Month: October 2025

Chances are you’ve spent more time planning the financial side of retirement than imagining what you want your life to feel like in this next chapter. And while that’s understandable, it’s also where many women get stuck.

If you’ve been feeling both excited and uncertain about what’s next, you’re not alone. Most women I meet are surprised by how emotional this transition can be.

So many myths about retirement keep women from creating a chapter that’s joyful, purposeful, and energizing. So buckle up, ladies. It’s myth-slaying time!

You have the chance to live one of the most rewarding chapters of your life: retirement. These are your go-go years – the window of health and freedom you won’t always have – so make them count. The kids are grown, the schedule is your own, and it’s time to savor it. We’re not in dress rehearsal anymore. It’s showtime.

Myth #1: The Only Retirement Planning You Need to Do Is Financial

Not true! In fact, my heart races just writing about this.

Google “retirement planning,” and nearly everything’s about money. Important, yes – but it’s only half the story. This narrow focus leaves many women – especially those juggling work, family, and caregiving – feeling adrift once the emails stop and the calendar clears.

After all that, shouldn’t we have more information about how to design a meaningful life after retirement – not just how to afford it?

Research backs this up. A Canadian study found that only lifestyle planning – not financial planning – predicted satisfaction in retirement. The happiest retirees set goals for meaningful activities and nurturing social connections.

For the two years leading up to my retirement, I kept a running note on my phone called “Elaine’s Retirement.” It wasn’t a budget or a checklist – more like a vision board in list form.

Still, it’s no wonder we start with finances. For decades, we’ve been praised for being practical – so it’s easy to reach for spreadsheets before soul work.

The Truth:

Money matters, but it’s not enough. To create a retirement that’s vibrant, joyful, and fulfilling, you also need to design the life you want to live.

Here are a few questions to help you get started:

• How will I find a new sense of purpose and fulfillment after my career ends?
• What new activities or hobbies can I explore to bring joy and connection?
• How can I build and maintain strong friendships once I’m no longer in the workplace?

Myth #2: Retirement Means You Don’t Need to Structure Your Days

This one may be surprising. After years of early alarms and packed schedules, it’s tempting to toss the clock and live in your own version of a carefree, unscheduled heaven – and for a while, that feels amazing, until it doesn’t.

Talk to women retired a few years, and you’ll hear it: most crave a little structure.

Research backs this up. Routines reduce anxiety, build stability, and make the transition to retirement easier. Freedom without form eventually starts to feel like drifting.

I’m still finding my groove. I love not setting an alarm, but I need a loose plan – a few exercise classes, weekend walks with friends, and other small anchors that keep my week balanced.

The science is clear: structure protects your joy. Routines help us feel grounded and connected. The sweet spot is balance – enough structure for rhythm, enough freedom for spontaneity.

The Truth:

A little structure goes a long way. You don’t need a rigid schedule – just a rhythm that keeps you engaged in what matters most.

Try this: If your days feel flat or scattered, add one meaningful anchor – a class, a morning walk, or a standing coffee date. See how it shifts your energy.

Myth #3: You’re Too Old to Reinvent Yourself

It’s easy to see why we feel this way. Few stories highlight women reinventing themselves later in life – we rarely see movies or books about older women exploring new passions.

But I know plenty of women doing just that. I met a retired physician from Northern California who, two years into retirement, decided to go back to school to become a veterinarian – in Ireland, at 59! My former boss took up watercolor painting after a long career as an epidemiologist – proof that curiosity doesn’t retire when we do.

Spread these stories! Otherwise, we risk living with a dangerous misconception that our ship has sailed. When we share what’s possible, we remind each other that growth doesn’t have an expiration date.

The Truth:

Having a sense of purpose, meaning, and accomplishment is vital at any age. Reinvention doesn’t have to mean moving abroad or making dramatic changes. It can be as simple as giving yourself permission to explore something new or finally returning to a long-buried dream.

