suze

Don't pick fights. This is a nice thread. I was trying to help by sharing the way I get good photos of myself in front of monuments in Paris when I am solo.

NewbE

<Don't pick fights.>
I wasn't. You are the one who addressed me by name with a rude comment for no reason that I can see.

< This is a nice thread. >
It was until you and your usual attitude showed up.

suze

I only said:

"Just ask a stranger to take your picture..."

which you just HAD to comment on in a negative way.

RM67

My travelling style hasn't changed at all over the years really. I still do some minimal planning around a few key sights or events, then wing the rest of the trip. I don't bring forward or save specific destinations for sooner or later based on what I perceive I might or might not be capable of when I'm older. My mum died quite young so I just do what I want when the fancy takes me, spend as much as I can afford and never ever regret it. I still find the level of stress/worry/overplanning around some trips on Fodors a bit of a mystery tbh.

Biggest changes for me are technology based. The advent of the internet means I can plan everything myself, no need for an agent, and I absolutely love doing that. Smartphones and tablets help me get the most out of a trip in situ. (Though even with two smartphones we couldn't find Arcano in Barcelona, so they aren't the b-all and end-all). Digital cameras mean I can take unlimited photos without worrying about cost and bore everyone to death with them back home. New plastics mean lighter luggage. Everything is an order of magnitude easier now tbh.

Flying still terrifies me. The end is still worth it though. Always.

NewbE

This was my entire post, notably without any mention of you:
<I don't see why asking a stranger for a favor, with the bother of selecting an appropriate looking stranger and the risk of handing over one's phone, is seen as in any way preferable to a selfie stick.

Time has marched on, people!>

This prompted you to make one rude remark addressed directly to me:
<Hence my reply, NewbE, march on yourself.>

Which you followed with:
<Don't pick fights.>

And you are still slagging away.

I wasn't talking to you. Why is that so hard for you to grasp?

suze

You WERE talking about what I had just posted above and disagreeing with it.

Fodorite018

Off the top of my head, I can't think about anything that has changed regarding our travel style. We splurge in some areas and save in others, depending on the destination and various factors. I am fine with shared bathrooms, no elevators, etc. We have tried a few trips as slow travel, but that is not our style at all and I was antsy the entire time. Nope, not for me!

We have always taken the kids with us on our travels. Now that they are grown and on their own, they still come with us if it works with their schedules, and if not then we do our own thing.

Ok, I did think of one thing. We used to use a travel agent to book flights and hotels. That ship has long since sailed!

StCirq

I agree that selfie-sticks are mortifying and that asking a stranger to take a picture isn't some relic of the past, it's just way more thoughtful of your surroundings and the people in them. At the crowded market here yesterday I saw about half a dozen people who almost got their eyes poked out by those obnoxious things. It's just not cool. Asking a stranger to take a picture IS preferable. Just ask yourself why they're called "selfies."

As to the OP's question:

When I was young and single, I traveled willy-nilly with no reservations, though I did infinite research in guidebooks before taking off. I also pored over maps and stuck them on my wall with stickpins in them to plan out routes. I often planned trips to coincide with my parents' trips and would meet them for a few days in one European venue or another, but was mostly on my own. Never did much if any partying, though.

When I first got married I traveled regularly with my husband and we got a little more organized ahead of time, but we still didn't have the internet so did a huge amount of paper research.

I never stopped traveling when I had kids. There wasn't a year that I didn't go to Europe with kids from the time they were born until the time they were old enough to travel by themselves. I learned to gear the trips to their likes and wants, though, which often meant slower trips, more stops, less times in restaurants and more time in snack bars and cafés. Wasn't a problem. The older they got the closer we got to getting back to our usual trips with lots of visits to historical sites, museums, art exhibits, etc. And more times in real restaurants (as they had learned early that eating in Europe is a different, and slower, process than eating in America). We never did really fancy eating, though, never. And we had a lot of picnics.

As they got older, we acquired a vacation home in France and spent time here as a family every summer, often veering off to other nearby countries. Then, as we were renting the house for part of the year, I would make solo trips to France in spring and fall to open and close the house, often with girlfriends in tow. My then-husband wasn't interested and it had to be done, so I always did it and made a mini-vacation out of it with a few days in Paris alone or with friends.

I also did solo trips to places my first husband had no interest in visiting - Africa and Asia, e.g., because I didn't want to live my life without those experiences, and he wasn't interested. My kids were young adults by then and could fend for themselves, and my parents were nearby and happy to help out. I cherish the memories of those trips. Well, I cherish the memories of all trips, but some of those were special.

Fast forward and kids are all grown up and on their own and my first husband is deceased and I'm remarried, and we've moved permanently to France. We take lots of little mini-trips to fairly nearby places spontaneously, sometimes without reservations in advance, but only in the winter when we know places won't be crowded. We also plan trips to other countries with some abandon, but only when we get wind of 24-hour special prices and such. And then we do reserve accommodations and trains and such in advance and I get guidebooks and maps and do the same kind of research I did 40 years ago when I was first setting out on adventures. I love to be the researcher, and my DH is always happy to go anywhere. I can't say as I'd be likely to set off on my own on a trip these days; it's just too enjoyable to travel with my husband. BUT, he wouldn't mind at all if I did, and I could still do it.

