We are honoured to have been invited once again to write a guest post for Retirement and Good Living. This time we chose the subject of health, and health insurance, for travellers.
Health and Medical Care While Travelling the World. Seventy is the new fifty – except for the cost of health insurance! I hope some of you find some useful tips in this article.
Just a short time before we were contacted by the people at Retirement and Good Living, we were thrilled, and completely surprised, to be approached for an interview by a Brazilian Magazine. The magazine is ViraVolta for those of you who read Portuguese.
This is the direct link to our interview.
If you’re Portuguese-challenged (as we are) here is a google translation that I edited as best I could:
What this couple learned after selling their home at age 70 to travel the world?
April 30 Carol Fernandes
The story of this couple who decided to sell their home at age 70 to travel the world is inspiring. Here is the experience from their perspective.
THAT’S RIGHT! They sold their house to fund a long journey travelling the world AND SAY THAT WAS THE BEST THING THAT THEY DID IN THEIR LIVES. The couple, Don 72 years and Alison 64, who blog at Adventures in Wonderland, are definitely an inspiration for anyone who would like to travel the world, especially for those who fail to live this experience because of fears.
After all, should people over 70 years be afraid to travel the world? I did an interview with them and it was a pleasure to get to know more about their history. Be sure to read and you will be enchanted by the sight of life of this couple.
The decision of the journey
Don decided to retire at age 68 because he was developing a series of medical problems due to stress at work. They had the dream to travel the world but had not enough money to maintain a home and travel as they wanted. Until one day they asked, “Do we want to have a house or do we want to have a life?” And so they decided to sell their house and use this investment to fund living a life travelling the world.
They started this journey around the world 3 1/2 years ago and since then have visited 24 countries: Italy, Spain, France, India (x2), Indonesia, Australia (x3), Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam (x2), Myanmar (Burma), USA, Mexico, Sweden (x2), Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Cyprus, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand.
Age is not a limit to travel the world
For them there is a big myth with regard to age. The concepts of “adventure” and “love of life” are not just for the young, they are for everyone. “Life is what you make of it and we only have one chance to live it well,” says Alison.
They never faced age as limiting and it never influenced their decision. They still feel young and full of energy. They understand that at this age some things take longer to heal, so they are aware in deciding what activities they want to do. But even so they can enjoy it too, such as: trekking, swimming with elephants, camel rides in the desert, climbing volcanoes and more.
They do not have a date to stop. Everything will depend on their enthusiasm for traveling and their physical condition. The only certainty is that this moment has not yet arrived. For them, the opportunity to travel and see the world with new and wiser eyes is a huge gift of life. Much of this comes from their spiritual beliefs. They live in the present, in a state of confidence and trust. Worrying about the future is not productive. “We know that one day we will die, and prefer to live the most of this life. We do not want to have remorse because we wasted the opportunities that were given us” says Alison.
Medical issues
Don’s medical situation, he has a heart condition, requires some care. At first they were afraid of getting sick in developing countries, but after 3½ years they have experienced that it is never an issue when it is most needed, including in developing countries. Alison needed medical treatment for mild liver disease in India, for a head injury in Mexico, and for an allergic reaction to a wasp sting in Laos, and the treatments have always been professional, on time and at a very reasonable cost.
Usually they carry the supply of prescription drugs needed and never had any problems crossing the border with them. But argue that in many developing countries (eg, Mexico and India) most common medications are easily available even without a prescription. Anyway, they return each year to Canada and there review all health issues.
For them the most amazing thing was to discover that Don, despite his health problems, feels much more happy and healthy travelling than when he was at home and working every day.
The biggest lessons from travelling the world
“The more we travel we take more pleasure in life. There is always more to learn. We’ve learned a lot about ourselves and about the people of the world, through our travels.” For them traveling the world requires a very open mind, and even at this stage of life most are internal learnings.
“We learned …
* More trust: we trust that we are being well looked after by a greater mystery and this leaves us free to explore more fully.
* We worry much less about the future: experience contributes to having confidence in this.
* A lot less worry about the money: a lot less than we used to.
* Greater connection and caring for people: the vast majority of people we’ve met in our travels have been kind, generous and open-hearted.
* Saying yes to opportunities that come our way: they probably will never go back from this new direction.
* Living with a conscious gratitude for life: valuing what is given to us much more than we used to.
