Live in a northern US location that dips below freezing and gets regular winter snowfalls? Then, trust me. At some point in your retirement life, you’ll consider a seasonal snowbird migration. My husband and I are contemplating it now after arguing against it for years, because we thought: We were too young. Winter’s not that … Read more
Traveling alone over 60 is not for the faint of heart. It’s a mix of stubborn independence, quiet courage, mild delusion, and the firm belief that if you just get through these 45 hours, paradise awaits. Every year, I fly from Ottawa, Canada, to my home on Koh Lanta, Thailand. It’s an epic journey with … Read more
On my return from New Orleans, friends asked, “Did you stay in the French Quarter and party on Bourbon Street?” These days, Netflix thrillers fill my nights, with a bowl of popcorn and a glass of Merlot. On a pre-Katrina trip, I heard jazz at Preservation Hall, shopped in Jackson Square, and took a cemetery … Read more
I’m a sucker for a good comeback story. Although I’m not a fan of the Patriots, their 31-point rally against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI was epic. And I cheer hard for Martha Stewart who managed to not only resurrect, but balloon, her domestic goddess reputation AFTER her release from prison. Make 2026 … Read more
One of the 10 commandments of retirement must surely be “Travel as much as you can!” Budget limitations not-withstanding, many early retirees view their retirement as a limitless vacation, and vacation implies travel. As a rookie retiree, I even wrote an essay about the subject, Dissecting the Travel Bug, and my PC password is still … Read more
When The Da Vinci Code exploded across bookshops two decades ago, I read it in one breathless weekend. I wasn’t chasing conspiracies; I was chasing the feeling that life itself hides clues – that symbols and geometry are the universe’s handwriting. Now in my 60s, I travel not to collect sights but to collect sensations. … Read more
When I travel, my suitcase is as much a wellness kit as it is a wardrobe. Decades on the road have taught me that flight delays, exotic foods, and unfamiliar microbes don’t mix well with sensitive digestion or jet-lagged immune systems. Over the years – and through a few memorable mishaps – I’ve built a … Read more
Life is an ongoing adventure, and for women with a taste for exploration, there’s a world of UNESCO World Heritage Sites waiting to be discovered. These remarkable destinations, recognized for their cultural and natural significance, offer a profound connection to our shared human history and the breathtaking beauty of our planet. From ancient temples steeped … Read more