If you want to enjoy traveling more as you get older, say goodbye to these 7 habits

I was sitting in a bustling night market in Chiang Mai when I struck up a conversation with Margaret, a spirited 72-year-old from Australia who was backpacking solo through Southeast Asia.

"You know," she told me over pad thai, "I wish I'd started traveling this way twenty years ago instead of sticking to those rigid tour groups."

Her words stuck with me long after our conversation ended. Here was someone who had discovered the secret to truly enjoying travel later in life—and it wasn't about having more money or time.

After recently writing about moving abroad after 30, I've been thinking a lot about how our relationship with travel evolves as we age. The truth is, many of us carry habits that actually diminish our travel experiences as we get older, when they should be getting richer and more meaningful.

If you want to rediscover the joy of exploration and make your future adventures more fulfilling, it's time to let go of these seven limiting patterns.

1. Over-planning every detail

Remember when spontaneity felt exciting rather than terrifying?

As we age, there's a tendency to plan trips down to the minute—every meal, every activity, every mode of transport mapped out months in advance. While some planning is smart, especially for shoter trips, over-planning can actually rob you of those magical, unexpected moments that make travel memorable.

I learned this the hard way during a recent trip. I had scheduled every hour of my itinerary, leaving no room for wandering or discovery. It wasn't until I missed a train and had to improvise that I stumbled upon a tiny village festival that became the highlight of my entire trip.

The key is finding balance. Plan the big things—flights, accommodation, must-see sights—but leave breathing room for serendipity to work its magic.

2. Sticking to your comfort zone

Do you find yourself gravitating toward the same types of destinations or accommodations every time you travel?

It's natural to want familiarity as we get older, but playing it too safe can make your travels feel repetitive and uninspiring. Maybe you always book chain hotels because you know what to expect, or you avoid destinations where English isn't widely spoken.

I used to be guilty of this myself. After years of analytical work, I craved predictability even in my leisure time. But some of my most rewarding travel experiences happened when I pushed past that comfort zone—like staying in a family-run guesthouse in rural Thailand where nobody spoke English, but the warmth and hospitality taught me more about the culture than any guidebook could.

As noted by Dr. Laura Carstensen, director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, "Aging brings some rather remarkable improvements -- increased knowledge, expertise -- and emotional aspects of life improve." Use that wisdom and experience as confidence to try something new, not as a reason to stick with the familiar.

3. Comparing yourself to younger travelers

Ever caught yourself thinking you're "too old" for hostels, adventure activities, or certain destinations?

This mindset can seriously limit your travel experiences. I see it all the time—people in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who automatically rule out experiences because they think they're meant for twenty-somethings only.

During my trail running adventures, I've met incredible people in their 60s and 70s who put my endurance to shame. Travel is no different. Age doesn't disqualify you from anything—it just means you might approach things differently.

That conversation with Margaret in Thailand really opened my eyes to this. Here she was, decades older than most backpackers, having the time of her life because she refused to let age define her limitations.

Mark Twain captured this perfectly: "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." 

Instead of focusing on what you think you can't do, consider what your experience and confidence now allow you to do that you might have been too nervous or inexperienced to try when you were younger.

4. Refusing to embrace technology

I get it—technology can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to navigate a foreign country. But stubbornly refusing to adapt to modern travel tools can make your trips more stressful and less enjoyable than they need to be.

A few years ago, I watched a fellow traveler spend an entire afternoon wandering around Barcelona with a crumpled paper map, getting increasingly frustrated while looking for his hotel. Meanwhile, a simple GPS app could have gotten him there in ten minutes.

You don't need to become a tech wizard overnight. Start small. Learn how to use one navigation app, download a translation tool, or figure out how to book accommodations online. These aren't just conveniences for young people—they're practical tools that can enhance anyone's travel experience.

During my volunteer work at farmers' markets, I've helped plenty of older vendors embrace simple technology that transformed their businesses. The same principle applies to travel. A little tech literacy goes a long way toward making your adventures smoother and more spontaneous.

5. Prioritizing quantity over quality

How many countries can I squeeze into a two-week trip? How many attractions can I check off in a single day?

If these questions sound familiar, you might be falling into the quantity trap. There's this persistent idea that successful travel means seeing as much as possible, but this approach often leaves you exhausted and with shallow memories of everywhere you've been.

I used to be guilty of this myself. My financial analyst background made me want to maximize every dollar spent, which translated to jam-packed itineraries that left me needing a vacation from my vacation.

Now I'd rather spend three days really exploring one neighborhood, chatting with locals at the same café, and discovering hidden gems than rushing through ten must-see sights with my camera. Those deeper experiences stick with you long after the trip photos fade.

Consider choosing fewer destinations and staying longer in each place. You'll have time to form genuine connections, understand local rhythms, and create meaningful memories rather than just collecting passport stamps.

6. Traveling to impress others

Be honest—do you sometimes choose destinations or experiences because they'll make great social media posts or impressive dinner party stories?

This habit can turn travel into a performance rather than a personal journey. When you're constantly thinking about how your trip will look to others, you miss out on what actually brings you joy and fulfillment.

I've seen this play out in my own circle. Friends who felt obligated to visit certain "bucket list" destinations that didn't actually interest them, or who spent more time photographing their meals than enjoying them.

Your travel experiences should reflect your interests and curiosities, not what you think will impress your friends or followers. Maybe you'd rather spend a week learning to cook in a small Italian village than rushing through Rome's tourist sites. Maybe you're more excited about birdwatching in Costa Rica than partying in Cancun.

The beauty of traveling as you get older is that you have a clearer sense of who you are and what you enjoy. Use that self-knowledge to curate trips that genuinely excite you.

7. Letting physical limitations define your possibilities

While it's important to be realistic about your physical capabilities, many travelers unnecessarily limit themselves based on assumptions rather than actual limitations. The key is adapting your travel style, not abandoning your dreams.

Maybe you can't backpack through mountain trails like you used to, but you can still experience incredible landscapes through scenic drives or easier walking paths. Perhaps you need more rest between activities now, but that just means you'll be more present and energized for the experiences you do choose.

Plan for comfort breaks, choose accommodations that work for your mobility needs, and don't be afraid to modify activities to suit your current abilities.

Remember, every traveler—regardless of age—has different needs and preferences. Your version of adventure might look different now than it did twenty years ago, and that's perfectly fine.

Final thoughts 

The habits we've talked about aren't character flaws—they're just patterns we've picked up along the way, often without realizing it. The wonderful thing about recognizing them is that change becomes possible.

I've found that approaching travel with the same curiosity I bring to exploring new trails or trying unfamiliar vegetables at the farmers' market keeps every trip fresh. Each journey becomes an opportunity to learn something new about the world and ourselves.

Your next trip doesn't have to look like anyone else's idea of perfect travel. It just has to feel right for you, right now, at this stage of your life. And honestly? That might make it the best trip you've ever taken.

So where will you go next? More importantly, who will you become along the way?