Because your next adventure might just be your best one yet!
Discover the top 10 reasons why empty nest travel is the perfect adventure. From freedom and flexibility to unforgettable experiences, learn how to make the most of travel after 50 by traveling as empty nesters.
When our last two daughters moved out, I won’t lie—I had a moment (okay, maybe a few) of panic. The house was too quiet, the routines we’d lived by for years vanished overnight. No more school drop-offs, no more cheer practice, no more school grades to check, and no more late-night curfews. We suddenly had all this freedom… but also a lot of question marks.
And then something shifted.
We realized that this wasn’t the end of something—it was the beginning.
We had spent decades pouring so much energy into our family. Now? It was our turn. So after a lot of dreaming and planning, we did something a little crazy: we sold everything, packed our bags, booked one-way flights to Bali, and started traveling full-time.
You don’t have to go that far to enjoy the perks of empty nest travel. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a bucket-list vacation, or something in between, this season of life is made for adventure.
If you’re an empty nester — or soon to be — and wondering what now?, we’re here to tell you: this chapter can be the most exciting one yet. Whether you dream of driving through Tuscany or snorkeling in Bali, travel after 50 is more than possible — it’s powerful. Here’s why.
1. You Finally Have the Freedom to Travel on Your Own Terms
Remember all those family vacations where you had to plan around school breaks, sports tournaments, everyone else’s interests, and picky eaters? Those days are behind you. As empty nesters, you get to travel when and how you want.
We flew to Europe in shoulder season (hello, cheaper flights and fewer crowds) and stayed for two months — something we never could’ve done before. Now, we chase sunshine, off-season deals, and the destinations that we actually want to visit. Want to book a last-minute flight to Paris next month? You totally can.
Want to stay longer in Bali because you found a dreamy villa with a private pool for $900 a month? Been there. Highly recommend.
Gone are the days of theme parks and kid-friendly resorts (unless you’re traveling with grandkids!). Now, it’s all about what you want to do. Cooking classes in Tuscany. Hiking in Spain. Reading a book in a hammock in Thailand.
Whatever fills your soul—that’s your itinerary now.
Tip: Traveling off-season isn’t just cheaper, it’s more relaxed. Try visiting places like Paris in April or Croatia in October for fewer tourists and better rates.
2. You Can Rediscover Each Other (and Yourselves)
Raising kids is beautiful — and let’s be honest, all-consuming. Travel gives you space to reconnect with your partner and yourself. I tell everyone that we feel like we’re on a never-ending second honeymoon! Traveling together gives you time to laugh, explore, and dream—without a million distractions. It’s like rediscovering who you are as a couple now, not just as parents.
We’ve fallen in love all over again — in between scooter rides through Bali, long walks through ancient European towns, and laughing over shared Google Translate fails in Tokyo.
Tip: Schedule a regular “travel date” each week. It doesn’t have to be fancy — it could be a sunset picnic, a cooking class, or dancing under the stars in a random plaza in Spain.
3. Travel is the Ultimate Antidote to a Midlife Rut
We get it — when the kids move out, there’s a mix of emotions and a lot of uncertainty. Many people look at midlife as the beginning of the end, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Travel helps shake off the cobwebs and invites curiosity back in.
In the past few years, we’ve learned how to cook Balinese food, tried line dancing on our South Pacific Cruise (badly, but joyfully), and even hiked an active volcano. We’re proving to ourselves that it’s never too late to start something new.
Tip: Don’t just sightsee — sign up for experiences. Take a class, join a walking tour, or volunteer for a day. It adds richness to your trip.
4. You Can Travel on a Budget (Yes, Really!)
Contrary to popular belief, full-time travel doesn’t have to drain your savings. We travel on a budget — and we’re not roughing it either.
From a $900/month beachfront condo in Vietnam to $1.50 street food dinners in Thailand, we’ve found ways to make our money stretch without sacrificing comfort. We’ve even taken an RV through Australia and used travel hacking to score nearly free flights.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to travel well. In fact, being flexible with your schedule opens up a world of budget-friendly options—literally. We always say: let the deal determine the destination.
Want help finding those deals? Check out our travel club at JetsetClub.co where we send out the best flight deals for flexible travelers like us!
Tip: Use Google Flights to spot deals, try house-sitting platforms like TrustedHousesitters, and consider slower travel to save on transportation.
