Creating a Nomadic Lifestyle after 60 

Source: rocket50

By: Janet Peischel rocket50 Contributor          

Date: August 15, 2023

When we think of a nomadic lifestyle, we may think back to our own experiences. Many remember backpacking through Europe during a summer break in college. That’s when we bought a Eurail pass, slept in hostels, lived on street food and drank too much wine. It was a mostly unstructured journey, when we didn’t give too much thought to the next destination. 

I fell in love with travel on my own first trip to Europe. It was Oktoberfest in Munich, then on to Austria, Switzerland, and the magical cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Paris. It was a whirlwind trip, and I never stopped to fully appreciate the ancient history and the stunning architecture. What I do remember is that I wanted more of this. I loved the food, the markets, the wine, trains and the people I met along the way. 

Over the years, I’ve continued to indulge my love of travel

I’ve traveled throughout Western Europe. With the breakup of the Soviet Union, I began traveling through Eastern Europe–Croatia, Poland, Hungary, Montenegro and Romania. It’s been fascinating to see these countries build their tourism industries after the fall of communism. I was in Dubrovnik right after the Balkan War when there were still UN troops in the country and bullet holes in buildings. I spent a month there last year and tourism is flourishing. Lots of restaurants, bars and shops, but the spectacular views are still free.

Turkey is a favorite destination, and exotic Istanbul is a fascinating city with its east and west banks divided by the Bosphorus that teems with activity. I’ve traveled in Central America, Chile, Argentina and to Peru and Machu Picchu. I’ve also worked my way through the Middle East, learning to love the haunting sounds of the morning call to prayer. 

I’ve always traveled alone, and I learn something with every trip

There’s a feeling of empowerment that comes from getting around on my own–learning to use the metro, hopping on and off the trams and buses like a native. I love exploring new neighborhoods on long walks. 

We don’t have to stop traveling when we reach our 60s

We think of ambitious travel adventures as something we do in our twenties or thirties. But you don’t have to stop traveling when you hit your 60s. I’m still traveling, though my travel now is different from the travel I did when I was younger. It is much more rewarding because, rather than spending a few days in one place and rushing off to the next destination, I stay in one place for a month at a time. 

I love finding my favorite cafe and bar and stopping in for a glass of wine. I settle into my little neighborhood and get to know the baker, the greengrocer and the guy who makes my morning latte. Sadly, I'm just starting to feel like a local when it’s time to say goodbye.

I can work anywhere I have an internet connection

Covid proved to us that we can work anywhere we have wifi. I’m a consultant, and I’m still working–and traveling. My own nomad experience began as an experiment. In 2017 I spent six weeks in Argentina and Chile, a month in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and a month in Provence. It was seamless, and I was hooked, and I continued to travel right through Covid. Seven years later, I’m always planning my next adventure. 

The economics of senior travel: It starts with airbnb

Airbnb has revolutionized travel–making it affordable to the masses. I’m on a bit of a budget, so I’m always looking for inexpensive airbnbs–this is where it starts. I don’t need five-star hotels, but I’m not interested in camping out. I have certain requirements–I need a dedicated workstation with a comfy chair and table, for instance, and immaculate bathrooms and kitchens. Remember also that Europe’s wonderful old buildings don’t have elevators, and the first floor means climbing one flight of stairs. I don’t mind climbing three flights of stairs, but I’m much less excited about four or more. 

I start every trip by thinking of places I’d like to go, then look for airbnbs that fit my price range. If I can’t find one, I just look for another destination. France, for some reason, has low-priced airbnbs. Since France is always one of my favorite destinations, that’s no hardship. I’m staying in a cute little airbnb in Cannes in January, for instance, for $1K. You can hardly stay home for that price!

Learn to love off season travel

The offseason can provide a whole different experience. I’ve always traveled in the shoulder months–spring or fall–never summer–too hot and crazy. I tried the offseason last February and had a great time in Toulouse. I stayed in a wonderful airbnb in this beautiful city with a spectacular main square. I brought warm sweaters and a heavy wool coat. It was cold, but for about two weeks, the sun came out and the temperature was in the 60s during the day. I learned that I can easily travel in the winter when prices and crowds are down. I definitely recommend off season travel as part of planning a nomadic lifestyle.

The nomadic lifestyle: Save money by opening yourself up to new experiences

Open yourself up to new adventures. The countries in Eastern Europe are fascinating and  less expensive than those in Western Europe. Travel in South America and Central America is more affordable. I never go to places like Paris, the Scandinavian countries, Germany or Switzerland. I’ve been there before, of course, but they’re way too expensive now. I also avoid resorts–that’s not real travel–resorts are the same the world over and they’re expensive. But that doesn’t mean that you have to deprive yourself. 

The logistics of senior travel: Planning your trip

What countries or cities hold an appeal for you? These are some things to be thinking about:

• As part of your planning, try to figure out how to get around–look at metro and bus maps. 

•  I always like to stay close to the center of the cities I visit so I can walk to most things. 

• If you stay further away, you’ll spend more time and money on transportation. 

• If you’re staying in an airbnb for an extended period, you’ll want to be close to a grocery store and if you’re lucky, a farmer’s market. 

• Forget about renting a car. You’ll spend all your time navigating. Public transportation systems are well-developed and inexpensive. 

I travel alone. It means that you can do exactly what you want when you want to do it. That really doesn’t work for a lot of people. If you get lonely and/or need to talk a lot, this won’t work for you. I realize that sometimes I go for a few weeks without having a conversation. If you travel with a spouse, partner or companion, know that travel can be very hard on a relationship. Being with someone 24/7 is challenging. 

Since I’m working, I schedule client Zooms in my late afternoon/evening, which works out well. 

Senior Travel: Staying healthy 

Health should be a concern for everyone. I have a friend a few years older than I who now limits his senior travel adventures. He loves to fish, but will no longer fish for Alaska’s Copper River salmon–too remote in the event he needs a doctor. No more travel out of the country. These are likely wise decisions. I’m lucky to be very healthy, but I find myself now identifying the nearest hospital when I arrive in a destination. Whether anyone can speak English and actually help me? Who knows. 

Some destinations are known for their excellent health care, including Costa Rica. If you're planning to travel with the goal of an extended stay in a foreign city, these are the top 10 cities for expats, according to InterNations’ Expat City Ranking 2022. Add San Miguel de Allende, MX to this list. It’s a beautiful city with a huge expat community. I’ve been there quite a few times now, and there’s always something going on. 

1. Valencia

2. Dubai

3. Mexico City

4. Lisbon

5. Madrid

6. Bangkok

7. Basel

8. Melbourne

9. Abu Dhabi

10. Singapore

Essential items for a comfortable nomadic lifestyle

• Pack light. If you’re taking the Metro, be advised that there will be flights of steps. Take what you can carry and avoid checking bags that the airlines can lose.

• Pack so that you can layer your clothes–shedding layers as the day warms up. 

• Stay in one climate zone to  greatly simplify your packing. Cool things for a warm climate, warm sweaters and coat for cold weather.

• Think black–the benefits are obvious and numerous. You can wash your clothes when you get home.

• Pack a first aid kit and basic medical supplies. 

A nomadic lifestyle can rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. It keeps you active, engaged and constantly learning. If you’re traveling with others, you’re creating memorable experiences with loved ones. It’s a chance to explore new cultures and meet new people, making the most of these precious years. 

Janet Peischel is a rocket50 writer and the Owner of Top of Mind Marketing. She writes about lifestyle issues, products and trends of the  50+ population. “We represent a huge market that’s vocal, active, and determined to stay active and involved!”

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