Two years ago, I turned 50. These are not words I type lightly, honestly, it's still a little strange to think of myself as being in my 50's. I know, I know, fifty is the new thirty, or forty, or whatever number people want to throw at me these days. That doesn't make the number itself any easier to sit with.
What did make it easier was celebrating that milestone birthday with my family in London, England. We spent a very rainy day visiting the sites of the city. When we returned to the hotel, my family had set up a cake, a bottle of Prosecco, and a Happy Birthday video from our closest friends and family. It even included birthday wishes from my cruise group, who were visiting Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay while I was across the ocean! No surprise, the video made me cry.
What better way to celebrate a milestone event than in a foreign country with those you love ♥️
That year, the year I turned 50, I visited 6 countries: Mexico, Chile, England, Ireland, France, and Spain. (Confession, one was just an airport, but that still counts, right?) I closed out the year with a trip to the Bahamas that September, bringing my total to 7.
Fast forward to today, and traveling still feeds my soul the same way it always has. It makes me feel alive. It makes me feel like fifty-two is the new forty, maybe even the new thirty (definitely not twenty!).
The first time I visited Paris, back in 2017, I cried when we walked off the plane, into the airport, and saw the "Welcome to Paris" sign. My husband wondered what was wrong with me. There was nothing wrong, I felt like I was home. There is even a restaurant with my maiden name, Prunier, and a street in Bordeaux named the same.
At this point in my life, Europe is my favorite place to visit. I love the feel of the cobblestone streets beneath my feet. I love the small shops that have been owned by the same family for a century. I love to visit the museums and marvel over the paintings and ancient artifacts. I love to try as much new food and wine as I can!
Whether I am traveling with my husband, with my adult kids, or traveling for work, I always make sure I do something I've never done before or try a food or drink I've never had.
On our cruise to Italy, Greece, and Turkey in 2022, we decided to try pizza and gelato in each port. We accomplished this goal. My favorite pizza being Roma while my husband and daughter preferred Napoli style.
My goal is to visit every country before I leave this earth. It may seem lofty, but I feel like I am off to a good start! Hey, I'm only 52!
I know I am blessed to be able to travel the way I do. My kids are grown, and my work as a Certified Travel Advisor affords me many opportunities. But I feel very strongly that everyone should find the time to travel. Whether it be a city close by that you haven't visited in a while, a tropical island where you sit on the beach and relax, or, if you're like me, a foreign land to fulfill your desire for exploration, there is a place for everyone!
So here's what two years into my 50's has taught me: don't wait for the "right" time or the "right" age. The trip you've been dreaming about doesn't need permission, it just needs a first step. Let's plan yours.