Why ‘Still En Route’ Means More Than Travel
There comes a point in life when you realize you’re not necessarily prepared to start over completely – but you’re definitely not finished yet either.
That realization is really what led me to create Still En Route.
At first glance, this may look like a travel site. And yes, travel is a huge part of my life and a big part of what you’ll find here. But over time, I realized this site was really about something much bigger than destinations, packing lists, or finding the perfect European café table (although I remain committed to that mission too).
Still En Route is about designing life intentionally after 50 – with more freedom, flexibility, curiosity, and possibility built into the years ahead.
The Old Retirement Script Never Fully Fit Me
I’ve had a 40+ year career in the travel industry helping people plan meaningful trips. Travel has shaped how I see the world for most of my adult life.
But somewhere along the way, I also realized something else. I didn’t really relate to the traditional idea of retirement.
You know the one – you work hard for decades, slow down gracefully, stay home more, get “comfortable”, and quietly stop chasing new ideas.
I understand why that lifestyle appeals to some people, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it.
But personally? I still wanted to go places. Still wanted to learn new things. Still wanted to stay curious, mentally engaged, and excited about what might be next.
This isn’t a space for perfect itineraries or highlight reels. There may be some of those as well, but it’s really about staying engaged with life – wherever you happen to be.
Designing Life Intentionally
Well over a decade ago, I made some decisions that allowed me to design my life intentionally going forward.
And honestly, that shift changed more than my travel schedule. It changed how I thought about freedom, flexibility, work, aging, and what a meaningful second act could actually look like.
Because I think a lot of people quietly realize that the old retirement model no longer fits – financially, mentally, or emotionally.
And maybe that’s not entirely bad news. Maybe it simply means we get to create something different instead.
What Still En Route Is Really About
Yes, there’s travel here.
There are stories from the road, reflections from long stays abroad, practical travel observations, and occasional “well, that seemed like a good idea at the time” moments involving airports, train stations, and questionable navigation choices.
But underneath all of that, Still En Route is really about continuing to build a life that still feels curious, flexible, meaningful, and open to possibility.
It’s about staying engaged with the world, exploring new ideas, creating more freedom intentionally, and realizing that the second act doesn’t have to look the way we once imagined it would.
Why I Talk About Flexible Income Too
One thing I’ve learned over time is that freedom rarely happens accidentally.
Travel, flexibility, and long stays abroad require some level of intentional planning and financial breathing room. That’s one reason I also talk openly here about online projects, flexible income ideas, blogging, modern technology, and realistic ways people continue creating options for themselves later in life.
Conclusion
Still En Route isn’t about having everything figured out.
It’s about continuing to stay curious, open, engaged, and willing to rethink what’s possible in the years ahead.
I think a lot of people quietly realize that they’re not finished growing, exploring, learning, or building meaningful things – even if life looks different now than it once did.
So if you’ve ever felt that pull toward reinvention, freedom, curiosity, travel, or simply creating a different kind of second act…you’ll fit right in here.
I’m glad you’re along for the ride.
Until the next stop (preferably with snacks),
~Mary
