Why the Next Chapter of Life Changes the Way People Travel
Let me ask you something — and this is a real, honest question, not a dramatic one.
Have you ever noticed how the trips you want now don’t look anything like the trips you wanted ten or twenty years ago?
Not worse.
Not better.
Just… different.
I see this shift all the time. And honestly? It’s one of my favorite parts of being a travel advisor.
Because this shift usually shows up right alongside something else:
People start wanting more memories — and a whole lot less stuff.
Why Does Travel Stop Being About Proving Something?
Travel stops being about proving something when people have enough life experience to value how a trip feels more than how much they can fit into it.
Earlier in life, travel often has a mission.
It’s about: - Seeing as much as possible
- Packing the schedule
- Getting your money’s worth
- Coming home exhausted but proud
That phase makes sense. You’re building a life. You’re juggling responsibilities. You’re squeezing travel into the cracks between work, kids, and obligations.
Back then, travel can feel a little like an accomplishment.
But then something changes.
At a certain chapter of life, travel stops being about checking boxes — and starts being about how something feels.
People start asking different, deeper questions: - Will this trip feel rushed or restorative?
- Am I actually going to enjoy the pace?
- Will I remember this… or just recover from it?
That’s not being picky.
That’s being experienced.
How Does Having Time and Perspective Change the Way We Travel?
When people gain both time and perspective, travel becomes more intentional, personal, and aligned with how they want to feel.
One of the biggest shifts I see happens when people finally have a little breathing room.
The calendar isn’t quite as chaotic.
The pressure to “do it all” softens.
And suddenly, travel gets personal.
Instead of asking:
> “How much can we fit in?”
People start asking:
> “What do we actually want from this trip — and what do we want to feel when we come home?”
That’s a powerful moment.
Because when that question changes, so does the way people spend their money.
Have you ever noticed how the trips you want now don’t look anything like the trips you wanted ten or twenty years ago?
Not worse.
Not better.
Just… different.
I see this shift all the time. And honestly? It’s one of my favorite parts of being a travel advisor.
Because this shift usually shows up right alongside something else:
People start wanting more memories — and a whole lot less stuff.
Why Does Travel Stop Being About Proving Something?
Travel stops being about proving something when people have enough life experience to value how a trip feels more than how much they can fit into it.
Earlier in life, travel often has a mission.
It’s about: - Seeing as much as possible
- Packing the schedule
- Getting your money’s worth
- Coming home exhausted but proud
That phase makes sense. You’re building a life. You’re juggling responsibilities. You’re squeezing travel into the cracks between work, kids, and obligations.
Back then, travel can feel a little like an accomplishment.
But then something changes.
At a certain chapter of life, travel stops being about checking boxes — and starts being about how something feels.
People start asking different, deeper questions: - Will this trip feel rushed or restorative?
- Am I actually going to enjoy the pace?
- Will I remember this… or just recover from it?
That’s not being picky.
That’s being experienced.
How Does Having Time and Perspective Change the Way We Travel?
When people gain both time and perspective, travel becomes more intentional, personal, and aligned with how they want to feel.
One of the biggest shifts I see happens when people finally have a little breathing room.
The calendar isn’t quite as chaotic.
The pressure to “do it all” softens.
And suddenly, travel gets personal.
Instead of asking:
> “How much can we fit in?”
People start asking:
> “What do we actually want from this trip — and what do we want to feel when we come home?”
That’s a powerful moment.
Because when that question changes, so does the way people spend their money.
Why Do Standard Trips Stop Working for Experienced Travelers?
Standard trips stop working because experienced travelers want travel that reflects who they are now, not who they were years ago.
The more life experience you have, the less tolerance you have for generic choices — in travel and in life.
Standard itineraries.
Rushed group tours.
One-size-fits-all plans.
They start to feel… off.
And the same thing happens with spending.
At this stage of life, most people already have: - The house full of furniture
- Closets full of clothes
- Garages full of things they don’t actually need
More stuff doesn’t add much joy.
But experiences?
Experiences age beautifully.
You don’t dust them.
You don’t store them.
And they don’t lose value over time.
They grow.
Buy More Memories. Buy Fewer Things.
This is something I say often — because it matters.
At this stage of life, money spent on things tends to fade into the background.
But money spent on experiences?
That shows up again and again: - In conversations
- In photos you actually look at
- In moments you replay in your mind
Experiences become part of who you are.
A Gentle Thought to Leave You With
If your idea of a great trip is starting to change, nothing is wrong.
You’re not becoming difficult.
You’re not becoming boring.
You’re becoming clear.
And clarity is a really good place to start.
If this resonates — even a little — tuck it away.
No rush. No pressure.
When you’re ready to trade more stuff for better memories, I’m always here.
About the Author
Ashley Bullard is the Founder of J & A Travel Adventures, a globally experienced travel advisor who has visited 83 countries and spent nearly 30 years helping clients trade more stuff for better travel experiences.
