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In my early years, I was occasionally nervous about heading out on the first flight. That being said, I now have a lot of experience and yet I procrastinated for 3 weeks on purchasing my flights (free using points) for this summer's journey and even took a couple of hours vacillating over which flight to take - but I did finally get a good combination. Basically I've had a weird feeling about going this year.
Has this feeling every come over you seasoned travelers - after traveling for many years? I'd like to think that I'm not unique in feeling this way, but I might be.
I am ok when I get there, it is the days before setting off that are very unsettled. Perhaps having had a triple cardiac by-pass last year makes me feel more mortal.
I don't really have a problem with up-market - except I can't afford it and I find it very isolating.
I suddenly have the feeling that - time is running out - its scary! We are both in pretty good health - but my partner had an angina attack which made getting health cover for the last couple of trips a bit of a mission (but we did get it)
I'm thinking NOW is a very good time to organise that Burma trip!
My folks were there, for a National Manufacturing Association convention. Felt like a spy.
Now the only way I'll travel is staying in hostels. Ground level. People to people sharing of ideas and p.o.v.
I'm 71. Have pacemaker. Will travel.
Last trip to Europe, I was fine about renting a car in England and Wales, but more hesitant about venturing out in Athens until I got my bearings. Next time (hopefully there will be a next time) I might be braver, as the place will be familiar.
Once I can't travel overseas, I plan to do the Grey Nomad thing in Australia.
I am always better with places I am familiar with, including a remote island in the Solomons, although it is not the easiest place to get too, and I haven't been able to jump on the back of a truck for years.
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Second guessing going
I figured talking to a bunch of old timers, I'd find someone who might have felt the same as I just did. I've been traveling for 30 years and every summer (for 2 months) since 2000 except for one. I'm used to the process.In my early years, I was occasionally nervous about heading out on the first flight. That being said, I now have a lot of experience and yet I procrastinated for 3 weeks on purchasing my flights (free using points) for this summer's journey and even took a couple of hours vacillating over which flight to take - but I did finally get a good combination. Basically I've had a weird feeling about going this year.
Has this feeling every come over you seasoned travelers - after traveling for many years? I'd like to think that I'm not unique in feeling this way, but I might be.
1
Viaggero... for a minute, I thought I had written this post, and forgotten about it (my memory sometimes ain't what it used to be ;-). This sounds exactly like what i have been going through this year, including using points to travel. I usually can hardly wait to book the ticket, and start planning and packing. This time all sorts of things have kind of gone wrong, and then righted themselves...Leading me to definitely take out travel and health insurance. I rarely take out travel insurance, but somehow I feel a bit nervous about this upcoming trip to France..3
Strange that you should mention this. I have been experiencing the same odd feelings, perhaps it is common in our age group. I love to plan each trip, get quite excited about going and then near the time to go, I get nervous and suddenly don't want to go. Have travelled constantly for the past 40 years, no problem, but now I am less sure of myself.I am ok when I get there, it is the days before setting off that are very unsettled. Perhaps having had a triple cardiac by-pass last year makes me feel more mortal.
5
I suspect that this isn't a big deal, but just to bring balance, I feel the need to say that I never feel these trepidations about going on a trip. I can think of no more thrilling feeling than having my butt in that airplane seat as it takes off to my next adventure. We're all different----that's fine.7
I should not be writing here but we are in Mexico for 3.5 months & I am counting the days (14) until we fly home. Can't wait for cooler Canadian weather. The heat, noise and commercialiasm of Mexico has worn me down. We have discussed this many times over & we have decided to go on shorter holidays. Mexico can become too much of a `good thing`and it tends to wear you down. It is no longer a `paradise`if it ever was.8
Sitting here at breakfast this morning, my wife & I discussed this posting. We think that not only are we getting older but the world has changed more than anyone our age (65 plus) cares to admit. Where once you were an interesting (to the locals) backpacker, now you are only one of millions of travelers covering the globe on any day. The locals are tired of these tourists except as a source of revenue. The noise of the bus videos, the cell phones, blackberries & loud speakers onto the sidewalk becomes more and more annoying as the years move on because we remember when these did not exist. Also, we are getting older and have more health problems as some of you have alluded to. Personally, I have been sick since March 23 and it doesn't seem to be getting better. First it was the head, chest, ear & throat problem. After seeing 2 doctors it was decided that I don't agree too well with heat & humidity. Then last week I slipped on a lime peel while walking on a public street, fell heavily on my left leg, & have been suffering pain ever since. As you get older falling becomes more and more of a danger. Countries like Mexico have awful uneven sidewalks as do many other countries. When you get sick or break a bone when you are older it takes so much longer to heal. Perhaps there is wisdom with age after all.10
I haven't been on this particular branch for a while - but I came thinking about the same thing. I've nearly 50 - my partner is 10 years older. Its recently occurred to me that we have maybe 10 years while as a couple we can jump on the back of trucks, climb rough steps, and sleep on very hard beds without a thought. And then after than - maybe we'll have to go more up market.I don't really have a problem with up-market - except I can't afford it and I find it very isolating.
I suddenly have the feeling that - time is running out - its scary! We are both in pretty good health - but my partner had an angina attack which made getting health cover for the last couple of trips a bit of a mission (but we did get it)
I'm thinking NOW is a very good time to organise that Burma trip!
13
I've travelled evvery way but 5 star. Actually slept on a rool-a-way at the Waldorf in NYC. 1963 after my first Swedish freighter gig.My folks were there, for a National Manufacturing Association convention. Felt like a spy.
Now the only way I'll travel is staying in hostels. Ground level. People to people sharing of ideas and p.o.v.
I'm 71. Have pacemaker. Will travel.
14
I've become more hesitant, not due to health as such, but due to mobility. I am now baulking at too many stairs, and chairs which are too low.Last trip to Europe, I was fine about renting a car in England and Wales, but more hesitant about venturing out in Athens until I got my bearings. Next time (hopefully there will be a next time) I might be braver, as the place will be familiar.
Once I can't travel overseas, I plan to do the Grey Nomad thing in Australia.
I am always better with places I am familiar with, including a remote island in the Solomons, although it is not the easiest place to get too, and I haven't been able to jump on the back of a truck for years.
