Cynthia Ross Tustin

Cynthia Ross Tustin retired early to pursue her passion for writing. Turns out, she's equally passionate about retirement! This author has spent 1000s of hours researching all the best that retirement has to offer. What you'll find here is a well-curated resource of amazing places to go and fun things to do as your retirement approaches. Not retired, no problem! There's plenty here for all of us that are "of a certain vintage"!

The 5 Best Kayaking Tours in Costa Rica for 2023

Bioluminescence seen under the water in the evening in Cuchillos, Costa Rica. Photo courtesy of Bahia Rica Kayak and Fishing Lodge

The 5 Best Kayaking Tours in Costa Rica for 2023 Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 Kayaking tours are an excellent way to see Costa Rica up close, especially for nature lovers. And it works out pretty nicely for photographers and nature lovers as well. Kayaking is an activity that will great […]

Costa Rica in August: The Beauty of Rainy Season

Discover the wonders of Costa Rica in August, the country’s rainy season. Experience thrilling Costa Rica tours, visit national parks like Tortuguero and Corcovado, witness turtle nesting season, and explore the diverse landscapes from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast. Plan your Costa Rica trip with our suggested itineraries and get useful travel advice for a memorable August adventure.

Hobbies That Allow You to Travel the World? – 2023

Travel world map made from a passport stamps different countries poster style. cover photo for the blog post Hobbies That Allow You to Travel the World.

Hobbies That Allow You to Travel the World? – 2023 Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – June 22, 2023 Are you searching for interesting hobbies that allow you to travel the world? Some of you definitely are. I know that because ever since I wrote 40 Unusual Hobbies for Seniors: The Most Comprehensive Guide for Avoiding […]

The Best Florida Tours for Active Seniors: A Guide

Active older couple walking the beach in Florida. Cover picture for the post - the Best Florida Tours for Active Seniors: A Guide

The Best Florida Tours for Active Seniors: A Guide Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – May 31, 2023 The Best Florida Tours for Active Seniors: A Guide is a perfect resource if you’re over 50 and planning your trip to the Sunshine State in the near future! Are you an active senior looking to take the […]

What Are The Best Beach Towns In Costa Rica – The Pacific Coast 2023

What Are The Best Beach Towns In Costa Rica – The Pacific Coast Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 What are the best beach towns in Costa Rica to visit on the Pacific coast? I have a baker’s dozen for you to check out! Costa Rica is a paradise for beach lovers […]

Fixed Income Travel – The Best Tips For Retirees (2023)

Fixed Income Travel – The Best Tips For Retirees (2023) “Fixed income travel” and “retirement is a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of one’s labor”. Those are two phrases that rarely go together. Especially in these economic times. It’s no surprise that many retirees on fixed incomes find it difficult to afford travel. […]

Cultural Immersion Experiences for Older Adults – A Better Way to Travel

Cultural Immersion Experiences for Older Adults – A Better Way to Travel Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – Thursday, March 30th, 2023 Cultural immersion experiences…isn’t that what high school exchange students used to do for a learning opportunity? As we get older, it’s just as important to keep our minds and bodies active. Traveling can be […]

Helpful Apps For Older Solo Travelers In 2023

Looking for the best apps to use on your solo travels in 2023? Check out this guide for top apps for Android, iPhone, and web, including translation, currency exchange, safety, and more. Plus, discover apps like Sitata, NordVPN, BSafe, Trip Lingo, and Red Panic Button to make your travels even easier and safer.

My Simple Pleasures – Things to Do in Retirement 2023

Laughing funny elderly spouses sitting in living room on floor in lotus position practice meditation distracted from yoga exercise joking feels overjoyed, healthy active lifestyle of retirees concept. one of my simple pleasures

Retirement can be a time to focus on the simple pleasures in life and find joy in the little things. From learning to make the perfect cup of matcha tea to taking a relaxing walk in nature or discovering the joys of cooking a new regional cuisine, this blog post explores a variety of simple and relaxing hobbies that retirees can enjoy. It’s important to take time for personal growth and self-care, and to make time for the things that bring you joy. Discover how small things like having your favorite cookie or listening to your favorite song can make a big impact on your happiness in retirement.

Fear of Traveling Alone and How to Overcome It:  A 2023 Guide For Retirees

Post author of Fear of Traveling Alone and How to Overcome it

The older we get, the tougher it is to change, or overcome our fears. But it would be sad to let a fear of traveling alone ruin what’s supposed to be the best time of our lives. We’ve worked to hard to be held back by limiting beliefs. Here’s a guide for retirees to overcome their fear of traveling alone.

