Ciao from the enchanting city of Rome! As my husband, Pete, and I soak in the rich history and vibrant culture of Italy, I can’t help but reflect on the joys of traveling after midlife. I am finding that it is a totally different experience to traveling when I was younger.
With two weeks in the UK already under my belt, including visits to London, the Midlands, and North Wales, this journey has revealed how the second act of life offers a uniquely enriching travel experience. I am now looking forward to the next 4 weeks of travel.
Reconnecting in the UK:
After a wonderful solo escapade through the United Kingdom, the adventure continues as Pete, my husband, joins me in Rome.
Those two weeks in the UK held a different kind of charm – a mixture of family, exploration, and nostalgia. Spending time with my niece, Elly, allowed me to see London through her eyes. From quirky old pubs in hidden alleys to churches converted to up market food halls in Mayfair, Elly’s perspective breathed new life into the city I thought I knew.
A visit to the Midlands, reuniting with my uncle John and cousins Lisa, Gaia, and Beau, felt like a warm embrace from my roots. It’s in these family connections that the true beauty of life’s second act shines – to know each other as mature adults and a chance to create new memories while cherishing the old.
Bridging Gaps in North Wales:
The journey of connecting with lost family took me to North Wales, where I met my half-brother, Tim, and his wife, Carys for the first time, along with the family they have created. Tim is literally my brother from another mother and he found me on ancestry DNA just before Covid. This was the first opportunity to see him since we met ‘virtually’ on Ancestry DNA and then continued to get to know each other on Facebook.
In the scenic town of Llandudno, I found not only new family but also a world of stunning landscapes. Tim and Carys graciously shared their world with me, taking me on tours of North Wales that revealed its hidden natural treasures and stunning beauty. And then, a bustling day in Liverpool offered a contrast to the serenity of the countryside. The beauty of this encounter lies not only in discovering new places but also in forging connections that bridge gaps of time and distance.
I have now come to know and love a branch of my family which most probably wouldn’t have happened without DNA technology.
Sussex with Paul, Debbie and Tiana
The final journey was to Eastbourne in the south coast of England. My cousin, Paul and his wife, Debbie and daughter Tiana showed me a lovely time as we explored the green fields, white cliffs of the nearby Seven Sisters and the history of the area. Again, seeing family for the first time since Covid was so good.
Padua: A Stroll Through History:
In the heart of Italy, Pete and I will explore Padua as our next destination. A city steeped in history, from the ancient university to its charming piazzas, Padua offers a glimpse into the past that can only be enriched by the wisdom of midlife. We will savour each moment, knowing that the experiences are imprinted with years of understanding and experience – the advantages of maturity.
Venice: Navigating Canals and Dreams:
I can’t wait to revisit Venice. The last time I was there was in 1990. I expect to see it with very different eyes now with the years of experience and increased knowledge under my belt. I’m looking forward to gliding through Venice’s intricate network of canals and being swept away by its ethereal beauty. This time it will be with my darling husband of 20 years, Pete, rather than with a rowdy crowd of young people on a crazy bus trip around Europe which is what happened in 1990. The allure of Venice is timeless, but there’s a certain depth that comes with experiencing it after midlife.
La Spezia and the Cinque Terre:
The journey will then continue to La Spezia, where the rugged beauty of the Cinque Terre awaits. We are meeting my sister, Karen, and her partner, Ron, and days filled with laughter and adventure. The colourful villages clinging to the cliffs are a testament to nature’s artistry and as I have never been there before, I am so looking forward to it. We intend to hike the trails that link each village and take in the breathtaking vistas.
Como: Tranquility by the Lakeside:
The final chapter of our journey will take us to Como, a haven of tranquility nestled by the lakeside. I’ve seen images of serene waters mirror the surrounding mountains, creating a canvas of serenity. I am very much looking forward to seeing it with my own eyes. Being with Karen and Ron here will add an extra layer of joy to the experience. We will explore the charming towns around the lake, I know we will find that the conversations, laughter and fun are as enriching as the scenery.
In closing, the beauty of traveling after midlife isn’t just in the places we visit; it’s in the connections we make, the memories we create, and the perspectives we gain. The second act of life brings a unique richness to the travel experience, where each moment is painted with the hues of wisdom and appreciation. As we journey through Rome, Padua, Venice, and beyond, we’re reminded that the joy lies not just in the destination, but in the stories shared, the laughter echoed, and the bonds strengthened.
I guess the main reason for this article, other than sharing my travel experiences, which I love to do, is to challenge you to step out of the ‘normal’. Being midlife women, we can almost count the time we have left – not to be morbid, but as a reality check.
The big question is – what do you want to do with YOUR time? I challenge you to think about this question. I’m not talking about what you think you ‘should’ do, nor what your husband/partner wants, nor ‘society’. What do YOU want?
Is it more travel (as is my case)? Is it changing something in your life? Is it doing something so radically different that is scares the hell out of you?
Whatever it is, you can do it/have it/experience it for YOU. So, if you could imagine yourself on your own midlife travel journey or any other journey through midlife, for that matter, and you think you would like some help with it, book in for a 45-minute complimentary session with me. Here’s the link. https://calendly.com/gcmitchell58/soulful-session
I am back after 11th September, so you can book in then. If you can’t find a time that suits you, email me on gina@midlifecoachingforwomen.com.au
So… here’s to midlife fun and adventure!!
References:
1. “Visit Britain – Official Tourism Website for the United Kingdom.” https://www.visitbritain.com/
2. “Llandudno – Official Tourism Website.” https://www.visitllandudno.org.uk/
3. “Padua Tourism – Official Website.” https://www.turismopadova.it/en
4. “Venice Tourism Official Website.” http://www.venice-tourism.com/
5. “Discover La Spezia: Tourism, Travel, and Hotels.” https://www.discoverlaspezia.com/
6. “Cinque Terre National Park.” https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/
7. “Visit Lake Como: Official Tourism Website.” https://www.lakecomo.it/en/
8. Personal travel experiences and observations.
About The Author - AMC Team
Our team consists of doctors, nurses, program assistants, naturopaths and nutritionists that join their wealth of knowledge to offer our patients and website visitors interesting and insightful articles to assist you understand the symptoms you are experiencing and how to relieve them.