Want to Travel After 60? Here's Why Fitness Makes All the Difference

I just returned from about 10 days away to attend a wedding and a conference for my husband.  This trip impressed upon me more than ever the need to stay in shape.  Flight changes had us walking from one terminal to another far away with no shuttle to help.  Both of our airbnb’s had steep stairs to either get to the front door or to go to the bathroom and sleep.  I was grateful my husband and I had the ability to manage it all.  We are both 69.

Travelling is great.  We feel we have earned it—the time, the freedom, the bucket list of places you finally get to explore. But what we often don’t think about until it’s too late is that travel takes energy. And not just emotional excitement.  As in my case, it took physical energy, strength, balance, and endurance.

If you’re over 60 and dreaming of travel (or already booking those trips!), staying in shape can make the difference between a smooth, joyful journey and one full of frustration and physical strain.

Here is why.

Stairs, Stairs, and More Stairs

Not every charming destination has elevators. Whether it’s the steps to your Airbnb in Paris or the staircase to a hidden viewpoint in Greece, stairs are everywhere. If your legs and core aren’t strong, those stairs can quickly go from "romantic" to "ridiculous."

A bit of leg strength and balance training back home? That can save you from exhaustion—or worse, a fall.

Airport Obstacle Courses

You know how long airport walks can be. Add a layover, a last-minute gate change, or standing in customs lines, and you’ve walked a mini marathon before even boarding your flight. Having some stamina can mean the difference between confidently moving through an airport or needing to ask for assistance.

And don’t forget: you might also be lifting carry-ons, wheeling luggage, or hoisting a bag into an overhead bin. That’s upper body strength at work.

Cobbled Streets and Rugged Paths

Some of the best travel memories happen on foot. But cobblestone streets, uneven sidewalks, and uphill climbs can challenge even the most experienced traveler. A strong sense of balance and flexible joints make it easier to enjoy the walk instead of worrying about each step.

The Jet Lag Recovery Bonus

Here’s a little-known bonus: people who exercise regularly often bounce back faster from jet lag. You sleep better, adjust to time zones more easily, and shake off that groggy feeling faster.

So What’s the Bottom Line?

Fitness in your 60s (and beyond) isn’t just about looking good or staying healthy—it’s about living fully.  Fitness gives you what you want to do in your life.  If travel is on your radar, a little extra strength, stamina, and flexibility can go a long way toward making the trip more enjoyable and less stressful.

Before you pack your bags, make sure your body’s packed with energy too. Trust me—you’ll thank yourself when you're climbing that hilltop to see the sunset over the Amalfi Coast.

Here are some tips to get you ready for travelling.

✈️ Your Travel Fitness Checklist

 ✅ Walk regularly
✅ Strengthen legs and arms
✅ Practice balance
✅ Stretch often
✅ Use the luggage you’ll actually travel with