The Encore Project Podcast

Skip the Crowds: 7 Hidden Travel Gems Worth the Trip for Men Over 50

The Encore Project Season 10 Episode 5

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0:00 | 19:56

 If you've done Paris and Rome and come home feeling like you stood in line more than you actually traveled, you already know what this episode is about. The most famous destinations in the world have become remarkably good at processing tourists — and remarkably bad at delivering the kind of experience that stays with you. This episode is a guide to seven places that haven't been processed yet: the volcanic Azores rising out of the Atlantic, the Buddhist quiet of Luang Prabang on the Mekong, Norway's Lofoten Islands above the Arctic Circle, the culinary richness of Oaxaca, the wild unspoiled edges of Tasmania, the rolling villages of England's Cotswolds, and the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan where happiness is official government policy. Each one chosen specifically for what men over 50 tend to want from travel — fewer crowds, more authenticity, a pace that lets you actually be somewhere rather than just pass through it. We'll cover what makes each destination worth the journey, the best time to go, and the practical details that make the difference between a good trip and a great one. 

SPEAKER_01

Picture this. You're standing on what is um supposedly this pristine, beautiful beach. Or maybe you're trying to navigate a historic European city square. Right. But instead of actually taking in the view, you are just entirely surrounded by a sea of selfie sticks, just bustling tourist traps and you know, exhausting crowds everywhere.

SPEAKER_00

The worst.

SPEAKER_01

And in that exact moment, you have this sudden crystal clear realization you have completely outgrown this.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, it's a very common feeling.

SPEAKER_01

Like, why is it that the more money and time we spend to supposedly, you know, get away from it all, the more exhausted we feel when we finally get home.

SPEAKER_00

It is uh it's really the ultimate paradox of modern travel. Because for decades, the industry has basically trained us to treat travel like a high-speed checklist.

SPEAKER_01

Right, like a to-do list.

SPEAKER_00

Exactly. You fly in, you see the 10 famous things, you snap the photos, and you leave.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

But there is a very real psychological shift that happens as we age, particularly for travelers over 50.

SPEAKER_01

Aaron Powell Interesting. So the brain actually changes how it processes travel.

SPEAKER_00

Aaron Powell Yeah, the brain's reward system actually changes. You um you stop seeking the quick dopamine hit of just being somewhere famous and you start craving what I'd call the slow burn serotonin of genuine connection and well, peace.

SPEAKER_01

Aaron Powell That makes total sense. You're looking for a shortcut to something far more authentic, but without the burnout.

SPEAKER_00

Exactly.

SPEAKER_01

And that is actually the core mission for our deep dive today. We are going to unpack a highly curated list of seven off-the-beaten path travel destinations.

SPEAKER_00

Aaron Powell And these are incredible spots.

SPEAKER_01

They really are. But they aren't just random pins on a map. They are environments specifically tailored for the pace, the interests, and you know, the physical comforts of senior men.

SPEAKER_00

Aaron Powell, which is such an important distinction.

SPEAKER_01

Huge distinction. And I have to credit the brilliant work of the editorial team at the Encore project here. They compiled all the fantastic research, the insights, and the destination details that make up today's entire deep dive.

SPEAKER_00

They really did an amazing job gathering this.

SPEAKER_01

They truly cracked the code on what makes an undiscovered haven actually work for this demographic. So, okay, let's untack this.

SPEAKER_00

Let's do it.

SPEAKER_01

If we are moving away from the loud checklist style vacations, what is the actual mechanism that makes a hidden gem so much more valuable at this stage of life?

SPEAKER_00

Well, it fundamentally comes down to how a destination's infrastructure dictates your behavior.

SPEAKER_01

Okay, what do you mean by that?

SPEAKER_00

So when you strip away the massive industrialized tourism machine, like the mega resorts, the massive cruise ship terminals, you uncover a totally different rhythm.

