Is it ever too late to go on an OE?

What do you think of when you hear of people going travelling?

Do you imagine a carefree 20 year old backpacking across Europe, sleeping in questionable hostels but living life to the full? Or do you picture yourself – someone over 50, with a lifetime of knowledge, looking for new experiences second time around?

Most people would imagine scenario A, and why wouldn’t you? At 20 years of age the likelihood is that you’ve finished your studying, you have no real commitments and as is the case more often than not these days, have no idea what you want to do. So it’s time for that all important life adventure! You pack your sleeping bag, buy a one way ticket as far away from your parents as you can get, and go and experience what the big wide world has to offer.

So why is it such an intimidating thought for anyone over the age of 50 to do just this?

Commitments

A mortgage, job, children, grandchildren, a year’s membership at the local health club, doubts about your own health and money?

That may seem like too many commitments to walk away from. That’s totally understandable, swanning off to travel the world and leaving those precious things behind can make you feel selfish and uncertain. However there is a way around this, it’s not always simple but it can be done.

1. The mortgage –  A lot of people in the over 50s club are nearing or already at the end of their mortgage payments. Problem solved. The house is there when you return, just remind the neighbour to water the tomato plants!

Even if this is not the case, why not have a look into a ‘mortgage holiday’ essentially putting your mortgage on hold for a few months.

2. The job – part time / full time, or you’re nearing retirement. Look into your financial situation and take that leap of faith, if you can quit your job at 25 to travel the world for a year, what’s different at 55? Take a sabbatical, early retirement or take the opportunity you may never have had before. Talk to your boss. Chances are you are more financially stable now than you were 25 years ago.

3. The family – This could be the hardest part, especially if you’re blessed with grandchildren. However traveling the world doesn’t need to take years, unless you want it to. Sometimes you have to put yourself first and think about the life experiences you’ve had and want to have in the future. Looking back with regret and thinking why didn’t I take those few months off to go live my dreams is never something you want to leave this world feeling.

Age

Age is just a number! You are NEVER too old to go and experience the amazing experiences the world has to offer. Don’t categorise yourself, that’s how you age faster!

Perception

Worried what others may think if you hop on the next flight to Timbuktu? Why? Chances are they will be jealous that they didn’t think of such a fantastic way to spend retirement or a ‘mature’ gap year!

Cost

Traveling the globe can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be; ask any 20 year old they seem to manage on the smallest shoe string budget.

The word is compromise. Go for a little less time but spend the money on a nicer hotel? Treat yourself to an upgraded flight offsetting this by using home exchange/house sitting websites.  Often you will get a beautiful place to stay for free with the most basic responsibilities.  There are means and ways, you just need to think about what elements are important for you and your trip.

Where to start?  

A bucket list, sit down and write down what you would do, where you would go and what you would see if money was no object. Then research it, talk to people and make it happen. There is a reason the youngsters shout YOLO (you only live once!)

So why let any of these things stop you from having these amazing life experiences for the first or even second time around. Re-live your youth, follow your passions and never regret not taking the plunge. 

By Katy Powell