It's Never Too Late: Your Guide to Finally Taking That Trip

Catalina Island, California

Okay, so here's the thing about travel dreams—they have this annoying habit of sitting in the back of your mind, whispering "someday, someday" until suddenly you're wondering if someday already passed you by.

If you're reading this in your fifties (or beyond) and thinking "I should have done this when I was younger," I'm going to stop you right there. Because honestly? This might be exactly the right time.

The Fear is Real (And That's Okay)

Let's not pretend the nervousness isn't there. It is, and it's completely valid. Maybe you're worried about traveling alone. Maybe your knees aren't what they used to be. Maybe the whole idea of navigating a foreign airport makes your palms sweat. I get it—all of it.

But here's what I've learned from talking to women who finally took the leap: the fear doesn't disappear. You just decide the dream is bigger than the fear.

One woman told me she stood at the airport gate for her first solo trip to Portugal, called her daughter three times, and almost turned back. She didn't. And you know what? She spent the next two weeks hiking coastal trails, eating pastéis de nata, and wondering why she'd waited so long.

Start Smaller Than You Think You Should

The hiking trails of Patagonia can wait. Seriously—they're not going anywhere.

Your first trip doesn't need to be an epic adventure. In fact, it probably shouldn't be. Start with somewhere that excites you but doesn't terrify you. Maybe it's a weekend hiking trip a few hours away. Maybe it's a week in a country where you know a little of the language (or where English is widely spoken). Maybe it's joining a small group tour where someone else handles the logistics.

There's no shame in training wheels. Everyone who's now confidently trekking through Nepal started somewhere much simpler.

The Hiking Thing (Because Yes, You Can)

So many women tell us they want to hike but worry they're "not fit enough" or "too old to start." Can we retire that thinking? Please?

Start with what your body can do today. Maybe that's a flat, two-mile trail at a local park. Maybe it's joining a beginner hiking group where you're definitely not the slowest person. (Those groups exist, and they're wonderful.)

Build gradually. Your legs will get stronger. Your confidence will grow. And before you know it, you'll be eyeing those mountain trails with genuine possibility instead of wistful longing.

A few practical tips: invest in proper hiking shoes (your feet will thank you), use trekking poles (they're not just for "old people"—they save your knees), and don't compare your pace to anyone else's. This is your journey, literally and figuratively.

The Solo Travel Question

"But what about traveling alone?"

Here's the beautiful secret nobody tells you: solo travel in your fifties can be incredibly freeing. You eat when you want. You linger in museums or skip them entirely. You strike up conversations with locals because you're not constantly checking in with a travel companion.

Is it scarier at first? Yes. Is it also one of the most empowering things you might ever do? Also yes.

If solo feels too daunting right now, look into small group tours designed for active travelers. Companies like REI Adventures, Backroads, and others specialize :::cough:::Fork in the Trail:::cough::: in hiking and adventure trips for people who want some structure and companionship without the chaos of large tour groups.

Practical Starting Points

Get your documents in order. Passport expired? Renew it. Even if you don't have a trip booked, having that passport ready removes one barrier between you and adventure.

Start following travel bloggers in your age range. They exist, they're inspiring, and they'll give you practical advice that actually applies to your life stage.

Build your fitness gradually. Walk more. Hike locally. Join a gym if that's your thing. Strength and stamina make travel so much more enjoyable.

Talk to your doctor. Get cleared for activity, discuss any health concerns, and ask about traveling with medications if that's relevant for you.

Save intentionally. Even small amounts add up. That daily coffee you make at home instead of buying out? That's a few nights' accommodation in Portugal.

The Real Talk About Age and Adventure

Will you be the oldest person on some trails? Maybe. Will your body need more recovery time than it did at thirty? Probably. Will you sometimes feel self-conscious or out of place? Possibly.

But will you also bring wisdom, perspective, and appreciation that your younger self couldn't have managed? Absolutely.

You notice things now. You savor experiences. You're not rushing through countries checking boxes—you're actually present for the moments. That's a gift that comes with age, not despite it.

What If You Don't Do It?

We don't want to be dramatic, but... what if you don't go? What if the fear wins and five years from now you're still saying "someday"?

The world is waiting. Those mountains, those trails, those cobblestone streets—they're all still there. And you're still here, with dreams that deserve to be honored.

The nervousness might never fully go away. But regret? That's a heavier companion than fear could ever be.

So maybe start small. Book something manageable for next spring. Join a local hiking group this month. Pull out a map and circle places that make your heart beat faster.

You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to take the first step.

And who knows? Maybe this time next year, you'll be the one telling someone else that it's never too late—not because you read it somewhere, but because you're living proof.

The world is big and beautiful and still full of places you haven't seen. Let's change that.