Passenger Profiles: On the road with Terry Lee

Here at Travel at 60, we’re constantly inspired by the baby boomers, the retirees, the solo female explorers and the young at heart travellers who love nothing more than travelling the world and sharing their tales. So much has our inspiration grown, that we have decided to put the spotlight on one of our community members each week. This intimate series of conversations will give you a glimpse into the lives of the Travel at 60 community, and perhaps provide you a bit of inspiration to get out there and see the world, too. This week we were lucky enough to chat to traveller from LiveShareTravel.com, Terry Lee. 

Name: Terry Lee
Age: 59
Country/Suburb: Northamptonshire, UK

Tell me a little about yourself and how your love of travel began?

I think I inherited my wanderlust from my dad. The world has enthralled me since I was a child and I’ve always wanted to find out more about countries, people and cultures. I’ve travelled as an adult every since I could afford to do so, and now as a professional travel blogger, my passion is now my work. Thankfully, my wife Sarah runs LiveShareTravel.com, a luxury travel blog, with me and so we get to spend most of our time together and see the world at the same time.

What country or city were you concerned about visiting initially that ended up exceeded your expectations?

As I stood in the airport awaiting my flight to South Africa, I was looking at the board, wishing I was going anywhere but there. South Africa, has a reputation for crime and violence, and as we were going to be driving around it for a few weeks, I was worried. And while you do have to employ extra vigilance, the country exceeded all expectations, but in a positive way. The landscapes and coastlines are diverse and extraordinarily beautiful, the people were welcoming and friendly, and the wildlife and their natural habitat gave me perspective on my place in the world and how insignificant I am when set against nature. I would go back in a heartbeat.

What is your favourite mode of transport?

Walking, as it allows me to fully take in my surroundings at a pace I can manage. Whether it is one of the great cities of the world or deep in the jungle, we need time to experience and appreciate our surroundings.

What’s the best food you’ve ever tried on a trip?

Thai food is difficult to beat. However, in Dubai at the Armani Hashi restaurant at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, we dined on incredible shrimp from their Japanese menu – it was a truly memorable meal.

What country or city do you keep returning to?

There are two, Thailand and Austria, both offer different experiences but I never tire of either.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve ever had on a trip?

I was in the Mashpi rainforest in Ecuador and together with three friends we walked down deep into the depths of the rainforest to go swimming in waterfalls and rock pools. The wild rainforest engulfed us, the sun shone brightly and the free-flowing water cooled us down.

What advice do you have for travellers over 60 who are thinking about travelling but are nervous about taking the leap?

Whether you travel or don’t, the rest of the world is getting on with their lives and you are the only one missing out if you don’t take the leap. What I’ve discovered is that the people of the world are basically the same; they all want to raise their families, get on in life and be happy. Just respect the local customs and culture and don’t try to impose your lifestyle on them, and people will welcome and appreciate you.

Would you like to be featured in our Passenger Profiles? Get in touch and let us know!