* They complain less, when a complaint comes they quickly make the choice to see things from a different perspective.
* Living with less: we do not need a lot, especially when we travel through the tropical regions.
* We can live together 24/7 and still enjoy each other’s company: honest and open communication has been key.
“You can always teach old dogs new tricks!
After three and a half years on the road, after experiencing so much that was unforeseen, we see life as a series of miracles that unfold.”
One advice for those who want to travel the world at that age
“To feel safer to travel at this age it is best to plan. Do research and seek as much information as possible. Get ready before leaving and so you will feel less vulnerable. Plan and at the same time leave time to have flexibility as you travel. Believe in yourself and do it. You will never be able to imagine the rewards of living this experience. An important tip: stop looking at the news in the newspaper, they were made to terrorize people.”
Stories like that of Don and Alison fill me with joy. Show that we will always have the chance to learn more and build our self-knowledge, no matter what time of life. I always say that there is no right time to travel the world. No matter how you will live this experience, it will always be beautiful!
Will you do this? Even at 50, 60, 70 …! Have confidence.
When I grow up I want to be like them! Living in the moment and believing in the good that crosses my path.
Thank you so much Carol, at ViraVolta, for your interest in our story and for interviewing us. It was a great pleasure to connect with you and your magazine.
Photos of the day: More beautiful New Zealand scenery. The one above is overlooking Lake Wanaka from Mt Aspiring National Park, and the one below is in Abel Tasman National Park.
All words and images by Alison Louise Armstrong unless otherwise noted
© Alison Louise Armstrong and Adventures in Wonderland – a pilgrimage of the heart, 2010-2015.
Adventures in Wonderland 
Both excellent articles. You are both great role modals for travellers of all ages.
LikeLike
Thanks so much Darlene. We love the interview process, and writing guest articles, because it makes us re-examine things about our life, which is a good thing to do from time to time.
Alison
LikeLike
I am too much of a homebody not to have our own place to come home to, but I hope to enjoy travel experiences as long as I can. It’s wonderful to see someone who is out there doing it. Pleasant journeys!
LikeLike
Thanks Naomi. I think we just followed our noses and this is the life that evolved. We’ve learned to be at home wherever we are. We’re currently housesitting in Vancouver for a couple of months and still regard Vancouver as our hometown so we have a home in that sense. But, yeah, I guess we’re out there doing it.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
hoping to have such curiosity
and skills for sharing beauty
as i get younger at heart 🙂
LikeLike
I thank you for your kind words 🙂
I’m sure all you hope for
will arise/already arises
I see it in your smile 🙂
Alison
LikeLike
Absolutely amazing Alison!!! I would love to hear more of your story. Do you find tired of moving so much or do you find a base to live at in each place for several months? I think what you and don are doing is awesome!!! You must have a ton of energy! Do you return home to see family and friends or do they meet up with you ever? That would be the one hard part is missing family. Incredible life you share!
LikeLike
Thanks Nicole. There’s a bit more of the story in our first guest post at Retirement and Good Living :
http://retirementandgoodliving.com/the-gift-of-travel/
and eventually we’ll write a book about it all. We vary the travel routine a lot. Since we started we’ve had one 6 month and one 3 month stint back in Vancouver housesitting for friends or friends of friends, plus 2 months at a friend’s place on Cyprus, plus 4 months in a village in Mexico, and we also just had nearly 2 months in my Aussie hometown first housesitting and then renting a little apartment. Apart from that we’ve been pretty much on the move all the time – exploring countries as they come to mind, making up itineraries as we go along. When we get weary we stop somewhere. We’re in Vancouver now for 2 months (housesitting). Family is the one thing that affects our wandering. I have family in Australia, Vancouver, and Montreal. Don has family in Vancouver and Sweden. We go to Sweden every other summer for a couple of weeks, and we’ve just come from an extended stay in Oz – it was the first time me and all my sibs were together for Christmas for many many years. I think it is easier for us in that none of our parents are with us any longer, I have no children, and Don’s only (adult) child lives with his family in Sweden. So we just travel around and fit in visits to Montreal, Australia and Sweden. Somehow it all works.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow Alison what an inspiring life! Thanks for telling me more of your story! I will check out that first post too!!! I would love to do something like you do when we are older. ☺️
LikeLike
Thank you for this blog. My husband and I have just set out on a long trip, and your blog is helpful. Because travel insurance is too expensive for us (late 60s), and our Medicare plan will only reimburse us for emergency care in the first 60 days out of the country, we will mostly pay out-of-pocket if we need care while abroad. However, we found Medjet Assist, a medical evacuation membership program, quite affordable. If a member is admitted to a hospital anywhere 150 miles from home, Medjet Assist will bring that patient to a hospital of his/her choice, even if that’s back home, thousands of miles away. The partner/spouse can accompany the patient. We haven t had to use this service yet, but it brings us peace of mind. I’m not sure if it’s available in Canada.