Reflection: If you gave yourself permission to reinvent – even in small ways – what might you try first?

Why It’s Misleading to Believe These Three Myths

Believing these myths can keep you from enjoying the retirement you’ve worked so hard to create. They shrink what’s possible at precisely the moment life is inviting you to expand.

I’ve worked with women who’ve taken the time to reconnect with what they love, face the fears holding them back, and design lives that feel deeply fulfilling. There’s nothing mysterious about it – just courage, curiosity, and a willingness to grow.

Yes – reinvention absolutely matters. It’s how we stay curious, engaged, and connected to what makes life meaningful long after our careers end. In fact, how you define and express yourself now may be the most important work of your life.

Retirement isn’t the end of your story – it’s the chapter you get to write on your terms.

So many readers loved the first version of my Who Am I Now? guide that I expanded it – adding new insights, exercises, and coaching tools from my work with women in this transition. It helps you explore the very questions this article raises: what gives life meaning after work, how to shape your days around what matters most, and how to keep growing through reinvention.

It’s free, and you can download it here.

You’re not lost — you’re becoming.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What’s one way you’ve reinvented yourself – or are thinking about reinventing yourself – in this next chapter of life?

Fall Inspo: Celebs in Camo

Camo—it’s not just for hunting wives, it’s for Housewives! We’ve seen the print popping up all over Bravo’s finest and the Blondetourage is loving it. From Lindsay Hubbard’s best-selling camo pants to Madison LeCroy’s nod to the Dodgers, we’ve hunted down the best pieces to add to your wardrobe if you’re feeling like adding a little bit of country to your casual wardrobe this fall.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

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Originally posted at: Fall Inspo: Celebs in Camo

I recently visited the Ancient Khmer Empire of Angkor in Cambodia. A UNESCO World Heritage site, and an active archeological site for more than 100 years. This site is best known as Angkor Wat.

Siem Reap

We took the bus to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. You can also fly directly to Siem Reap from Phnom Pehn and many Southeast Asian destinations. Siem Reap is a very nice, small city and the closest city to the ancient complex. It has a full range of modern accommodations and a great restaurant scene. Something for every budget. There are also many things to do in and around Siem Reap if you have a few days to spend here.

Setting the Scene

This was our second visit to Angkor. On our first visit, 11 years ago, we had an official tour guide. There is so much history, and the place is so big that you really do need a guide. You can get one inside, right after they scan your digital ticket at the entrance. Our guide was wonderful and full of fascinating information, but you will be going along with the mainstream crowd. Your hotel can easily arrange all of this for you as well.

This time, however, we had made friends with the tuk-tuk driver that picked us up at the bus station in Siem Reap. Our driver’s name translates to the word “clean,” so he had us call him Mr. Clean, and he was our driver for our entire week in Siem Reap. He knew exactly what time of day to be at each temple to avoid the crowds, and wow, did it make a difference. Plus, he took us to many more places we wanted to see in the area and suggested some nice sites too. Mr. Clean was really good, almost like our own personal tour guide.

The Ancient City

Angkor Wat (wat means temple) is just one temple in this massive ancient city, but it is also the largest religious structure in the world, ancient or modern. In the ancient city there are hundreds of ancient temples, 72 of them being major temples, plus various other smaller temples and buildings that were used, such as monasteries, hospitals, library, schools, hostels, and so much more.

This ancient city is massive, and I am so grateful that my husband and I were able to spend two full days here. Many people just hit Angkor Wat and a few other nearby temples in one day, but if you have time, two or more days is ideal. There is so much to see and so much fascinating history in this exotic temple complex set in the jungle.

Angkor Wat

The highlight of the ancient city is definitely Angkor Wat. It is also the symbol of Cambodia and is even featured on the country’s national flag. The Angkor Wat complex by itself covers 402 acres, or 162 hectares. Construction took place from 1113 to 1150, but the city itself goes back to the year 900.

