Dear Ageless Traveler,

Let me tell you something: retirement doesn’t mean you stop needing a reset. In fact, many people fall into a comfortable routine—same pickleball court, same gym class, same book club every Thursday. Nothing wrong with that. But every once in a while, you need to shake the snow globe.

That’s where the idea of a retirement gap month or year comes in. Not a break from work—but a break from your comfort zone. A season where you stretch yourself again, travel somewhere unfamiliar, learn something new, or volunteer in a place that opens your eyes to the wider world. Think of it as hitting the refresh button on your curiosity. And if writing is on your mind, that gap time might be spent at a writer’s retreat.

In this week’s newsletter, I concentrate on reinvention through travel with our usual sections:

• Ask Adriane: Reinventing Packing, Travel light for Any Trip
• News You Can Use: Reinventing the Catskill Mountains, NY State
• Culture Vulture: Reinventing Yourself at a Writing Retreat
• Luxury Travel For Less: Reinventing the Gap Year for The Ageless Traveler

In this Week’s podcast, I interview Dean Knuth, Marketing Director of Grand Canyon Whitewater, who proves that “Anyone could be an adventurer.” It doesn’t matter how old you are or your abilities. Embark with me on an all-age journey down the river to experience the wonders of the Grand Canyon.

Never stop traveling

Cheers,

Adriane

​

P.S. It’s time to book your cruise! Hundreds of discounted cruises are available through our affiliate CruisesIt. If prices drop below what you booked, you’ll be notified and receive the best price. Click here to select your trip. Bon voyage!

This Week’s Highlights

On Our Podcast A Journey Through the Grand Canyon

Have you watched videos on whitewater rafting, but never thought you could do it? You can. In this week’s The Ageless Traveler podcast, we reinvent ourselves as adventurers as we embark on an exhilarating journey through the Grand Canyon with Dean Knuth, the Marketing Director of Grand Canyon Whitewater.

We discuss the transformative power of adventure travel, specifically rafting, and how it can be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability.

This episode is not just about rafting; it’s a call to action for everyone to embrace their inner adventurer. Join us as we explore the wonders of this natural treasure and discover that adventure truly knows no bounds.

Writing Retreats 50+

I am bent on taking a writing retreat. Writing a poem, a memoir, or a novel is a way to reinvent yourself, not just as a writer but in a new way of seeing yourself.

The following is a list of retreats that pay your overhead so long as you qualify, and others that do not require you to be published or even have a resume.

Have you been on a retreat? Please tell me about your experience. I will publish it on our blog.

My top pick-Women at Woodstock, Ann Voorhees Baker, for women only…I have attended and spoken at workshops and have seen attendees achieve amazing results.

Ten Retreats that Cover Expenses-Requires a Strong Proposal

• ​MacDowell — Peterborough, New Hampshire Length: 2–6 weeks
• ​Ragdale Foundation — Lake Forest, Illinois Length: 2–4 weeks
• ​Camargo Foundation — Cassis Length: 6–11 weeks (some shorter sessions)
• ​Tyrone Guthrie Centre — Annaghmakerrig Length: 2–3 weeks
• ​Ucross Foundation — Ucross, Wyoming Length: 2–6 weeks
• ​Hawthornden Castle International Retreat for Writers — Midlothian Length: 4 weeks
• ​Civitella Ranieri Foundation — Umbria Length: 6 weeks
• ​Anderson Center at Tower View — Red Wing, Minnesota Length: 2–4 weeks
• ​Hedgebrook — Whidbey Island Length: 2 weeks
• ​Jentel Foundation — Banner, Wyoming Length: 1 month

TOP Writing Retreats that Welcome All Ages and All Stages

• ​The Watermill at Posara — Tuscany Length: 1–2 weeks: A classic retreat for memoir writers set in a restored Italian mill. Days begin with writing sessions and end with long communal dinners.
• ​Aegean Arts Circle Writing Workshop — Paros Length: 1 week: Morning writing workshops followed by afternoons of swimming in the Aegean.
• ​Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre — Scottish Highlands Length: 1 week: Serious but welcoming courses led by published authors.
• ​Oxford Creative Writing Residency — Oxford Length: 1–2 weeks: Workshops set within one of the world’s most famous literary cities.
• ​Taos Writers Conference — Taos, New Mexico, Length: 1 week: Surrounded by desert landscapes that have inspired artists for generations.
• ​Palm Springs Writers Guild — Coachella Valley Length: weekend to week workshops: Ideal for seasonal residents or travelers wintering in the desert

​

Luxury Travel for Less

GAP Years For Adults

Here’s the thing: we’re living longer, healthier lives, yet too many people wait for the “perfect time” to travel or explore the world. If you do take a sabbatical from retirement, you may find it’s the most rewarding time of your life. For example, take the remarkable octogenarians, Ellie Hamby and Sandy Hazelip. At age 81, they set off on a journey inspired by the classic adventure Around the World in Eighty Days and managed to circle the globe in 80 days.

Organizations like Hero Holidays offer travel experiences where you contribute your skills while exploring South Africa. Groups such as Projects Abroad and Global Vision International organize voluntour trips that allow travelers to help with conservation, education, or community projects while living in another culture.

The best retirement isn’t about staying busy—it’s about staying curious. And sometimes the best way to do that is to step out of your routine, pack a bag, and give yourself the gift of a gap year.

Ideas for Retiree Gap Adventures

Home Exchange– Le Joie Home Base: 2–6 weeks. Live like a local in a new city, cook local food, and immerse yourself in culture.

Study Abroad / Short Courses–2–8 weeks. University-level courses abroad in arts, languages, history, or wellness. Oxford Lifelong Learning, The New School NY Summer Programs, Summer at Cambridge

Backpacking / Overland Adventures–3–6 weeks. Explore mountains, jungles, or cities with small-group support. Intrepid Travel, G Adventures​

Volunteer / Voluntourism– 2–12 weeks. Contribute skills, support wildlife, teach, or work on community projects. Hero Holidays, Projects Abroad, Global Vision International​

Attention The AGELESS TRAVEL WOMEN: Want no boundaries advice from a savvy lady who knows how to craft success? ​Tune into Aging with Purpose and Passion: The Strategic Blueprint for Women Over 50.

Host Beverley Glazer, Reinvention Strategist and Empowerment Coach, is honest and grounded. Beverly tackles everything from grief and identity shifts to ageism, sovereignty, and libido with confidence and depth.

Beverly is my go-to voice when I’m stuck …you will love her show!

Don’t Forget to Download Our FREE Ageless Traveler eBooks