Making Smart Choices
Travel in your 40s is all about knowing how to maximize your resources. It’s less about checking things off your bucket list than it is about savoring experiences that are comfortable, culturally rich, and meaningful. With that in mind, here are 20 tips even the most seasoned older travelers should know.
1. Prioritize Comfort
By now, you are past the point in your life where you should be scrimping when it comes to travel. You should be traveling in relative comfort, not chaos. Spending that extra money for direct flights, nicer hotels, or seat upgrades can mean the difference between a trip that refreshes you or one that wrecks you.
2. Longer Stays
Flying from one city to another might seem exhilarating, but it exhausts you. Slowing down lets you savor every stop, from city pulse to the off-the-beaten-path places that most tourists don’t even know about. So take your time, and plan longer stays now that you can.
3. Seek Authenticity
Seek genuine interactions, not just postcard-perfect shots. Find a local cooking class, a neighborhood café, or a weekend market. They'll show you the soul of a culture much better than any jam-packed attraction.
4. Don’t Make Comparisons
In your 40s, it's all about getting deep, getting appreciative, and getting to know what you truly like. Go at your own speed; this is not a race, it's about savoring. So don’t compare yourself to younger audiences and push yourself to go to clubs or parties if that isn’t your scene.
5. Learn Local Phrases
A simple "hello," "thank you," or "how are you?" will carry you far. Locals will be impressed by your efforts, and they'll treat you better for it. Language is a way of engaging with a culture, not just a means of getting by.
6. Pack Comfortable Shoes
You'll see more if your feet don't hurt, simple as that. Buy good shoes with support that can handle miles or cobbled streets. Nothing spoils a wonderful trip quicker than blisters and achy arches.
7. Drink More Water
Vacations are all about indulgence. But no one wants to get beat down by dehydration. Keep a water bottle with you and stay hydrated, refreshed, focused, and healthy. Energized and ready for whatever fun you want to have on your trip. The best trips are all about the balance between fun and self-care.
8. Travel Insurance
While 40 isn’t all that old, you aren’t as young as you used to be either. So don’t just trust that everything will work out and that accidents are impossible. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind and ensures your investment is protected. Relax and enjoy your trip, knowing you’re covered no matter what.
9. Health Check
When it comes to health, that’s definitely something you’ll want to tick off your list early on. Good health is the best travel insurance, so don't let problems catch you away from home. A few days of planning will let you relax and have more time to play once you get there.
10. Pack Reasonably
You will regret lugging 60 pounds of luggage through the streets of London or the Australian plains, or wherever it is you’re going. Pack versatile basics you can mix, match, and rewear instead of overpacking “just in case” outfits. Travel light to stay mobile, minimize stress, and make your trip more enjoyable overall.
11. Don’t Overplan
You don’t need to visit every landmark or cross every item off your list. Plan some downtime so you can experience a place’s vibe, cuisine, and pace. The best adventures often come from a lazy day.
Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash
12. The Off Season
Going in the off-season means you get fewer crowds, better deals, and a more genuine experience with the local people. There is more space for you to relax, wander, and visit the more touristy attractions with ease. Off-season travel is the smarter, calmer way to explore.
13. Do What Feels Good
Travel is about more than just sightseeing. It’s about feeling happy and refreshed. Whether that means a spa day, wine tasting, a long walk, or reading on a balcony, do what feels right to you. In your 40s, pleasure and peace are as important as adventure.
14. Stay Flexible
Travel is full of delays, weather, and surprises, and your cool flexibility is what will see you through. Treat any change in plans like part of the adventure, not an inconvenience. Remember to roll with the punches and you’ll always have a good time.
15. Apps Are Your Friends
Travel can be made easier and more stress-free with technology. Google Translate, maps, and currency calculators can provide a small but significant help with language, directions, and costs. So don’t let your age prevent you from using these apps to your advantage.
16. Loyalty Programs
Flying, hotels, and even car rentals all give you more for your loyalty. Signing up for their programs means accumulating miles and points that can one day become free upgrades, stays, and perks. It’s an easy way to pamper yourself as you travel.
Ulises Guareschi Corvetto on Unsplash
17. Digital Backups
Travel plans are great until you lose your passport and itinerary. Store digital copies of your ID, insurance, and reservation information in the cloud. It's an easy precaution that will make you feel a lot better.
18. Crossed Wires
Nothing is more inconvenient than travel than a drained phone or the wrong plug. Bring an international adapter and spare chargers to stay powered up at all times. It'll come in handy for navigation, translations, and, of course, those spur-of-the-moment photos.
19. Take it Slow
No need to hurry up anymore. Savor meals, linger on walks, and people-watch. Traveling in your 40s, you know what’s worth slowing down for.
20. Stay Curious
Your 40s are the perfect time to explore with wisdom and wonder. You see the world with more appreciation, perspective, and patience, and it’s important to continue to foster this sense of curiosity. So, don’t let age hinder you when it comes to staying curious.
