For SLUB Magazine
As children grow up and leave home to build their own lives, many couples find themselves at a crossroad – do they settle into routine, or embark on new adventures? Interestingly, more and more next chapter parents are choosing the latter, embracing travel as a way to reconnect and explore the world with newfound freedom.
After years of planning vacations around theme parks, road trips and kid-friendly activities, my husband and I found ourselves standing in an airport, just the two of us, with no itinerary dictated by nap schedules or snack breaks. It was exhilarating and a little daunting. Could we still travel together without the distractions of parenthood? Would our travel styles align after years of compromise?
We quickly realized that traveling in this phase of life is not just about revisiting places we’ve always wanted to see – it is about experiencing the world in a whole new way, with more time, freedom and deeper appreciation. And we’re not alone. More and more couples are packing their bags, eager to explore together and redefine what travel means in this new phase of life.
A recent survey reveals that 63% of empty nesters rank travel among their top three areas of discretionary spending with 73% planning to use this time to reconnect with their partners.*
Here’s a few reasons why this could be the case with later-life parents.
1. Freedom from Responsibilities
For years, vacations revolved around our children’s school schedules and extracurricular activities. Now, we can travel during the off-season, avoiding crowds and enjoying better deals. We can plan spontaneous getaways without worrying about babysitters, homework or coordinating schedules with other families.
2. Rediscovering the Couple Dynamic
Many couples realize they haven’t traveled alone together in decades. Traveling as empty nesters brings a chance to reconnect, rekindle romance and create new shared experiences beyond parenting.
3. More Financial Flexibility
With kids out of college, or in college, many couples find they have more disposable income to spend on experiences rather than material things. This often means upgrading to boutique hotels, taking bucket-list trips or indulging in more immersive experiences.
4. Prioritizing Experiences Over Things
After years of raising a family, many later-life couples want to focus on meaningful travel – whether it is cultural immersion, wellness retreats, or adventure travel. It’s no longer about rushing through an itinerary but about savoring the journey.
5. Staying Active & Healthy
Today’s third chapter adults are more health-conscious than ever. Travel is seen as a way to stay active – whether it is hiking through the Canadian Rockies, cycling through Tuscany or simply walking through the charming streets of a historic city.
While all of this may be true, there are a few challenges to this kind of travel too. Shifting from family-focused vacations to more immersive, slower-paced travel also involves redefining priorities, from luxury stays to cultural exploration. Additionally, nostalgia for past family trips may arise but creating new traditions as a couple helps bridge the gap and make travel a rewarding new chapter.
Since becoming empty nesters, my husband and I have embraced spontaneity, realizing that our best moments often come from ditching rigid plans. While he loves history and UNESCO sites, I’m drawn to adventure and Instagram-worthy spots, and compromise has enriched our travels. With fewer daily distractions, travel has strengthened our relationship, giving us time to reconnect and rediscover each other. Empty nester travel isn’t just a trend – it’s a movement proving that the best adventures are still ahead.
So, if you’ve been hesitating to plan that first big trip after the kids have moved on, this is your sign to take the plunge. The world is waiting, and your next great adventure is just around the corner. This is your time to explore, reconnect and create unforgettable memories together.
*Statistic from hospitalitynet.org