LikeLike
Thanks Rachel, I’m glad you’re finding the blog helpful. We mostly pay for medical expenses as we go too, and have had Medjet from the beginning. I wrote about it in the article at Retirement and Good Living.
Alison
LikeLike
Thanks for the great tips and for bringing the online magazine, Retirement and Good Living, to my attention. We’ve also found medical care to be readily available and very affordable while traveling overseas (especially when compared to the US) and have availed ourselves of both medical and dental services for maintenance care as well as illnesses regularly in places like Guatemala, Nicaragua,Ecuador. etc. Good health (mental and physical) is a key factor as full-time travelers and, unfortunately, we may be modifying our nomadic lifestyle to some degree since my husband has a chronic illness and will need to slow down … I loved reading your interview about life as nomads and I have to agree that taking the plunge and becoming perpetual travelers is the best thing we’ve ever done, too. Anita
LikeLike
Thanks Anita. There’s lots of good stuff on Retirement and Good Living, so I’m glad to have connected you with it. Sorry to hear you have to modify your wandering ways. Hope you’ll be able to take short journeys, or find other ways to make up for it. You guys have been exploring for quite a while now – Central America is on our list so I’ll be checking out your stories!
Alison
LikeLike
This is so inspiring and motivating! ❤ I need to get out a map and pick some destination now. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Jennifer. Yes! Go get that map and pick – not a destination. Pick a starting point 🙂
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Way you go Alison and Don, its a matter of weeks now that we are joining you lifestyle soon, traveling with no home to go to….
LikeLike
Thanks Nina. I remember you’ve been talking about doing this. WTG! So it’s coming up soon eh? Are you excited yet? It’s a wonderful lifestyle. After a while you iron out all the little glitches, and learn the smoothest way of doing things, and things that made you anxious become nothing at all.
Good luck, and happy travels!
Alison
LikeLike
Thank you for the advice on health insurance it can be a hard decision to make. I’m interested to know how much luggage you carry, and what you use, case on wheels or back pack?
LikeLike
Yeah, the health insurance thing is a bit of an expense, and something we pretty much always buy for western countries and almost never for developing countries. We do research online first to find out what medical services are available in developing countries before we go.
We used to have backpacks the size of college book bags (ie largeish day packs) for our carry-on but have since replaced them with carry-on size bags with wheels since Don blew a lumbar disc. We’ve become careful about minimizing what we carry and for how long. We check carry-on size cases. We started with 28″ cases, then went to 25″ and now down to carry-on size (21″ I think). The more we travel the more we have refined what we need to take.
Alison
LikeLike
That is surprising about not buying for developing countries as I would expect they would be the ones you would want insurance for.
LikeLike
It’s the other way around. In western countries medical help is very expensive, hence the need for insurance. In third world countries medical help is usually very inexpensive. We’ve needed medical help in Laos, Mexico and India. In all three cases we received excellent help for very little money. I had an examination by a neurosurgeon in Mexico for $60. Don needed to ‘private-pay’ to see a specialist in Vancouver and it was $600. Of course, as I said, we do check to see what’s available in the countries we go to. Mexico, Thailand and India we know for sure have western standard medical help available at a fraction the cost of what it would be in Canada, Australia, NZ, western Europe, etc, and waaaaaaay less that it would be in the US.
Alison
LikeLike
A trend over here is to go to Thailand for a medical holiday, ie dental work etc as even with the price of airfares and accommodation it is still much cheaper than in Australia…
LikeLike
I think I get as excited reading all the practical information on living nomadically as I do perusing all the actual trip posts! Your blog and guest posts will be my guidebook someday …
LikeLike
Thanks so much. I hope you can find some useful information here. Ask anything you want to know any time. I feel as if we’ve kind of refined things down to basics after nearly 4 years on the road. But everyone has their own thing – I just read a blog post by another nomad about 10 must haves for travelling and I wouldn’t carry 5 of them!
