Why Travelling in your 50’s is different then in your younger years - Practical Travel Tips for a Soul Nourishing Journey

Travelling has always been one of my greatest passions. I have visited more then 40 countries in 5 continents. Growing up in the black forest in Germany I was 17 years old when I saw the first time the sea (in Spain in case you are wondering). A group of friends took the bus to Spain, which took like forever, but the trip was all worth it. I still remember my travels with the night train to Italy and camping in summer with my boyfriend of that time when I was in my twenties. Or the Young Living incentive trips in my 40’s where I went to see places I would never have been gone on my own (Honduras, Belize, Alaska, Cook Island just to name a few).

Claudia Hofmaier meditating at the great Pyramids in Giza, Egypt!

Now in my 50’s I travel differently. I have more time and I like to stay a couple of weeks at one place and I prefer airbnb where I can cook my own healthy food instead of staying in Hotels.

Our body is definitely different in our 50’s and it needs more time to adjust to changes, may it be environmental e.g. air, temperature, noise levels, or food or even people.

As an empath I easily get negatively influenced by the busyness in cities, at the airport or on the plane and there are a few tips which have helped me to stay centred, which I will share below.

For ease of navigation I have split the travel tips into three sections:

Before the flight/trip, when arriving and during the trip and after the flight/trip!

How to prepare for your trip?

I have to make a confession, I often book my trips very last minute. The most last minute trip I ever booked was on the morning of the day itself I travelled. That was a trip to an Indonesian neighbour Island of Singapore, which only required very little preparation. A few of my trips where planned a couple of days before. I don’t actually recommend this, as it can cause additional stress. So here I say it, plan your trip well in advance (at least a couple of weeks) if you get easily stressed!

1. Have a check list of what to pack and bring on your trip if you don’t travel often

The last thing you want is discovering at the airport you forgot something super important. Of course if depends on your destination too. Especially if you take certain supplements and they are unavailable at your destination (e.g. traveling to third world countries might not always have the things you are used to). I used to even bring my gluten free pasta with me for the first few days.

2. Have a good nights sleep before your travel and choose a day flight if you can versus a night flight.

Unless you are one of the super blessed people who can sleep anywhere. I feel that I suffer less from jet leg if I travel during the day and arrive in the evening and can go to bed soon after landing.

3.  Consider doing a stop over if your trip is longer then 18 to 20 hours.

Trips in economy of 24 hours (including stops) like I did in my younger years require too much days to recover from. I choose to make at least one stop over on the way.

4. Book at least the first few nights or the first week of your trip.

I love flexibility, but I always make sure I have at least 3 to 4 nights booked.

5. Choose a good seat on the plane and pay extra if necessary.

Business class or premium economy is often not within the budget, so on my last long overnight flight I paid extra for the emergency seat which was well worth the 120USD I spent on it and I had a much better rest.

6. Pack your supplements and anything which is really important to you and don’t assume it is widely available in the country you are visiting. For me must haves are ear plugs and eye mask.

It took me some time to find charcoal tablets in Egypt, so I was glad I brought some from back home (although not enough :-)).

My recommendation (depending on your destination this varies a little bit):

* Vitamin C (or Ningxia Red sachets, a power juice full of vitamins and minerals. I never travel without it) it helps to keep your immune system balanced.

* Magnesium/calcium (for sleep and reducing muscle cramps when walking a lot).

* Essential Oils:

This is hard, because there are so many. My must haves are: Lavender for calming and skin scratches, Peppermint for any kind of tension/headaches, Thieves for immunity, Digize (blend to support the digestion), RC (blend to support respiratory system), rose essential oil or stress away blend for everything else :-). And I aways pack my Raindrop oils (a set of 10 oils)

7. Lastly, we don’t want to get sick and I think it is wise to have a travel health insurance. If you travel a lot look into yearly health insurance plans

Claudia applying Young Living Thyme Essential Oil on the sole of her feet for a healthy immune system.

Essential oils are more concentrated than herbs and they contain the life force of the plant. They are also super handy while travelling!

When arriving at your destination!

Claudia grounding in the Black Forest, Germany

1. Arrive in the evening after a long flight and try to get a good nights sleep

Airport hotels although expensive are in my opinion sometimes quite useful. e.g. when I fly to Germany I take the day flight, which arrives in the evening. I take my luggage, grab a sandwich, check into the hotel, shower and have a good nights sleep before journeying on (usually by train) to my final destination. It makes the jet leg a lot easier.

2. Give your body some rest on the day of arrival and an additional day after

I rest a full day on arrival. If I arrive in the evening I rest an addition day. That doesn’t mean I have to stay in my accommodation the whole time. I go for walks, but I don’t start working.

3. Get your feet on the earth and get some sun light asap to ground and reset your circadian rhythm.

Ideally on your day of arrival or the next day spent some time in nature. This makes such a big difference. Take a long walk, put you feet on the ground or best the whole body.  Depending on your location you may have to go to a park.

Flying back and after your trip

The same tips mentioned before apply when flying back, rest is necessary even more as we need to adjust back into our daily routine. The same applies here that I rest one day after travelling before I start working. I spent some time in nature and catch some sun light.

I hope the above tips will be helpful for you and do let me know your favourite or next travel destination!