Built with the amazing Khmer architectural style, these temple walls are almost half a mile long on each side. The Angkor Wat complex is surrounded by a magnificent moat that stretches over three miles. Angkor is also known for its advanced water system of canals and holding tanks that brought water from their manmade Lake Baray. This insured the citizens would have water to drink and to irrigate their crops through the dry season.

This magnificent temple was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. At some point around 1177, the king’s wife, who was a devout Buddhist, converted him to Buddhism. This is why Angkor Wat reflects Hindu and Buddhist art in its intricate carvings, statues, and sculptures that can be found across this ancient complex and all around the city. The half mile long walls are intricately carved with scenes depicting Gods, battles, harvests, and everyday life of the King and his court. It is incredibly beautiful and fascinating.

Sunrise at the Wat

One of the popular things to do is to be in front of Angkor Wat as the sun rises, to see the beautiful colors of the sunrise behind the silhouette of the temple and also as it reflects off the water. Even though our Mr. Clean had to pick us up at 4:45 am, it was worth it. Following his lead, as soon as we had taken our photos, he had us come back to the tuk-tuk where he was waiting to take us to the next temple. We would return here to Angkor Wat the following afternoon. His plan worked out perfectly.

Upon our return to Angkor Wat the next afternoon, we approached it from the back entrance. An equally beautiful and impressive sight. The ride there was so nice, shaded and green on one side of the road and the moat stretching out along the other side. This gave us a great chance to cool down. Fewer people go in from this entrance, and we were happy to find fewer people here this time of day.

We walked the long, cool, temple halls and climbed the steps up the three different layers to the top, where you can find an inner courtyard, beautiful carvings and a magnificent view of the complex from the top. I loved seeing lines of monks dressed in their orange robes going across the grounds. This just added to the vibe of the place.

Pra Thom

After leaving Angkor Wat on our first morning, we were off to see the Pra Thom Temple, and it is one of my favorites. Mr. Clean knew what he was doing bringing us here right after we saw the sunrise at Angkor Wat. We had this temple all to ourselves for 45 minutes. There was literally no one else here except the temple attendants. By the time the tour groups were rolling up here, we were moving on to the next site.

Pra Thom was built in 1186 using tightly fitted, carved blocks of stone, with no mortar. Over the centuries this has allowed tree roots to work their way between some of the walls, blocks, and doorways giving this temple a very unique look and feel. The massive trees here make it look otherworldly, almost unreal.

This temple was used in the 2001 movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie. When these trees start to die, they can actually pull a whole wall down with them. Because of this, the trees are closely monitored now and their roots cut away from the temple if they start to die off.

Neak Pean

King Jayavaraman VII had 102 hospitals constructed around the city, but one really stands out, Neak Pean. This was a completely different experience as it was built on an island in Lake Baray. A bridge leads you to the island, and when I was there the surrounding lake was full of Lotus flowers with lovely pink blossoms.

In the center of the island is a small temple surrounded by four reservoirs. These reservoirs stand for Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water and represent balance in all things. This was a major component in the healing of some diseases, for the body to be in balance. The whole place felt very serene and peaceful. I think this is a must see if you come to Angkor.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan is a section that contained royal palaces, the university, and the Royal Circus, among many other things. It also features a unique building referred to as “the library.” What makes this pavilion unique is that it is the only building with round, Roman style columns.

No one is sure what exactly this building was used for. But over 100,000 people lived in this particular area.

Records that were kept during this time show that travelers and scholars visited here. Buddhist pilgrims came from Japan, and an envoy from China came to study at this university. Portuguese explorers also paid a visit.

Bayon

There is one last grand temple that I am going to mention, because I can’t go over them all or this would be a small book, and that is the Bayon Temple. Standing in the city center, it is often referred to as the Temple of 26,000 faces. In actuality, there are only 216 faces on 54 different towers. All of these faces are thought to be the likeness of King Jayavaraman VII.

