TOO OLD FOR TRAVEL OR A NEW LIFE? NOPE!!! — Expat In Valencia

Is it ever too late to start a new life? In a majority of cases, the answer is an unequivocal no. There are thousands, if not millions who do it yearly. Whether your move is to another part of the country, or to another part of the world for a new experience, age should not hold you back.

TOO OLD FOR TRAVEL OR A NEW LIFE? No, you are not!

Everyone probably knows of the term “Snowbirds”. This is the definition on :

A snowbird is a person who migrates from the colder northern parts of North America to warmer southern locales, typically during the winter.

In the past, this used to refer to just old people, but the numbers of younger people doing the same have been steadily increasing. I think it’s time for people to stop using age as a barrier to changing their lives. It is simply a crutch.

The truth of the matter is that, more often than not, it is more than likely fear that holds you back. Of course, it goes without saying that fear is a very justifiable emotion. One that should be recognized, but not paralyzed by. In fact, one might argue that some fear is necessary.

Shedding Your Old Skin:

Traveling is a great way to revitalize. Shedding your skin like a snake gives you a chance to be reborn. A lot of people hide behind the usual excuses:

• The kids are too young
• My family can not do without me
• I’m single and won’t make friends
• I’m too old to learn a new language
• My boyfriend/girlfriend etc. doesn’t like to travel

It’s not hard to come up with a million other reasons why you can’t travel. What you should be focusing on instead is why you should travel. If all these snowbirds, sunbirds (the ones who it the other way around, moving to cooler climates in the winter), and everyone else in between can do it, what is your excuse?

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Fear Is The Mind Killer:

When you stop using your age as a barrier to successful ex-pat life, you can now work on the circumstances that prevent you from making the move. Is it money? You can find out about teaching, for instance. Take the proper and required TEFL or CELTA course(s) to prepare yourself and possibly find a job, even before moving. Once you open your mind to new experiences, your options are almost endless.

No matter where in the world you decide to go, a new state, a new neighborhood, a new country, for sure you won’t be the first to have done so. There is a wealth of information on the internet, and maybe even people you know who have done the same. Set about removing the obstacles one at a time so you don’t get too overwhelmed.

One thing you also need to remember is that your experience should never be considered a failure if you find yourself back home for whatever reason. The old adage if at first, you don’t succeed, try, try and try again. Every setback should be a learning experience.

We did not find ex-pat success with the country we moved to when we left America. Spain is definitely home to us now, and l can make your journey even easier with my online course which tackles all aspects of moving to Spain. There you go! One less excuse.

With Age Comes Wisdom:

One of the advantages of traveling/moving as a mature adult is that you are much wiser. Like a fine wine, age teaches you (hopefully) how to savor life more. You have a new appreciation for life and don’t take it for granted. Adding travel and new experiences only makes life more purposeful. You don’t want to be filled with regrets.

I don’t think you can ever be too old to travel and enjoy the world. I always advise people to take advantage of whatever time they can spare, and start small. Have a place in mind to live? Go for a scouting trip. Based on the kind of passport you hold, it is possible to stay in some countries for three months, six months, even longer.

Travel Better As A Potential Expat:

When you get there, try and shop where the regular people do, and not at the tourist spots. Stay at an AirBnB or VRBO as opposed to a hotel. This will give you a taste of what life is like. Ask for information from others who have done the same. You can start building your tribe even before you leave your home country or state.

It is important to make sure you have travel insurance when you do go on these trips. While your insurance covers you at home, it might not cover you while overseas. One way is to get coverage through your credit card for instance, or through a company such as World Nomads Insurance.

I’ve met many people of all ages who have taken the leap. A long time ago, when l moved from Boston to Los Angeles by myself at the age of 24, I was terrified, but l did it anyway. Now thinking back, had l not done it, I might not have found life-long friends, a husband, and countless other life experiences.

This has motivated me to other travelers and ex-pats who have done or are doing the same. Challenge yourself and get inspired by the stories. Life outside your comfort zone has so much to offer. One could say your instincts are even sharper as you mature.

Change your narrative from “am l too old to move abroad?” to “I can’t wait to move abroad”. Then just do it (with proper preparation of course).

Do you think you’re too old for a new life? If not, what has been holding you back?

Originally published at https://expatinvalencia.com on January 4, 2021.