My life plan was probably similar to yours: get an education, start a career, get married, have a family, pay the bills and save some money (if there’s anything left over), wait until your kids are launched and then travel.
David and I (and our sons) went on plenty of family trips in the course of 34 years together. (I’ll explain the difference between a trip and a vacation a little later.) The two of us were just starting to travel – we went on our first real vacation, a cruise in 2003, and both had a great time. We met a couple we enjoyed spending time with and agreed to meet up the next year for a trip together.
Then life took a turn I never expected: David died suddenly and there I was with the time and money and health with which to travel but no one to do it with.
I’ve heard different versions of the following: when you’re young you don’t have the time or money to travel; in your prime you have the money but often can’t find the time; after retirement you have the time and the money but may not be healthy or strong enough to travel.
So…
Gilda