Vacations With Grandparents – The Best Destinations – 2023

Point-of-view photo of a man going down a waterslide at an outdoor waterpark during a warm summer day. Focus on the feet and water slide. Cover photo of the post, "Kidult Vacations for Retirees"

Vacations With Grandparents – The Best Excursions – 2023 This post is about vacations with grandparents, although technically, I think it should be called vacations with cool grandparents. “Cool” doesn’t mean being the granny that spends the most money on them, just the one that they want to hang out with the most. Author, Cynthia […]

Costa Rica Tours For Seniors 2023 – Should I Worry About Snakes?

Poisonous Coral Snake, lead photo of the article Costa Rica Tours for Sniors - Should I Worry About Snakes?

Costa Rica tours for seniors – should I worry about snakes? That’s actually a question I get all the time from my friends in North America when they know I’m heading down to Nosara, Costa Rica. The answer is yes, but not too much. Costa Rica Tours For Seniors 2023 – Should I Worry About […]

Ice Fishing In Ontario – Here’s What Seniors Need To Know For 2023

Orange Ice fishing huts on a frozen lake in Ontario at sunset showing tracks. Ice fishing in Ontario

Ice Fishing In Ontario – Here’s What Seniors Need To Know For 2023 Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – December 27th, 2022 Ice fishing In Ontario is a favourite winter pass time. And it’s a great winter hobby for any retiree who doesn’t fly south to avoid the snow. Some of Canada’s best ice fishing can […]

11 Amazing Tips For Traveling With Grandchildren in 2023

Rear view of granddaughter with arm around grandmother sitting on wooden bench at backyard. Lead photo for the blog post 11 Amazing Tips for Traveling with Grandchildren

11 Amazing Tips For Traveling With Grandchildren in 2023 11 Amazing Tips For Traveling With Grandchildren might not be a best seller yet, but just wait! My mother always told me that the best thing about having grandchildren was winding them up by doing the fun stuff, and then sending them home after a full […]

Costa Rica Tours For Seniors – 10 Amazing Tours Of The Pacific Coast for 2023

man napping in a chair by the beach, definitely one of my simple pleasures

Costa Rica Tours For Seniors 10 Amazing Tours Of The Pacific Coast for 2023 Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin, Updated April 7th, 2023 I’m Thinking of Retiring contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I receive a commission at no extra cost to you. And it helps me keep my site free…so win-win! Read more […]

E-Bike Tours For Seniors

Active caucasian senior couple with electrobikes standing outdoors in the park video calling by cellphone. Two smiling elderly people wearing helmet running in nature enjoying healthy lifestyle. E-bike tours for seniors

E-Bike Tours For Seniors: 15 Best North American Tours As we, okay me, continue to age, we’re looking for more ways to stay active and engaged. At a time when we, definitely me, aren’t really as fit as we (me) should be. I give you the e-bike! More importantly, e-bike tours for seniors! I’m Thinking […]

Kakadu Tours For Seniors

Kakadu Tours For Seniors: Wildlife, Culture, And Landscapes, Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – December 2022 What Are The Three Most Important Things You Must See While Taking Kakadu Tours For Seniors? I’m Thinking of Retiring contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I receive a commission at no extra cost to you. And it […]

The Best 9 Outdoor Sedona Tours for Seniors!

title page picture Sedona Tours for Seniors post. A retired couple hiking the Bell Rock Trail

Wondering Which Outdoor Sedona Tours For Seniors Are The Best? Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – Updated March 31, 2023 What makes Sedona tours for seniors so great? Life in Sedona is been built around an active, outdoor lifestyle. However, “active” is a subjective word. As an “active” senior myself I know that word can encompass […]

Foraging For Wild Edible Food (An Unusual Retirement Hobby)

wild edible food: giant puffball sliced on a wood cutting board

Foraging for wild edible food could either be considered an unusual retirement hobby, or an eco-friendly lifestyle. In a recent post, I referred to it as a hobby. Today’s post explores foraging more broadly, provides resources for learning more about it, and I’ll share some examples with you of what I can find locally (my yard).

These are the Best Active Hobbies For Retired Couples

retired couple enjoying an activity together

In my opinion, based on countless hours of research and time spent arguing with my husband about it, these are the best hobbies for retired couples. In this post, I’ll look at the difference between hobbies and interests, and things the two of you can do together.

40 Unusual Hobbies For Seniors

Sports equipment has fallen down in a heap

What are some unusual hobbies for seniors that can help them avoid a dull retirement? Where you can find, try, or learn about them in this article. And if there’s a side benefit to things like your health, relationships, or keeping costs low, it’s all right here too!