SPEAKER_01

Aaron Powell Right, a slower pace.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. And yes, you get the practical benefits, like lower costs because you aren't paying that famous destination premium. And obviously you avoid the massive crowds.

SPEAKER_01

Which is a huge plus.

SPEAKER_00

Oh, absolutely.

SPEAKER_01

Right.

SPEAKER_00

But the real mechanism at play here is the opportunity to experience a location's daily life without the sheer physical and mental friction that usually accompanies modern travel. Trevor Burrus, Jr.

SPEAKER_01

The friction, yeah. I like that word for it.

SPEAKER_00

Right. You aren't fighting your environment. The environment is basically inviting you to just, you know, be present.

SPEAKER_01

Aaron Powell I want to look at how that actually plays out on the ground. Because our sources suggest the first step is finding a slower, peaceful pace that still delivers on natural beauty.

SPEAKER_00

Yes, exactly.

SPEAKER_01

We are talking about gentle tranquility here. And the first example from the research is the Azores in Portugal.

SPEAKER_00

Beautiful place.

SPEAKER_01

But okay, when I hear nine volcanic islands sitting in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, I don't immediately think gentle.

SPEAKER_00

Right. It sounds intense.

SPEAKER_01

It sounds super rugged. Like how does a volcanic archipelago tailor itself to an older traveler?

SPEAKER_00

Well, what's fascinating here is the illusion of wildness paired with extreme accessibility.

SPEAKER_01

Oh, okay.

SPEAKER_00

The avores are dramatically beautiful. I mean, you have these striking volcanic crater lakes and sheer cliffs, but the local infrastructure supports a very moderate approach to experiencing them.

SPEAKER_01

Aaron Powell So you aren't scaling cliffs with climbing gear?

SPEAKER_00

Exactly. The hiking trails that weave through these lush green landscapes are just meticulously maintained. They engage you fully in nature, but they don't demand that you like conquer the landscape. You aren't doing grueling technical treks. You are taking immersive supported walks.

SPEAKER_01

Aaron Powell So the landscape provides the visual awe, but the ground beneath your feet isn't actively trying to trip you up.

SPEAKER_00

That's a great way to put it.

SPEAKER_01

And the payoff sounds pretty remarkable. You do this moderate hike and then you end up at the geothermal hot springs in Fernas.

SPEAKER_00

Oh, the hot springs are incredible.

SPEAKER_01

You just sink into this naturally heated, mineral-rich water. It's passive relaxation following active exploration.

SPEAKER_00

Which is the perfect balance.

SPEAKER_01

Totally. And the research notes the best time to visit is from April to October to catch the best weather. Plus, it's highly accessible, direct flights from Lisbon, and you just rent a car to explore at your own pace.

SPEAKER_00

Aaron Powell And that rental car, uh that is the crucial piece of the puzzle here.

SPEAKER_01

Aaron Powell Really? Why is that?

SPEAKER_00

Because it puts you in the driver's seat of your own itinerary, both literally and metaphorically.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

You aren't hostage to a crowded tour bus schedule.

SPEAKER_01

Aaron Powell Right. Everyone back on the bus in 15 minutes kind of thing.

SPEAKER_00

Aaron Powell Exactly. If you want to spend three hours just, you know, watching the whales off the coast, you can.

SPEAKER_01

Which feels like a completely different vibe than our next destination. If the Azores is about dramatic volcanic isolation, this next spot is all about manicured history.

SPEAKER_00

Yes. A very different flavor.

SPEAKER_01

Aaron Powell We are looking at the Cotswolds in southern England.

SPEAKER_00

I mean, that is the absolute definition of picturesque. You're wandering through these historic villages like Borden on the Water and Stow on the Wold.

SPEAKER_01

Aaron Powell The names alone sound like a gnat by a fireplace, honestly.

SPEAKER_00

They really do. It is an environment built entirely of cobblestone streets, cozy pubs, and centuries-old churches.

SPEAKER_01

Sounds incredibly relaxing.

