i've stifled my wanderlust for two decades now. i've done the "working professional" thing and, as the age of 40 looms all-too-close on my horizon, i've decided to pick up and GO!! i'm gathering lots of helpful tips and motivation here, but most people looking for travel companions seem to be under 30. i don't mind roughing it, but my truly hard-core backpacking days are behind me. has anyone got suggestions for soliciting travel companions in the 35-40 range? i'd like to take a 12-month rtw trip, budget accommodations, visiting, at a minimum, nepal, india, thailand, indonesia, new zealand, and any points in between. all ideas/suggestions/encouragement welcome. i live in new york city and would like to depart sometime within the next 6-12 months. e-mail contact is best.
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Hi Janice,
Don't get hung up by the age thing. There are plently of
mature backpackers around. I'm 32 and have been travelling
for a while and don't find the age thing a problem at all
as I always run into a cross section of aged travellers.
Also age doesn't necessarily mean maturity. I have had fun
travelling with a 50+ couple and with some early 20yr olds.
Have a great time
Hi Janice, I have been backpacking for the last five years and plan to for another twelve at least and I am 58. I'll contact you Email.
Hi Janice,
I'm 38 and just spent 3 months travelling Thailand at
XMAS. It was my first trip travelling on my own overseas,
I backpacked my way around; and my only overseas trip prior
to that was Bali with a friend.
My next big trip I plan to explore Africa taking a years
travelling time (or more), India - sometime but I think
I'll do an organised trip there, Sth America later down the
track.
Don't worry about age. Just go!! It's great fun, and
being on your own gives you the freedom to do what YOU want.
If you want to e-mail back, I'd be happy to talk.
I took my first trip when I was 32 and it has given me
permanent wanderlust. I'm 37 now and I sure wish I had the
resources at hand to join you on your trip. I would also
like to encourage you to do this - I truly believe that
you're never too old, however we do change with age and I've
noticed that it's a bit tougher to travel in third world
countries as we get older. I would suggest that you try to
book some of your accommodations in advance so that you know
where you're going. Sometimes the "mob scenes" when you get
off of public transportation can be exhausting, especially
if you are looking at a map or trying to find a room at the
same time. It's much easier if you at least look like you
know where you're going - you are able to take
better control. Also, if you have the financial means
available to you, allow yourself a bit of luxury every once
in a while. I have found in later years that I miss a soft
bed, a bath, hot water, decent food etc. (Years ago I could
sleep anywhere and not be bothered.) You may have to spend
a bit more money, but these little treats will re-energize
you. Good luck and have a great time.
There's a post much further down called "I know this is naff
but... " re the topic of being older.
.
Short answer is don't worry, there are lots of 30 +
travellers out there.
.
By the way, I'm 34 and heading out in 4 months to live my
dream and I don't care if I'm too old!!! I've waited too
long to care ...
from a 52 yr old male who quit the rat race a couple of
years ago and has been travelling oz in a motor home for a
couple of years. I did the backpacker thing for a month in
southern thailand last year and loved it so much I am going
back for the north this year. Yes, there are a hell of a lot
of 20 somethings out there doing it and yes, most people in
the 40+ age group seem to travel in couples and stay in nice
hotels, but hell lady the worl needs more people like us to
show that life really does begin at 40.
Most women I have spoken to (and most posts on the SE asia
Thorntree) seem to recommend thailand as a good spot to dip
your feet in the water. Go and do it, enjoy it and good luck
Last year I was in Thailand with my mom (she was 43 then)
we were there for a month, and it was fantastic. All the Thai's called her 'mamma' which was so sweet, and i think they were somewhat fascinated by mother and daughter travelling together.
In Thaiuland 'i also met a 64 year old bloke who was just trekking round having a whale of a time.
Do you really need a travelling partner? - why not go at it alone? - it's a liberating feeling for sure
Hope everything goes well for you
Charlie
Hi Janice,
I'm 40 and female and go it alone all over India. I'm also
not into too much hardship and do like a clean toilet but it
isn't tough and I feel safer as I get older. Anyttime you
are in /India and want a travelling companion or some help
I'm there. Do write.