Am I too old to be a TPunk? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

paulafrapp · 10-17-2010, 09:32 AM

Hi there!
I'm pretty sure the answer is NO! But I'm asking for real responses because I'll be embarking on my "looking for peace, love and understanding" trip next year. It's all dependent on my selling house and most of my earthly belonging

I've read through alot of the posts and wonderfully valuable information provided on this website and plan to use all of it!

So here is a summary and I'd like feedback -especially if you think there is something I've missed - of which there is plenty I'm sure

I'll be 53 years old next year, female and traveling solo for 7 months through England (1 month), Scotland (1 month), Ireland (1 month), Greece (1 month) and Italy (2 months). I've travelled overseas (I'm from the US) several times but for vacations and of course for shorter amounts of time. I did live in Africa for 2 years when I was 8-10 years old. So I guess I'm saying I have an beginners comfort level for places/things non-US. I've read the blogs on phone, communcation, accomodations, safety, budgeting and read guide books - so again - I have an beginners level of comfort.

So here goes:
1) Am I too old to consider a hostel? I really wasn't considering hostels at all but after finding this site - I think I might be OK in a private room setting. Am I delusional? Would I be the only old fogie? They are called "youth hostels" for a reason

BTW: is there an age limit?

So if this isn't a winner for accomodations - I was planning on doing alot of B&B's peppered with a hotel every now and then.

2) I really do want to take ONLY a backpack. I don't want to schlepp around "baggage" I know I'll be in different climates and figure I can manage that as I can buy what I need and plan on shipping home stuff on a somewhat regular basis so I don't get stuck carrying around everything.

It is indeed possible to travel for 7 months with just a backpack....suggestions?

I have a ton more questions and will post as time goes on - but thought this might be a good introduction and get some of the big/basic things out of the way!

thanks to all!
Paula

**expatben** · 10-17-2010, 10:18 AM

TPunk is a community based on travel, love and family and in my opinion no one is ever too old to feel its warm embrace just like no one is ever too old to travel.
Welcome to Travel Punk. If you want any suggestions in England I am happy to share some.

**mish99** · 10-17-2010, 10:29 AM

First off - Welcome to Tpunk!!!

You are definitly not too old to be a Tpunk!

1) You are not delusional. You are to young to call yourself an old fogie. And each hostel is different. In my experience, most hostels dont have an upper age limit, but I have come across one or two that have said ages between 18 - 35. Im sure you wont find any problems looking for hostels without an upper age limit!! I have been in many hostels with 'older' folks, and to be honest they were all fun! I think when you are a backpacker - age just seems to fall away, its not really important.

2) YES! Its fantastic living out of a backpack - and once you are on the road, you probably wont end up buying a lot of things anyway, if you just have your 'basics'

Keep the questions coming!!

**jengt** · 10-17-2010, 03:57 PM

You are NOT too old to stay in hostels. I went to Scotland last year and stayed in hostels in Edinburgh and on the Isle of Skye - I was 46 at the time. I was not the oldest person there, either. Just check with them while you're making plans to see what the "vibe" of the place is.

I started traveling after age 40. When I stay in hostels I made sure I stay in places that advertise themselves as family friendly or even NON-party hostels. I usually stay in multi-bed rooms but do, on occasion, splurge on a private room.

I've not traveled long term - yet. A lot of the other folks here are more adept at that than I. I am looking forward to it, however, when I retire in 8 years at age 55!!!

**marc873** · 10-17-2010, 05:09 PM

Nope, you are NOT to old, and as far as hostels go, Ive been so amazed at the number of over 60 backpackers, with backpack only, staying in the dorms too... Give yourself a few weeks, and it will feel normal, as will living out of you backpack!!!
Cheers and welcome to Tpunk!!!

paulafrapp · 10-17-2010, 05:20 PM

Many thanks to everyone for the positive feedback! I'm so very excited and can't wait until May 2011 - when I plan to leave.

I'd like to post more of my destination locations over the next couple of months and hope for feedback/adivce/suggestions!

