In this post our frequent guest writer, Jesse Clark, provides travel tips for those who are in a new phase of life. As I prepare to retire soon, and with our children now living on their own, this is a topic that I think about often. Check out the links included, they contain useful resources. Jesse’s bio sketch is below. 

Empty nesters are parents whose children have grown and are now facing an empty home. While this can be a challenging time, it can also be an opportunity to go on new adventures and experiences that were not possible before. One of the best ways to embrace this new phase of your life is through travel. Here are some tips on enjoying your newfound freedom from The Independent Tourist.

Take Weekend Road Trips

Weekend road trips are a great way to explore nearby destinations without taking too much time off work or spending too much money. Depending on where you live, there may be plenty of options within a few hours’ drive. Consider renting an RV or booking a cabin in the woods for a unique experience. Renting an RV for a few days can be a great way to learn if that lifestyle suits you.

Go on an Overseas Adventure

If you’ve always dreamed of traveling overseas, now is the perfect time to do so. With no kids to worry about, you can plan more adventurous trips without worrying about schedules or school breaks. “Shoulder seasons” are a perfect time to travel – the weather is still good but most families have headed back home for the school year. Whether you want to explore Europe’s historic cities or relax on a tropical beach in Southeast Asia, the possibilities are endless.

Visit Friends and Family

Now that your children have left the house, you may find that you have more time and energy to visit friends and family members who live far away. If driving, you can explore interesting places along the way. You can also use this time to meet new people and make connections in different parts of the world.

Explore New Cities You’ve Never Seen

There are probably plenty of cities and states in your own country that you’ve never had the chance to explore. Take the opportunity to do some research and choose a few destinations that you’d like to check out. Make sure to plan ahead so you get the most out of your trip and have plenty of time for sightseeing and other activities. Take advantage of this new phase of life by planning trips to places like New York City or San Francisco or even national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite. You can even head out to one of the many Disney parks scattered throughout the country. Check out Mouse Life Today to learn all about the Disney Vacation Club.

Escape to Somewhere Peaceful

If you’re looking for a more relaxing vacation experience, consider escaping somewhere peaceful like a spa resort or secluded beach town. These are perfect for recharging your batteries and reconnecting with yourself. Make sure to plan some time for meditation, yoga, and other activities that will help you relax and unwind. No matter where you choose to go on your empty nest adventures, make sure that it’s something that feels right for you.

Pack Light

When traveling as an empty nester, it’s essential (and easier) to pack light and stay organized. Avoid overpacking by making a list beforehand and sticking only with essentials. Packing cubes can keep everything organized in your luggage.

Organize Travel Documents

It’s important to keep your travel documents organized digitally for easy access during your trip. Storing travel information and medical records as PDFs make them easy to access. Additionally, you can split a large file into several smaller ones using this free tool, so you can securely store and access them from any device, making them a convenient solution for traveling empty nesters.

In conclusion, becoming empty nesters does not mean that life has come to an end — it’s just the beginning of another chapter full of opportunities for adventure and exploration through travel. Whether it’s taking weekend road trips, going on overseas adventures, or escaping to somewhere peaceful, there is a place out there waiting for you to enjoy.

Jesse Clark is a traveler, so she’s no stranger to experiencing wanderlust and that strong desire to travel. She’s already had enough experiences to last a lifetime, but she’s not stopping anytime soon. Find out more and contact her through soulful-travel.com.

Note: Featured images from Pexels.