SPEAKER_00

It is. You have the option to take leisurely strolls along sections of the 102-mile Cotswold way. Or you can just visit grand historical landmarks like Blenheim Palace and then retire to a cozy BMB.

SPEAKER_01

You know, looking at both the Azores and the Cotswolds, a comparison comes to mind.

SPEAKER_00

Oh, that's here.

SPEAKER_01

Traveling in your twenties is essentially like going to a loud, crowded stadium rock concert.

SPEAKER_00

Oh wow. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

It's chaotic, you're constantly getting elbowed, it's physically exhausting. But you push through it for the hype and the spectacle.

SPEAKER_00

Right, because everyone else is doing it.

SPEAKER_01

Exactly. But traveling over 50, it's like demanding a private acoustic set. You actually want to sit down in a comfortable chair, sip your drink, and hear the nuances of the music.

SPEAKER_00

The acoustic set of travel, I love that. That captures the psychology perfectly. You're removing the noise to focus on the signal.

SPEAKER_01

Aaron Ross Powell But I do have a concern here.

SPEAKER_00

Okay, what is it?

SPEAKER_01

If I'm someone who is used to high octane travel, doesn't an acoustic set risk, I don't know, putting me to sleep?

SPEAKER_00

Ah, I see what you mean.

SPEAKER_01

How do destinations like the Azores and the Cotswolds cater to this gentle mindset without crossing the line into feeling like a sterile retirement home? Like how do you actually stay engaged?

SPEAKER_00

That at the tie rope, these destinations walk so well. The secret is that they offer high cognitive and emotional engagement without the accompanying physical strain.

SPEAKER_01

Okay, cognitive engagement.

SPEAKER_00

Right. In the Cotswolds, you are intellectually engaged. You are parsing through hundreds of years of Roman and medieval history when you're exploring a market town.

SPEAKER_01

Wow, yeah. That's a lot to take in mentally.

SPEAKER_00

And in the Azores, you are visually engaged by the sheer staggering scale of a volcanic crater. The environment doesn't demand that you physically exhaust yourself to earn the experience.

SPEAKER_01

You don't have to suffer for the view.

SPEAKER_00

Exactly. The well-kept paths, the accessible hot springs, the cozy country inns, they naturally dictate a reflective pace.

SPEAKER_01

So you're never bored because your brain is constantly stimulated, but your body isn't battered at the end of the day.

SPEAKER_00

That's it, exactly.

SPEAKER_01

That distinction between cognitive engagement and physical strain makes a lot of sense. So if we've mastered that passive physical relaxation in Europe, the next step in the research takes us toward a different kind of engagement.

SPEAKER_00

Yes, stepping further out. Right.

SPEAKER_01

We are moving from the gentle landscapes of the West to the profound cultural and spiritual depth of Asia.

SPEAKER_00

We're basically shifting the focus from unwinding the body to actively enriching the mind.

SPEAKER_01

And the focal point here is Luang Prabang in Laos.

SPEAKER_00

An incredible place.

SPEAKER_01

It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated between the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers. And the architecture alone is kind of a paradox, isn't it?

SPEAKER_00

Aaron Ross Powell It really is. You have this very distinct French colonial design sitting literally shoulder to shoulder with ancient Buddhist temples.

SPEAKER_01

But the appeal isn't just looking at the buildings, is it?

SPEAKER_00

Not at all. Luang Prabang is a masterclass in participatory travel. It is deeply rooted in its Buddhist heritage. And as a visitor, you are basically invited into that rhythm.

SPEAKER_01

So it's not just a backdrop.

SPEAKER_00

No, the entire town operates on a different frequency. You can attend guided meditation sessions or take these incredibly slow, gentle river cruises down the Mekong.

SPEAKER_01

I was actually reading into the local cuisine and it perfectly reflects that deliberate pacing.

SPEAKER_00

Oh, the food is amazing.

SPEAKER_01

Right. And we aren't talking about fast food here. Traditional Laotian dishes like their minced meat salad, which is called LAP, or their green papaya salad, they require incredibly deliberate, time-consuming preparation.