Funny, when I first thought of this - I said NEVER to hostels because I thought of it as younger folks sleeping in sleeping bags - I have a better understanding now - and while I think I'll op for the private rooms as much as possible - I think this will open many doors of opportunity to meet wonderful folks!

thanks again to all and talk to you later,
Paula

**Canadian Bacon** · 10-18-2010, 10:52 AM

Awesome, I admire your passion and courage in this. It's not easy to do what you do are that age -- and I only say that because even at 28, I know that life gets waaaaaay more complicated with each passing year.

At any rate:

1) Am I too old to consider a hostel?

No, but you want to be selected of the places you go to. Even I try to avoid the 'big hostels' that advertise a free shot with check-in as I have experience that it tends to attract a high proportion of 17-19 year old douch-packers (i.e. backpackers who are also douchebags -- not because they're young, but because they are disrespectful and destructive).

I try to stay at small places that welcome everyone but are a little quieter... I do my partying OUTSIDE not inside the hostel.

2) I really do want to take ONLY a backpack.

Yes - you must have a backpack for it to be backpacking. However, I have always disagreed that you need to carry a backpack at all times... now I just walk out on the street with my camera in my pocket, my wallet, a map and a pack of cigarettes.

**tumblezweedz** · 10-22-2010, 10:49 PM

Paula, welcome to travelpunk and to the wonderful world of backpacking. My aunt sold everything and went off to India for her 60th birthday, so your idea sounds perfectly rational to me! I am 42 and my husband and I backpack with our five kids (youngest is 2), I've been backpacking now for 20 years, it's a really great way to see the world - both in the places you go and in the other travellers you meet.

As has been mentioned, there are some hostels that really cater to a party crowd or have strict age limits, but we've never had a problem finding those that welcome all ages. Private rooms are nice in hostels, but be sure to spend time in the common areas so you meet other people - it's easy to get isolated if you're touring solo all day and then coming home and sitting in your private room. Also, always have a book or pen and notebook handy so you have something to do when eating alone - sometimes you might want to chat with that handsome fellow at the next table, sometimes...not so much.

As for the backpack, you need basically the same amount of stuff for a two week trip as for several months. It's boring wearing the same clothes day in and out, but you're doing interesting things and meeting interesting people, so it balances out. A few years back, my husband and I took our (then) 4 kids backpacking for 6 weeks; he carried clothes for two adults and four kids and a big pack of diapers in one backpack. I had the baby in another one! So one person one backpack will be no problem.

The trick is to be clever about what and how you pack. Layering is the key, especially in countries where the weather is unreliable all year. A fleece sweater coupled with a lightweight water and windproof jacket is much lighter and more packable than a warm jacket - and more versatile, too. In Ireland in August we were bundled in sweaters and raincoats one day and paddling in our swimsuits the next. On the swimsuit day, we still needed our rainjackets but didn't need the sweaters. Convertible pants, with the zip off legs, are another good double duty choice. I like wearing skirts or dresses when I travel, because they tend not to have bulky waistbands which take up a lot of room and they are lighter to carry. Plus, I find them comfortable and it's nice to have something a little dressier than jeans and a t shirt. I like Columbia products because they are good quality and easy to wash and line dry, but also look a little nice. REI has some nice travel clothes too. If you have a Coldwater Creed outlet store near you, or check the outlet section of their website, they make dresses, skirts and slacks in a fabric that is perfect for backpacking (although I don't think many of their clients are packers!) It's got "travel" in the name of the line. I bought one of the dresses and have been really impressed - it sat in a suitcase for two months unneeded, and then when I eventually got somewhere I could unpack, it came out wrinkle free. I also have a skirt, but haven't tried the slacks.

And as CB said, take along something smaller - NOT a "fanny pack" - to just throw in a few necessities for the day - wallet, camera, phone, map...whatever. A small backpack style purse is perfect - make sure it closes securely, against your back, preferably. I have one with straps that zip together so I can either wear it as a standard backpack or zip the straps together and carry it as a normal purse.

Good luck with your preparations and planning, it sounds like an incredible adventure.

**Dig** · 10-25-2010, 08:25 AM

Wow, hard act to follow!

Welcome to Tpunk! I look forward to seeing how your travels progress.

I would also suggest a money belt. I know it seems awkward or cliche, but they really are an extremely good insurance policy (cheap too). I kept both my wife's and my own passport along with multiple forms of currency. It never has been in the way or caused a problem and I never lose it!

