When was the last time you had an adventure? I understand that many of us were restricted with what we could do during the Covid pandemic. However, the world has slowly re-opened and we are no longer living under restrictions. We’re now able to resume our former lives and get out there and have some adventures. It is time I recommenced living my most adventurous life in my 50s and 60s.
I’ve heard people say that they no longer feel comfortable to travel overseas due to the fear of catching Covid. Others are worried about the remote possibility of war. Then there are people who are so entrenched in their comfort zones that they daren’t step outside. But I say, life is far too short to stagnate at home!
Obviously, we’re not looking to take up abseiling, bungee jumping or canyoning in our 50s and 60s. However, there are plenty of other types of adventures that are suitable for our age group. It really is a matter of getting out of our comfort zones a little and taking the plunge.
These types of adventurous activities are still perfectly achievable for most of us:
But if you’re not into adventure in the physical sense, then at least think about the last one on the list – exploring new travel destinations. This is definitely achievable for most of us!
So maybe you’re not comfortable to travel outside of your own country just yet. I can fully understand your hesitation. However, why not look at where you can explore within your own backyard? I have travelled all the way around Australia, but there is still so much that I haven’t discovered. So, I’m sure you can also make a list of places that you would like to see within your own country.
There is plenty on offer in Australia with amazing diversity in our terrain and some of our cities are also worth visiting. Decide where you want to go and then plan accordingly. This could be a self-drive itinerary in a caravan or motorhome, or maybe on an organised group tour. There are even ocean cruises that circumnavigate our extensive coastline. The possibilities are endless.
Otherwise, I have an ever-growing bucket list of international travel destinations that I want to see. Before I’m too old to travel abroad I want to see as many countries as I can. For me, jumping aboard a cruise makes overseas travel a lot easier. Cruises can take you to a number of countries in a few short weeks and they stop at all of the popular destinations.
Organised guided group tours are also an ideal method of travel. These tours take all the headache out of planning an itinerary with all arrangements made for you. We took a 15 day tour of Japan last year and it was fabulous. We saw some of the most remarkable countryside and points of interest in Japan. I doubt whether we could have planned a better itinerary ourselves.
When I travel I like to try new things and really immerse myself into the culture and cuisine of the country I’m in. I also like to just get lost in a city or town, exploring all the back streets and wandering around observing the way the locals live. This has to be one of the most exciting things about travelling to new destinations. I recall getting thoroughly lost in a maze of streets in Positano in Italy years ago.
I also like to take part in any activities or adventures that are on offer when I travel. Particularly if it involves taking a bit of a risk! When we travelled to Queenstown a few years ago we jetboated down the Shotover River, mountain biked around the lake to Arrowtown, and zoomed around the luge course at the top of Queenstown Hill. I also did a scenic helicopter flight over the Bay of Islands in New Zealand.
Some of these activities may not be within everyone’s comfort zones, but it certainly instils a sense of adventure and fun. I like the adrenalin rush of putting myself out there a bit! It keeps you young at heart. It is also something to tell the grandkids about when you get home.
For those of you that don’t like to travel overseas there are plenty of ways to become more adventurous on a daily basis. Get out of your rut and start looking for ways to may your life more exciting. Take up a new hobby or sport. Enrol in a short course or learn a new language. Join local like-minded community groups or start your own.
Things that come to mind are: Joining a bushwalking or hiking club; take up pickleball, croquet or lawn bowls; volunteer for your favourite charity; get involved in your local theatre; go out and see live music; attend festivals in your region; take a train to your nearest city and enjoy a day sightseeing; do a foodie tour of your region; get out in the great outdoors and enjoy a picnic with family or friends.
There is plenty of inspiration in Facebook groups or on your local community page, so start scrolling and find something that interests you. Otherwise, search for a local “What’s On Page”, or visit your nearest Visitors Information Centre. There are many ways to find out what’s happening around where you live.
Grab life by both hands and live it to the fullest. Because as we know, life is far too short and there are no promised tomorrows.
For more reading about living life to the fullest see my post Unravelling in our Sixties.
