Travel with kids or when retired?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree. Out of curiosity, what was the exhausting trip? How long and where did you go? I feel so sorry for all the doddering old people I see everywhere these days. Honestly, it’s downright dangerous for a lot of them to be out and about.

But do you realize that society could be set up to accommodate the reality that a large segment of our population is aging. There is no reason that they should be consigned to their homes because they are not up to what young adults can handle.

That would require us to regard them with respect, and equal worth.

I don’t see that, at least on DCUM.

But they’ve lived their lives. Why should society, and young people in particular, to cater to old people? Isn’t it more reasonable and fair for society to expend more energy and resources on younger people who haven’t yet had the same opportunities and experiences? But I guess the Boomers were never slated to age gracefully and embrace their fragility as their parents did.

I guess aging gracefully to you means being warehoused somewhere, so they are out of the way when you are on vacation. Ideally, perhaps they would die and leave you money when you deem their usefulness to have expired .

A stunning lack of respect for those who are not strong or earning money any longer. I hope our society never embraces your Darwinian mindset.

PP here. Didn’t mean to offend, but honestly just a bit tired of Boomer selfishness and entitlement. Nothing is never enough for them, and God forbid you call them elderly (which they now all are). A generation in denial. And based on my experiences, they are the epitome of the Ugly Americans abroad, always screaming the loudest. I recently had a tour guide in France complain that they get off the cruise ships, on the bus, demand the a/c be turned up, demand to see the American battle sites, and then fall asleep when any French history is shared, or something isn’t in English. So yes, those people should stay home!

Their money is a green as yours is. And they have a lot more of it than you do. Time to get over it.

We are traveling now AND later. Stay mad.

Enjoy the river cruise Grandma.

Hurt people hurt people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of people think they don’t have the money to travel in their 30s. I took a year off work to travel RTW at 32 and so many people asked how l afforded it. It’s not rocket science, l lived well below my means and saved a lot.

I travelled mostly shoestring with splurges (safari for example). l was young enough to still be up for staying in hostels, or sleeping in a guest house on the floor with a thin mattress, and doing tough hikes all over the world. The places l got to go were truly awesome and a lot were off the beaten path. I knew l would not be up for this kind of adventurous travel in my 40s plus, with kids.

After that year off l came back to my job and had a kid the next year. I still travel with my kid but it’s not the same - maybe when he’s a teen we can do some more adventurous stuff.

I also occasionally do more comfortable European travel depending on my travel companion. It means shorter trips because $$$ and more taxis not the Metro. Which is fine. I’m flexible. I imagine l will want to do the same 65+. You have to be in pretty good shape and have a certain mindset to sleep in less comfortable places and eat street food etc - at least l’ve found my older travel companions stomachs to be more easily upset.

Privilege.

Hello. You’re on the DCUM travel forum. I posted about my RTW at 32. I grew up LMC and put myself through college. I was used to working my butt off and living on a shoestring, and chose to spend money on travel when l felt like l could do it and still come back to my job which l very much needed to do. Yes l have privilege but not more than most on this forum. In particular l’ve learned how privileged l am to be born here, and be a woman who is able to support herself and has freedom and choices. I wish more Americans would travel budget style to a 3rd world country, it’s a huge eye opener and education.

[Anonymous]

We travel extensively with our kids!! I couldn’t tolerate it when they were small and then the pandemic hit and we have made up for lost time. Summer vacations feature a big trip across our amazing country and a separate big trip to Europe or Asia; Thanksgiving we try to fit in a trip and new years is spent somewhere tropical and balmy with great activities. Our income is OK but mainly we just don’t want to miss our lives! And we LOVE doing it with the kids who are 12 and 8. Don’t wait!!!! Unless you can travel super luxe yes it is tiring. Get in everything you want to while you can!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree. Out of curiosity, what was the exhausting trip? How long and where did you go? I feel so sorry for all the doddering old people I see everywhere these days. Honestly, it’s downright dangerous for a lot of them to be out and about.

But do you realize that society could be set up to accommodate the reality that a large segment of our population is aging. There is no reason that they should be consigned to their homes because they are not up to what young adults can handle.

That would require us to regard them with respect, and equal worth.

I don’t see that, at least on DCUM.

But they’ve lived their lives. Why should society, and young people in particular, to cater to old people? Isn’t it more reasonable and fair for society to expend more energy and resources on younger people who haven’t yet had the same opportunities and experiences? But I guess the Boomers were never slated to age gracefully and embrace their fragility as their parents did.

I guess aging gracefully to you means being warehoused somewhere, so they are out of the way when you are on vacation. Ideally, perhaps they would die and leave you money when you deem their usefulness to have expired .

A stunning lack of respect for those who are not strong or earning money any longer. I hope our society never embraces your Darwinian mindset.

PP here. Didn’t mean to offend, but honestly just a bit tired of Boomer selfishness and entitlement. Nothing is never enough for them, and God forbid you call them elderly (which they now all are). A generation in denial. And based on my experiences, they are the epitome of the Ugly Americans abroad, always screaming the loudest. I recently had a tour guide in France complain that they get off the cruise ships, on the bus, demand the a/c be turned up, demand to see the American battle sites, and then fall asleep when any French history is shared, or something isn’t in English. So yes, those people should stay home!

