Over the Hill and Far Away: Seniors Who Travel

The text, https://robertahill.com/2025/10/23/what-makes-eastern-canada-so-special/ originates from the travel blog "Wanderlust Over 70" and primarily features an article arguing what makes Eastern Canada a uniquely appealing travel destination. The article characterizes the region as offering intimacy, history, and profound natural beauty, specifically highlighting iconic landmarks such as the dramatically changing Bay of Fundy tides in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia's scenic Cabot Trail. Furthermore, the source discusses how the experience is defined by local features, including its enduring living history (such as the Acadian story), distinct seasonal changes, and delicious regional foods like lobster rolls and maple products.  Ultimately, the source promotes independent travel recommendations and detailed itineraries for experienced explorers.

The text, https://robertahill.com/2025/11/11/what-the-heck-is-spark-and-shift-money/ sourced from the "Wanderlust Over 70" travel blog, introduces the Two-Tier Net Worth Framework, a financial philosophy designed to build joy and meaning into spending habits. This strategy is divided into two distinct parts: Spark Money, a recurring tiny percentage (0.01%) used for small, guilt-free daily pleasures, and Shift Money, a larger annual amount (1%) allocated for one significant, transformative experience, such as travel or a major upgrade. The article argues that this system serves as the "frosting" of life quality, intentionally fitting atop the structural "base layer" provided by traditional strategies like the FIRE 4% Rule for essential expenses and long-term security. By comparing the framework to the 50/30/20 Budget Rule, the author positions the Spark and Shift method as particularly beneficial for retirees, focusing on spending wealth on purposeful experiences without financial guilt. Furthermore, the source provides readers with detailed travel tips, including an extensive list of affordable global destinations for living or extended trips.

The source, an article titled "Getting What You Want and Deserve" from the blog "Wanderlust Over 70," offers a reflection on senior travel and the importance of self-advocacy. Written by Roberta Hill, the piece argues that travel in later life shifts from chasing "more" to seeking alignment, meaning, and joy, prioritizing comfort and authentic experience over ambitious itineraries. A central theme is the necessity of unlearning excessive politeness and the "Canadian (i.e. polite)" tendency to apologize for one's needs, encouraging travellers to clearly and kindly ask for necessary accommodations, such as quieter rooms or preferred meals. The article contrasts this assertive approach with the behaviour of "entitled" travellers, emphasizing that kindness and gratitude are essential because travel is a privilege, not a right.

The provided text is an excerpt from a travel blog called "Wanderlust Over 70," specifically a post titled "Are We Hearing Answers or Just Echoes," written by Roberta Hill. The post advises readers, particularly travellers, on the importance of genuine listening rather than simply seeking confirmation of their existing biases or expectations, which the author calls an "echo chamber." Hill illustrates this point with anecdotes from her own travels, such as getting lost in Barcelona after pretending to understand rapid Spanish, and then offers three actionable tips for better listening on the road. The surrounding text indicates that the blog covers a wide variety of travel topics like safety, technology, reviews, and cultural considerations, and also includes a detailed chronology of a world trip, along with a list of recent post-COVID excursions.

The source is a reflective blog post titled "To be a good writer, you must be a good reader," from the website Wanderlust Over 70, authored by Roberta Hill and posted in September 2025. Roberta asserts that writing is a process of self-discovery and that her own writing improved when she shifted from seeking approval to writing for herself. A central argument of the post is that careful reading sharpens writing skills by teaching rhythm, detail, and empathy, using the analogy of slow travel to illustrate the importance of paying attention to nuance. The post also provides practical tips for improving reading habits to enhance writing, such as reading like a "thief" and annotating margins.

The provided text is an article from the travel blog "Wanderlust Over 70," specifically titled "Why I Love Smartphone Apps for Travel," written by Roberta Hill. This extensive piece serves as a comprehensive guide detailing the author's personal recommendations for various smartphone travel applications, organizing them into logical categories such as Navigation and Transportation, Booking and Accommodation, Cultural and Personalized Experiences, Safety and Practical Tools, Staying Connected, and Staying Informed. Each section features a chart listing apps along with their descriptions, and an "Example Experience" showcases the author's tried-and-true use of the tool during her extensive global travels, which are partially documented in an accompanying list of past trips and a detailed "World Trip" itinerary. 

