Hello friends, my name is Jack Raines. I will be writing on Alpha’s platform once a week. I also write a newsletter, Young Money, where I cover all things investing, finance, and careers. You can check it out here. Hope you guys enjoy today’s piece!
Incredible article! It was a little painful to read, but good writing should bring out emotions. The pain isn't so much for me, but for others that have repeated the mantra, "we'll travel after we retire". Personally, I've been traveling extensively for many decades. I've been to every state, all Canadian provinces (except PEI), many Caribbean islands, several trips to Europe, a multitude of cruises and about a dozen trips to the UK. My skymiles are approaching 4M. But even with that, I feel I've missed out. I've never been to Asia, Africa, Australia and only once below the equator. It saddens me a bit. I really wish I had done the 20's trip, as it's the last care-free opportunity, that anyone will ever have.
The article really hit home, when it talks about the lack of energy, as one ages. Truer words were rarely spoken. At 67, I'm tired. One thing that wasn't mentioned was declining health, which is happening much more rapidly that I ever thought possible. I'm still working and traveling, but it's getting much harder and less enjoyable. I'm flying from Orlando to Seattle tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends, but dreading the travel process.
Keep up the good work! I'll have a large group of young clients and I'll be sharing this article with them.
I think some very sound advice for the young. Another might be to work a year or two before college. I never quite got there by joining the military at 17, finally retiring after 22 years. I did get to experience life in foreign countries, some better than others. Seeing other cultures creates an awareness of your own that no school can deliver. Then living as a ex-pat created even more life experience. But you are quite right a three week trip at 70 is not so easy unless you can really afford it.
But observe that seeing, experiencing other's lives is not quite the same as living it.
I traveled a lot before marriage and kids. It does feel like this is a window of opportunity before things get bad and shut down again. If I didn’t have very young children I would seize this opportunity
I agree with Thoreau too. When our son was 14, we sold our house and we bought a Class C Motorhome. We traveled around the US from east to west for a year, off the beaten path, and had the adventure of a lifetime. In 2007, my son and I took a two week trip to China with 14 high school students, three teachers, and me being the only parent. When you travel you make memories that last forever. Our story goes on and on with travel and moving to different states. Wunderlust is in full gear!
Incredible article! It was a little painful to read, but good writing should bring out emotions. The pain isn't so much for me, but for others that have repeated the mantra, "we'll travel after we retire". Personally, I've been traveling extensively for many decades. I've been to every state, all Canadian provinces (except PEI), many Caribbean islands, several trips to Europe, a multitude of cruises and about a dozen trips to the UK. My skymiles are approaching 4M. But even with that, I feel I've missed out. I've never been to Asia, Africa, Australia and only once below the equator. It saddens me a bit. I really wish I had done the 20's trip, as it's the last care-free opportunity, that anyone will ever have.
The article really hit home, when it talks about the lack of energy, as one ages. Truer words were rarely spoken. At 67, I'm tired. One thing that wasn't mentioned was declining health, which is happening much more rapidly that I ever thought possible. I'm still working and traveling, but it's getting much harder and less enjoyable. I'm flying from Orlando to Seattle tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends, but dreading the travel process.
Keep up the good work! I'll have a large group of young clients and I'll be sharing this article with them.
I think some very sound advice for the young. Another might be to work a year or two before college. I never quite got there by joining the military at 17, finally retiring after 22 years. I did get to experience life in foreign countries, some better than others. Seeing other cultures creates an awareness of your own that no school can deliver. Then living as a ex-pat created even more life experience. But you are quite right a three week trip at 70 is not so easy unless you can really afford it.
But observe that seeing, experiencing other's lives is not quite the same as living it.
yeah. now with kids its harder.
Although I moved overseas, its not the same thing as holiday traveling. There is always something special about discovering new lands and customs.
I traveled a lot before marriage and kids. It does feel like this is a window of opportunity before things get bad and shut down again. If I didn’t have very young children I would seize this opportunity
I always find Alpha Letter interesting, and I really liked this post - different than the usual, but a great perspective! Thank you!
I agree with Thoreau too. When our son was 14, we sold our house and we bought a Class C Motorhome. We traveled around the US from east to west for a year, off the beaten path, and had the adventure of a lifetime. In 2007, my son and I took a two week trip to China with 14 high school students, three teachers, and me being the only parent. When you travel you make memories that last forever. Our story goes on and on with travel and moving to different states. Wunderlust is in full gear!