Anyhow please share you thoughts and experiences

**travelpunk** · 10-25-2010, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tumblezweedz

Paula, welcome to travelpunk and to the wonderful world of backpacking. My aunt sold everything and went off to India for her 60th birthday, so your idea sounds perfectly rational to me! I am 42 and my husband and I backpack with our five kids (youngest is 2), I've been backpacking now for 20 years, it's a really great way to see the world - both in the places you go and in the other travellers you meet.

As has been mentioned, there are some hostels that really cater to a party crowd or have strict age limits, but we've never had a problem finding those that welcome all ages. Private rooms are nice in hostels, but be sure to spend time in the common areas so you meet other people - it's easy to get isolated if you're touring solo all day and then coming home and sitting in your private room. Also, always have a book or pen and notebook handy so you have something to do when eating alone - sometimes you might want to chat with that handsome fellow at the next table, sometimes...not so much.

As for the backpack, you need basically the same amount of stuff for a two week trip as for several months. It's boring wearing the same clothes day in and out, but you're doing interesting things and meeting interesting people, so it balances out. A few years back, my husband and I took our (then) 4 kids backpacking for 6 weeks; he carried clothes for two adults and four kids and a big pack of diapers in one backpack. I had the baby in another one! So one person one backpack will be no problem.

The trick is to be clever about what and how you pack. Layering is the key, especially in countries where the weather is unreliable all year. A fleece sweater coupled with a lightweight water and windproof jacket is much lighter and more packable than a warm jacket - and more versatile, too. In Ireland in August we were bundled in sweaters and raincoats one day and paddling in our swimsuits the next. On the swimsuit day, we still needed our rainjackets but didn't need the sweaters. Convertible pants, with the zip off legs, are another good double duty choice. I like wearing skirts or dresses when I travel, because they tend not to have bulky waistbands which take up a lot of room and they are lighter to carry. Plus, I find them comfortable and it's nice to have something a little dressier than jeans and a t shirt. I like Columbia products because they are good quality and easy to wash and line dry, but also look a little nice. REI has some nice travel clothes too. If you have a Coldwater Creed outlet store near you, or check the outlet section of their website, they make dresses, skirts and slacks in a fabric that is perfect for backpacking (although I don't think many of their clients are packers!) It's got "travel" in the name of the line. I bought one of the dresses and have been really impressed - it sat in a suitcase for two months unneeded, and then when I eventually got somewhere I could unpack, it came out wrinkle free. I also have a skirt, but haven't tried the slacks.

And as CB said, take along something smaller - NOT a "fanny pack" - to just throw in a few necessities for the day - wallet, camera, phone, map...whatever. A small backpack style purse is perfect - make sure it closes securely, against your back, preferably. I have one with straps that zip together so I can either wear it as a standard backpack or zip the straps together and carry it as a normal purse.

Good luck with your preparations and planning, it sounds like an incredible adventure.

Jaysussss!!! Do I smell a reality tv series here? Nice tips, Tamara

.

And many other golden nuggets from the rest of the TPunk clan as well! Good work everyone

!

I have nothing else to add except welcome to TPunk Paula and congrats on your decision to hit the backpackin' road

!

**pinknic38** · 10-25-2010, 01:36 PM

Never too old! My bunkmate when I stayed at a hostel in Heidelberg, Germany 2 summers ago was a 62 year old Serbian lady who'd just got out of an awful divorce and was traveling like she'd always dreamed of... I was like DAMN you are awesome.

I plan to be traveling til I die!

paulafrapp · 10-29-2010, 03:50 PM

thanks again to all! I've taken copious notes on your advice and suggesitons and appreciate all the comments! I'm almost done with a "loose itenerary" and will share shortly-can't wait for suggestions on this. I'm getting so excited. I JUST SOLD MY HOUSE!!! I was so worried but God was smiling down on me as it only took 24 days - in Florida

My countdown to May seems to be speeding up now - I'm chomping at the bit to start! I'll be back soon and thanks again!

**tumblezweedz** · 10-30-2010, 10:40 AM

Congrats on selling the house! That must be a huge load off, and a big boost to your travel budget!

**pinknic38** · 10-31-2010, 05:47 PM

Congrats! You keep us posted on your travels!!!!

**expatben** · 10-31-2010, 07:18 PM

Keep us up to date and safe happy travels!!