For many people, hitting their 50s feels like the end of adventure. Between mortgages, college tuition, retirement planning, and family responsibilities, the dream of travel seems reserved for 20-somethings with backpacks and endless free time. But what if that belief is completely wrong?
I know it is. At 52, after a divorce and with two kids in college, I thought my traveling days were over. I had just $3,000 in savings and more doubts than confidence. But five years later, I’ve visited over 30 countries — all while staying on a budget and maintaining my career.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to travel in your 50s on a budget. You’ll learn how to manage your money, make friends on the road, choose travel styles that fit your comfort level, balance responsibilities, and even make money while traveling. I’ll also share the hacks and gear that make travel easier when you’re not 20 anymore.
If you’ve ever thought it’s “too late,” this post will prove otherwise. Let’s break down exactly how you can turn your 50s into the most adventurous years of your life.
What This Strategy Is All About
The strategy I use isn’t about luxury cruises or five-star hotels. It’s about budget-smart travel designed for people with real-life responsibilities.
Here’s why this works:
- You don’t need to save huge sums of money. Instead, you need to travel strategically, choosing destinations and options that stretch your budget further.
- In your 50s, you actually have advantages younger travelers don’t — better credit, more life experience, and often more flexibility in your career.
- By reframing your spending habits, you can actually save money while traveling compared to staying at home.
This approach isn’t for reckless adventure-seekers — it’s for responsible adults who still crave adventure. If you want to explore the world without wrecking your financial future, this method works.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1 – Master Money Management
At 52, I discovered something that shocked me: I was spending more money staying home than I would while traveling. For example, I spent about $1,100 per month on restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. In Portugal, I lived for a month — accommodation, food, and activities included — for just $800.
Rule of thumb:
- Save $1,500 per month for affordable destinations (Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Central America).
- Save $2,500 per month for expensive places (Western Europe, Australia).
Always keep an emergency fund of $3,000 separate from your travel savings. This ensures you’re covered for medical issues or urgent flights home.
Step 2 – Make Travel Friends in Your 50s
Traveling alone in your 50s can feel intimidating, especially when most hostel travelers are in their 20s. The key is being intentional about building connections:
- Join small group tours (companies like Intrepid Travel or G Adventures).
- Take cooking classes, walking tours, or volunteer projects.
- Use Facebook groups for travelers over 45 or destination-specific communities.
Pro tip: Post in advance that you’ll be in a city and ask if anyone wants to meet for dinner. I’ve made lifelong friends this way, including one I met at a cooking class in Tuscany who later joined me across three more countries.
Step 3 – Choose Travel Styles That Work for You
Backpacking through hostels may not appeal anymore — and that’s okay. Here are options that make sense after 50:
- Comfortable budget travel: Guesthouses, budget hotels, or Airbnbs for $30–$60 per night.
- House sitting: Stay free by caring for someone’s home and pets.
- Home exchanges: Swap homes with someone abroad for practically free accommodation.
- Slow travel: Spend a month or two in one country for discounts and less stress.
- Educational travel: Language schools, cooking classes, or art workshops.
- Work exchanges: Use your professional skills in exchange for accommodation.
The bottom line: Budget travel doesn’t mean discomfort. It’s about choosing options that fit your lifestyle.
Step 4 – Fit Travel Into Your Responsibilities
Unlike a 20-year-old, you likely have obligations. But with creativity, you can make it work:
- Use accumulated vacation time for longer trips instead of multiple short ones.
- Negotiate sabbaticals or unpaid leave if you’ve been at your job long-term.
- Test retirement living abroad by spending a month in potential destinations.
- Explore remote work options if your job can be done online.
- If you’re divorced or widowed, travel can be a powerful way to rebuild confidence.
Remember: travel doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Start with a weekend trip or extend a work trip into a mini adventure.
Step 5 – Make Money While Traveling
Worried about draining your savings? You can generate income while on the road:
- Remote work: Many employers now allow it.
- Freelancing/consulting: Leverage decades of experience.
- Teaching English online: Platforms like Cambly pay $15–20 per hour.
- Skill-based income: Cooking classes, knitting workshops, photography, etc.
- House sitting: Free accommodation, sometimes with pay.
Your skills are your greatest asset. Think creatively about how to monetize them while traveling.
💡 Want to skip the trial and error?
👉 Join the Platform-Proof Profits Membership and get ready-to-use systems for building online income streams.
Step 6 – Apply Smart Travel Hacks
Traveling in your 50s means playing smarter, not harder. Here are my best hacks:
- Travel during shoulder seasons (April–May, Sept–Oct) for 30–50% savings.
- Ask for senior discounts (often available starting at 50 or 55).
- Use travel credit cards for points and no foreign transaction fees.
- Stay in places with kitchens to cook meals and save money.
- Always get travel insurance for peace of mind.
- Pack less but higher quality gear.
- Use apps like Google Translate and Citymapper to simplify travel.
- Stay longer in fewer places to reduce stress and costs.
Step 7 – Invest in the Right Gear
At this stage, comfort matters more than “roughing it.” Essentials include:
- Durable rolling suitcase (four wheels).
- Quality travel pillow.
- Two pairs of comfortable walking shoes.
- Lightweight daypack with padded straps.
- Basic first aid kit.
- Portable charger + universal adapter.
Prioritize comfort and practicality over style. Trust me — your back and feet will thank you.
How This Makes You Money
You may wonder, “Where does the income part come in?” Budget travel itself saves money, but combining it with remote-friendly work, online consulting, and skill monetization creates a sustainable travel lifestyle.
This approach helps you:
- Spend less than you would at home.
- Build income streams while abroad.
- Turn your travel into a long-term lifestyle, not just a vacation.
The more you travel, the more you refine your system. Over time, travel can be cheaper than staying home, while also creating opportunities for freelance projects, online teaching, and partnerships.
Final Thoughts + What to Do Next
Traveling in your 50s isn’t just possible — it can be the most rewarding time of your life. You bring wisdom, patience, and perspective that younger travelers don’t have. You also know the value of comfort, smart planning, and financial responsibility.
Here’s what I want you to take away:
- You can start small — even a weekend trip counts.
- Budget travel doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort.
- You’re never “too old” to chase new adventures.
- Your 50s are actually the perfect time to explore.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the “right time,” stop. That moment is now. Start planning your first trip, however small, and take the leap.