However many faces there really are, it is an awesome sight to see. These benevolent looking, smiling faces all around make this one of the most popular complexes to visit. There is a type of lichen that grows on the stone at these temples adding even more interest to the intricate carvings.

A True Bucket List Adventure

There is so much to see in this mesmerizing ancient complex that was once home to over one million people. Even though I’ve been here twice, I still haven’t seen it all. Its location in the jungle makes it feel like even more of an adventure as you walk through the different temples and buildings. The scale of the intricate carvings and statues never ceases to amaze me.

In 1860, French explorer Henri Mouhot “rediscovered” Angkor Wat. Although he did not discover Angkor, he just brought Western attention to it. It was never lost to the local people, and many temples have been used continuously throughout the centuries for worship and religious celebrations.

I realize not everyone is interested in visiting ruins, but if you are, the Ancient Kingdom of Angkor is one of the most epic and impressive places to visit on the planet and should be on any bucket list. If you would like to read about some of my other bucket list adventures, please visit my blog at farawaynowtravels.com

Many have never heard of the Ancient Khmer Empire of Angkor, and these ruins do receive less visitors than other ancient sites. That being said, more than two million people a year do visit Angkor. We went in July, which is the low season; it’s hot, but there are fewer people. I do recommend this time of year as I will take the heat over the crowds any day.

I had my umbrella and Mr. Clean had bottles of cold water waiting for us after every temple. There are also many places to stop and cool down and have some food and a cold drink all throughout the ancient complex. If you would like to see more about Angkor and the city of Siem Reap please watch our video here:

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you ever visited the ruins of an ancient civilization? What did you think? Would you be interested in visiting Angkor Wat? Let me know in the comments.

When we have lost a partner, parent, child, or friend, grief overwhelms us so much that it is hard to make the simplest of decisions.

For some, busying ourselves with the practical things that need to happen when a loved one has passed can be a distraction, a way to focus on something other than the terrible sense of loss we are feeling. Focusing on practical tasks that need to be done for a funeral or a memorial can be a comfort to us during such a sad time.

But when things start to settle down, we are surrounded with the stuff of life that is left behind. Clothes, books, sentimental items, hobby items. They don’t belong to us, and we aren’t going to need them, but when do we start to go through them? When is the right time?

There Is No Right Time

Often, we feel under pressure from other family members to get rid of a loved one’s things before we are ready because people think ‘it’s time’. But it might not be the right time for you. Everyone grieves in different ways.

For some, memories are enough, and there is no need for a tangible object to evoke those memories. Others need time to be able to let go of precious things that have deep seated memories attached. Don’t be rushed.

Don’t Make Serious Decisions When Grieving

Someone once told me you should never make a life changing decision when you are grieving, and I have always found that to be such great advice.

Grief can do the strangest things to us and impact our rationale. Letting go of a loved one’s belongings before you are ready can have a long lasting impact. You will know when it feels right.

When Deadlines Loom, Be Selective

Sometimes we do not have the benefit of time. Decisions and actions need to be made quickly. Properties need to be put up for sale, belongings have to be sold. Time pressure can be upsetting and unsettling.

So, we need to be selective with what we keep and create a plan to deal with it. It’s OK to store things in a box until you are ready, but be mindful that the sorting has to happen at some point. Out of sight is often out of mind, so be sure to keep the sorting firmly on your to-do list.

Try and Be Fair When Family Is Involved

Sorting through someone’s belongings is even more difficult when multiple members of the family are involved. People have differing ideas of what should be kept, who is entitled to what, and what is precious and what is not.

It can be one of the tensest times for a family. And it isn’t easy to navigate your way through it. Be mindful that everyone has had a different relationship with the person and try to be firm but fair. Everyone grieves in a different way.

Quality Over Quantity

The belongings of a deceased person are, by nature, sentimental. And the key to keeping things that evoke memories is to favour quality over quantity.

