After my last trip--a month visit to Poland--I was so jet-lagged and burnt out that I was thinking I might not travel internationally again. Then, as I posted in an earlier post, I checked my frequent flyer miles and found that I already have enough miles to go to Europe. Oh, joy! I can go to Alcoy, Spain, for the Moros y Cristianos festival and then wander around Spain for 10 days or so.

I really doubt that I will ever earn enough United frequent flyer miles to go to Europe again, so I thought I'd switch to using my Alaska Airlines/American Airlines card so that I could earn enough miles to go to Mexico or Hawaii. Oh, joy again! I discovered that I already have enough miles to go to Yucatán to see more Mayan ruins. So I could go there in late November and then to Spain in April.

After which, I suddenly realized that I must be nuts! I'm 82 years old, will be 83 in January, and I want to take two international trips within a six month span. Maybe I need to rethink that plan.

>>Maybe I need to rethink that plan.<<

Why

I say go for it -- especially since you have the miles. If something comes up you can always change plans or cancel and re-deposit your miles back in the accounts. Book while you are excited about the trips. And even if you slow down a little there are ways to compensate for the jetlag on future trips. I've gone trough cycles - awful jetlag for a few years, no effects for a few years, repeat. One-city trips where you aren't moving around too awful much. or even a river cruise where you can join excursions or sit back and enjoy a good book on the veranda. Easy itineraries.

As long as I've known you (which is more than a few years by now) you say that after every big trip -haha- thankfully so far it has proven not to be true!

You GO Peg!!

Yes indeedy - you're a role model for many of us! Keep traveling, and maybe up the comfort level a bit and reduce some of the traipsing around from location to location; no need to stop, just re-invent.

Getting realistic - as a medical professional I would say be sure you’re up to date on checkups - including bone density as well as the vital organ stuff - drink plenty of water, and build in some flexibility so you can slow down if desired. Enjoy!

You can slow down... without stopping...

You go girl! I wish I had your energy!

I hope you will keep going as long as you can.

You give me hope, Peg. I am soon to be 88, and have been debating if I still have one more Paris trip in me. Please let us know how you get on, if you do succumb to the travel bug again, and I will factor that into my decision making.

You probably need to slow down a bit, but you do NOT need to stop travelling.

Take an extra day (or two) at the start of the trip to get over the jetlag. Maybe stay an extra day in each town you visit, so you don't have to rush between sights. Relax a bit and rest when you need it.

Make sure you don't have any must-do things immediately after you get home again.

You clearly love to travel and your trips give you something fun to look forward to.

Mom traveled to Switzerland to celebrate her 90th birthday last year. Of course we didn't go mountain hiking but we had a good time.

Strong rec for those with limited mobility or who just like relaxing while they sightsee: bicycle taxis. Many cities have them and they can go in some areas where cars aren't allowed. Dresden pedestrian part of the old town for example. I booked Mom a one hour taxi ride through two historic Basel neighborhoods whose picturesque side streets aren't served by buses/trams etc.

If you're worried about...taxing...the velo driver, a growing number are using e-bikes 🙂

Anyway congrats and have fun!

Whenever I worry that I'm being unrealistic, I have a lie-down and rethink it until I change my mind.

Seems to me you have a brain of a 40 years old, stamina of a 15 years old and I hope you never get realistic, like St cirq says !. Life is not realistic, so just follow your gutt feelings ! Enjoy every moment of it.

Staying in one location for a while while abroad makes travel easier. Connect a few longer stays. These have turned out to be our favorite memories.

I am currently in Bavaria (arrived Monday) with my 81 year old father, it was a 34 hour journey door to door, with 2 long haul flights from Australia, and a train ride.

We both stayed up all day on arrival, and found that helped quite a bit to adjust. It is an 8 hour time difference for us.
Our first 2 full days have been spent walking (glorious sunshine here), followed by long lunches.
We did need bed at 7:30 pm last night, so up at 5am, but we are slowly getting our body clocks sorted.
I planned a 5 night stay, so we can take it easy. Today we will probably take the bus somewhere, as we have sore feet.

We are happier being here with jet lag, than if we weren’t here

Okay, reality check here...we are both awake at 3:30am.

But... despite the fog in our heads, by staying put for 5 nights, we can have a nap, not feel rushed, whatever. Wish I could say we discovered the secret of recovery!