SPEAKER_00

It's an art form.

SPEAKER_01

It is. Even eating sticky rice by hand forces you to slow down and really consider the meal. The research says you should visit between November and February when the humidity drops, and you just sort of fall into the rhythm of the town.

SPEAKER_00

It's a sensory experience that forces you to be present. Yeah. You can't rush through a meal of lack, just like you can't rush the Mekong River.

SPEAKER_01

You know, I noticed a really compelling angle raised by the writers at the Encore project here.

SPEAKER_00

Oh, what was it?

SPEAKER_01

They pointed out that as men over 50 plan their travel, the goal naturally shifts away from just standing in front of a monument to prove you were there.

SPEAKER_00

Right, taking the obligatory photo.

SPEAKER_01

Exactly. The focus moves toward true cultural immersion, like actually learning the mechanics of a new tradition or participating in a spiritual practice. It's not about the photo anymore, it's about the feeling.

SPEAKER_00

It's the transition from being an observer to being a participant.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

And I'd say nowhere exemplifies that shift more powerfully than our next destination.

SPEAKER_01

Which is Bhutan.

SPEAKER_00

Yes, Bhutan.

SPEAKER_01

Bhutan is fascinating. It's this remote Buddhist kingdom tucked way high up into the Himalayas.

SPEAKER_00

It's incredibly isolated.

SPEAKER_01

And it is globally famous for fiercely preserving its environment and its culture. But they have this specific policy that I think we really need to unpack.

SPEAKER_00

The happiness index, right.

SPEAKER_01

Yes. They prioritize gross national happiness over gross domestic product.

SPEAKER_00

Which is such a wild concept for most of us.

SPEAKER_01

Totally wild. But what does that actually mean for the guy getting off the plane, like practically speaking? Trevor Burrus, Jr.

SPEAKER_00

Well, it it changes everything about the infrastructure of your trip. Because gross national happiness isn't just like a catchy slogan, it is an actual economic and social policy.

SPEAKER_01

Really?

SPEAKER_00

To protect their culture and environment from the erosion of mass tourism, Bhutan implements a daily tourist tariff. It essentially mandates a high-value, low impact model.

SPEAKER_01

Okay, so it filters people out.

SPEAKER_00

Exactly. Because it requires a higher financial commitment up front, it naturally filters out the massive crowds. When you arrive, you aren't fighting for space.

SPEAKER_01

That sounds incredibly peaceful.

SPEAKER_00

It is. The traditional rural lodges are pristine. The local customs, like witnessing the Paroseju festival, they're authentic rather than just performed for massive crowds, and the environment is immaculate.

SPEAKER_01

Okay. I see how the economics protect the peace and quiet, but I do have to push back a little on the physical reality of Bhutan.

SPEAKER_00

Fair enough. Go ahead.

SPEAKER_01

We are talking about relaxing, senior-friendly travel. But this is the Himalayas.

SPEAKER_00

True.

SPEAKER_01

And one of the main highlights the research mentions is the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery. I've seen pictures of this place, and it is literally perched on the side of a sheer vertical cliff face.

SPEAKER_00

It is quite the site.

SPEAKER_01

Isn't a high altitude cliff hike a bit intense for this uh acoustic set itinerary we're building?

SPEAKER_00

What's fascinating here is that it absolutely sounds intimidating on paper. But if we connect this to the bigger picture of Bhutanese culture, their approach to travel is entirely about deliberate pacing.

SPEAKER_01

Deliberate pacing again.

SPEAKER_00

Yes. Yeah. Spiritual immersion isn't a race to the top of a mountain to snap a selfie and run back down to the bus. It's a slow, intentional journey.

SPEAKER_01

So the hike itself is treated as like a meditation rather than an athletic conquest.

SPEAKER_00

Precisely. The deeply rooted Buddhist practices you observe, they encourage you to take your time. You're blending physical movement with inner stillness.

