Angie BrandtAngie Brandt is the president of Both Worlds Travel, specializing in creating BOld adventures for all retirees. Reach her at go@bothworldstravel.com or 919-787-0380.
There I stood, my feet rooted to the airport tarmac, gripped by all I experienced over the past nine days. Ahead lay home—my children, my life, my business. As my plane took off, I peered out the window at the rolling hills of the Dalmatian Coast. A fiery sunrise painted the sky, casting a golden glow from the Dinaric Alps to the Adriatic Sea.
My last night in the city of Trogir crystallized my love for Croatia. Trogir is a living museum where time stands still. The toll of the church bells atop the Cathedral of St. Lawrence echoed through cobblestone streets, mingling with the lapping of cool waves in the nearby “Blue Lagoon.” Around every corner, I heard the clinking of silverware on plates brimming with Croatian favorites such as carpaccio od sabljarke (swordfish carpaccio), hobotnicom (octopus), and fresh baked cikle (beet) salad. These sights, sounds and aromas inspire me to share my wanderlust through my travel agency, Both Worlds Travel.
My grandparents taught me that travel isn’t just about unearthing new places—it’s about discovering ourselves. Their legacy drives my passion for crafting meaningful journeys for clients. As recipient of a ‘TravelAge West’ award winner for my photography in Greece, I’ve built Both Worlds Travel on expertise, creativity, and a commitment to redefining modern-day travel.
Retirement is the beginning of a new journey that promises adventure, connection, and a richness that comes from living fully and intentionally. Travel is not about ticking destinations off a list but about investing in experiences. Exotic destinations like Korea, Sri Lanka, and Mongolia beckon early retirees. Sri Lanka offers captivating scenery, pristine beaches, and ancient cultural heritage. Korea is a vibrant destination, with efficient transportation, where visitors can savor the dynamic street food of Seoul’s markets, historic temples, and national parks. Mongolia’s vast, untouched landscapes and nomadic heritage make it a destination for early retirees seeking something grander than they’ve ever explored.
Both Worlds Travel specializes in curating journeys tailored to the diverse interests and lifestyles of our clients: Small ship cruises offer a refined, intimate experience. You can choose a luxury ocean cruise with fewer than 1,000 guests, a tranquil river cruise through Europe’s storybook towns, or an expedition cruise venturing into uncharted waters such as the Galápagos or Antarctica. Exclusive group tours offer immersive cultural experiences without having to manage the day-to-day details.
Multi-generational trips are popular. Just picture grandparents, children, and grandchildren bonding over a stay in a château in France or a private yacht charter along the Adriatic. These journeys are designed to bridge the generations and create lasting memories that become part of the family legacy.
In this column, my goal is to inspire and empower early retirees to embrace opportunities for exploration and adventure. Together, we’ll uncover the magic of experiential travel, diving into up-and-coming destinations while revisiting timeless classic locales only glimpsed in magazines or on TV. I hope to spark new perspectives on what wayfaring means in this exciting chapter of life, encouraging how to approach every journey with intention, curiosity, and a spirit of adventure.