You don’t need every tie your husband owned. Nor do you need every piece of a 72-piece dinner set. You can relive the memory with one or two very special selections.

Share Your Stories

Many of the difficult situations mentioned above can be avoided by some careful pre-planning. To avoid confusion among your heirs, talk about your wishes while you are still able. Be clear in your will about who you would like to have what when you are gone.

Share the history of your memorabilia. Talk about who is who in photos so you can leave behind a history that will live on. Don’t be scared to plan for the inevitable, and your legacy will live on.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you had to declutter the belongings of someone who has died recently? Did you find yourself being rushed through the process or were you comfortable that it was the right time? Please share your stories and tips with our community!

Travel today is more digital than ever. From boarding passes and hotel reservations to health records and local guides, you can carry your entire trip in your pocket. A digital travel wallet is not a physical wallet but a smart system on your phone that keeps all your important travel documents and itinerary organized, secure, and accessible.

If you’ve ever fumbled at the airport for your passport photo page, or panicked because you couldn’t remember your rental car booking code, this guide will help. Here’s how to make your phone your most reliable travel companion.

What Is a Digital Travel Wallet?

A digital travel wallet is simply a way of storing and managing your essential travel documents, reservations, and plans electronically on your smartphone. Instead of juggling printed papers or scrolling through emails, everything is in one place.

Your digital travel wallet can include:

• Passport scans and ID copies
• Flight, train, or bus tickets
• Hotel reservations and Airbnb bookings
• Travel insurance details
• Vaccination or health certificates
• Car rental confirmations
• Tour or activity tickets
• Emergency contacts and embassy info

Why Should You Use a Digital Travel Wallet?

Travel experts and airlines alike encourage going digital. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), over 75% of travelers now use mobile boarding passes, and airports worldwide are pushing toward fully paperless check-ins.

Benefits include:

• Convenience – no digging through bags for papers
• Security – digital backups protect against lost documents
• Organization – all details available at a glance
• Sustainability – less printing means less paper waste

Which Apps Can Help You Organize Travel Documents?

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. There are already excellent apps built for digital travel wallets. A few of the most reliable include:

• TripIt – Imports confirmation emails and creates a master itinerary you can access offline.
• Google Wallet or Apple Wallet – Store boarding passes, train tickets, concert tickets, and some ID cards securely.
• Airline Apps – Most major airlines (Delta, United, Lufthansa, etc.) let you store boarding passes and track flight updates.
• Google Drive or Dropbox – Great for storing PDF scans of passports, visas, and travel insurance in secure, cloud-based folders.
• Evernote or OneNote – Useful for combining confirmations, notes, and guides in one easy-to-search place.

Tip: Always choose apps that allow offline access. Internet isn’t guaranteed in airports, trains, or remote destinations.

How Do You Safely Store Passports and IDs Digitally?

Your passport is your most important travel document. While you should never rely on a digital copy in place of the real thing, keeping a 

secure digital backup is smart in case of theft or loss.

Safe methods:

• Scan or photograph your passport’s ID page and save it in an encrypted cloud folder.
• Store copies of visas and driver’s licenses the same way.
• Protect them with a strong password or two-factor authentication.
• Consider apps like 1Password or LastPass, which store sensitive documents with end-to-end encryption.

If your passport gets lost abroad, having a digital copy speeds up replacement at your country’s embassy or consulate.

How Do You Keep Boarding Passes Handy?

No more crumpled paper passes. Today’s airlines encourage mobile boarding.

Options:

• Apple Wallet or Google Wallet – scan your QR boarding pass into the app.
• Airline app – download the boarding pass directly to your phone.
• Screenshots – take a screenshot of your pass in case the app fails at security gates.

Pro tip: Turn your phone’s brightness all the way up at the gate scanners. Low light can make QR codes hard to scan.

What About Itinerary Management?

