Get out there and have fun and travel!<BR><BR>A friend of mine waited until he retired to travel, put off all the fun aspects of traveling, and started to plan his dream trip.<BR><BR>You guessed it, he went into the hospital for an emergency operation, and passed away on the table. I don't want to be morbid, but, if you have been putting off treating yourself or a loved one in any way, don't!<BR><BR>War or unrest or whatever seems to be going on should not stop us from our lives!

Agreed! Eat dessert first, life is uncertain!<BR><BR>Reminder: most of us, as we get older, acquire more baggage... not luggage, but bills, children, obligations, etc. Travel when you can, cuz you might not be able to later!

Words of wisdom, SeaUrchin. I've been telling people that same message for years. When all is said and done, I don't want anyone to be able to say about me that I didn't live while I had the chance.

One study showed that men in similar jobs who retired at age 55 lived to an average age of 82. Men who retired at 65 lived to an average age of 67. One possible explanation presented was the additional 10 years of work-related stress.

Tell me about it! I just found out that I'm ill, &amp; it's not with a cold or the flu. Phht! Glad I got to go to Rome twice this year.<BR><BR>BC

<BR><BR>BC*I think you should send me an email now.

ME TOO, PRONTO!!!!!

RUFUSTFIREFLY<BR>Great news you send me!! I retired @ 57 am now 63 and enjoy every minute of my retirement. Glad to hear I'll live to be 82. My mother lived till she was 99. WOW, still lots of travelling to do.

The time to live our dreams is now. I'm turning 40 this year and am no longer waiting until the spouse is willing to go, the kids are grown, there's a big stash of money in the bank, etc., etc., etc. Life is meant to be lived. I don't want to be the little old lady on the front porch in my rocking chair, talking about, &quot;I only wish I'd taken the time to...&quot;<BR><BR>~ Sheryl

I agree. I see a lot of people who put off travelling till they retire;at that time they are too old to walk and have too many allergies/illnesses to be able to enjoy eating &amp; drinking whatever they want. <BR><BR>My high school English teacher had the right idea. She told me that before she got married, she blew her entire life savings and traveled the world. When she got married, she was broke, but she was HAPPY. Best advice any teacher ever gave me.

Here's another one in agreement. When asked, I ALWAYS tell people that my husband and I travel now (rather than after retirement) because we may not be here tomorow, and I want to see the world while I'm healthy and able. You never know what life holds one day to the next and I'm not puting it off.<BR><BR>I would have a lot of regrets if I waited to see the world and wasn't able to later on.<BR><BR>

Bookchick,<BR> Hope that what ever it is is readily taken care of.

I will! TRAVEL is my top priority right now. Planning 3 great itineraries, AND am looking to do another. It is my very own version of Prozac! Resolution: No more worrying about things I can do nothing about(war&amp;peace). Carpe Diem!

Travel is one aspect of life. If one has a realistic outlook on life travel will be considered in its proper order and proportion.<BR><BR>At 66 years of age, I have had cancer and other surgeries. I work because I prefer to and travel with my wife to Europe, now mainly to France/Provence. We travel using our resources as wisely as we can, i.e., using frequent flyer miles, staying in modest priced hotels, etc.<BR><BR>And, please allow one related opinion. St. Augustine is one of my guides as to a philosophy of life. His premise is that happiness on earth is always transitory as our real destiny is in another realm. For those who believe otherwise just look at the &quot;Jet Set&quot; types and their often sad,chaotic life styles. <BR><BR>In my opinion,that while the golden years are now for all of us, and not over the horizon, a philosophy of life is essential to truly enjoy life.

I'm 55 now. I'm trying to convince my wife to take a second job so I can retire and live longer. No luck so far.

<BR>Rufus, what are you promising her in return?

That I'll live longer so she'll be able to enjoy all the resultant extra years of connubial bliss.

Rufus, with you for a husband it's likely to just feel like forever.

<BR>LOL! Belinda, shame on you, Lol~<BR>Rufus, I hope with all that connubial canoodeling that you find time to take her on some really fine trips!

RufusTFirefly:<BR><BR>Is this a consiracy? That little ploy of wifey taking on a second job actually worked for my husband. However, we decided that everything I earn will go towards travel, so I don't really mind. I just think of Italy on those days I don't feel like coming into the office.<BR><BR><BR>