As I grow older, I increasingly feel the urgency of time slipping away and the significance of seizing every moment. The challenge lies in discerning what constitutes a waste of time versus the most fulfilling use of it. Everyone has their own preferences, and I know some might not resonate with my lifestyle.
I'm a retired empty nester with a strong urge to travel and see as much of the world as possible. I downsized after lockdown during the pandemic and plan to live before I die, or at least before my osteoporosis restricts me. The key is finding ways to travel affordably—or even for free!
I've discovered the perfect solution: volunteering as a leader for holiday walking tours with Ramble Worldwide. My expenses are covered, which allows me to see amazing parts of the world and help create memorable experiences for others.
Though the work can be demanding, I thrive on chatting and organizing (perhaps a bit bossy at times), making it an ideal fit for me. My recent trip to the stunning island of Guernsey, a Crown Protectorate of the UK, exemplified the best parts of my journey. We stayed in a four-star hotel, shared delightful dinners, and enjoyed breathtaking daily coastal walks.
I derive pleasure in knowing I'm taking people to beautiful places and helping them have a wonderful holiday. The Guernsey group was terrific—just six ladies, all older than me, full of enthusiasm for life and travel. One in her 80s even showed me how to do 10 proper press-ups like she does in the gym twice a week. Women like this are so inspiring.
Typically, the travel company covers my flight home, but after a quick look on Skyscanner, I discovered I could fly to Paris just as easily as returning to Belfast. So off I went for a few days of solo exploration.
I adore traveling alone, and France, Italy, and Spain are particularly welcoming for women dining, having coffee, or strolling solo in the evenings. In Paris, however, the bustling, touristy, polluted atmosphere felt overwhelming after the serene 1950s charm of Guernsey, so I limited my stay to four days. My highlights included meandering through the streets of Montmartre and visiting the Sacré-Cœur, where I felt safe and at ease despite the surrounding "adult" shops. I felt very unbothered.
Next, more through luck than planning, the holiday company needed a leader in Bologna, Italy. As I had all my "work" clothes with me anyway, they flew me straight from Paris to Bologna! I'm a 64-year-old pensioner with a miserable pension, so I'm amazed by the opportunities I still have to explore the world.
Bologna is a beautiful, historic city, perfect for solo female travelers. It's filled with friendly visitors who are relaxed, curious about their surroundings, and open to conversation. This time, I had 18 guests, and together, we discovered incredible sights in Parma, Modena, and Ravenna.
I'm steadily checking off my travel bucket list! Looking ahead to 2025, I plan to lead a few more holidays and visit Sole Sisters as far apart as Auckland and Nanaimo. I can't wait to connect with some of you along the way!
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