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What Borders Can’t Stop: The Spirit of Exploration

There was a time not long ago when the mere sight of a passport evoked a kind of reverence. A tiny book of promise, it stood as a testament to the human desire to roam—not aimlessly, but purposefully—across continents, cultures, and languages. Today, in a world brimming with border walls both visible and invisible, the question of movement is no longer just about logistics. It’s about access, identity, and resolve.

Still, one truth remains unshaken: you cannot contain the spirit of exploration. Not with paperwork, politics, or posturing.

We live in an era when travel feels more complicated than ever. For older adults especially, the hurdles seem to multiply—visa restrictions, political instability, health advisories, insurance caveats, and yes, even rising xenophobia in certain corners of the globe. But underneath all of that is something far more enduring: the urge to discover, to learn, to bear witness to how others live, worship, celebrate, grieve, and dream.

This is not just wanderlust. It’s global citizenship.

Travel is not a luxury for the young or the privileged. It is a rite of passage at any age—a soulful assertion that we are not done growing. That we still believe in shared humanity. That we are willing to listen and to be changed by what we hear.

When you’re 50, 60, 70, or beyond, travel becomes more than a vacation. It’s a reclamation. Of curiosity. Of connection. Of time. And in this season of life, that spirit doesn’t need a rubber stamp or government clearance—it needs only the will to move forward, even if just in the planning stages. Because sometimes, even dreaming about that next destination is an act of resistance. Against cynicism. Against isolation. Against borders that tell us we’ve aged out of adventure.

So while the world may erect new walls, tighten entry points, or flare up with tension, remember this: you are still welcome in the world. Maybe not in every office that issues visas, but in every village where smiles transcend language, in every market where unfamiliar spices stir up wonder, in every gallery, garden, street café, or quiet sanctuary where a traveler finds refuge and recognition.

Let’s be clear. Travel in 2025 may require more patience, more paperwork, and more planning. But don’t mistake obstacles for finality. Borders are lines on a map. The explorer’s heart draws no such lines.

So we encourage you: Dust off your dreams. Revisit that list. Call the airline. Renew that passport. Yes, the terrain may be complicated—but then again, so are you. And that’s exactly why you’re ready.

Because exploration isn’t a privilege of the few—it’s the legacy of the bold.

Welcome to this edition of Fit2Journey, where we honor your spirit of defiant optimism—and your unwavering belief that the world is still worth seeing.

Destination of the Week

✨ Destination of the Week

Santa Monica, California – Ocean Breezes, Easy Elegance, and Golden Hour Moments

Let’s be honest—Los Angeles can be a bit much. Between the freeways, film sets, and fast pace, it’s not always the easiest city to navigate, especially if you’re looking to travel with intention rather than intensity.

Enter Santa Monica—L.A.’s breezy, sun-washed neighbor that invites you to slow down and soak in the kind of coastal California experience that’s more soul-nourishing than selfie-chasing.

Here, the vibe is relaxed but refined. The Pacific glistens at the edge of wide walking paths. Locals blend seamlessly with visitors on bikes, rollerblades, or leisurely strolls. And behind every palm-lined avenue is a café or boutique that feels both elevated and welcoming.

🧳 What Makes It Special for Older Travelers

Santa Monica hits a sweet spot: it’s scenic, walkable, well-connected, and brimming with low-effort, high-reward experiences. Whether you’re arriving from LAX (a 25-minute drive on a good day) or coming in from a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, this is a city that doesn’t demand too much—and gives back plenty.

You can people-watch at Palisades Park, sip a cappuccino with ocean views, or meander down Montana Avenue without ever feeling rushed. Mobility-friendly sidewalks, benches, and shaded spaces make it ideal for older adults who want to explore at their own pace.

And when you’re ready to dip your toe beyond Santa Monica’s city limits, Malibu, Venice, Brentwood, and Pacific Palisades are just a short Uber or Lyft ride away.

🛌 Where to Stay

Depending on your travel style—elegant, easygoing, or somewhere in between—Santa Monica has options that combine comfort with access:

🏨 Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

Old Hollywood charm meets coastal luxury. With leafy grounds, ocean-view rooms, and an on-site spa, this is perfect for those who want amenities without the crowds. The bungalows offer privacy with concierge-level perks.

🏨 Shutters on the Beach

This beachfront property is pricey but beloved. It has a Cape Cod feel, and the views of the water at sunset are cinematic. Excellent on-site dining (Coast and 1 Pico) and direct beach access.

🏨 The Georgian Hotel

An Art Deco gem with a storied past (rumored Rat Pack hangout), this boutique hotel has been meticulously restored. It sits right on Ocean Avenue and features a speakeasy-style lounge downstairs.

🛏️ Airbnb Options

For a more residential feel, consider a stay just a few blocks from Main Street or Montana Avenue. Look for units with elevators or ground-floor access if stairs are an issue.

