One of the most common questions I hear is: "Is it really still okay to travel?" The short answer? Yes. Emphatically, yes.

Whether you are traveling solo, with a partner, on a multigenerational family trip, or with a group of dear friends, there are safe and wonderful ways to see and experience the world at every stage of life. Travel is for the curious, the open-hearted, and the courageous—regardless of age.

A Lifetime of Travel with My Mother

I have had the great blessing of traveling with my Mother all over the world. While she would tell you that things began to slow down after 80, her spirit and desire to connect, explore, and learn has never waned. Now going on 92, living with COPD has made long walks and high altitudes more challenging, but she has found ways to adapt. And travel operators are catering more to mobility needs. She continues to venture out by choosing destinations more suited to her physical needs and leaning into experiences that nourish her spirit.
What we’ve discovered together is this: travel may evolve, but it never has to end. Below are just a few of our amazing journeys together after she turned 90.

Four Destinations That Prove Travel Is for All Ages

1. Canadian and U.S. Rockies by Rail with Rocky Mountaineer

One of the most spectacular journeys we’ve taken began on board the Rocky Mountaineer. My Mother and I started with the “Journey through the Clouds” from Vancouver to Jasper, through Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary. We continued our multigenerational family adventure from Denver through the dramatic U.S. Rockies and the red rocks of the Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.

What made this journey so special was the way nature unfolded before us. Almost every time we blinked, our eyes opened to a new, breathtaking view—completely different from the last. Around every bend in the tracks, another moment of natural wonderment and beauty awaited us. We passed by the towering Mt. Robson (over 12,500 feet high), watched eagles soar, and marveled at hundreds of sparkling streams and lakes. At Lake Louise, we picked a room with a view to bring the world outside to us. Snow-capped peaks, roaming mountain animals, and a stunning sunset drive through Arches National Park brought our journey to a perfect close.

This itinerary is ideal for older travelers or anyone who wants to experience the grandeur of our natural world in comfort. From the train, you delight in ever-changing landscapes while enjoying delicious breakfasts, gourmet lunches paired with fine wines, and afternoon tea with sweet treats—all served onboard in luxury. There’s no better way to enjoy the splendor of nature with ease and style.

2. Summer Adventure in Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park

Another unforgettable family journey took us to the wide-open beauty of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and into the heart of Yellowstone National Park. We spent a day river rafting on the Snake River—an experience that was equal parts exhilarating and serene. Surrounded by the majestic Grand Tetons, we were surrounded by a landscape so awe-inspiring and peaceful that just made us smile.

Exploring Yellowstone’s geysers, bubbling hot springs, and roaming bison was equally magical. And despite the grandeur and one of most beautiful and picturesque mountain ranges in our world, this trip was anything but stressful. This kind of journey proves that adventure doesn’t have to be exhausting. It can be filled with joy, beauty, wonderment, and ease—perfect for families looking to share time together without the hassle of complicated logistics.

3. Beyond the Imaginable: Witnessing the Monarch Butterfly Migration in Mexico

Some journeys transcend expectations—and the Monarch Butterfly Migration in the mountains of Mexico was one of them.

For my Mother, this trip was important. She wanted to experience the monarchs in their natural habitat. For her, it was deeply personal. Every monarch reminded her of her beloved sister, who had passed away 21 years earlier.

The monarchs migrate to mountaintop sanctuaries over 10,000 feet high, requiring visitors to travel 20–30 minutes on horseback or longer by foot to reach the plateau. With her COPD and the challenges of high altitude, we consulted her pulmonologist in advance. After an altitude test, he recommended she travel with portable oxygen—and so off we went.

At one point on the ascent, my Mother’s confidence wavered. Gently, I reminded her of her favorite phrase: “You can do it.” I urged her to focus on the thousands of monarchs waiting to greet us.

And just like that, they began to appear.

The fluttering wings filled the sky and the air with a sound so soft, yet so powerful, it brought immense joy. It was a moment of wonderment, of resilience, of spiritual connection.

We were surrounded by life in motion—and reminded once again that the world always is willing to greet us with wonderment, nature and its history, if we are willing to go and meet it.

4. A Journey Along the West Coast of Africa

This was a journey we once wondered might be too uncertain to take. The last time we had been to Cape Town was in 2009. But aboard the Silversea's Silver Dawn, we set out on a 20-day voyage that would take us over 8,000 miles from South Africa to Namibia, Angola, Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, the Canary Islands, and finally to Portugal.

My Mother often reflected on how incredible it was to experience this side of Africa, with its dramatically different history, geography, and landscapes compared to the East African safaris she knew so well. The towering sand dunes of Namibia were breathtaking. The ghost towns—silent remnants of diamond exploration and exploitation—were deeply moving. But what filled her with the most joy were the children. Their love, laughter, and joy in meeting us left an imprint that stayed with her. Throughout our journey, we also came face-to-face with the painful legacies of the slave trade. In each country, the deep historical footprints were sobering and powerful.

At her age, cruising was the ideal way to explore such a vast region, providing both comfort and exceptional service. For this particular cruise, we often chose private excursions with local drivers and guides. In many places, transportation infrastructure is still developing, and private travel allowed us not only comfort but also the ability to see more in a single day. We packed her portable oxygen, carried ample water and snacks, and made it a point to return to the ship for meals. In countries with malaria risks, we applied mosquito repellent religiously.

The beauty of cruises that last 10 to 21 days or beyond is the inclusion of sea days—time to relax, reflect, and restore energy between ports. These days became moments of shared reflection, wonderful conversations, and joyful anticipation of what lay ahead.

Tips for Traveling with Confidence Later in Life

Use a travel insurance company that quotes policies for those 80+, rather than exact ages. This can give you more flexibility on cost and peace of mind.
Request wheelchair assistance at airports, even if you are mobile. It eases the journey from deplaning to curbside pickup and preserves energy for the experiences ahead.
Choose excursions that allow for both engagement and rest. You don’t have to walk every step to feel the joy of a place. Take the scenic bus ride. Sit in a café and people-watch. Listen deeply.
Recognize that the world is always changing. Even if you've visited a destination before, governments shift, cultures evolve, and new histories are written with each generation.

Encouragement for the Reluctant Traveler

To anyone sitting at home wondering, "Is it too late for me?" I offer this:

--It is never too late to explore, to be surprised, or to let the world show you something new. Travel is not only about distance covered. It is about perspective gained. It is about opening a window to the world and remembering that you are still a part of it.--

For Families and Friends Considering Travel with Loved Ones

If you’re hesitant to travel with a parent or older relative, know that it can be one of the most meaningful experiences of your life. Shared moments in unfamiliar places have a way of deepening connection and creating lifelong memories. With the help of Continents Unveiled, these trips can be tailored to any mobility level, health concern, or personal dream.

We can:

Design realistic and enriching itineraries
Coordinate assistance and accommodations
Choose routes with comfort and ease in mind
Bring reassurance when unexpected changes arise

Travel is timeless. It knows no age limit.

So go. Or plan. Or dream. The world is waiting—gently and generously, just as you are. And I’d be honored to help you shape the journey that’s calling your name.