The provided text is an excerpt from a travel blog post, "How to Outsmart the Sky and Minimize Flying Costs", published on Wanderlust Over 70, which focuses on advising older travellers how to reduce the expense of air travel. The author, Roberta Hill, offers practical strategies and personal anecdotes that illustrate how to secure lower flight prices by being flexible with dates and locations, leveraging credit card points and loyalty programs, and avoiding standard airline fees. Key recommendations include booking flights within a "sweet spot" timeframe before departure and rethinking traditional round-trip tickets in favour of one-way options and stopovers to maximize savings. Ultimately, the post suggests that patience, timing, and the use of tracking tools are essential for making air travel more affordable.

The provided text is an excerpt from a travel blog post, "Making Peace with the Privilege of Travel," written by Roberta Hill for Wanderlust Over 70. This post primarily discusses the author's internal struggle and ultimate reconciliation with the privilege inherent in being able to travel for leisure, contrasting it with global inequities like refugee crises. Roberta advocates for replacing guilt with gratitude and responsibility, urging readers to approach their journeys with intention and mindful spending. Supplementary sections of the source include an extensive list of past trips, organized by day and location, as well as a menu of travel-related topics, establishing the blog as a comprehensive resource for mature travellers.

This article, The Balcony You Didn’t Know You Needed on a Cruise, from Wanderlust Over 70 strongly advocates for the value of booking a cruise cabin with a balcony, presenting it as a hidden luxury that significantly enhances the travel experience, especially on scenic itineraries. The author, Roberta Hill, contrasts the private, uninterrupted views and fresh air of a balcony with the crowded public decks or confined interior cabins, suggesting it transforms the cabin into a "real living room at sea." The piece also debunks common myths about balconies, such as the notion that they are underutilized or that they can exacerbate motion sickness. It provides practical tips for securing a balcony cabin at a lower cost, including booking "guarantee" cabins, travelling off-season, and leveraging loyalty programs.

This source, titled "Slow Money: Earn a little while still living a rich life - Wanderlust Over 70," outlines a philosophy for financial independence and a fulfilling lifestyle, particularly relevant for retirees or those seeking self-employment. Roberta Hill shares personal insights on how understanding actual needs rather than perceived ones can lead to greater freedom and less financial stress, even with a lower income. The text offers practical strategies for managing finances, reducing expenses, and generating "slow money" through passive income and strategic spending. It emphasizes prioritizing experiences like travel and meaningful connections over accumulating possessions, advocating for a "right-sized" life that aligns with personal values. Ultimately, the piece argues that true joy and freedom come from needing less, not constantly striving for more income.

This article, Travelling with Sex Toys, from Wanderlust Over 70 offers a comprehensive guide for women travelling with sex toys, specifically timed to coincide with World Sexual Health Day.  The author, Roberta Hill, addresses common concerns by discussing why women might travel with vibrators, citing studies that link their use to improved pelvic health and overall well-being. The piece then outlines practical advice for travellers, covering topics such as choosing discreet toys, various power options, and hygienic packing methods. It also provides crucial information on navigating airport security and, most importantly, understanding international laws to avoid issues in countries where such items are banned.

The "Wanderlust Over 70" blog post emphasizes the intrinsic connection between being a good writer and being a good reader, suggesting that everyone possesses a writer within. It highlights the author's personal journey, where writing transformed from a performance to a self-discovery process later in life. The article, To be a good writer, you must be a good reader, draws parallels between reading and travelling, arguing that attentive reading, much like slow travel, allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of nuances. Ultimately, the piece advocates for intentional reading practices to enhance writing skills, urging readers to treat reading as practice rather than merely a pastime.

The provided article, How Many Underwear Are Too Many? from "Wanderlust Over 70" offers an entertaining and relatable perspective on the challenges of packing for travel, specifically addressing the common issue of overpacking. Author Roberta Hill playfully challenges conventional packing advice, admitting her own tendencies to bring more than necessary, often driven by a desire for preparedness that rarely aligns with travel realities. Through personal anecdotes, she highlights the disparity between perceived needs and actual usage of items like clothing and toiletries, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and practicality when preparing for a trip. Ultimately, the article advocates for a minimalist approach to packing, encouraging travellers to embrace who they are rather than packing for an idealized version of themselves, thereby promoting a more stress-free and authentic travel experience.