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Alison, I loved the articles and enjoyed reading it in Portuguese also. Your translation is great and spot on. I have book marked the “Viravolta” magazine and will read other articles as it all looks quite inspiring. Your blog posts on Australia and NZ have been great and have inspired my husband and I to start planing our adventure down under. I hope you are enjoying being back in Vancouver.
LikeLike
Thanks Gilda. I’m happy to hear the translation is good. Google translate can certainly be odd at times. Down Under is fabulous! More posts on both countries to come. Glad to hear you’re enjoying them.
Alison
LikeLike
As always, Alison and Don, the two of you are an inspiration. Continue to say yes to opportunities! –Curt
LikeLike
Thanks so much Curt. We are both feeling very inspired to continue with our wandering ways at the moment, and while I write, and make some updates and changes to the blog, he is crafting a two month tour of Turkey, Jordan and Egypt for us for the fall. In the mean time we have a couple months catchup in Vancouver, a short trip to visit close friends in WA, and a trip to Sweden to spend some time with Don’s son and family. It’s all go! Yes yes yes!
Alison
LikeLike
There is nothing like the joy of the open road to a wanderer… And yet, it does take courage to do what you have done. I look forward to continuing to share your adventures. –Curt
LikeLike
Inspirational as usual and very helpful. I of course need no convincing that my hubby and I should head out for an extended time into the great wide world (a few years from now), but he needs a bit more convincing (encouragement)
. I always share your thoughts, recommendations and adventures with him. Thanks once again!
LikeLike
Thanks so much Caroline. I’m glad it’s helpful. I hope our story, and any information we give about travelling helps convince your husband 🙂
Alison
LikeLike
Congrats on the interview! I bet this will lead to more interviews and opportunities! Really love your story and the interview. Reminds me of this photo on aging and attitude: (I tried to paste it in but it didn’t work.)
https://www.facebook.com/shirley.hollick
LikeLike
Thanks so much Shirley. We’ve done a few interviews and guest posts now. Sometime over the next few weeks I’m going to make a new page on the blog and put them all together in one place. LOVE the glass half full pic on ageing – sums it up perfectly!
Alison
LikeLike
A truly inspiring interview Alison. With great tips for senior travelers. I am so ready to take the plunge into a full nomadic life, but hubby loves his work too much to give it up completely. Fingers crossed that I will be able to convince him sooner than later. Until then, I am happy doing the odd solo trips when work keeps him from traveling. Wishing Don and you many more unforeseen miracles on the road 🙂
LikeLike
Alison, Would you check if my comment on the previous post is in your spam folder and un-spam and approve it please? Have no idea why I was able to comment here but not on that one. Have been facing major issues commenting on several blogs!
LikeLike
Thanks so much Madhu. Nomadic life is quite extraordinary, and we’re still amazed after more than three years at the way our life is, and how lucky and blessed we are. It all still seems like a miracle. Travel is such a blessing, as you know. Hopefully you’ll get to try the nomadic life one day, though I understand it’s hard to completely quit a job when it’s something you love to do.
Found two of your comments in spam. Weird WP since all your previous comments have come through no problem.
Alison
LikeLike
Alison, I’m sure many commenters have said it already, but I can’t stress enough what an inspiration you and Don have been – and continue to be – for travellers of all ages. When health issues arise, it’s clear that both of you take those challenges in stride. We’d do well to learn from that perspective of gratitude that you already live by.
LikeLike
Thank you so much James. We feel humbled by it all. And so very grateful for all that has been given to us, and continues to be given. We are aware of how very blessed we are. I suppose we are an example of simply saying yes – to life, to whatever is offered – after a lifetime of, one way or another, saying no. It has made such a difference. You definitely strike me as a yesser 🙂
You’ll be off on your own trip soon. I look forward to the stories of your journey!
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, Alison! I couldn’t agree more with your point about saying yes to life. 🙂 Hard to believe that I have little more than a month before the big trip – I hope I have the discipline to post regularly from the road, as you and Don do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you’ll find a rhythm for posting, just don’t let it stress you – coming from one who knows 🙂
A.
