There is an air of excitement building in our house or to be more specific in me. After a couple of years that have been a little sad losing my FIL and coping with my MILs move to an aged care facility we are now back on track.
Last month I celebrated my 60th birthday which was wonderful and something I will never forget.
We are now counting down to a long awaited European holiday. Yes, I know some of the places we are visiting have had some problems with terror attacks but we can’t put life on hold.
My husband and I have been fortunate to have visited many places but one in particular, Spain has been on our bucket list for over 20 years – can you believe it? In fact, my husband used to say he wanted to retire there. Now we are finally achieving that dream and visiting this beautiful and historic country – unfortunately not to retire to but at least to explore.
So on October 1 we begin our adventure which will include visiting London, Portugal and Spain, a 7 day Mediterranean cruise and then time in Italy where my husband was born.
Spain seems to be the flavour of the month and I have been keenly following Natalie’s Blog posts about Spain and Gibraltar during her recent visit and also Donna and her husband from Retirement Reflections as they conquered the Camino Walk. It certainly made me impatient!
- Start of our hike (Najera)
- During the hike
- 0.00km to go sign in Finisterre
- Receiving our certificate in Santiago
I’ve also picked up some tips from my friend Jan Wild at Retiring, Not Shy! who has recently share her tips on packing a capsule wardrobe and preparing for international travel.
You can read the posts here just click on the images.

International Travel Planning
My friend and author Toni Pike has written a book ‘Happy Travels 101’ which is a great resource and can be purchased through this link https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Travels-101-sightseeing-enhance-ebook/dp/B072HR1ZC7.
You might also like to see photos of Toni’s travels which she posts to Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorlovestravel/
Our suitcases are out ready for packing, my checklist is done and some things already ticked off. Now it is just a matter of waiting and counting down until take off.
Let’s drool over some of the sights we will be seeing as I share this video from Gate 1 Travel ……
P.S. I might be on holidays but the blog must go on and I have some wonderful women to introduce to you in October in The Positive Aging Interviews so you won’t want to miss those.
18 Comments
How exciting for you, Sue! I’m sure you will regale us with blog posts and photos of your journey! Looking forward to it!
Yes I can’t wait Terri, it has been at least 3 years since we had a ‘holiday and travel’ so I’m really looking forward to it. xx
Hi Sue! Yes exciting. Spain and Portugal are on my list too so I will be reading all your posts and looking for your photos. I don’t need to tell you to have an awesome time! Enjoy! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy! Thanks for stopping by and I am getting excited now! I will be writing some posts although they may be on my return. Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!
Hi Sue – your trip sounds so exciting! I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures, and hope that you have as much fun as Natalie and Donna have enjoyed on their journeys through Spain. Happy Travels, and thank you so much for including me in your article. ?
Yes it is getting exciting now Toni although time is flying and I need to start focusing on the trip and what to take! Thanks for your contribution to the post I’m sure your e-book will be very useful.
Thank you, Sue, for the mentioning of my blog. Your itinerary is wonderful. I’m excited for you 🙂
Thanks Natalie and it was my pleasure. I really enjoyed your posts so wanted to promote them. Have a great week! xx
Not long to go now Sue!! Happy packing, sounds like a great trip coming up for you both.
Yes I know it is so close Debbie and I’ve yet to actually plan what I’m taking!!!
So soon now Sue. We are loving Portugal; you have much to look forward to. Thanks for the inclusion. Sharing now x
Thanks for sharing Jan and I’ve been loving your photos. I’m keen to know what the weather is like but I think layering always helps. Have a great time and enjoy!
I’ve only been to Barcelona – and that was so amazing. The Gaudi architecture and the sunshine and Las Rambles and the food – all amazing. You’re going to have such a fabulous time!
We have always wanted to go there Leanne so I’m really looking forward to it (despite the threat of terror). It is almost a reality now. xx
I hope you had a happy birthday! How exciting having an adventure to look forward to especially after the hard time your family has had recently #anythinggoes
Thanks so much for your kind wishes and yes I can’t wait to get on that plane – it is very close now! Thank you for visiting and hope you visit again.
What a great adventure you are about to have! Can’t wait to see the pictures! Thanks for sharing with us at The Blogger’s Pit Stop!
Yes it is getting very close now Roseann!