Why Older Adults Cruise - Cultural Enrichment

One of the greatest joys I experience when visiting a new country is greeting people in a way that is familiar to them. Studying up on simple greetings and local customs is such a fascinating part of the journey that I can experience before I've even left my home! Before YouTube and Google came on the scene, we had to read a book about a location based on the perspective of that particular author. Combing through a variety of books to find the information you were interested in could feel a bit overwhelming. Now we are so fortunate as to be able to watch hundreds of videos on various topics around a destination, such as proper etiquette and word pronunciation, created by those who either were born there, have lived there or thoughtfully studied the culture. There has also been an expansion of written perspectives that are in easier to absorb context, as well, thanks to access to blogs and articles from writers all around the world.

I learned about the importance of embracing a culture by traveling with my father to different countries. We would be looking at a magnificent building and my dad would passionately talk about the history behind it. We would go out to dinner and he'd try his hand at French with a smile of humility. I'd sit back and wonder why I hadn't taken the culture into as much consideration as I had given the packing of weather appropriate attire. (Even that part felt like a crapshoot.)

Thanks to his example, along with the expansion of access to information via the internet, I now happily research and absorb as much information about a location as possible before I've even left home. It helps me anticipate some of what lies ahead of me, knowing that the people, the history and the different ways they experience life will hit all of my senses when I'm there. Something you may want to consider are the hobbies and interests you have at home. You may want to look into connecting to those activities in the places you visit. This approach can expand your own appreciation of that which interests you!

My dad in 2025, enjoying fishing for fortune in Kawagoe, Japan.

Dad and I in China, embracing the culture. (Even drinking boba before we knew what it was...that was an experience!)

Many older adults may feel as though they've been there and done than when it comes to seeing different cultures around the world. Others may feel it will no longer interest them. My hope is that someone who is reading this will open themselves up to the possibility of there being more. More people to meet, as well as more laughter and humility and awe to experience. My father and I have been to Japan a total of three times, each years apart, and every time was a completely different experience. This was based on the different people and places we visited, the amount of pre-trip information available to us and looking at things through a more mature lens.

We have now passed down this love of different cultures to my daughter, who reminds me at least monthly that she hopes there will be more Japan trips to come. That is another positive impact of exploring the world...sharing that love with your family and creating meaningful memories to reflect on for years to come.

Whether you want to visit a different culture or return to one that you'd like to experience again, I'm here to help along the way.

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