🍽️ Where to Eat (and Linger)

Santa Monica has something for every appetite, whether you’re looking for coastal cuisine, nostalgic comfort food, or a glass of wine with conversation.

🍷 FIG at the Fairmont

Farm-to-table Californian fare with ocean views. Great for brunch or a mellow dinner. Known for its seasonal dishes and fantastic service.

🍽️ The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

Retro-chic with a twist. Great for lunch, small plates, or cocktails. Free warm chocolate chip cookies when you leave? Yes, please.

🐟 Water Grill

Upscale seafood right by the Promenade, but without the pretension. Ask for a booth and enjoy fresh oysters or grilled fish with a crisp white wine.

☕ Urth Caffé

Organic coffee, teas, and hearty breakfast and lunch options. A popular place to sit and take in the Santa Monica scene.

🌮 Blue Plate Taco

Casual and colorful, right on Ocean Avenue. A favorite for flavorful tacos, margaritas, and easy beachside ambiance.

🖼️ Things to See, Do, and Savor

🎨 Bergamot Station Arts Center

A sprawling industrial-chic complex of contemporary galleries. It’s quiet, walkable, and perfect for a morning of casual browsing.

🚶🏽 Third Street Promenade

Yes, it’s touristy—but it’s still fun. Outdoor shopping, live music, people-watching, and open-air dining all come together here.

🌅 Palisades Park

This bluff-top park offers one of the most scenic walking paths in Southern California. Think ocean breezes, public art, yoga classes, and golden hour views.

🏖️ Annenberg Community Beach House

A public beach club with a pool, café, and cultural programs. Originally built by William Randolph Hearst for Marion Davies, it’s now open to all—no membership required.

🎭 The Broad Stage

For travelers who love the arts, this intimate venue offers live performances ranging from jazz and theater to classical music and thought-provoking talks.

🚗 Day Trips & Nearby Excursions

Malibu – Drive the PCH, stop for lunch at Malibu Farm Pier Café, or visit the Getty Villa (a Roman-style museum with gardens).
Venice Beach – For something funkier. Explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard for boutiques and dining, then take in the sunset at Venice Pier.
Brentwood Country Mart – High-end shopping in a charming village-style setting. Perfect for an afternoon stroll and a glass of wine.

🧭 Final Thought

Santa Monica isn’t just a postcard; it’s a feeling. A slow inhale. A warm breeze on your face. A reminder that travel, especially after 50, doesn’t have to be extreme to be extraordinary.

It’s a place where the body can rest, the mind can wander, and the heart can open—because sometimes, the journey that matters most is the one that lets you breathe again.

Are you 62+? Welcome to Charlie. Banking built for you.

Journey in Focus

Been to Barcelona? What was your experience?

🧥🩺 Product Review

Joe & Bella’s Adaptive Apparel – Where Dignity Meets Design

By Lawson Brooks

At a certain point in life—whether due to aging, illness, or the slow but undeniable changes in mobility—what used to be simple becomes complicated. Getting dressed, for instance, can turn into a daily ordeal. But what you wear shouldn’t strip you of your independence or dignity. It shouldn’t make you feel like you’re fading into the background.

That’s why discovering Joe & Bella has been such a welcome revelation.

This isn’t just another clothing brand for older adults. Joe & Bella is a thoughtfully created, purpose-driven company that understands something many in the industry still miss: style, comfort, and identity are not luxuries—they’re essentials. Especially as we age. Especially when life becomes more dependent on caregivers, routines, and adapting to new limitations.

Joe & Bella’s adaptive clothing manages to blend form and function in a way that feels modern, not medical. Whether you’re living with arthritis, recovering from a stroke, or helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s, the brand has found a way to remove the struggle from dressing—without removing the self.

Take their CareZips® pants, for example. These aren’t clumsy substitutes for real clothes. They’re well-designed garments with discreet features that make incontinence care easier, more private, and less stressful. Magnetic closures and side zippers across the line offer smooth solutions for hands that don’t move the way they used to. It’s not just about ease—it’s about empowerment.

What I admire most about Joe & Bella is the why behind what they do. This is a family-driven passion project born from real caregiving experience. The founders named their brand after two individuals whose resilience and humor helped them through one unforgettable night—proof that this mission comes from a personal place. That energy shows in every stitch.

As someone who writes and speaks often about aging with purpose, I believe companies like Joe & Bella are quietly reshaping how we think about aging, caregiving, and even fashion. They’ve given older adults something that goes beyond clothing: a way to show up for life with confidence, grace, and a little bit of flair.

If you’re caring for a parent, partner, or even preparing your own wardrobe for the changes ahead, I strongly encourage you to check out Joe & Bella. Their pieces aren’t just practical—they’re powerful reminders that getting dressed should never mean losing yourself.

And that, to me, is what real innovation looks like.

Visit joeandbella.com to learn more.

lawson@fit2journey.com

What Borders Can’t Stop: The Spirit of Exploration | Can You Still Retire Abroad in a Changing World? | & More