Mental Health Month | Tech Travel Tools & Much More
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May Is Mental Health Awareness Month: Turning Awareness into Action
Every May, we’re reminded that mental health matters. But this year’s theme — “Turn Awareness into Action” — hits a deeper note for many of us who’ve lived long enough to know that life’s heaviest burdens don’t always leave visible scars.
For older adults, mental health can be the quiet crisis.
Depression, anxiety, and isolation are often misdiagnosed, overlooked, or dismissed as “normal aging.” They're not. And they never should be.
But here’s the hopeful truth: motion is medicine.
The act of stepping outside our comfort zones — literally and figuratively — can be transformative. Travel, especially when done intentionally, doesn’t just change your scenery; it can reshape your state of mind.
Whether it’s walking through a historic city for the first time, sharing stories with strangers who speak a different language, or simply sitting beside a body of water you’ve never seen before, these experiences shift something within us. They reconnect us to the world and to ourselves.
Mental health isn’t only about managing pain.
It’s about rediscovering joy, building resilience, and feeding curiosity. Travel encourages all three.
So, during this Mental Health Awareness Month, ask yourself:
What’s one action — not just a thought or intention — you can take to prioritize your well-being?
Maybe it’s booking that solo trip you’ve been hesitant to take.
Maybe it’s visiting a place where you can walk, breathe, and listen more than you talk.
Maybe it’s planning a journey with someone who needs connection just as much as you do.
At Fit2Journey, we believe mental health is wellness. And wellness moves.
This month, let’s turn awareness into action — one step, one flight, one new experience at a time.
🌍 Destination of the Week
📍Santa Fe, New Mexico - Art. Altitude. Adobe.
🧘♂️ Hesitant about traveling abroad? In a time when many older adults are opting for domestic travel, Santa Fe offers a unique blend of cultural richness, wellness opportunities, and accessibility. As the oldest state capital in the U.S., established in 1610, Santa Fe boasts a vibrant arts scene, historic adobe architecture, and a commitment to age-friendly initiatives. The city is also one of the U.S.'s most age-friendly cities — with healing spas, walkable beauty, and soul-nourishing culture at every turn.
✨ Why It’s Great for Older Adults
Age-Friendly Community: Santa Fe is part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, focusing on improving livability for older adults through enhanced transportation, housing, and community support. City of Santa Fe+1AARP+1
Walkable Historic Districts: The city's compact downtown and historic districts are pedestrian-friendly, allowing for leisurely exploration of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Condé Nast Traveler
Wellness Opportunities: Santa Fe offers numerous spas and wellness centers, such as Ten Thousand Waves, providing relaxation and rejuvenation experiences. Vogue+1Architectural Digest+1
🧘🏾 Top Activities
Explore Art and Culture: Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, local art galleries, and historic sites to immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural tapestry.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Savor traditional New Mexican dishes at renowned eateries like The Shed and Café Pasqual's. Road Scholar+2Architectural Digest+2The Vale Magazine+2
Attend Cultural Events: Experience local festivals and performances that showcase Santa Fe's diverse heritage.
💰 Budget
Daily Spend: Approximately $150–$200 USD per day, including accommodations, meals, and activities.
🚶 Mobility & Accessibility
Transportation: Santa Fe offers public transportation options and is accessible for those with mobility considerations.
Altitude Consideration: At 7,199 feet above sea level, visitors should stay hydrated and take it easy during the first day to acclimate. Condé Nast Traveler
⚠️ Caution Corner
Weather: Be prepared for variable weather conditions; layering clothing is advisable.
Altitude Effects: Some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness; it's recommended to consult with a healthcare provider if concerned.
🧳 Final Thought
Santa Fe stands out as a destination that harmoniously blends cultural exploration with wellness, making it an excellent choice for older adults seeking enriching domestic travel experiences.
Considering Traveling This Year?
Cynthia (Cindy) Amin, Luxury Travel Advisor at Colesville Travel can expertly guide you. Give Cindy a call at 301-989-1654 or visit www.colesvilletravel.com.
