A question that I often stumble across on traveling forums is whether someone is too old to travel. To most the answer is pretty straight forward but for many it is something that they do ponder.
Many people in their late 20’s or 30’s face mixed reactions from friends and family to their talk of travel. It’s a good idea to look outside these opinions to actually look at the issues without the negativity from people who… let’s be honest probably have never been traveling themselves.
As most people who have been traveling will tell you, age isn’t really that important as you’ll meet many like minded people whilst on the road. Whether that’s a young teenager or a middle aged traveler (or even a pensioner who I once met traveling Brazil) most people are traveling to experience and see new cultures.
There are also many advantages to travelling when you are a little older. For example you may have more disposable income and saving potential because you have been working longer.
Certain places do attract certain types of travellers, for example there tends to be a young crowd of party backpackers travelling via bus tours in Australia. You can easily put yourself in situations where you will meet like minded people – South America tends to attract a slightly older traveller on one occasion I met a pensioner staying in a hostel.
After chatting I discovered that he was travelling because he’d always wanted to see the world and his wife had died quite recently, to him this was the perfect opportunity to travel the world and age was not going to get in his way.
If you’re still not convinced, check out this post on the subject on TravelBlog.org.
How odd. I’m 19 and I keep thinking that I’m too young to travel the world. I would love to travel the world alone on foot or bike, but because I’m a girl, many people consider that strike one. My parents don’t want me to travel the world because they think I’ll get into trouble over the color of my skin.
You're never too old.
A dude I met in New Zealand last week (yes, I deliberately used the word dude as it sums him up)… was 74. Sleeping in bunk beds, staying in hostels adn travelling on his own. Similar story with the wife passing away but nevertheless he was having a brilliant time. I just hope that if I get to 74 I'll still be as cool as John.
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the comment.
How did the trip go? Are you back now?
If you fancy writing an article for us, just let us know.
Nice blog by the way!
Paul @
TravMonkey.com
I remember meeting a 70 year old man in Wellington in a hostel. He needed a couple of pills in the morning & in the evening… but he would have needed these at home as well. 🙂
Then I've met a 75 year old woman who has traveled for about 2 years through Australia & New Zealand with speaking NO word english! She got along!
Wow!
I guess your question is answered… 😉
I will be 32 in Dec and i am planning on going traveling with a friend who will
be 29. We are both UK Citizens and would need to work while we travel. We have
no great plan on where we are heading and would like to be as flexible as
possible. However I am aware that because i am over 30 its not as simple for me
to work anywhere. Is this an impossible for me to do because of my old age!!!?
Wish i had gone 2 years ago now, it all looks so much easier if your between 18-30!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Ray
Hi Ray,
Thanks for your comment… I think if you are talking about working in Australia for example I don't think you can get a working holiday visa after 30. I wouldn't let this put you off… if you are determined enough you will find work even in that is cash in hand in certain places…. It's certainly not impossible and I wouldn't let it stop you from going.
Thanks,
Paul
What’s old ! My husband and I, both iover 50 are planning a gap year fro grown ups while we can still afford it and before we lose our health and sense of adventure. We plan to be a away for a year and combine travel with some volunteering in South America and China.
any advice on insurances and must dos or views from minded travellers who have been before us would be welcome.
Cheers
Sara
Hi Sara,
I love your attitude… and it's completely right… many people think that you shouldn't be going on trips around the world once you get into your 30's and above. But it's usually this attitude that come from people who have never done it themselves…. usually because they are too worried to leave it all behind.
Thanks again,
Paul
Hi all kind of new to all this
I’m 34 male and have just become single and have wanted to do some think like this for a while I can afford it but my mind does play games with me am I to old and lost the chance of a lifetime I know I cant work in certain places apart from cash in hand jobs wondering if any one out there has a similar situation with the age