How old is too old to live your dreamed-of adventure? (pension, federal)
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John Glenn was 77 when he made his second trip into outer space, so I think driving around in a car would be ok.
But what did he do on that trip? Wasn't he just a passenger? The queen of England is 90 something and goes everywhere, but is basically carried around like an egg in a carton.
We used to car-camp on public lands outside of the National Parks since accommodations can be expensive in tourist areas. We bought our Toyota Rav4 partly for that reason: we could lay the back seats down and with a foam mattress were totally comfortable. No tent set-up, etc. Put the supplies in the front seat for the night. I look back on those times with great fondness. But it does require having access to public lands which some states are lacking. And being willing to answer the call of Nature IN Nature which is tedious when one is older.
There can be reasonable motels if you get maybe half-an-hour or so away from the Park itself, in some places. As in $40 per night. But it still adds up....I'm thinking of Bryce Canyon which is a must-see. The little towns around it are affordable. But when I think of Yosemite, I doubt there is anything near that price.
Go for it, OP! I'm so glad I lived my dream in my 40's as I couldn't physically do it now. Maybe I had a premonition as even back in my 30's I said "I better do this now, before I can't..."
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to drive all around our country and see all the places people have talked about, the National Parks, Landmarks, cities/towns. I live in central NY state and have traveled at times to reach a particular destination. But this time, it would be many destinations. Stopping overnight in one place, maybe for a week/month in others.
Sounds like a lot of fun! Go for it!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NYgal1542
Drawback is not well off financially, but don't live an expensive life and think I could make it with my budget. ... What are your opinions on the B&Bs that seem to be the hot thing this year.
B&B's are not compatible with budgets. They're expensive. Cute, but you pay for that cuteness. There are campgrounds and cheap motels which you could look up on the internet. I started looking up campgrounds at one point, but now a lot of them are comparable in price to cheap motels. I decided that even a cheap motel was more comfortable.
Often have cabins available to rent. Some are air conditioned. Most have decent shower and grilling facilities. Entrance fees are low for seniors- lifetime passes are available. Reservations need to be made in advance.I would recommend putting your sleeping bags on top of beds- makes everything easier and more hygienic. Do you have a friend who might want to travel and share expenses? That would make it much more affordable. And fun in my opinion.
I believe there are groups online and websites about budget senior travel.
We enjoy B&Bs- tend to stay in pricy ones for anniversary trips.
If you feel fit and competent to drive, I'd say go for it!!
As Emerson once wrote, "life is about the journey, not the destination" . Your journey will be your's uniquely, how much you can spend, how far you will go, people you will meet, things you will see, how long you will travel. I have found that "the great destinations" have been big disappointments, and the hidden treasures have been found quietly nearby.
Perhaps do a regional trip first. Make it a learning experience. Figure out how far or long you're comfortable driving in one day. Try different types of accommodations. Learn what you should have packed and didn't. There's nothing like that moment when you think, "...my kingdom for a piece of duct tape!" or "I should have gotten a new battery." You don't want to be that person. If you don't have cash to throw at an emergency, try to be prepared for them.
Have you driven long distances on your own? Gotten lost or stuck somewhere? Know how to add coolant or check the oil--or anything else under the hood? Start reading check lists and watching YouTube videos.
I am SO glad you started this thread. I am learning so much! I'm sure others are too.
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State and local parks
