do it at a different pace ... this can have some hidden benefits. Hope you have a great time and it's great you took the steps to do this now! Let me know how things went in Morocco :)

[@stonew1927]

@@indietraveller Great. Thanks for the reply. I was wondering if you had been to Morocco what your impression was. Sounds like you haven't been. I'll try to remember to come back and comment to let you know. I'm definitely looking forward to it!! Btw, I was born in nearby Venezuela and traveled to Colombia a couple of times as a kid. Amazing country and experiences. Great memories. Back then the economic, social, and political situations were reversed, and many Colombians migrated to Vzla for a better life. Now it's the opposite, sadly. Anyway, I know there are still some intrepid travelers who explore Vzla. I was born in the interior not too far from Angel Falls, but never saw it in person. That's definitely on my bucket list to return just to see the Falls. Maybe you can consider that at one point? :) I now live on the Big Island in Hawaii. If you ever decide you'd like to explore these remote islands and the Big Island specifically, hit me up! I'll be glad to give you some tips and even show you around... :) Best to you on your continued explorations and in life in general...

[@indietraveller]

​@@stonew1927 I spent a month in Morocco a few years ago but I'm always interested in hearing how other people experience it. It's a very fascinating destination... Marrakech is sometimes a bit much in terms of hassle/annoyance but lots of great things to see throughout Morocco. Angel Falls and Lake Maracaibo are places I really want to see, though I find the situation in Venezuela is still a bit too intense... I will go if it improves for sure. You're lucky to live in such a beautiful place! I've not been to Hawaii just as it's far from Europe where I live, but it's on the list as a stop on a round-the-world trip someday :) Happy travels!

[@stonew1927]

@@indietraveller Awesome. Thanks. Interesting on your take of Marrakech. I have 5 weeks. Debating if I should loop north from Casablanca and save Marrakech for last or do it the other way around. I'd like to do some hikes in the Atlas Mtns. and I know Marrakech is conveniently located to base from there.

[@pg618]

January 2023 I am 70 years old I'm in Medellin my first time here was in 1970 I was 17 years old I've traveled much of the world on and off each decade then I settled down raise a family on a farm for 18 years and then in my sixties I took my teenagers backpacking through Southeast Asia as part of my farm schooling homeschooling. Sometime soon I'm going to Buenos Aires. Yes it's true some things do change and sometimes I'm nostalgic about the days when there was more mystery in what's around the corner and no travel guides but that's okay got to roll with it, have a good day.

[@BadSloucher]

I didn't take my first solo trip until I was almost 33 years old. I still felt that rush and excitement that you feel when you're in your 20s. I think those feelings are still available to us later on in our lives. I agree that I'm more confident and chill. I went out at 4am to take sunrise rainy day photos because I was jetlagged and it was something I didn't think I would do, but it was awesome because it was quiet. Even though traveling when you're older has a different vibe, I'm so glad I'm doing it now because I have saved money to spend on more comfortable private accommodations to get better sleep (no more 8 bed dorms).

[@indietraveller]

Nice to hear your experience... it's definitely an advantage to skip the awkward years of 8 bed dorms and all 😄 Looking back I think I also missed out on a lot when travelling in my 20s... often not enough money or experience. It's fantastic you jumped in at 33!

[@matthuston4949]

Love this, im 37 and about to do my first solo trip in 10 years to mexico, been thinking about seeming like a weird old person in hostels, just decided to be at peace with it and fill my days with as much cool shit as possible if noone wants to talk to me haha. All the best mate, love seeing another bill bryson fan too!

[@indietraveller]

That's a great attitude haha. For what it's worth I've seen a good range of ages in hostels in Mexico, especially if you pick them well. Good luck and have an amazing trip!

[@brigittefreriksen5546]

Glad to hear I'm not the only one. I'm 41 and going to Mexico in February. I want to stay in hostels but I also don't want to be that weird old person ( I remember those from when I travelled in my 20s). But maybe I'm more worried about the psysical act of getting in and out of a bunk bed. Anyway, I hope you had a great trip and if you have any tips for us geriatric hostel users, please let me know!

