Fitness gives you the freedom to travel. I realize that every time I am on the road or on vacation: climbing a steep staircase to a beautiful viewpoint, exploring a historic city center on foot for hours, or lifting your own heavy suitcase into the overhead rack without trouble.
They seem like everyday things, until the moment you notice they are no longer physically a given.
What a Good Base Level of Fitness Gives You on the Road
You do not have to train for a marathon to enjoy your travels. A good base of muscle strength, endurance, and mobility is usually more than enough to join in without hesitation on everything a travel day asks of you.
That way you are less likely to cancel a lovely excursion or sit waiting at a café terrace because the walk would be too strenuous.
Travel as a Nudge to Keep Training
A planned vacation or active trip is also a strong motivator for your daily workouts.
I notice in myself and in others that a concrete goal on the calendar often works better than a vague intention like “I should move a bit more.” When you know you want to take that beautiful mountain hike in three months, every workout and every walk around the neighborhood immediately gains meaning.
The full approach is in The Power of 50+
These are my own experiences, not advice. More background is in “The Power of 50+.”