Every trip I’ve ever taken has had a soundtrack. Not the curated playlist I make after the fact — but the accidental music that slips in, stays lodged in memory, and becomes permanently fused with the place.
Years ago, walking through the narrow streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter, a brass band erupted near Jackson Square. I didn’t know the song, but it didn’t matter. The music swirled around the wrought iron balconies and clung to the heat like perfume. To this day, whenever I hear horns on a humid night, I think of that moment.
In Montreal, it was a quiet café with a Nina Simone ballad playing in the background. I had just finished a long walk and sat alone with a small espresso and a thousand thoughts. Simone’s voice — rich, worn, uncompromising — made the air feel heavy and holy. I wasn’t lonely. I was accompanied by a voice that understood solitude.
Even airports have music memories. In Denver once, I had a long layover and a tired body. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers played over the loudspeaker just as I passed an elderly couple slowly dancing in the middle of the terminal. No audience. No shame. Just joy. By the way, the singer grew up a neighboring West Virgina county from me. I sat down and watched them until the song faded.
Music does something to memory that photos can’t. It captures feeling, not just image. And for older adults who travel — who carry decades of rhythm, vinyl, mixtapes, and radio hits in their bones — music becomes part of how we rememberthe journey.
This week, as you plan or reflect on your next trip, take a moment to ask yourself:
What song brings that place back to life for you? And maybe, more importantly — what’s the song that belongs to where you’re going next?
Put it on. Press play. Then pack your bag.
— Lawson
🌍 Destination of the Week
📍 Madeira, Portugal – “Europe’s Best-Kept Wellness Island”
💰 Budget: $65–$85/day (lodging, meals, transport)
🚶 Wellness: Levada walks, botanical gardens, sea-view spas
⚠️ Caution Corner: Mountain roads can be steep — opt for guided tours or city-based stays if mobility is limited
Floating off the coast of northwest Africa but belonging to Portugal, Madeira is often called “the Hawaii of Europe” — only more affordable, more relaxed, and less discovered by American tourists. With a year-round spring-like climate, abundant fresh seafood, and a reputation for hospitality, this island is fast becoming a favorite for older travelers seeking beauty without the chaos.
🌿 Why It’s Ideal for 50+ Travelers
- Gentle climate: Rarely too hot or cold — ideal for joint health, blood pressure, and comfort
- Wellness culture: Spa hotels, massage therapy, and thalassotherapy centers abound
- Walkable cities: Funchal, the capital, has pedestrian-friendly promenades, accessible gardens, and vibrant public squares
- Portuguese healthcare: Excellent quality at a fraction of U.S. prices
- Low crime rates: Madeira consistently ranks among the safest travel destinations in Europe
🧘 Top Activities for Movement + Mindfulness
- Levada Walks — These historic irrigation trails crisscross the island and offer flat, shaded hikes with jaw-dropping scenery. Guided tours are available for all fitness levels.
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden — Take the cable car to this serene mountaintop escape filled with art, koi ponds, and exotic plants.
- Seaside Spa Days — Many cliffside hotels offer spa packages that include massage, saltwater pools, and wellness cuisine with a view.
✈️ Accessibility Notes
- Madeira Airport is served by regular flights from Lisbon and Porto, and direct flights from some U.S. cities (via Azores Airlines).
- Taxis and hotel shuttles are reliable. Public buses are clean but can be steep — opt for tours or private driversfor inland excursions.
🧳 Fit2Journey Tip:
Base yourself in Funchal, then take day trips to other parts of the island. Look for lodgings with on-site spas, elevators, and balconies facing the Atlantic. For longer stays, some hotels offer wellness packages with meals, movement, and medical support built in.
Madeira isn’t just a destination — it’s a way of living well.
If you’re looking to recharge without leaving the comforts of Europe behind, this island might be your new favorite retreat.