Embracing Travel At Any Age – Is There Really a Best Age To Travel?

Embracing Travel At Any Age – Is There Really a Best Age To Travel?

Getting to travel is one of life’s great joys, one that many of us want to continue long into our old age. However, as life is full of commitments we can’t always adjust, our travel plans are sometimes pushed aside whether it’s because of work schedules, raising a family, or simply the cost involved in exploring the world. So, is there an ideal time to travel, and if so, what is the best age to travel? Is it better to embrace this whilst young or when we have more time in our retirement?

As age is merely a number, here we will look at the benefits of travelling during different periods of life, and also touch upon practical considerations you’ll need to make, ensuring that travel is not only enjoyable but also safe.

The Joy of Travelling at Different Life Stages

Whether you’re 18 or 80, the allure of travel will always be there. If you are able to, you should enjoy exploring new places for as long as possible. Getting older brings its challenges, but it shouldn’t prevent you from continuing to explore new adventures both close to home and abroad.

Youthful Discovery Leads Into Mid-life Comfort

When you’re young, the world is an open book. Whether backpacking across Europe, doing volunteer work in Asia, or working holidays in Australia, each offers invaluable experiences that help to develop a sense of independence and resilience, important for life going forward. At this stage, travel is less about comfort and luxury (although some of us do still seek this) and more about fun and discovery, with budget accommodations like hostels popular as they are also a great way to meet new people, and spontaneous plans adding to the thrill. According to data from ABTA, 18-24 year olds are set to be the most prolific travellers this year, with 72% planning to travel overseas in the next 12 months, the highest of any age demographic.

As many of us settle into our careers and family lives, travel during the ongoing years often becomes more structured. This is the time for family holidays, exploring historical sites, and enjoying being together, even if it is a staycation. Travel is always a fantastic way to break from your routine and bond with family during mid-life, and so it becomes even more special when you book a trip away. It also tends to be the time many of us can afford more luxurious travel if we have the means to.

Enjoying the Freedom Of Later Life

Eventually, once retirement arrives, you may be in two minds – either you have already travelled extensively in your youth and now want something simple to look forward to, or you could be the opposite, finally having more free time than ever before and wanting to see places you’ve not been to yet. According to survey data from travel insurer Staysure, 67% of people over the age of 50 still feel they have time to fulfil all of their life goals, and 39% want to travel more rather than less. Age is certainly not a barrier for many of us, and so it shouldn’t.

With the constraints of a 9-to-5 schedule in the past, many of us want to embrace the chance to explore long-held dream destinations or revisit our favourite places with deeper appreciation and nostalgia. One of the best things about travelling when older is being able to take a slower pace and even be away for longer or more often throughout the year. It can also mean discounted travel and being able to go during off-peak times, making trips more affordable and less crowded.

So, depending on what stage of life you are at, you may very well look at travel differently and this continues to evolve as we get older. You may have once liked nothing more than laying on the beach and then enjoying the nightlife when away, but as you get older, you may then start to prefer something quieter but more focused on culture – it could even be the other way around for some people!

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Under 25

Young travellers often face budget constraints and a lack of experience when travelling. To overcome the sometimes expensive aspects of travel, choosing budget accommodations like hostels, taking advantage of available student discounts, and exploring cost-saving travel passes can help a limited budget go further. It typically will be the first time many of us travel with friends or solo rather than with family, so it’s all about new experiences and growing confident with travel and the admin that comes with it.

Mid-life (25-60)

Those in mid-life might struggle with balancing travel with career and family responsibilities. The key here is planning trips well in advance and integrating travel with life’s other commitments. For instance, choosing destinations that offer plenty for children to do can enrich family life while satisfying your travel cravings, so you can find the best of both worlds with a family in tow. Being savvy with your annual leave around bank holidays or school holidays is important. Those without children may have more flexibility here, but with bills to pay, you may spend more time saving for big holidays and booking further in advance than when you were younger.

Senior Years (60+)

As we get older, we may have more time with adult children or retirement, but may have more health-related concerns. Some of us may focus on choosing destinations that are not overly strenuous or avoid long-haul travel, for instance. Organising travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions and ensuring access to medical care while abroad also becomes more important. Booking trips that are more comfortable and safer can be more of a focus, so the types of holidays you choose may reflect this rather than lots of high-activity adventure holidays.

According to statistics from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, tourists aged 65 years and over accounted for nearly 1 in 4 tourism nights for private purposes in 2022, whilst many prefer trips in their country of residence. Of course, everybody is different, and you can experience difficulties at any age relating to budget or health. As with many things in life, being as prepared as possible can ensure travel when either young or old can be enjoyable and stress-free.

Being Prepared For Anything

Age shouldn’t be a barrier when you want to go on holiday. You’ll know your limits and what you do and do not enjoy, so no matter your age, you can have the best time possible. It’s all about preparation and making the right choices. When making your plans, you should always consider the unexpected, and that’s where having all of your travel admin sorted long before you set off is important. Along with ensuring your passport doesn’t need renewal, choosing travel insurance that matches your unique circumstances is crucial, ensuring safety and peace of mind regardless of your age.

If you are venturing into more adventurous or remote destinations, this can be a safeguard against the unexpected, covering everything from minor injuries to major medical emergencies. Similarly, if you have chronic conditions or a family to consider, you need to ensure the policy you choose covers every member adequately. It’s not just about having affordable insurance but having the right coverage.

When older, you may need to look for policies that cater to pre-existing conditions and include benefits like a 24-hour medical emergency helpline. Trusted companies like Staysure specialise in medical travel insurance that provides coverage tailored to the unique needs of older travellers, including covering pre-existing conditions and unlimited medical expenses. This means you can travel with confidence at any age.

So, is there a best age to travel? Well, not exactly – if you are able to, have the time available and the budget (as well as the desire), there really is no limit.

Guest Article.