English 
Updated on February 26th, 2025
Have you ever felt stuck in life? Like there are more experiences you need to have or places you’ve never been but feel drawn to?
Or do you just miss yourself? Feel like somewhere along the way, you lost touch with who you were and want to find your way back?
Midlife has a way of confronting us with challenges we never expected. Perhaps you’re navigating the loss of a loved one, a relationship breakdown, health scares, an empty nest, or even the realization that your priorities are no longer aligned with those around you. Or maybe you’ve simply reached a point where you want something different—a new path, a fresh chapter, or just space to breathe and think.
In 2014, my life was shattered when I tragically lost my husband, Terry. He wasn’t just my partner; he was my best friend, and faithful travel companion. I found myself at a crossroads. Who was I now, in my mid-forties and alone?
I turned to something that had always given me purpose and joy: travel.
Travel: A Path to Rediscovery
Travel has the power to create change, offer clarity, and give you the space to rediscover yourself while exploring the wonders of the world. It has helped me find myself—twice. First, as a naive 20-something adventurer, and again as a woman in midlife, piecing herself back together after tragedy.
If you’re standing at a similar crossroads, wondering how to begin or what’s next, let me share how travel can transform your life, just as it did mine.
My Journey: From Caravan Holidays to Global Adventures
Growing up, my family wasn’t particularly wealthy or adventurous. Our yearly holidays were simple trips to caravan parks in the UK. Later, as finances improved, we ventured to France. These experiences planted a seed of curiosity, but it was studying geography at school that sparked my desire to explore more.
My first taste of independent travel came during university, island-hopping in Greece with friends. I was hooked. After graduation, I worked two jobs, saving every penny to fund my first big adventure: a three-month overland camping trip across Central and Eastern Africa. From sitting with mountain gorillas to being manhandled by chimpanzees, it was a transformative experience that fuelled my passion for travel.
In my 20s, I backpacked solo through Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, working along the way to keep my dream alive. Travelling alone taught me resilience, independence, and the power of connection. Every challenge I faced made me stronger, giving me the confidence to navigate life’s uncertainties. I returned home with a determination to earn enough money to realise my next adventure.
When Life Changes Everything
Life, however, had other plans. I met Terry, settled into a career, and we spent 18 incredible years travelling the world together, planning one adventure after another.
Then, just before Christmas in 2014, my world changed forever. Terry went in for heart surgery and didn’t make it back. Overnight, everything I knew and expected in my life disappeared.
In my grief, I turned to travel once again—initially, I’ll admit as an escape, but in reality it became a way to heal and rediscover myself.
Creating a New Chapter
I started a Life List (a kinder name for a Bucket List) of all the things I wanted to achieve. From learning to sail in the Caribbean to hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, I used travel to process my grief, regain confidence, and chart a new course.
Travel isn’t always easy, especially in midlife. You carry your experiences, scars, and responsibilities with you. But it’s also an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, meet incredible people, and reconnect with the person you are now—not who you were.
Over the years, I’ve had adventures I never dreamed possible:
- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
- Snorkelling between tectonic plates in Iceland
- Salsa dancing in Cuba
- Staying in an Ice Hotel in Canada
Each experience brought me closer to the woman I am today.
Why Travel is the Perfect Midlife Reset
Travel is more than seeing new places; it’s about growth, perspective, and empowerment. It teaches you to embrace change, navigate challenges, and find joy in the unexpected.
If you feel stuck or uncertain about what’s next, I believe travel can help you, too. It’s never too late to start a new chapter, and you don’t need all the answers to take the first step.
Let’s Take the First Step Together
If my story resonates with you, I invite you to join me on this journey of rediscovery. Whether you’re ready to book your first solo trip or just curious about how to begin, I’m here to help.
Through my blog, YouTube channel, coaching, and community, I aim to inspire women in midlife to harness the power of travel. Together, we’ll explore, empower, and rediscover the magic of life.
Because, {{ subscriber.first_name }}, it’s not about where you’ve been—it’s about where you’re going.
“What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?” – Erin Hanson
Are you ready to take the leap?
For more advice, tips and inspiration on creating a Life List, then join me LIVE via Zoom using THIS LINK on Tuesday February 11th 6PM GMT (1PM EST). Add it to your diary now and I look forward to seeing you there!
If you want to know more about anything mentioned here, or would like my help with travel coaching or anything to do with starting your travel journey, then reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
In my latest short video, on YouTube, I discuss 5 powerful ways a Life List can inspire new adventures, boost your confidence, encourage personal growth, build excitement for the future, and create memories you’ll treasure forever. If you’re ready to embrace midlife as a time for new beginnings, this video will show you how to turn your dreams into action. Don’t wait—your next adventure is calling! You can check it out for yourself HERE (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
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Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Snorkelling Silfra Fissure in Iceland – An Experience NOT to Miss
Video – Adventure Travel at 50? Watch This & Think Again!
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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