I am physically a little bit slower these days, for sure, but that's mostly because I broke my heelbone 3 years ago, and it was misdiagnosed as a sprained ankle for 6 months, so it never got properly treated, and by the time the mistake was discovered it was too late to re-break the bones and re-do it. It took me a good two years to recover total mobility from that, and even now that I'm physically recovered, I have moments when I get slightly concerned about my stability on big cobblestones, steep stone steps, and such. But it all works out in the end, anyway, because now I don't have to rush around Europe the way I felt I did in my 20's and 30's. A slower pace is fine with me. It gives me time to really see the details. And because I'm sort-of retired (though today I got a big freelance job, so that's not always true, and I do travel consulting and guiding), I get to spend time reading about those details, which I love to do. And other than the occasional left foot issue, I'm strong and probably a lot healthier than I was 10 years ago simply by virtue of living in the country, doing a lot of manual labor, and eating really well.

This was too long, I know. Sorry. I wish you well in your travels.

november_moon

I end up taking pictures for people a lot on trips. DH is an avid photographer, so he spends ages photographing stuff while I hang around - people see me with time to kill and figure that with DH's backpack full of gear, I have no reason to swipe their stuff

Anyway, my travel style hasn't changed too much, but then I haven't been traveling for very long. I didn't have the finances to really travel until a little over 10 years ago - before that, money was too tight to consider it.

denisea

I did not make it to Europe until I was 29 and time HAS marched on...I am much more adventurous with food choices. I appreciate the food quality outside the U.S. and avoid places that serve American food....can get that at home.

I also try to be a "good" tourist. I have never been impolite but I do try to understand more about the culture and customs and be respectful of that. I try to communicate more in the language of the country I am in.

I am more willing to venture further and use more public transportation.

I have never been able to go without hotel reservations. My dad refused to make hotel reservations and I remember driving forever a few times trying to find vacancies. I vowed I would not get caught with no where to go at the end of the day!!

No selfie sticks for me but I know I am in the minority there. They are everywhere.

fuzzbucket

There were a whole lot fewer people travelling when I took my first international trip in the mid-'70's. There were still not many people travelling in the mid-'80's, either, and I'm glad that I got to see and do what I wanted to before the rest of the world showed up. There are many places that have been ruined by tourism - I understand the why's and wherefore's and the necessity of it all, but it makes me sad that I will never visit those places again.

Travel was expensive back in the day - especially flights and train passes - but lodging was not expensive at all. I didn't have enough money to eat in restaurants, but enjoyed a drink at cafes and pubs and would pick up something to eat in my hotel room. Breakfast was always included in the price of the room, then - either the full British breakfast or a big pot of coffee, whole baguette, jam, butter.

I don't have children, but have travelled with other people long enough to know that I'd rather go solo. I find that it's much easier to interact with people when you're alone - which for me is one of the basic reasons for travelling.

fourfortravel

DH and I took our first transatlantic trips as young 30-somethings, with only 2 weeks' notice (work-related) to 1) ask the grandparents to sit our 3 year-old; and 2) get passports. Up to that point, as poor, freshly minted post-grads every penny went toward buying a house, and we traveled nowhere. On that first trip (to Vienna!), the travel bug bit us.

As our careers (and family) progressed, spare resources were set aside for holidays rather than "things," and we were fortunate to take the family on a holiday just about once a year, to family-friendly destinations like Rome, London, Paris, and even joined DH on a Japan work trip for 12 days.

Now, we live in Vienna! Our family travels together and we travel separately, as that is what works best. In the early years following our arrival, I would leave our Tween and Teen home while I joined DH for a couple of days on work trips to interesting cities. With the oldest Teen now in university in the US, I am more selective about accompanying DH, so as not to leave all responsibilities to our youngest Teen DD. Often a friend of DD's will stay at our home while I travel, though, which makes both girls happy.

And this week our Teen DD boarded her first solo transatlantic flight to visit friends in our US hometown. The times, they have a'changed.

WeisserTee

Well, for one thing, the foyer I stayed in while a student at the Sorbonne has been turned into offices for staff of the French Senate (it was nice while it lasted -- in 1982, $5 a day covered my room directly overlooking the Luxembourg Gardens, breakfast, showers, and access to a communal kitchen).

Of course my travel style has changed -- we live in Switzerland and can make on short notice travel plans to neighbouring countries and then just hop on a train. And we can reserve rooms online rather than writing to the hotel, sending the request off by airmail and making sure to include those international reply coupons to cover the return postage. These days, we usually stay in 4 or 5 star hotels rather than foyers and hostels or, for a splurge, a 1- or 2-star hotel.

What hasn't changed is my enjoyment of the places I visit.

irishface

Some has changed and some not from when I first went to Europe 50 years ago as a 21 year old student with Europe on $5 a day. I still get excited about a trip over the pond and history fascinates me as it did then. (Scares me to think that once current events for me are now history.) Still love accidental meetings with strangers and try to interact with "locals" or fellow travelers.

