Ep # 150 - Slow Travel, Big Impact: Redefining Retirement with Karen Gershowitz
Joe speaks with Karen Gershowitz about how travel can reignite purpose, connection, and joy in retirement. Karen shares practical tips for affordable travel after 60, overcoming mobility challenges, and meaningful experiences through slower, more intentional travel. As a retiree you can embrace travel as a powerful part of your retirement lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
Travel Can Help Redefine Retirement Purpose
You Can Still Travel with Mobility or Health Challenges
Slow Travel Leads to Deeper Cultural Connections
Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive or Far
Start Small and Build Your Travel Confidence
Ideas Worth Sharing
“Just because you can’t travel like you did at thirty, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel at all.”
“Fun, connection, and discovery — that’s what travel brings to retirement.”
“Don’t chase the guidebook — chase what you love.”
“Slowing down isn’t a limitation; it’s an invitation to go deeper.”
“People are people – no matter where you go”
Resources
Books by Karen Gershowitz
Wanderlust: Extraordinary People, Quirky Places, and Curious Cuisine
Both books feature engaging travel stories and insights from Karen’s global adventures.
Karen Gershowitz’s Website & Social Media
Website: karengershowitz.com
(Includes her blog, book links, and contact info)Facebook @karengershowitzauthor
Instagram & LinkedIn: @KarenGershowitz
🌍 Recommended Travel Resource for Women
A free online travel community and guide specifically for women aged 50+ who travel solo or independently.
Offers tips, destination guides, and a strong sense of community.
Rediscovering the Joy of Travel in Retirement:
Explore the World on Your Terms
Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with freedom, flexibility, and for many, a long-awaited opportunity to explore the world. Seasoned traveler and author Karen Gershowitz offers practical and inspiring travel tips specifically for retirees.
Whether you're dreaming of international adventures or local getaways, Karen's insights offer a fresh take on how to make travel more accessible and meaningful in retirement.
Travel Doesn't Have to Be Expensive
One of the biggest misconceptions about travel in retirement is that it has to be expensive.
An excellent budgeting tip: book accommodations and car rentals that offer free cancellations—then check back closer to your travel date for lower prices. Often, you can rebook the same room or vehicle for less.
Another smart strategy is to travel during the periods just before or after peak tourist months. Not only are flights and hotels cheaper, but you'll avoid the crowds, making for a more relaxed experience.
She also recommends signing up for flight deal alerts and exploring free or low-cost activities like city walking tours or local events. Many major cities offer "pay-what-you-can" tours, which provide cultural insight without breaking your budget.
Start Local and Build Confidence
For those feeling hesitant about traveling due to mobility concerns, fear of the unknown, or simply being out of practice, there's a gentle way to ease back into it. According to Karen, "Take out a map, draw a 50- or 100-mile circle around your home, and go explore." You'll be amazed at what you can discover in your own backyard, and it's a perfect way to build travel confidence.
These shorter trips also allow you to practice planning logistics, packing efficiently, and navigating new environments—all helpful steps before committing to a longer journey.
Embrace Slower, More Intentional Travel
Rather than rushing to see every tourist attraction, Karen encourages retirees to linger in local parks, dine at neighborhood cafes, and ride public transit. This slower pace not only reduces stress but also creates opportunities to connect with locals and experience authentic day-to-day life in a new place.
Travel with Purpose
Her biggest piece of advice? "Don't chase the guidebook—chase what you love." Build your travels around personal interests, whether that's food, art, sports, or history. By aligning your trips with your passions, you'll rediscover parts of yourself that may have taken a back seat during your working years.
Final Thoughts
Travel in retirement isn't just about checking destinations off a list—it's about reconnecting with yourself, engaging with new cultures, and finding joy in the unexpected.