My husband is 59 and will turn 60 later this year. He is considered a Boomer. I consider that at the end of middle age, but not yet "elderly."

[Anonymous]

That’s the very tail end of boomer, he could also call himself Gen X. And not be elderly.

[Anonymous]

OP. Wow, such a lovely discussion! Here’s what I am doing - DCs and I were doing easy European trips (but repetitive for me) when they were young, now that they’re teenagers and I am starting to see how the generation above me is doing healthwise, I am trying to get the trips in that I really wanted, that were new to me and that I’ve been putting off for years as the kids were too young. If I’m energetic enough to travel like this during retirement, fine. If not, at least I won’t have missed out. Will it leave me with less funds during retirement, sure but I think I won’t regret it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP. Wow, such a lovely discussion! Here’s what I am doing - DCs and I were doing easy European trips (but repetitive for me) when they were young, now that they’re teenagers and I am starting to see how the generation above me is doing healthwise, I am trying to get the trips in that I really wanted, that were new to me and that I’ve been putting off for years as the kids were too young. If I’m energetic enough to travel like this during retirement, fine. If not, at least I won’t have missed out. Will it leave me with less funds during retirement, sure but I think I won’t regret it.

You won’t

[Anonymous]

I am 62 and have traveled extensively. Maybe 45 countries? And 47 states. I lived overseas for 1/2 of elementary and middle school. There is still plenty of travel I want to do and am mapping out a list of places I want to go before I’m too old. While I am definitely not a cruise person I can see the virtue of starting to do some organized trips - I’m looking at some walking/hiking trips. I used to love planning trips but that’s getting old and time consuming.

I also ski so spend at least 2 vacation weeks plus long weekends skiing. I know that will also be limited soon too but at the moment I can still ski 25-30k vertical a day for 5-6 days. Hoping to ski until I’m at least 80.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We travel a lot now and also hope to do so in retirement and are saving aggressively to do so because as you note, the tolerance to deal with discomfort decreases exponentially the older you get.

When we were in our 20s we could travel in basic economy/Ryan air or the equivalent and stay at budget hotels and cram a ton of activities into a short trip without issue. Now in our mid 40s, traveling with kids we usually shoot for premium economy or at least economy plus if traveling overseas with our kids, stay in Marriott type hotels and always factor in a recovery day before returning to work. In retirement I imagine we will aim to travel business class, stay in nice hotels/resorts and travel to places for longer duration so that we can explore at leisure.

I’ll just do easier trips during retirement - so no sightseeing marathons, beach trips when it’s 110 degrees in Greece etc. I’ve never done Rome or similar things in August, which is insane IMO. I have 2-3 places on my bucket list left (India, Namibia/Tanzania, Australia/NZ) - the rest of the world I’ve either been to or I am just medium level interested. But I want to cross off that bucket list before I am 55. Unfortunately, I couldn’t travel that much in my 20s due to DH’s situation, but I just go without him now. No point in waiting for him.

Wow, you have seen the whole world? How many countries have you visited?

NP but I feel exactly the same as the PP you quoted except my bucket list is a bit different. I’ve visited just over 40 countries. Never been to Australia or NZ and I’d like to explore South America more. And I’d like to do it before I’m 55 (I’m 45 now).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We travel a lot now and also hope to do so in retirement and are saving aggressively to do so because as you note, the tolerance to deal with discomfort decreases exponentially the older you get.

When we were in our 20s we could travel in basic economy/Ryan air or the equivalent and stay at budget hotels and cram a ton of activities into a short trip without issue. Now in our mid 40s, traveling with kids we usually shoot for premium economy or at least economy plus if traveling overseas with our kids, stay in Marriott type hotels and always factor in a recovery day before returning to work. In retirement I imagine we will aim to travel business class, stay in nice hotels/resorts and travel to places for longer duration so that we can explore at leisure.

I’ll just do easier trips during retirement - so no sightseeing marathons, beach trips when it’s 110 degrees in Greece etc. I’ve never done Rome or similar things in August, which is insane IMO. I have 2-3 places on my bucket list left (India, Namibia/Tanzania, Australia/NZ) - the rest of the world I’ve either been to or I am just medium level interested. But I want to cross off that bucket list before I am 55. Unfortunately, I couldn’t travel that much in my 20s due to DH’s situation, but I just go without him now. No point in waiting for him.

Wow, you have seen the whole world? How many countries have you visited?

NP but I feel exactly the same as the PP you quoted except my bucket list is a bit different. I’ve visited just over 40 countries. Never been to Australia or NZ and I’d like to explore South America more. And I’d like to do it before I’m 55 (I’m 45 now).

PP. I don’t count the countries but I never said I’ve seen the whole world. I said either I have seen it or I am medium level interested (and some places I am not interested at all). Why so angry? I don’t have to visit all 195 countries in the world to get a good impression of most regions and to have visited all the countries I am INTERESTED in.