The provided text from "We Always Check a Bag - Roberta Hill, Wander After 70" presents a compelling argument against the popular minimalist travel trend of only using carry-on luggage.  Roberta Hill advocates for the benefits of checking a bag, particularly for senior travellers, emphasizing comfort, convenience, and the ability to pack for various eventualities, such as weather changes or souvenir purchases. The author addresses common concerns, such as lost luggage, by highlighting modern tracking solutions and personal preparation strategies. The article ultimately suggests that the "best" packing strategy is highly individualized, offering advice tailored to different traveller types and trip durations, rather than a universal rule. It challenges the notion that checking luggage is inherently inefficient, as it sometimes saves time and stress.

How ChatGPT might unintentionally limit you The provided text from "Wanderlust Over 70" explores how ChatGPT's personalization features can inadvertently limit a user's experience, particularly when seeking new or diverse recommendations. The author, Roberta Hill, details her surprise upon discovering that the AI tailors its responses based on past interactions, potentially reinforcing existing preferences rather than offering novel suggestions. The article then identifies specific factors, such as selective context and tone bias, that can influence ChatGPT's output. It provides actionable strategies for users to prompt the AI to generate more neutral, diverse, and evidence-based information, thereby ensuring a broader range of insights.

This travel blog post, "Cheek Kisses Around the World - Wanderlust Over 70", provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the cultural nuances of cheek kissing. The author, an Anglo living in a French culture, shares personal experiences and insights on who, when, and how to perform cheek kisses in various regions globally, including Latin Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Northern Europe, and Asia. It details how many kisses are customary in different countries and offers practical tips for travellers to avoid awkward situations. The article emphasizes observing local customs and letting locals initiate physical greetings, ensuring a respectful and comfortable interaction.

The provided texts from "Wanderlust Over 70" explore the concept and significance of collecting travel mementos. The first source, "Why I Still Collect Mementos (and Why You Might Too)," examines the personal reasons behind keeping souvenirs, highlighting their role as memory aids, gifts, and part of a travel ritual, while also cautioning against the pitfalls of clutter and unintentional collecting. Its follow-up, "A Map of My Life, One Souvenir at a Time," further discusses common items tourists collect, both intentionally and accidentally, and introduces the innovative idea of blending tangible souvenirs with digital companions to enhance memory preservation. Both pieces share the perspective of an author who embraces mindful collecting as a way to enrich and recall travel experiences.

This travel blog post, "Spend 3 Days on Île d’Orléans: Québec’s Most Beautiful Getaway - Wanderlust Over 70", describes a three-day itinerary for visiting Île d’Orléans, an island near Québec City known for its historical charm and relaxed pace. The author provides personal recommendations for activities and sites, highlighting the island's senior-traveller-friendly atmosphere. It offers practical advice, such as suggested durations of stay and best times to visit, while also giving a brief historical overview of the island's preservation efforts. The article effectively combines personal experience with helpful travel tips to guide potential visitors.

The provided text, "Exploring the World Through Walking Tours - Wanderlust Over 70," is a travel blog post enthusiastically advocating for walking tours as a primary way to experience new places. It highlights how these tours offer deep local insights, transform ordinary locations into historical narratives, and provide unique cultural immersion not possible with faster travel methods. The article categorizes different types of walking tours, suggests ideal locations, and outlines both the advantages and disadvantages of choosing this mode of exploration. Furthermore, it compares various booking platforms and offers additional resources for planning, solidifying its role as a comprehensive guide for travellers, particularly those over 70, looking to explore the world at a more deliberate pace.

The article, Using LinkedIn as a Senior Traveller, from Wanderlust Over 70 discusses how LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for senior travellers, especially those who are self-employed or retired, to share their experiences and network professionally. You can connect directly with Roberta on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertahill/ Would you like to get her updated LinkedIn Magazine for 2025? It includes how to use AI. Click the image.