5 Common Travel Mistakes Couples Over 50 Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Travelling as a couple over 50 should be one of life’s great joys, but it often comes with a few hidden pitfalls. From overscheduling every day to skipping travel insurance, small mistakes can quickly turn a dream holiday into a stressful one.

The good news? With a little planning, you can avoid the most common travel traps and enjoy smoother, more memorable trips together.

A Little Travel Story to Start

We once managed to completely wreck a day in Europe — not because of bad weather or a missed flight, but because of something embarrassingly simple.

We booked a food tour about a month in advance, but got our dates mixed up somehow. We arrived to find that the whole place was closed, and after looking back over our booking details, realised we were a day late.

At the time it wasn’t funny at all (and yes, Pauline may have had a few choice words to say about me). But looking back now, it’s funny and a good reminder of how easily travel can go sideways if you don’t plan wisely.

With that in mind, here are five common travel mistakes couples over 50 should avoid… and how to fix them before they spoil your trip.

Mistake #1: Over-Scheduling Every Day

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is cramming their itinerary so full that they barely have time to breathe, let alone enjoy the places they’re visiting.

We’ve all done it: sprinting from museums to monuments until you feel like you need a holiday from your holiday. Read our tips on how to plan your trips better.

Why It’s a Problem

• Travel fatigue is real. Long days on your feet can leave you too tired to appreciate the next destination.
• Rushed experiences feel forgettable. You end up with a blur of photos instead of real memories.
• It causes friction between partners. One person may want to push on while the other is ready for a break.

The Fix: Slow Travel Wins

Choose just two or three highlights each day, and leave breathing room around them. That space is where magic happens — a cultural show on the street, a hidden café, or just a quiet bench where you can soak in the atmosphere together.

👉 Sample Balanced Day in Madrid

• Morning: Free walking tour of the city.
• Lunch: Grab a snack to eat on the go.
• Afternoon: Eat lunch near the water at Retiro Park and then explore the grounds.
• Evening: Drink Tinto de Verano at a local restaurant and people watch.

Not jam-packed. Still memorable.

👉 Quick question: Are you the planner in your relationship, or the one who just shows up with the suitcase? (Every couple has one!) Let us know in the comments.

Mistake #2: Forgetting Downtime

Here’s the thing, once we’re past 50, our energy isn’t quite what it used to be. Going full throttle day after day can leave you exhausted instead of inspired.

Read our guide to staying energised and comfortable on your travels.

Why Downtime Matters

• Physical stamina: Even if you’re fit, sightseeing is tiring — stairs, cobblestones, long walks. You don’t want to get so tired that you miss out on something interesting later in the evening.
• Mental reset: A quiet hour lets you process and savour what you’ve seen.
• Relationship harmony: Tired travellers get cranky, which makes little annoyances grow big.

The Fix: Build Rest into the Plan

Downtime doesn’t mean “doing nothing.” It means choosing slower experiences that recharge you while still connecting you to the destination.

Some ideas:

• Enjoy a long breakfast without rushing.
• Schedule a midday siesta (common in Spain, Portugal, Mexico).
• Linger over a coffee in a local square.
• Take a scenic train ride instead of flying between cities.
• Book a spa treatment or massage if available.

Research even shows that travellers who include rest in their itinerary report higher overall satisfaction. So rest isn’t a waste — it’s part of the adventure, and it keeps you fresh for exciting surprises.

Mistake #3: Not Agreeing on Budget

Nothing brings down the fun of travelling faster than money stress. One partner wants to splurge on fine dining, while the other is watching every dollar — and suddenly you’re arguing in the middle of Paris about the cost of dinner instead of enjoying the City of Light.

Why Budget Clashes Happen

• Different money habits (spender vs saver).
• Unclear expectations of what “luxury” means.
• Hidden costs like tips, city taxes, or transport add up.

The Fix: Have The Money Talk Before You Travel

Have the budget conversation before you leave. Agree on:

• Daily or total trip spending budget: food, transport, and attractions.
• Splurge priorities: Maybe it’s a hotel upgrade, a special meal, or a bucket list tour.
• Areas to save: Public transport or walking instead of taxis, breakfast included at hotels, or free walking tours.

👉 Example Trade-Offs:

• Save on flights in economy → Splurge on boutique hotel.
• Save with self-catering breakfasts → Splurge on one Michelin-starred dinner.

A clear plan and agreement before you travel means fewer surprises and more fun while you are away.

Mistake #4: Underestimating Mobility Needs

This one sneaks up on a lot of travellers over 50. You book a “charming old town hotel” only to discover it’s three flights of steep stairs with no lift. Or those cobblestoned roads that look so beautiful? They’re a lot less charming when you’re dragging luggage over them for a few hundred metres.

Why It Matters More Over 50

• Knees, hips, or backs may protest after long walks or heavy bags. (I know mine do!)
• Accessibility varies wildly between destinations. A week wandering around a hilly city like Lisbon is a lot tougher than doing the same thing in a flat city like Sevilla.
• A bad accommodation choice can ruin the whole stay.

The Fix: Plan for Comfort and Accessibility

• Check hotel details carefully. Confirm lifts, ask about difficulty in actually getting to the hotel, and read reviews.
• Choose central locations. Being near public transport saves time and effort. And being within walking distance of amenities and attractions is even better.
• Pack lighter. Rolling a smaller bag over cobblestones is easier than rolling a large suitcase.
• Mobility aids: Collapsible hiking poles or folding stools can be lifesavers.

Small adjustments = big difference to your comfort.

Mistake #5: Skipping Travel Insurance

This last one is a biggie. Some couples skip travel insurance to save money. But especially when you’re over 50, that’s a gamble you don’t want to take.

Medical emergencies, lost luggage, or last-minute cancellations can turn a dream holiday into a nightmare.

Why It’s Risky

During my time as a travel agent I always pushed hard to convince clients to get travel insurance, but not everyone was convinced.

• I had a client who booked a trip to Paris but thought travel insurance was a waste of money. A week before the trip he had to cancel for personal reasons and ended up with over $8000 of cancellation costs.
• One of my colleagues had clients who booked a cruise and thought insurance wouldn’t be necessary. The husband ended up getting quite sick onboard and had to be airlifted to hospital. By the time he was better it had cost him more than $30000 in costs.

The Fix: Get Proper Coverage

Look for policies that include:

• Medical expenses: Including pre-existing conditions.
• Trip cancellations and delays.
• Lost or stolen baggage.
• Emergency evacuation.

👉 Types of Policies:

• Single trip: Best for occasional travellers.
• Annual multi-trip: Great if you travel 3–4 times a year.

If you never use it, perfect. But if you do, you’ll be relieved you’re covered.

Final Thoughts: Travel Together, Not Against Each Other

To quickly recap:

• Don’t overschedule.
• Don’t skip downtime.
• Agree on your budget.
• Plan for mobility.
• Don’t gamble on insurance.

Travelling as a couple is all about creating shared memories, not stressing over small mistakes. With just a little extra planning, you’ll avoid these common mistakes and can just focus on what really matters: enjoying the journey together.

Quick Checklist for Couples Over 50 Travelling Together

✅ Schedule 2–3 activities max per day
✅ Build in rest blocks (yes, naps count!)
✅ Agree on a daily or total trip budget before departure
✅ Check accommodation for accessibility
✅ Always get comprehensive travel insurance

Your Turn

Which of these mistakes have you and your partner made? We’ve made a couple, and I bet we’re not the only ones.
Share your stories in the comments — we’d love to hear them!