I’ve always been intrigued by the bold statement of the 18th-century author and raconteur Dr. Samuel Johnson: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” For me, it’s true literally—I’m an Anglophile. But it has the larger meaning that, so long as there is another country, town or landscape to see, my curiosity will compel me to visit, and my life will be recharged.
Travel can reinvigorate our lives more immediately than any other activity, save falling in love. That’s why, for 2026, I recommit to being your cheerleader for vitality through the type of travel that light up our lives with anticipation.
In this week’s episode of The Ageless Traveler, I focus on solutions that add vitality and reduce stress. I interviewed Dr. Jeanette Gray, a hormone specialist, about the unique connection between hormones and mood, vitality, and longevity.
In our usual sections, you’ll find:
Ask Adriane-Visiting Singapore, the world’s most age-friendly destination.
News You Can Use: Star gazing in Dubai-You Read That right! And a retro age-friendly cruise from Holland America
Culture Vulture-How to Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Luxury Travel For Less-Ways to get the mountain climbers feeling WITHOUT mountain climbing.
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
Unlock Your Travel Vitality: The Power of Hormone Optimization
“You’re never too old to evaluate your longevity, your vitality, and consider hormones.” Dr. Jeanette Gray
In this episode of The Ageless Traveler, I interview Dr. Jeanette Gray on about one of the most common issues faced by mature travelers … a sense of vitality loss. Many individuals report feeling burnt out from travel or lacking the energy to embark on new adventures. There may be a connection between travel burnout, travel vitality, and hormone optimization in men and women. As we age, many of us experience fatigue, which makes travel harder. But this lack of “mojo” goes beyond travel and affects all our activities.
Dr. Gray explains that hormones, especially estrogen and testosterone, significantly influence our energy levels, mood, and overall zest for life. By understanding hormone optimization, individuals can reclaim their vitality and continue to explore the world, regardless of age.
Carnival season in 2026 begins on 6 January and runs up to Mardi Gras on February 17 (“Fat Tuesday”), with street parades throughout the period. Be sure to visit Mardi Gras World to see the floats without the crowded parade route. Attend off beat events like the costumed tribes, also known as Black Masking Indians, who spend months crafting their dazzling, sequined outfits as part of a tradition that goes back centuries. They parade several times during the season.
“We go onto the streets of New Orleans, and we play war games,” Chief Shaka Zulu of the Golden Feather Hunters tribe.
It’s something to behold. If you want to learn more about Mardi Gras Indian culture, visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum in the Treme neighborhood.
Luxury Travel for Less
I have dreamed of climbing Kilimanjaro, but in the interim, I have mastered a few less challenging adventures. Last summer, I “mountaineered” by taking a funicular up the famous Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. This Thanksgiving, I ventured to Snowbird, Utah, where I have a timeshare and can acclimate to high altitudes a few times a year. Snowbird, an hour outside of Salt Lake City, is affordable to rent through the HOA or on VRBO and Airbnb. Hiking the Wasatch Mountains with easy trails is a great mountain experience. Following up on my list: Colorado’s Lookout Mountain and Oregon’s Spencer Butte, with panoramic views and easier elevation.
Friends Meeting Friends
Here’s A Fresh Perspective on Midlife and Aging
The Late Bloomer Living Podcast inspires you to find joy, embrace change, and live playfully at ANY age. Whether you’re navigating midlife, moving beyond it, launching a new career, or simply looking for more fun and fulfillment, this show will empower you to take bold steps toward the life you truly want.
Redefining What’s Possible at Midlife & Beyond
Every Wednesday, join host Yvonne Marchese on latebloomerliving.com as she interviews inspiring guests who’ve dared to reinvent themselves after 40 and experts who provide valuable guidance on navigating the unique challenges of midlife and beyond.
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