[Anonymous]

I was fine not traveling for a while during covid. But then I was diagnosed with some serious chronic conditions that could impact my mobility down the road, so now I scout the internet for travel deals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We travel a lot now and also hope to do so in retirement and are saving aggressively to do so because as you note, the tolerance to deal with discomfort decreases exponentially the older you get.

When we were in our 20s we could travel in basic economy/Ryan air or the equivalent and stay at budget hotels and cram a ton of activities into a short trip without issue. Now in our mid 40s, traveling with kids we usually shoot for premium economy or at least economy plus if traveling overseas with our kids, stay in Marriott type hotels and always factor in a recovery day before returning to work. In retirement I imagine we will aim to travel business class, stay in nice hotels/resorts and travel to places for longer duration so that we can explore at leisure.

I’ll just do easier trips during retirement - so no sightseeing marathons, beach trips when it’s 110 degrees in Greece etc. I’ve never done Rome or similar things in August, which is insane IMO. I have 2-3 places on my bucket list left (India, Namibia/Tanzania, Australia/NZ) - the rest of the world I’ve either been to or I am just medium level interested. But I want to cross off that bucket list before I am 55. Unfortunately, I couldn’t travel that much in my 20s due to DH’s situation, but I just go without him now. No point in waiting for him.

Wow, you have seen the whole world? How many countries have you visited?

NP but I feel exactly the same as the PP you quoted except my bucket list is a bit different. I’ve visited just over 40 countries. Never been to Australia or NZ and I’d like to explore South America more. And I’d like to do it before I’m 55 (I’m 45 now).

PP. I don’t count the countries but I never said I’ve seen the whole world. I said either I have seen it or I am medium level interested (and some places I am not interested at all). Why so angry? I don’t have to visit all 195 countries in the world to get a good impression of most regions and to have visited all the countries I am INTERESTED in.

I’m the PP you just quoted (NP at the time) and was agreeing with you—not angry in the slightest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We travel a lot now and also hope to do so in retirement and are saving aggressively to do so because as you note, the tolerance to deal with discomfort decreases exponentially the older you get.

When we were in our 20s we could travel in basic economy/Ryan air or the equivalent and stay at budget hotels and cram a ton of activities into a short trip without issue. Now in our mid 40s, traveling with kids we usually shoot for premium economy or at least economy plus if traveling overseas with our kids, stay in Marriott type hotels and always factor in a recovery day before returning to work. In retirement I imagine we will aim to travel business class, stay in nice hotels/resorts and travel to places for longer duration so that we can explore at leisure.

I’ll just do easier trips during retirement - so no sightseeing marathons, beach trips when it’s 110 degrees in Greece etc. I’ve never done Rome or similar things in August, which is insane IMO. I have 2-3 places on my bucket list left (India, Namibia/Tanzania, Australia/NZ) - the rest of the world I’ve either been to or I am just medium level interested. But I want to cross off that bucket list before I am 55. Unfortunately, I couldn’t travel that much in my 20s due to DH’s situation, but I just go without him now. No point in waiting for him.

Wow, you have seen the whole world? How many countries have you visited?

NP but I feel exactly the same as the PP you quoted except my bucket list is a bit different. I’ve visited just over 40 countries. Never been to Australia or NZ and I’d like to explore South America more. And I’d like to do it before I’m 55 (I’m 45 now).

PP. I don’t count the countries but I never said I’ve seen the whole world. I said either I have seen it or I am medium level interested (and some places I am not interested at all). Why so angry? I don’t have to visit all 195 countries in the world to get a good impression of most regions and to have visited all the countries I am INTERESTED in.

I’m the PP you just quoted (NP at the time) and was agreeing with you—not angry in the slightest.

Yes I know, sorry. I meant the poster before you. I just don’t get counting the countries like that person did - she could have just crossed them off a list, barely spending time there - like 5 EU countries in 2 weeks or whatever the tour operators offer. The number of countries tells us nothing. What a strange way to measure traveling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We travel a lot now and also hope to do so in retirement and are saving aggressively to do so because as you note, the tolerance to deal with discomfort decreases exponentially the older you get.

When we were in our 20s we could travel in basic economy/Ryan air or the equivalent and stay at budget hotels and cram a ton of activities into a short trip without issue. Now in our mid 40s, traveling with kids we usually shoot for premium economy or at least economy plus if traveling overseas with our kids, stay in Marriott type hotels and always factor in a recovery day before returning to work. In retirement I imagine we will aim to travel business class, stay in nice hotels/resorts and travel to places for longer duration so that we can explore at leisure.

Unless you travel still with kids or grandkids, you’ll be able to avoid traveling in the high season, that should make it slightly cheaper but also a more pleasant experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We travel extensively with our kids!! I couldn’t tolerate it when they were small and then the pandemic hit and we have made up for lost time. Summer vacations feature a big trip across our amazing country and a separate big trip to Europe or Asia; Thanksgiving we try to fit in a trip and new years is spent somewhere tropical and balmy with great activities. Our income is OK but mainly we just don’t want to miss our lives! And we LOVE doing it with the kids who are 12 and 8. Don’t wait!!!! Unless you can travel super luxe yes it is tiring. Get in everything you want to while you can!!!

Define extensively.