So, you’ve already hit the big 5-0, and the travel bug is buzzing louder than ever before, huh? What’s more, you’ve heard that women from other countries, especially Southeast Asia, appreciate hardworking, traditional men more than modern Western women.
You might ask yourself, “Is it too late to start exploring the world and find true love abroad?” Well, buckle up because getting your passport at this stage in life is the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
I bit the bullet and got my passport at 51. At the time, I had no intention of traveling abroad to meet women. Unfortunately, I missed an opportunity to attend an international film conference in Hong Kong (Filmart) because I did not have a passport. It was 2011, and I couldn’t get a copy of my birth certificate from the New York City Department of Health fast enough.
Is Age 50+ Too Late to Get a Passport?
I finally got my birth certificate in June 2011, but the thrill was gone. That is, until I met Nghia through a friend and decided to visit her in Vietnam. I got my passport in 2016. Five years later.
Let’s talk about this passport issue: In typical fashion, some American women will read this and criticize men for waiting so long to get their passports. They will shame, insult, and guilt men into thinking they are somehow behind the adulting curve when it comes to this behavior.
However, in 1990, the U.S. Department of State reported that only 5% of the American population had a valid passport. It took 33 years for that number to jump up to 48-56% in 2023.
In recent years, women may have outperformed men in obtaining their passports from 2018 to 2021. However, men are more likely to have visited five or more countries compared to women (30% vs 22%).
But let’s rewind a bit.
Is a Passport a Symbol of Freedom or Solitude
At 50, you’ve likely accumulated a fair share of life experiences – perhaps a stable job, good friends, and a routine that feels comfortable but maybe a tad predictable. The idea of jet-setting off to foreign lands might seem like something reserved for the younger, more adventurous crowd. But guess what? It’s never too late to shake things up.
Getting your hands on that little blue book–your passport–is more than just a bureaucratic process. It’s a symbolic gesture, a declaration to the universe that you’re ready to embrace the unknown and dive headfirst into new experiences. And trust me, once you have it in your possession, the world suddenly feels a whole lot bigger.
Moreover, when it comes to romance, relationships, and friendship, something is amazing about bonds developed outside continental confines.
Sure, there might be a few hurdles along the way – paperwork, passport photos (why are they always so unflattering?), and perhaps even a sudden realization that you don’t know your own birthplace’s zip code. But hey, overcoming these obstacles is all part of the adventure.
The Payoff of Passport-based Travel
And the unspoken payoff of having a passport is too amazing and immeasurable to realize in this post. That said–
Let’s talk about the magic that happens once that passport is stamped for the first time. Suddenly, you find yourself immersed in a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and landscapes you’ve only ever seen on TV or in books. The world unfolds before your eyes, and you realize just how much there is to see and experience beyond the borders of your own country.
You’ll also see the world is full of smiling, attractive, and friendly people ready to meet you, people who care more about your character and principles than your wallet size.
One of the most beautiful aspects of traveling over 50 is the perspective you bring to the journey. You’re not just a wide-eyed tourist snapping selfies at famous landmarks (though there’s nothing wrong with that). You’re someone who has lived a bit of life and who brings a depth of understanding and appreciation for the nuances of different cultures.
And let’s not forget about the personal growth that comes with travel. Stepping out of your comfort zone, whether it’s trying exotic foods or navigating the winding streets of a foreign city, forces you to confront your fears and expand your horizons.
You’ll learn to be happy and content, whether you are alone or with a group. You will learn to depend on yourself and your ability to communicate. You’ll return from your adventures with a newfound confidence and a greater sense of self.
What’s the Difference in Connecting With People Here or Abroad?
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of getting your passport after 50 is the way it opens doors – both literally and figuratively. Suddenly, you find yourself connecting with people from all walks of life, forming friendships that transcend borders and language barriers. You realize that despite our differences, we’re all part of this vast, interconnected world.
Most importantly, you’ll realize that reality is just a perspective. Things are different for people in various places on Earth. This is true for personal desires, education, relationships, love, and respect.
You’ll come to understand that the American way is not the only way that counts.