SPEAKER_01

Okay, I can see that.

SPEAKER_00

The hike to Tiger's Nest is challenging, yes. But it is a mindful, supported challenge. There are places to stop, to breathe, and to just take in the sheer scale of the Himalayas.

SPEAKER_01

It's the exact opposite of the rushed, anxiety-inducing travel we discuss at the top of the show.

SPEAKER_00

Exactly. It's effort, but it's meaningful effort.

SPEAKER_01

So we've covered the gentle, passive tranquility of Europe and the deep participatory immersion of Asia. But um what if a traveler still craves the raw, rugged edge of the world?

SPEAKER_00

Ah, the wilderness seekers.

SPEAKER_01

Right. I know guys who want the untamed wilderness, but let's be honest, they also want a really comfortable bed, a hot shower, and a world-class meal at the end of the day.

SPEAKER_00

They want the wild, but they don't want to suffer for it.

SPEAKER_01

Exactly. They want the ultimate combo. The wild outdoors paired with high-end, seamless comfort.

SPEAKER_00

Well, our final three destinations deliver on that specific paradox perfectly. Let's start way up north, above the Arctic Circle, with the Lafutan Islands in Norway.

SPEAKER_01

Oh man. Visually, it doesn't get much more dramatic than Lafoten.

SPEAKER_00

It's stunning. You have these towering, jagged mountains plunging straight down into deep, dark fjords, and they're dotted with these isolated fishing villages.

SPEAKER_01

But the appeal here for our guy is the lack of density, right?

SPEAKER_00

Yes. It remains relatively uncrowded compared to major Norwegian hubs like Oslo or Bergen.

SPEAKER_01

So you go up there for incredible birdwatching or fishing in these crystal clear waters. And you can visit in the summer for the mild weather or bundle up in the winter to see the northern lights.

SPEAKER_00

And the accommodations are so unique.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, you actually stay in these traditional fishermen's cabins. But they are beautifully converted and modernized inside.

SPEAKER_00

Right. And if we swing from the Arctic to the complete opposite end of the globe, we find a similar dynamic in Tasmania, Australia.

SPEAKER_01

Tasmania. Now that is an island that feels like an unspoiled frontier.

SPEAKER_00

It really does. You have vast national parks, rugged mountain ranges, and then you hit the Bay of Fires.

SPEAKER_01

Which has these blindingly white sands and impossibly clear waters. Plus, you have the unique wildlife, like the Tasmanian Devil.

SPEAKER_00

It's just spectacular. And then for a completely different flavor of the wild edge, we have Oaxaca, Mexico.

SPEAKER_01

Now Oaxaca is an isolated natural wilderness, but it is a vibrant, deeply historic southern city that feels absolute light years away from the packed, sanitized mega resorts of Cancun or Tulum.

SPEAKER_00

Oaxaca is a cultural heavyweight. The identity of the city is shaped by incredibly rich Zapotec and Mixtech indigenous cultures.

SPEAKER_01

And let's define that for a second. We aren't just talking about ruins in a museum.

SPEAKER_00

No, not at all.

SPEAKER_01

The Zapotec and Mixtech histories are living cultures that dictate the entire rhythm of the region. You can take a short day trip to explore the ancient ruins at Monte Alban, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

SPEAKER_00

And then come right back down into these lively markets.

SPEAKER_01

Yes. Markets filled with traditional textiles and the food. I mean, Oaxaca is widely considered the culinary capital of Mexico.

SPEAKER_00

The culinary scene is legendary, largely because of that deep indigenous history.

SPEAKER_01

You're eating rich, incredibly complex mole sauces that take days to prepare, crispy clayudas, and you're sipping small batch local mezcal on these stunning rooftops.

SPEAKER_00

It's an amazing way to end the day.

SPEAKER_01

Now, I'm trying to find the common thread between Lafoten, Tasmania, and Oaxaca, it seems like. It's like having an automatic transmission in a high-end sports car.