The 2022 Quiet Quitting Trend

Blog author, Cynthia Ross Tustin. Today’s post? Random thoughts and a minor rant about the 2022 quiet quitting trend. It makes me glad I’m retired, read why. Might be feistier than usual. I’m quitting sugar and sublimating with sarcasm Posted Friday, August 26th, 2022 Shout out to Feedspot for naming me #66 on their 2022 […]

The Baby Boomer Retirement Review (Vol.1)

INSIDE THE BABY BOOMER REVIEW  Could Everest Really Be Shrinking? Books I’m reading And I thought the Hubble Telescope was top of the line! Barbie’s Birthday The Baby Boomer Retirement Review is a Newsletter – of Sorts So, what’s the deal with the newsletter format?  Why a Baby Boomer Retirement Review? Well, some of it […]

I’ve Been Retired for a Year (Happy Anniversary to Me)

Blog author, Cynthia Ross Tustin. The end of this month will mark my one-year retirement anniversary, so I thought it might be  a suitable time for me to both reflect on a year of retirement blogging and to look ahead to what’s next for this space. Today’s blog is that first year in review and […]

My Top Five Reasons For Voting

graphic illustrating voting, just because you're retired you still need to vote

Blog author, Cynthia Ross Tustin. It’s election day in Ontario. Here are my top five reasons for voting.  Today’s blog is about encouraging you exercise your franchise. Posted Thursday June 2nd, 2022 Innisfil, Ontario Shout out to Feedspot for naming me #73 on their 2022 Top 100 Retirement Blogs and Websites It’s election day in […]

Momming, the Job You Never Retire From

Momming is a job you never retire from. And Mother’s Day is our one day of recognition. I’m grateful my kids understand that their love of risk has nearly caused me an ulcer!

Do You Want A Scab Or A Scar?

two bandaids trying to heal a crack

The very measures meant to end the pandemic are now potentially damaging our country. Is the cure now more of a threat than the virus?

Fascinating Conversation with A Retired FDNY Firefighter: Manhattan to Montana

Kalispell, Montana

Blog author, Cynthia Ross Tustin. Avid Retirement Explorer; especially other people’s retirement! My conversation with retired FDNY Firefighter, Kevin Shea Posted Friday, January 14th, 2022 Innisfil, Ontario Shout out to Feedspot for naming me #73 on their 2022 Top 100 Retirement Blogs and Websites New York, New York Retiring by choice is one thing. But […]

Do Frigid Temperatures Make You Wish For Hibernation?

Hibernation

Blog author, Cynthia Ross Tustin. Avid Retirement Explorer Do frigid temperatures make you wish for hibernation? Posted Monday, January 10th, 2022 The other day, I posted on Instagram about how I’m grateful that retirement allows me to stay inside in the winter. Curled up with an enjoyable book, by the fire is heaven to me. […]

Is Crossing The North Atlantic In A Rowboat Your Dream?

A conversation with Dinger Bell. He retired early from the Royal Mariners so he could solo row across the North Atlantic from New York to the UK. All the while raising funds and awareness for veterans mental wellness and PFSD.

Canadian Author, And The Very Last Renaissance Man

Statue of da Vinci

Canadian Author, And the Very Last Renaissance Man, William Efford I feel certain, in my heart, that Canadian Author William “Bill” Efford” must be the very last “Renaissance Man” in the country! Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – July 18th, 2021 The Renaissance Man Are you familiar with the term Renaissance Man?  What springs to mind?  […]

Fire Under Pressure

women of the Essa Fire Department

Recent Phone Call My cousin called me the other day when she found out I was retiring from the fire department.   It was really thoughtful of her to call, and acknowledge my years of service.  You know, toiling in the salt mines and all.  We exchanged all the family updates, blasted a few photos back […]

Transferable Skills and Social Media for Retirement!

encaustic techno painting

Transferable Skills Retirement, it turns out, needs transferable skills…just like your day job!  While I might be closer to a decision about “pulling the pin” than I was when I wrote, “Is Retiring Like Quitting Sugar”; I have yet to set an actual date.  However, I  continue with my on-going research and conversations, about what […]

Wreck Diving in Micronesia (The Ultimate Adventure)

a wreck divers 5-star view at a 3-star resort in Chuuk Lagoon

A Wreck Diving Adventure I retired early to take on new challenges, learn new things, find adventure, and frankly, just because I could. Wreck diving however will remain a strictly vicarious adventure for me! In our family, wreck diving in Micronesia is the exclusive domain of my younger brother Mike. I’m writing today’s blog about […]

Is Retiring Like Quitting Sugar?

sugar, cinnamon, cinnamon sugar

Author, Cynthia Ross TustinPublished January 29, 2021Updated June 1, 2023 I originally created this post about quitting sugar back in January 2021, when I was “thinking of retiring” and feeling pretty overwhelmed and knew others were too. My goal was to create a small community to support each other. Well, it totally worked! All of […]