5. You Have a Lifetime of Wisdom (and Stories!)
There’s something to be said for traveling in your 40s, 50s, and beyond—you’ve got experience, common sense, and a whole lot more patience than you did at 25. You’re less likely to sweat the small stuff and more likely to soak in the moment.
Plus, you’ve probably got a better travel wardrobe than you did back then. (I mean… hello cargo shorts?)
We use that to our advantage: we know how to navigate airports without stress, how to avoid tourist traps, and how to soak up culture with intention. Our life experience actually makes travel richer.
Tip: Journal or blog your travels like we do. You have so much perspective to offer — and your grandkids (or future ones) will love reading about your adventures one day.
6. You Can Prioritize Wellness Like Never Before
Travel isn’t just about sightseeing — it can be deeply healing. With fewer responsibilities pulling at you, you can truly invest in your health and happiness.
We’ve adopted a daily walk habit (thanks, Europe) and regularly get over 15,000 steps a day, we started taking probiotics before trips, and found joy in local yoga and pilates classes. We have found that we eat eat healthier while traveling. Our stress levels are down, and our joy is way up.
Tip: Pack a wellness kit — probiotics, electrolytes, walking shoes, and sunscreen. Also, build in rest days. You don’t need to “do it all.”
7. You’re More Open to Saying Yes
Without the daily logistics of parenting, we’re freer to be spontaneous. Want to hop on a last-minute flight to Singapore? Sure. Try crocodile tacos in Mexico? Why not. Take an overnight train detour in Vietnam just for the experience? Let’s go.
We’ve learned that saying yes more often leads to the best memories.
Tip: Build some “unplanned” time into your itinerary. Some of our favorite experiences came from wandering aimlessly.
8. You Can Inspire the Next Generation
Our daughters and grandkids watch us travel the world, and their reactions range from “You’re so cool!” to “Where are you now!?” It’s a powerful reminder: your adventure might just give your kids (and grandkids) permission to dream big, too.
Traveling after 50 shows that life doesn’t stop when the kids leave home — it just gets more interesting.
Tip: Send postcards to your grandkids or Facetime them from iconic landmarks. It turns your travels into teachable, magical moments.
9. You’ll Make New Friends All Over the World
One of the best parts of empty nest travel? Meeting fellow adventurers. We’ve shared meals with retirees in Vietnam, danced with locals in Spain, and bonded over delayed flights with couples from around the globe.
The world is full of friendly people — and at this stage of life, you actually have the time to connect. And honestly? Other travelers over 45 are out here living. They’re inspiring, curious, and often just as excited as you are to embrace this chapter.
Tip: Stay in smaller hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs where it’s easier to meet people. Join group tours or language exchanges for easy socializing.
10. You’re Just Getting Started
We’re over 50, we travel full-time, and we’ve never felt more alive. This isn’t the end of something — it’s the beginning of everything.
Whether you take a two-week trip or book a one-way flight, traveling as an empty nester is a gift you give yourself. It’s a bold reminder that your best stories are still waiting to be written.
Tip: Start small. Take a long weekend somewhere new. You don’t have to sell everything (like we did) to embrace this season.
Final Thoughts: Your Adventure Awaits
If you’re dreaming of exploring the world now that the kids are grown — do it. We’re living proof that it’s possible to travel full-time on a budget, rediscover joy, and make this chapter your most adventurous yet.
Got questions about how we made it happen? Want tips for planning your own empty nest escape? Drop a comment or check out our related posts on how to find great Airbnbs, traveling on a budget, or our favorite budget destinations.
Let’s make empty nest travel the best part of the story.
Travel isn’t just about places—it’s about people, experiences, and making memories. Hi! We are Shayne and Shelly Peterson. As empty nesters, we’ve found new ways to connect with the world (and each other) through travel. Follow our journey at JetSetPetersons.comand let’s explore together! At Jet Set Petersons, we occasionally collaborate with brands, companies, and tourism boards to bring you content that aligns with our love for travel. Some of the posts on this website may include sponsored content, affiliate links, or gifted experiences.
We only partner with brands that we genuinely love and believe will bring value to our readers. While we may receive compensation in the form of payment, free stays, or complimentary products, all opinions expressed are our own. Honesty and transparency are at the core of what we do, and we would never recommend anything we wouldn’t personally use or enjoy.