However, I do find myself wanting to have ensuite bedroom (though I did manage two years ago with one in the hall). First time I had an ensuite room was in my York UK and just lucked out that the first B&B I stopped at had an ensuite as the only room left. It was reasonable enough for me to grab it. ($15 a night)

Now I do a lot of internet planning. Fifty years ago internet wasn't even a word, but would have loved it.

First few trips I hit few restaurants--mostly breakfast was included at b&B and then would buy bread, cheese, or a sandwich somewhere and eat on a park bench. Over the years I have eaten at a few more restaurants but still am likely to pick up picnic makings or a sandwich when I am hungry.

Still pack very light.

Still fly economy.

Always have been into photography and love it even more in the digital age so I don't have to carry around tons of film and then wait two weeks after I get home to see my pictures. I can take pictures and delete the bad ones without paying a cent.

Always used to travel with tentative itinerary and book rooms on the go. Last trip convinced me to book ahead. I leave in a few days and will see how it goes.

Up until a few years ago I let a travel agent book my flights, but once I found out how easy it is to do on my own, I'm sold.

Although I have traveled with family and a good friend and had some good times (and one disaster!), my preferred way is solo. I am selfish and like being able to do what I want when I want. I took four of my nephews at different times. One pair was 10 and 12 and the other was 11 and 14. They helped with the planning and chose the country. It was such fun to see things through their eyes! Now their sons are nearly ready for this adventure and are asking when.

I usually rent a car now, a real splurge for a single traveler. I was in my forties the first time (in Ireland) that I got up the courage to rent a car.

I am eagerly awaiting take off for my latest adventure on Wednesday evening.

Coquelicot

We camped through Europe and North Africa for over a year in our 20s. We had planned to cross the Sahara to east Africa over the winter but our bank in NYC put the wrong stamp on the envelope with our winter's funds. By the time we straightened things out it was too late to go south, so we headed north again. We went from the Sahara to the Arctic Circle.

This was not glamor travel. Most nights we camped, sometimes we slept in the car, and occasionally we stayed with people we met. Often the campsites were near sewage treatment plants, railroads, and small airports. It made no difference to us; we were young. We met all kinds of people, which is still one of the best parts of travel for me.

Now when I read about people who are furious that the new laws in France will prevent them from staying in apartments in Paris, I remember that every time we've visited Paris we've slept on the ground. Yes, in our tent in the campsite in the Bois de Boulogne. And we still had a ball in Paris.

It was an unforgettable trip. It was years before we could go back. We don't camp now but we still travel frugally. A month in France now costs us what the whole year cost back then.

bella9440

Yes definitely the biggest difference is the preplanning and the disposable income that allows me to stay in nicer accommodations and sample nicer restaurants; though still can't beat the street crepes from my favorite vendor-.

My only objection to a selfie stick is that at times they are dangerous- and people do not pay attention as they are looking at themselves- if you are on a bridge and taking a selfie no problem but trying to use a selfie stick in the Louvre in front of the Mona Lisa- I almost had my eye poked out by wandering selfie sticks I got out of there as fast as I could...

and as a solo traveler I am always happy to take a pic and if I see people contemplating a picture I always offer my services...never been turned down and always met with a smile..

Ozarksbill

Looking back on many vacations. With a young family we started with a tent, then trailers, camping and sightseeing from coast to coast. Sometimes just camping in the woods. Continued trips in our trailer after kids grown up and then came family reunions. Also we continued with folk festivals.

Meanwhile, after my retirement at 62 we started going to Elderhostel/Road Scholar programs. Have reached #43 with favs Ireland, San Francisco, Savannah, Hawaiian Islands. Then many overseas trips, Israel, Britain, South Africa, and also many with Grand Circle (all excellent).

Now age 86 and restricted by less walking. Not sure what I and DW of 63 years are up to. Even a question of a Red Sox game or folk festival. But along with so many memories I am grateful for pretty good health and alertness. But had pneumonia in Hamburg. Yes, I do use a cane for steadying. Other oldsters with comments on travel and aging? Do you have a favorite place in travel memories?

Leely2

I have more money now so I stay in nicer hotels. On the other hand, my job is quite demanding, and there are months at a time that it is impossible to get away from work; I can't travel just any month of the year. That's about all that has changed.

I'm in my 40s and fit/active, so not yet slowing down in terms of what I can do and where can I can go.

denisea

One thing I forgot but is maybe the smartest change...no big suitcase and no outfit for every occasion. Even in winter, I take a 21" roller board....that's it! If I can't manage it easily on my own, it stays home!

menachem

I came full circle to how I travelled in my twenties, with an expense account fueled 4 star hotel/european capital cities/flying everywhere period of time in between.

i lost the simplicity and fun and freedom of the camping and cycling. it's such an easy way to travel and it puts you in close contact with the world and the people around you. so now i've taken that mode of traveling back again. it's not the length of time, but the fullness of the experience.

but I know I'm lucky, living in northern europe, near major capitals, i realize that.