The REAL Reason I’m Traveling to 50 Countries at 50 Years Old
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Almost every day someone asks me the same questions:
Why travel to fifty countries at fifty years old? Why travel solo? Why spend months away from home chasing stamps in a passport?
Until recently, I wasn't sure I could fully answer that question.
Sure, there are the personal reasons. This journey has been about overcoming fears, taking time to reflect, getting to know myself better, and figuring out where I want to go in this second phase of my life.
But I knew there was something more. Then I met Patricia.
Recently, I was at Banana Republic Outlet looking for a white linen shirt to replace the one I wore throughout Central and South America. I love that shirt because it works as a light jacket or can be dressed up on its own. Being white, it gets dirty easily, but a little bleach usually brings it back to life.
Of course, I found several other things I loved while I was there, including some cropped pants that will definitely make the cut for my next trip. They also had the cutest tanks on sale — basics that mix and match with everything, so I grabbed a few of those as well.
When I got to the register, I started chatting with the cashier, Patricia. She had a beautiful head of ringlet curls and the cutest dimples. Her smile lit up her whole face. She was probably close to my age and had a hint of a Spanish accent.
She said, "Hi there! Looks like you got some great deals."
"Yes! I was on the hunt for a white linen shirt to replace the one I wore on my last trip. I need it for my next adventure," I answered.
"Where are you going next?"
"I'm headed to Asia. I'm trying to visit seventeen more countries by the end of the year so I can reach my goal of fifty countries during my 50th birthday year."
Her face lit up, and she got the biggest smile as we chatted about my adventures. Then I told her, "You should watch my YouTube vlog. We just released the El Salvador episode today." Her eyes widened.
"I'm from El Salvador!"
I laughed and said, "Well then, this is your sign to get traveling!"
She admitted she had always wanted to travel but was scared to go alone. Yet by the end of our conversation, she already seemed more confident. We exchanged information, and she assured me she would be following along on YouTube and Instagram to see where I went next. Then she asked if she could give me a hug. She raced around the counter, and we shared the biggest hug right there in the store.
Her eyes were a little teary as she said: "You know, you're a bright light. I really needed this today."
As I walked out of the store, I thought to myself: "I needed that too."
Patricia is the answer to all of those questions. She is my "why."
I hope every woman who watches me travel around the world feels a little braver. Not just about travel, but about life. If I help even one person say, "Well, if Elida can do this, so can I," then it has all been worth it.
And I have gained so much as well — relying on a community, the people who have prayed for me, sent money along the way, encouraged me, hugged me, gifted me things, and cheered me on throughout this journey. These interactions are the fuel that keep me going.
I hope the content I create is both helpful and inspiring. I want more Patricias in my life, and part of what we're doing through this vlog and blog is spreading the message of living the fullest, most abundant life possible at any age—but especially right now. I can't do this without you. If you haven't subscribed to my YouTube channel yet, join now.
We have one gigantic continent left to tackle this fall: Asia. The countries are more spread out, and flights will be more expensive. Help me keep producing quality content for you as I share this diverse and ancient land with you.
Most of all, I hope this journey inspires you to do something different and new— whether that's creating something beautiful at home or booking that trip abroad.
Ciao for now,
Elida
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