[@matthuston4949]

I had an amazing time and sounds like your feeling exactly the way I was before I went. I found that the demographic in Mexican hostels was very different to how it was backpacking in Europe when I was younger. Yes I was still older than most people there but I met plenty of people well into their 40’s, and pretty much all of the younger people I met were very kind and open minded and willing to make friends so Im sure you’ll have a great time too. Also understand what you mean about bunk beds, indulged in a couple of private rooms while I was there just to break it up and give me some time to decompress between the dorm room stays haha. Good luck and have a great trip, i’ll definitely be doing the solo hostel thing again after this trip!

[@brigittefreriksen5546]

@@matthuston4949 That's good to hear! Glad you had a great time. I'll also budget in some private rooms for balance, but it's good to know that hostel life is still possible after 30.

[@corvanschendel8962]

Great video. I am 67 years now and hope to travel /backpacking in Colombia.. in your way!!

[@indietraveller]

I love it, yes for sure go for it! I hope to be doing the same when I reach your age :D

[@jonallan392]

Your still in your best years. Just wait till you pass 50! Cheers!

[@indietraveller]

I'll use the next 10 years to mentally prepare 😅

[@jonallan392]

@@indietraveller Prepare by having as much fun as possible in the next 10 years, Lol!!!! It's all part of the program. Thanks for the vids.

[@naturepro5643]

Thanks

[@henryc1000]

It’s funny, I thought I was the only one that felt this way 😊

[@SimoneBamboo]

Absolutely Love this video. Learning that bit about how the brain doesn’t chemically balance out and that we get more dopamine hits in our 20s is a game changer! It def puts into perspective me still having fun amidst a lot of dumb shit I did while traveling (or not while traveling lol) in my 20s 😅

[@malwinabartosiak2705]

Thank you for the video. I have been reading and enjoying your blog for many years. It has come useful on many occasions too. I'm myself 38 years old and used to travel a lot . I have moved during the pandemic from UK and now live in Costa Rica for two years. Still traveling every three months, but not because I want to, more because I have to (visa runs). Although try and do the best and enjoy it. So just last month I was actually in Colombia. I have to say I'm a lot more "lazy" now. Certainly for years now value my peace and quiet, comfort, i don't party, I just enjoy walking, nature, museums, galleries, markets. Certainly not trying to tick all the "must sees" that I pressured myself in the past. My body is not as strong either and I suffer a lot with back problems which limits me a lot, but that's why I enjoy traveling solo still so I can do everything at my own pace. Even going back to Poland now to visit my family once a year is a nightmare....the jet lag, the back pain, 27 hrs travel door to door hahaha certainly I'm no longer the twenty something freshmen.... If you are ever in Costa Rica please get in touch. It's a wonderful place although, just like anywhere in the world now super affected by the gentrification and overtaking by super rich Gringos 😢 But that's a separate story all together. Pura vida 🇨🇷

[@indietraveller]

Cześć Malwina and thank you for your lovely comment! I have to say about 5 years ago my lower back started acheing more often as well - it truly is the weak spot of the human body. A lot of exercise is keeping it under control for now, so hopefully that will last. In a way it's nice to be more lazy though... it forces you to take in a bit more of the experience. 😅 The gentrification issue is also huge in Lisbon where I live now, so it seems quite unavoidable. Must be amazing to be based in Costa Rica, perhaps our paths would cross someday!

[@ikhalidsant-moritz118]

Thank You for sharing this Marek, I just like to say nothing wrong with getting older ,, we all develop over yers . and the great thing when some to develop to better person , Like You enjoy day time and be aple to keep doing you travel, last thing to tell you that You are inspire many others in good way.