So, if you’re sitting home at 51, wondering if it’s too late to start exploring the world, let me be the first to tell you: it’s never too late. Getting your passport is just the beginning of a journey filled with adventure, discovery, and endless possibilities.
Let me tell you about the three transformative life changes that happened to me as I journeyed outside the United States for the first time.
Why All Airports Are Not Created Equal
I learned that all airports are not the same. I grew up going to JFK Airport in Jamaica, Queens. I knew it was a shit show of an airport experience even as a child. My first flight was on Friday the 13th, during a thunderstorm. I was on my way to Parris Island, South Carolina, for Marine Corps Boot Camp. During that flight, I learned I loved airplanes despite my fear of heights.
After taking several international flights, I noticed airports weren’t all second-class dungeons like JFK. I learned to appreciate the influence of culture or airport structure, the ambiance of high ceilings, and glistening marble-tiled floors.
After more international flights, I learned that some airports compete to be #1. They took pride in improving the airport experience for travelers. I learned about architectural, artistic masterpieces of comfort, entertainment, and elegance. My favorites are Changi Airport (SIN), Charles De Gall (CDG), San Francisco (SFO), Haneda (HND), and Istanbul (IST).
I even started to keep tabs on the world’s best airports and how I would eventually visit each one on my top ten list.
I have now officially joined the ranks of people called planespotters. I can tell the difference between Boeing and Airbus planes, and in some cases, I can even spot the different models. My favorites are the Airbus A380, Boeing 747, and 777.
Is Travel Hacking a Real Thing or Just Smoke & Mirrors
My interest in flying and travel led me to the concept of travel hacking. It’s real and it’s fantastic.
Travel hacking is the act of finding cheaper ways to travel or traveling luxuriously for the price of a coach fare. There are many ways to hack airline prices, hotel accommodations, or travel for free. I started following YouTube travel vloggers to copy their methods for low-cost and free travel. It works!
Travel hacking includes aspirational travel. This is travel by more luxurious and therefore more expensive means. Typically, this type of travel is exclusive. However, certain travel hacking methods allow Business Class and First Class accommodations to be accessible to anyone.
I’ve been able to obtain discounted flights, get free meals, or acquire access to the exclusive lounges for extended layovers. All these things have made my travel much more enjoyable.
Is it Possible to Make Travel Stress-Free?
I learned that travel doesn’t have to be stressful. I learned that preparation and proactive research can transform an otherwise exhaustive travel day into an amazing adventure.
I learned to prepare well in advance, from what airline flight to what seats I will reserve on a plane, and then what I will do at the airport during my layover. Everything is planned, but I do leave room for experimentation and adventure. Spontaneity is also key in being able to enjoy long travel days.
The old TV version of the family traveling looks like the most stressful experience in the world. But I take the advice of all those who’ve come before me to heart. I always arrive at the airport early. I always eat something before I get on the plane. I always wear comfortable clothes for long-haul flights. And I never try to do something different just before I get on the plane.
For example, if I were still smoking, I would not try to stop smoking before taking a long flight. If I am a coffee drinker, I won’t try to abstain from drinking coffee before a long flight. There’s no point in adding stress to an otherwise stressful situation.
I tried to remain fluid, observant, flexible, and appreciative at every stage. I say please, yes ma’am, yes sir, thank you, etc to everyone I come into contact with. Hopefully, I will make their day.
I buy travel insurance so I don’t need to worry about flight delays or lost luggage. I maintain situational awareness when I’m in foreign countries, and I always use my airline miles when booking tickets.
My main goal has been to avoid focusing on the tasks of flying but to concentrate on the adventure of traveling.
These are just some of the things that I have learned to do as a traveler. Being a Passport Brother means that I will make every attempt to travel often and for extended periods. Now that I have secured a stable, long-term relationship with my former fiancée from Vietnam, who’s now my wife, I can focus on traveling purely for pleasure and entertainment.
You can do the same and enjoy how the experience of traveling abroad can open your eyes, your mind, and your heart. So go ahead, take that leap of faith, and see where the world takes you. After all, the best adventures often begin when you least expect them.