A digital travel wallet should act as your personal assistant, guiding you from check-in to check-out.

• TripIt and Kayak Trips automatically create itineraries from email confirmations.
• Google Maps allows you to pin hotels, airports, and attractions and share them with travel companions. For offline access, download maps of your destination in advance.

Organize your itinerary with:

• Color-coded calendars – flights in red, accommodations in blue, activities in green.
• Shared documents – Google Docs or Sheets are great for group trips.

How Can You Store Travel Insurance and Health Documents?

Health requirements have become more important since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some countries still ask for vaccination records or proof of travel insurance.

• Save your insurance card, policy details, and 24-hour assistance phone number in PDF form.
• Keep digital vaccination certificates in apps like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or your country’s official health app.
• Some insurance companies provide QR codes for quick proof, so check before you leave.

Safety tip: Keep a printed copy of these documents as backup in case your phone battery dies.

How Do You Protect Your Digital Travel Wallet from Hackers?

Security is key. You don’t want your sensitive information at risk.

Best practices:

• Use a strong phone passcode or biometric lock.
• Turn on “Find My iPhone” or Android’s “Find My Device” in case your phone is lost.
• Enable two-factor authentication for cloud storage.
• Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, or cafés. VPNs encrypt your data and protect against hackers.
• Carry a portable charger. Dead batteries are as bad as lost documents.

Read more: 10 Compact Power Banks – Keeping Your Devices Charged on the Go.

Can You Access Documents Without Wi-Fi?

Yes, if you plan ahead. Many apps offer offline access, but you need to download files or tickets in advance.

Steps:

• Download PDFs of tickets and bookings.
• Save them in a dedicated folder labeled “Trip Name.”
• Use “Available Offline” settings in Google Drive, Dropbox, or TripIt.
• Keep screenshots of QR codes for quick access without Wi-Fi.

Should You Still Carry Paper Backups?

Absolutely. Technology is reliable, but not foolproof.

• Carry a printed copy of your passport and itinerary in a separate bag.
• Print your first night’s hotel confirmation. Some immigration officials ask for proof on entry.
• Keep at least one paper boarding pass if your airline allows it.

Think of paper as your emergency parachute, unlikely to be needed, but invaluable if it is.

How Do You Create Your Own Digital Travel Wallet Step-by-Step?

Here’s a simple system anyone can follow:

1. Scan important documents (passport, visa, insurance, ID).
2. Download travel apps like TripIt, Apple Wallet/Google Wallet, and your airline’s app.
3. Save all bookings as PDFs in a dedicated folder labeled with trip dates.
4. Add tickets and boarding passes to your wallet app.
5. Download maps and guides for offline use.
6. Enable strong security (passcode, biometrics, VPN).
7. Share copies of your itinerary and passport with a trusted family member.
8. Pack paper copies of the most essential items.

With this method, you’ll always know exactly where your travel details are, right on your phone.

A digital travel wallet is more than a convenience, it’s peace of mind. By organizing your documents and itinerary on your phone, you save time, reduce stress, and make your travels smoother. Whether you’re flying overseas, taking a road trip, or hopping on a train, the right system ensures that your most important information is secure and accessible.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Your Next Trip

• Do I have both digital and paper backups of my passport and tickets?
• Which apps will I rely on to store and organize my itinerary?
• Have I downloaded all documents for offline use in case Wi-Fi is unreliable?
• Is my phone secured with strong passwords and a VPN for public Wi-Fi?
• Did I share a copy of my itinerary with someone back home?

Read more: 12 Smart Travel Habits to Stay Safe and Away from Scams and Thieves.

Let’s have a Conversation:

Do you currently use your phone as a digital travel wallet, or do you still prefer paper copies? Have you ever been in a situation where a digital copy of your documents saved your trip? Would you feel comfortable going fully paperless on your next trip, or do you prefer to keep printed backups? Tell us about it in the comments below.