SPEAKER_00

Oh, I like where you're going with this.

SPEAKER_01

You are still driving a powerful machine through wild, unpredictable terrain, but the car itself is doing all the exhausting clutch work for you. How do these locations actually pull that off?

SPEAKER_00

That is a perfect analogy. If we connect this to the bigger picture, the absolute secret weapon of these specific hidden gems is what we can call their hidden infrastructure.

SPEAKER_01

Wait, let me guess. When you say hidden infrastructure, are we talking about the fact that I don't have to trot my own firewood in the Arctic, or is it something deeper about logistics and safety?

SPEAKER_00

Aaron Powell Well, it's really all of the above.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Take Tasmania and Lafoten. You're standing in some of the most dramatic remote landscapes on Earth. You feel entirely isolated.

SPEAKER_01

But you're not actually stranded.

SPEAKER_00

Exactly. The driving roads beneath your tires are incredibly well maintained. The rental car process is completely seamless.

SPEAKER_01

So you aren't fighting the logistics.

SPEAKER_00

Right. And the accommodations, whether it's an eco-lodge in Tasmania or that fisherman's cabin in Norway, they look rustic on the outside, but are outfitted with modern high-end comforts. Reliable heat, great food on the inside.

SPEAKER_01

This means you can experience vast, untouched wilderness safely at your own speed without the nightmare of roughing it.

SPEAKER_00

Exactly.

SPEAKER_01

And how does that apply to a bustling city like Oaxaca?

SPEAKER_00

Oaxaca does the exact same thing, but culturally. It gives you the raw, unfiltered experience of ancient history and bustling chaotic markets. But it provides the hidden infrastructure of a quiet, world-class cafe or a luxurious rooftop.

SPEAKER_01

So you have a place to retreat to the moment you need to recharge.

SPEAKER_00

Exactly. You get the thrill of the wild, whether natural or cultural, but you completely eliminate the barriers that usually make travel exhausting.

SPEAKER_01

You aren't sacrificing the adventure, you're just removing the friction.

SPEAKER_00

Precisely.

SPEAKER_01

And that brings us to the most powerful takeaway for anyone listening to this. If there is one overarching theme to draw from all these locations, it is that traveling after 50 is not about winding down.

SPEAKER_00

It really isn't.

SPEAKER_01

It is not about surrendering to the bland pre-packaged tour bus. It is an exciting opportunity to completely redefine what the word adventure means to you.

SPEAKER_00

It is the ultimate transition from consumption to connection. You are trading the exoticting crowds, the selfie sticks, and the pressure to consume every single landmark in exchange for authentic, meaningful moments that actually replenish you.

SPEAKER_01

Exactly. Whether that means soaking your muscles in a geothermal hot spring in the Azores, learning the mechanics of deliberate pacing in a bootiness lodge, or wandering through a vibrant Zapotec market in Oaxaca.

SPEAKER_00

It is all about finding a landscape that serves your pace.

SPEAKER_01

If this deep dive has sparked your wanderlust, or if you're just looking for smarter ways to navigate this stage of life, you have to check out the community over at the ncoreproject.org.

SPEAKER_00

It's a fantastic resource.

SPEAKER_01

They have new content that arrives weekly, covering everything from travel guides like this one to deeper insights on personal growth. It is genuinely a platform worth returning to as you plan out the itinerary for your next chapter.

SPEAKER_00

Because your next chapter should be the one you actually want to read. Which leaves you with one final important question to ponder.

SPEAKER_01

What's that?

SPEAKER_00

If you had to pack a bag tomorrow, would you seek out the physical, grounding warmth of a geothermal spring in the Azores? Or the quiet spiritual warmth of an ancient temple in Laos? What does the landscape of your ideal encore actually look like?

SPEAKER_01

That is the perfect question to mull over. Because your travel shouldn't feel like a loud, crowded stadium rock concert anymore. You've earned the right to that private acoustic set. You just have to decide what kind of music you want to hear.