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AIBU

Am I too old by taking a year out aged 75 to travel and visit family and sightseeing all within financial constraints

(126 Posts)
nanafunny Sun 07-May-23 19:16:11

Being in excellent health, I want to sell my house [I'm putting money into getting granny flat at my daughter's house]
I would love to travel and visit friends and family.
I also want to do a fundraising walk for Cancer Research

Marthjolly1 Sun 14-May-23 18:58:15

Good Lord, no you are not too old. I would love to take a year out, buy a camper van and travel all the European countries. I'm just a couple of years younger than yourself, two female relatives have died very suddenly within the past 2 months, both the same age as me. I know what they would say to you. Go, have fun, tomorrow will take care of itself.

joycerousselot123 Sun 14-May-23 18:32:12

If your legs will carry you, the rest will follow !

EmilyHarburn Fri 12-May-23 12:10:38

You are not too old to take a year out. Perfect timing whilst between houses. Go for it whilst you have got the good health. Enjoy your trip.

Frankie51 Thu 11-May-23 18:30:29

I travel every year , sometimes twice a year,to Canada alone to see my son and grandchildren . I stay in a city 200 miles from their town for a few days to recover from the journey,then travel onwards to where he lives. On the way back I have a night in the city before I fly back. I get an Air BnB in the town they live near and they pick me up for visits as there's no public transport to their rural area. . I'm 73 and have done this for years, and will continue to do so. I can't imagine someone not travelling because of their age .I often meet other UK Grans travelling to see their families on the journey . There are a lot of us. I know someone who is 85 and travels to Australia to see her family every year. Unless you are unwell why not travel ?

SecondhandRose Thu 11-May-23 17:29:38

Please get a legal agreement made out with a solicitor if you are putting money into your daughter’s property. My Mum’s friend did exactly that. Her daughter and husband later split up and she lost her home and her money. It was split with no regard for the money she put into the property. And yes go travelling!

kwal Thu 11-May-23 11:18:48

Go for it. I'm getting itchy feet so might see you around!

GrannyGravy13 Thu 11-May-23 10:34:23

Get the best insurance.

Pack your bags.

Enjoy your travels.

P.S. please keep us updated during your trip 👍

Forestflame Thu 11-May-23 10:23:45

Go for it!
Have a fantastic time and make loads of lovely memories

Allsorts Thu 11-May-23 09:18:32

What inspiring people you all are. I have travelled a lot, due to health reasons not in 3 years but now ready, everything seems to have doubled in price but you need to do things whilst you can.

Yoginimeisje Thu 11-May-23 08:10:38

A friend of mine did this a few years ago. Rented out her house and had a great time, visiting Oz as well. She went alone but had lots of friends to visit and stay with. Good luck if you go ahead with your adventure and have the best of times!

GramK Thu 11-May-23 04:57:03

Go for it, while you can.
Weseldom regret what we've done but often regret what we didn't do. My mil learned to drive after her husband died at age 74 and went on cruises and traveled often. She was able to go to all 50 states, including Alaska, before she passed at 81.
I have a Canadian neighbor in AZ who, after her husband passed, bought a winter home and spends 5months a year there. She is 77 and drives back and forth to AZ with her little dog

ALANaV Wed 10-May-23 20:24:12

I have MANY ha ha health issues ...BUT managed to get world wide cover insurance for all of them (VERY expensive !) only thing insurer would not cover was a 121 day world cruise, (I am 76 soon) so I have broken the world tour down into three cruises ....done two so far (USA and Canada, then Panama and Mexico ...next booked Antarctica in January) have also been on shorter cruises to Norway and the North Pole, Iceland and he Arctic ......off to the Falklands and Argentina next ... go on holidays or breaks almost every month ....just been to Krakow, Prague, Crete, Lanzorote, Scotland (twice), concerts, theatres and cinemas (all on my own ....have no friends (grin !) and those people I know are only interested in going to the Caribbean (one place I have no wish to go !) used to live on the island of Menorca, then Brittany, then Bordeaux ...husband died after me being is carer with Parkinsons for more than 5 years.....came back to the UK (didn;t want to, but Brexit made it too much hassle to stay !) bought a one bed retirement flat ....take weekends on DFDS to Amsterdam ...did go back to see friends in France but the French are protesting (as usual !) and burning tyres, going on strikes, etc (bit like the UK !) so not been back my philosophy in life is Tim McGraw (country n Western singer) song 'Live Like You were Dying;...no one is promised tomorrow and I just hope I can get Antarctica in before I pop my clogs ! One place I will sadly never to to now is Russia (had it booked but COVID came along ....and we know what happened after ! My flat will pay for hopefully any care I need ...I have one daughter who has not spoken to me for 15 years and have my PoA for health and finances and my Will and Funeral are all paid for and in place .............I have my DNAR form in place and Dignity in Dying plan, plus Dignitas BUT that costs o er £12,000 so I would have to haunt someone if I paid in advance (as you must) and then died of natural causes before smile GO FOR IT ....

Fleurpepper Wed 10-May-23 20:24:10

What are the countries you plan to visit? In Europe of long haul. Would love to know.

stewaris Wed 10-May-23 19:56:50

Go for it. I can't remember who said it but growing old is compulsory, growing up is optional. So go and enjoy!

M0nica Wed 10-May-23 19:55:21

Cousin and wife, both mid-late 80s have suddenly decided to go to Venice for a holiday, never having been there before.

You are never too old for anything. Other things may place limitations, like disability and poor health, but age means nothing.

Bijou Wed 10-May-23 19:12:20

I had to give up travelling when I was 82 owing to mobility problems one of my last trips was to Barbados to visit my niece. Before that I used to travel at least three times a year.

LilyoftheValley Wed 10-May-23 19:09:19

No! Have a great time. I would thoroughly recommend a World Cruise. Safe and comfortable travel, people when you need them, peace of you don 't. Enjoy.

Patsy70 Wed 10-May-23 19:08:57

Definitely not too old! Have a fantastic time!

MerylStreep Wed 10-May-23 18:54:26

Grandmafrench
Don’t stop at Italy. Get the ferry from Brindisi to any of the Greek ports. Or, you could get a ferry to Albania as we did.

MagSt Wed 10-May-23 18:31:23

Definitely not too old, I am 75 and off to Australia on my own later this year.

red1 Wed 10-May-23 18:18:24

no, how long has any of us left to live?

Gundy Wed 10-May-23 18:16:29

YOU GO, GIRL ! ! !
SAFE TRAVELS ! ! !
Make sure to send pictures…
USA Gundy

ooonana Wed 10-May-23 18:11:04

Oh how fabulous I’d grasp it by the throat and enjoy every minute but take care and be savvy… I’m envious you have the confidence.

albertina Wed 10-May-23 17:38:26

I agree with all the positive responses here. Go for it and have fun.

GrannyFirstLight Wed 10-May-23 16:36:36

Ask yourself these questions:

1) In the next 25 years, will you be getting any younger?
2) In the next 25 years, will you be getting any healthier?

LIVE!!!!! smile