[@indietraveller]

I appreciate your comment and I definitely agree with you! Some things change as you age and often for the better 😄 Thanks for watching!

[@sy0h]

Nice essay, made me laugh and relate with some things 😅 I also enjoy Bill Bryson’s books and that one is on my list!

[@gavinroberts7192]

Thanks for the video: very enjoyable. Your reflections have made me think about both my past and upcoming travel experiences. I had my first solo travel experiences at 16 many, many years ago. Fast forward, and I was working in China when COVID hit, and since then have basically had three years of almost no travel, staying near immediate family and long-term friends in Australia. Next week I turn 59 - aaagggghhhh! - and am travelling to the other side of the world from my support network - to Mexico City - with only the vaguest of plans. Of course, 39 and 59 are quite different, but I do find myself wondering whether I will enjoy the upcoming experiences as much as those in the past. Of course, I hope I do!

[@indietraveller]

Hah, I'm sure that from your perspective I should not be complaining about age 39 ;) But ultimately age is just a number. It must be exciting to travel again after 3 years! Our experiences are actually somewhat mirrored as I'm about to set off to Mexico City soon myself. I haven't explored central Mexico as much as the rest of the country so I plan to hop around fairly randomly to see more. Hope you have a great trip!

[@gavinroberts7192]

@@indietraveller Thanks for your response. Enjoy your upcoming travels! I'm beginning in central Mexico, and it is my first time in the country. Looking forward to it!

[@andreao91]

Thank you! Your videos motivated me to go on my first long solo trip (1+ years in Asia) which completely changed my life. If I ever meet you anywhere around the world, I would love to buy you a beer :)

[@indietraveller]

That's amazing, I LOVE to hear that! Perhaps our paths will cross one day and we can share each other travel stories :)

[@antoniogradilla7933]

What??? I’m 58 lol 😂 😂😂😂😂😂😂 and I feel amazing and I am in amazing shape I have to say 😅💪🏽

[@TheEdmal25]

39 and still handsome!

[@nomadicinscriptions6838]

It's interesting you brought up how you're a night owl at Home, but a morning person when you travel. That started happening for me around 20 and I don't know why. I'll be up with the sun, which can be a bit annoying when the sun's up before 5 am. Oh and naps. I take so many naps when I travel However, 39 isn't that old man. You have many years of travel ahead of you. Hopefully I see you out in the world!

[@indietraveller]

Ha, those naps are important. The video is a bit tongue in cheek as I still feel rather young 😀 It's only old from the perspective of 17 year old me... it's funny how your perception of age changes as you age.

[@nomadicinscriptions6838]

@@indietraveller I mean anything over 22 is old to a 17 year old. I remember looking at someone who was 21-23 as a real adult. When I got to those ages I couldn't help but laugh at myself since I felt no where near being an adult. I guess I kinda still don't, but at least I don't feel hopelessly lost anymore. Time passes so quickly that I feel like every day I'm thinking an age isn't old. Even if i felt differently just a year or two before

[@fedexicoaldama5305]

I think isnt commun,but you are fortunaly, a lot people will like to do it

[@imct1]

the only thing that makes the difference is if you are healthy or not. that's the gamechanger. get a very severe health issue at 27 and bye-bye traveling free... be healthy out of dumb luck till you're 60, and you'll travel as much as you want. it's all dumb luck in life, sadly.

[@indietraveller]

Yep that's the big one...

[@karlphilpott9596]

Do you still sleep in Dorms?! As you say the benefit of age is that generally you can afford a private room, plus I wouldn't want to subject others to my snoring! Of course, the downside is that it can be harder to meet people on the road. Do you have any comments on whether you do anything differently?

[@indietraveller]

Yeah that's an interesting one. I do stay in dorms every now and then. I don't mind, say, a 4-person dorm in a modern hostel. Otherwise I stay in private rooms in hostels or in local guesthouses / small hotels. Nowadays it's not essential for me to meet people at literally every turn, so it's a mix.