I've been following this forum for older travelers with great interest and wanted to share an experience that might appeal to other mature, economically careful nomads like ourselves (see biographical notes and Web site to save space here).
I'm now 60, my wife Maria a mere 56. We're part Brit, part Kiwi, now living in California. About 18 months ago we spent five months traveling in Central and South America -- Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Chile, Peru and a bit of Argentina. The main purpose was to improve our basic Spanish, so we spent two of those months in various Spanish schools. Since the rest of the time we were also learning and practicing our Spanish -- and weren't working -- it seemed fair to call ourselves students.
Those who give out ISIC cards (International Student Identity Card) agreed and the precious cards helped stretch the budget no end. One of the largest savings was on flights though not all countries accepted our cards, some rather meanly having set an upper age limit for their students! However, the cards were accepted almost everywhere else -- on buses and trains, at cinemas, tourist attractions, museums, some shops and restaurants, some hostels and hotels etc.
So, just remember, you're never too old to be a student and enjoy some of those student perks!
