Just because you’ve made it to 40 doesn’t mean you’re over the hill. Now is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the view with decades of experience and perspective before carrying on with the rest of your journey. Turning 40 is a great time to access your life goals, particularly as they pertain to travel. Are your travel dreams the same as when you were in your 20s or 30s? Or even last year?

Here are some tips on how to set new travel priorities that match the interests of the more mature and experienced person you’ve become over the years. Time to treat yourself!

Embrace New Preferences

Odds are your priorities and interests have shifted over the years. Maybe once upon a time you were all about staying in hostels but now you prefer — and can afford — more privacy and space. Maybe you’ve already crossed a few destinations off your list and need to add new ones to it. Maybe even some of the sorts of places you used to dream about just don’t cut it for you anymore — bye-bye, backpacking trip through Thailand; hello, road trip through Iceland. Acknowledging how you’ve changed should help you determine where you most want to go in the future.

Glean from the Past

Just because you’ve grown doesn’t mean you have to abandon all of your memories and preferences. Maybe you have a favorite travel memory from when you were a child or from any other time in your past. Was it that study-abroad year in Italy? Or that spring break trip to Cancun? Think about what factors made that time so wonderful for you and if they still apply to how you like to travel now. Remembering your earliest passions will enable you to tap into the reasoning behind your current desires and to fulfill childhood fantasies and lifelong goals.

Think Short- and Long-Term

Maybe you’re not as full of vim and vigor as you once were. In another 10, 20, 30 years such will be the case to an even greater extent. So take stock of how able-bodied you are and will be. Prioritize the more physical itineraries and long-haul trips for the near future and consider more leisurely pursuits for when you’re older. Book the surf lessons in Hawaii now…save the lounging on the beach in the Maldives for later.

Ask Who, What, and Why…Not Just Where

Surely, after four decades on Earth you must have been made aware that it’s the journey — not the destination — that makes travel such an enriching experience. Keep this in mind when working on your bucket list and make sure it’s more than a string of places to strike a line through. Delve deeper into your life’s ambitions to create the kind of list that reflects your personality and style.

Do your plans include spending time with the friends and family who matter most to you? You might find that quality time with loved ones matters more than sightseeing. Or maybe you’ve had enough of big group vacations and you want go solo for a journey or two. (More on this later.) Now is a great time to try something new.

Embrace Cultural Experiences

Expand your travel horizons by embracing learning and cultural experiences. Feed your curiosity with immersive activities that go beyond sightseeing. Dive into language immersion programs to pick up the local language while exploring a new place. Join a culinary class or a food tour. Let local chefs guide you through the preparation of traditional dishes, and wander through street markets to experience the true flavors of the region.

If you’re a history buff, you can always try to uncover the secrets of the past by joining historical and cultural tours. Museums, ancient sites, and landmarks become your classroom as you absorb the rich history and heritage of the places you visit. It’s like stepping back in time with each fascinating discovery.

Consider Health and Wellness Retreats

Ever heard of holistic healing retreats? Combining activities like yoga, meditation, and spa treatments, the retreats are a great a chance to unwind and reset while surrounded by serene landscapes. Whenever possible, try to choose retreats nestled in nature, where fresh air and scenic views contribute to your overall wellness. Activities like hiking, nature walks, and outdoor meditation sessions bring a therapeutic element to your travel agenda.

You can also prioritize your health with retreats that focus on mindful nutrition. Learn about balanced diets, participate in healthy cooking classes, and indulge in nutritious meals that energize your body and soul. If you’re a more active traveler, consider retreats that blend fitness and adventure. Whether it’s a fitness boot camp or adrenaline-pumping activities like surfing or trekking, these retreats keep you physically engaged while you’re enjoying a getaway to remember.

Join Volunteer Programs on Your Trip

Get involved in a community engagement project that allow you to contribute to local initiatives might be exactly what you need in this new stage of your life. Whether it’s teaching, building, or environmental conservation, you’ll be an active participant in the betterment of communities. How about volunteer opportunities focused on animal conservation? From wildlife sanctuaries to marine life projects, you can play a hands-on role in protecting and preserving the diverse ecosystems of the planet while enjoying an epic international trip.

And these are just a few examples. You can join programs that support education, helping build schools or providing educational resources to underprivileged communities so your efforts can contribute to a brighter future for those in need. You could even be a part of disaster relief efforts during your travels. We bet you never thought that your wanderlust might become a tool to make the world a better place.

Embrace the Appeal of Solo Travel

Solo travel opens doors to unparalleled cultural immersion. Without the constraints of group dynamics, you can easily connect with locals, adapt your plans spontaneously, and absorb the authentic essence of each destination. More than just visiting new places, traveling on your own is a welcomed opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Step out of your comfort zone, face challenges independently, and witness the transformative impact on your confidence and resilience. The itinerary waiting ahead is entirely in your hands.

FAQs:

Q: What precautions should I take when volunteering during travel?
A: Prioritize safety by researching reputable volunteer organizations. Ensure they have clear guidelines and support systems. Check reviews and testimonials from previous volunteers for insights into their experiences.

Q: Are there specific considerations for choosing a health and wellness retreat?
A: Before booking, assess the retreat’s accommodation, amenities, and reviews. Confirm the qualifications of instructors or practitioners. Check if the retreat offers a balance of activities to suit your well-being goals.

Q: How can I make the most out of a solo travel experience?
A: Plan solo activities that align with your interests. Connect with local communities through social media or local events. Keep a flexible itinerary, allowing for spontaneous discoveries and interactions. Trust your instincts and enjoy the freedom of solo exploration.

Q: How can I enjoy a more immersive cultural experience during my travels?
A: Engage in local workshops, classes, or cultural events. Seek opportunities to interact with locals, such as homestays or community-based tourism. Learn basic phrases in the local language to enhance communication and connection.

Q: What steps can I take to expand beyond popular tourist attractions?
A: Explore lesser-known destinations or off-season travel. Include niche experiences like attending local festivals, trying new cuisines, or exploring hidden gems. Use travel forums and blogs to discover hidden treasures and authentic local experiences.

Have your travel priorities changes over the years? Tell us about them in the comments section below!