10 Benefits of Traveling Internationally in Your 40s and 50s
- Allison
- Jun 21
- 3 min read

In the United States, travel research shows Millennials and Gen Z tend to travel more than Baby Boomers and Gen X. With increased work and family commitments, people in their 40s and 50s take fewer international trips than younger generations. There are several advantages to traveling, especially outside of the country. Here are 10 benefits for people in their 40s and 50s to travel internationally:
1. INCREASED SKILLS AND LEARNING

A significant benefit for people who are in their 40s and 50s to travel internationally is increasing your skills. New skills you can learn include:
Speaking, writing, reading and understanding new languages
Enhancing written, verbal and listening communication skills
Increasing problem solving
These skills can help your career and make you an even more valuable employee or entrepreneur. For parents, the new skills you learn can be transferred to your children.
2. INCREASED CULTURAL HUMILITY

Another benefit for people in their 40s and 50s to travel internationally is by immersing yourself into new cultures and upgrading your cultural humility.
By stepping outside of your comfort zone, you can:
Learn new ways of living
Taste new foods and beverages you've never had before
Talk to locals at your destination about their upbringing
Explore educational institutions and popular employment fields
3. SELF CARE

We take time off for vacations, holidays and trips for a reason...to refresh and rejuvenate.
Having a change of scenery makes a world of a difference in our self-care
If you decide to take a solo trip, you can do what you want when you want
Improve your mood and promote harmony and balance
Practicing mindfulness, or being in the moment while traveling, has proven to be effective in enhancing well being
4. ENRICH YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

Bond with your spouse, partner and/or children by going on an international trip. Taking family trips:
Allows you and your family to experience new things together
Participating in family and/or couple activities is sure to make for good times
Create memories that will last an eternity
5. BUILD NEW RELATIONSHIPS

Another benefit for all, including people who are in their 40s and 50s, to travel internationally is making new friends and partnerships.
A great way to build new relationships is by taking a group tour where you can meet people with similar interests to you
Traveling internationally allows you to network and enhance professional connections worldwide
Talking to locals and getting to know them allows you to make new relationships who you can connect with when you return home and if you decide to return to the destination
6. UPGRADE HEALTH

Scientific research has shown traveling internationally may have several benefits on health and wellness such as:
Managing weight by sightseeing/walking and participating in physically active activities such as swimming, biking, snorkeling, parasailing, hiking, etc.
Decrease stress
Good travel experiences can influence health and overall wellness
7. PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

Traveling can transform your life in the most incredible ways!
Pushing boundaries and stepping outside your normal routine leads to a new you
Your mind will develop new ways of thought processing
Enhance creative, out of the box thinking
Be an inspiration to others and yourself
8. MORE HAPPINESS

When you decide you want to travel outside the country, you will definitely be excited and happy to go on a trip!
With increased excitement, you'll have more novelty in your life and less depression
Increased self-confidence
Feel a sense of achievement traveling to various countries and continents
9. BRAIN POWER

When traveling internationally, all people, including those in their 40s and 50s, will increase their cognitive functioning.
Research has shown going to new places rewires your brain
Improve your memory
Enhanced flexibility
10. FUTURE PLANNING

Another benefit for people who are in their 40s and 50s to travel internationally is aid in long-term and retirement planning:
There are several countries that have a large number of retired expats such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and Greece
When traveling internationally, you can get real experience of the culture and lifestyle of your destination and decide if it would be a place you would want to retire at
This article by Kiplinger provides practical guidance on retiring abroad
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