👀 The Weekly Watch
🚶🏾Body + Being
Walk Smart: The Best Travel Shoes for Aging Joints
Whether you're navigating cobblestone streets, exploring a museum, or strolling along a waterfront promenade, your shoes can make or break your travel experience, especially for older adults.
As we age, our joints, arches, and balance systems change. A stylish pair of flats or minimalist sneakers may look great in photos, but they won’t help you if your knees are aching by lunchtime or your lower back starts to tighten halfway through a city tour.
The good news? Footwear brands have caught on. Today’s best travel shoes are designed to protect your joints, reduce fatigue, and keep you exploring longer, all without sacrificing comfort or style.
🥾 What to Look For:
Shock-Absorbing Soles: Reduce stress on knees and hips, especially on concrete or uneven terrain.
Arch Support: Crucial for travelers with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or fallen arches.
Wide Toe Box: Prevents cramping and promotes circulation during long walking days.
Lightweight Materials: Keeps your stride natural without adding drag.
Slip-On or Adjustable Fit: Helps with airport security and fluctuating foot swelling.
👟 Top Picks for 2025:
✅ HOKA Bondi 8
Max cushioning, podiatrist-recommended, ideal for walking-heavy trips.
Best for: Travelers with knee pain or a history of foot discomfort.
✅ Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker
European design with orthopedic support and sleek style.
Best for: City explorers who don’t want to look “too orthopedic.”
✅ Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Motion control and slip-resistant sole with excellent arch support.
Best for: Travelers with overpronation, plantar fasciitis, or balance concerns.
✅ Vionic Walker Classic
APMA approved and great for all-day support.
Best for: Those who need both structure and shock absorption.
✈️ Travel Tip:
Break them in before the trip! Wear your new walking shoes on neighborhood walks or errands for 7–10 days before your departure to prevent blisters and allow your body to adjust.
Walking isn’t just how we get around — it’s part of the journey.
Investing in the right pair of shoes can mean the difference between watching the sunset from your hotel room and catching it at the top of a hill with a view you'll never forget.
Your feet carry you through life. Treat them like the sacred tools of exploration they are.
🗒️ Travel Shoe Buyer’s Checklist
What to Look For in Shoes That Keep You Exploring
✔️ Shock-Absorbing Soles – Protect knees and hips on hard surfaces
✔️ Strong Arch Support – Prevent foot pain, especially for long walks
✔️ Wide Toe Box – Promotes circulation, avoids cramping
✔️ Lightweight Design – Less fatigue during extended outings
✔️ Secure Fit – Slip-ons or adjustable closures for swelling or easy airport removal
✔️ Non-Slip Outsole – For safety on slick sidewalks or museum floors
✔️ Breathable Materials – Keeps feet dry and fresh in any climate
Bonus Tip: Break in your travel shoes at home before your trip to avoid surprises abroad!
“Good travel shoes don’t just take you places — they protect your journey.”
– Fit2Journey
🧳 Featured Resource: TravWell App
Plan Smarter, Travel Healthier
If you're over 50, managing your health on the road isn't just about remembering your meds — it's about understanding the risks and precautions unique to each destination. That’s where the TravWell App from the CDC becomes your new favorite pre-travel tool.
What It Does:
TravWell helps you build a customized health checklist for your trip. Just enter your destination and dates, and it provides tailored recommendations on:
Required and recommended vaccines
Prescription and over-the-counter medications to bring
Local health risks (think altitude, food safety, mosquito-borne illness)
Preventive steps like hand hygiene and safe water practices
You can even create a travel health packing list and store important documents — including vaccine records — directly in the app.
✈️ Why It’s Ideal for Fit2Journey Travelers:
✅ Especially helpful for travelers with chronic conditions, recent surgeries, or immune concerns
✅ Keeps you informed without overwhelming you with technical jargon
✅ Peace of mind before you ever step foot in the airport
📲 How to Access It:
Download for free on iOS or Android
Visit the CDC travel portal: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/apps-about
Tip: Pair TravWell with last week’s resource, STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), to stay both healthy and safe while abroad.
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