LikeLike
I am so glad I discovered your blog! Normadic life is exciting but can be exhausting at times and I admire your energy and motivation! I have lived in 7 countries over the past 15 years of which I spent one year living out of my backpack in Australia, never staying anywhere longer than 2 months at most. Despite amazing adventures, I am probably less keen now on taking that step again: starting from scratch learning a new language and making new friends. And there you are 30 years ahead and full of beans 🙂 and positive psychology. So amazing you can share your adventures as a couple. Your blog gives me inspiration and trust to keep travelling, thanks!
LikeLike
I had a quick look at your blog (and will head back over there) and you sure have packed a lot into those 15 years. I too am an expat, but I left Australia for Canada and stayed there, until nearly 4 years ago when we became nomadic. I certainly had some adjustments to make over the years being an expat, but easier I think because I stayed in one country, and didn’t have to learn a new language. We love our nomadic life, though we do take breaks where we stay put in one city for a while. Six months is the longest so far. We were housesitting so had to move every few weeks, but at least we were in the same (familiar) city so there was no sightseeing or travelling pressure. Our life has become more and more about trust, gratitude, and presence. Those are the three things that allow us to continue with enthusiasm. It’s still life, we still have our ups and downs, but mostly we’re – still! – blown away by the life we have. It’s such a gift. Say yes to more travel. I bet you won’t regret it!
Alison
LikeLike
Truly inspirational, Alison and Don. Just wish I was as adventurous as you. In the meantime I’m living the adventure through your blogs and stories. There’s no greater pleasure in my day than starting it off with a cup of tea, logging on and finding your blog. I’m transported to your fabulous world and bless the day that I met you both.
LikeLike
Thanks so much Ros. I’m sure you’re exactly as adventurous as you need to be! I’m so glad the blog brings you pleasure.
Alison
LikeLike
How wonderful to be interviewed!! And as usual, wonderfully inspirational. And it’s funny because I intentionally did not offer my name or age on my blog…because I thought younger people would be mostly the ones blogging and might not want to read geezers my age, and that older people would not be blogging. Turns out, most of my regulars are older, not young, and no real young ones! And you guys do have young people reading! I had no idea what to expect.
LikeLike
Thanks badfish. Yes, it was great. It’s our third interview now I think. We did one for Nomadic Matt ( http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/don-alison-success-story/)
a couple of years ago, and there should (I say should because it’s India :)) be one coming out soon in an Indian magazine. Fun.
Our followers range in age from teenagers to people older than we are and everything in between. I had no idea what to expect either. WP does tend to skew towards older people (ie above 30 :)) and Tumblr skews towards younger people. I’ve thought about creating a Tumblr blog as well but finding the time is another thing.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great blog! Thank you. We are living somewhat similar lives and ofcourse have question on insurance. Are you able to procure travel insurance when you are let’s say, ina developing countrycountrywhere you only have MedJeg and heading to a country where you want standard travel insurance? I have found that you have to be in Canada when you make the request? Thanks again.
LikeLike
Thank you so much. We always buy it in Canada before we leave. We’ve not tried to buy insurance in any other country so can’t answer your question. Perhaps your Canadian insurance people could give the answer. Perhaps it would be possible to do it by phone or email or something like that when you’re out of the country but we’ve never tried.
Alison
LikeLike
You and Don are always such an inspiration for anyone regardless of their age.
LikeLike
Thanks Anyes ❤
Alison
LikeLike
Your story is so heartwarming 🙂
I immediately imagine how my husband and I will spend our 60s and older. Hopefully we will be able to travel and enjoy life like you do.
And this post did remind me of a piece that I wrote for my blog about my parents and how they love traveling (though not extensively like you guys do). I hope you don’t mind me sharing the link of the post here http://indohoy.com/opinions/old-people-travel/ 🙂
Happy traveling!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Vira (and Mumun?) As you say in your article, there’s no age limit to travel. I find I enjoy it more now because I see it with so much more depth than when I was young. Thank you for exploring my blog and for commenting.
Alison
LikeLike
more depth, I agree to that. Even now in my 30s I think I enjoy traveling in a deeper way than in my 20s 🙂 Thank you for the insight. This is Vira, by the way.
LikeLiked by 1 person