In case you missed our recent Living Fully: Food for Thought webinar, here’s a recap of our conversation with Florence Gibson—a WJ client who is embracing retirement by following her passion for travel.
Our Living Fully series celebrates meaningful experiences, from charitable giving to adventure-filled getaways. Florence’s story is a perfect example of how to live fully by using your resources to create lasting memories, especially through travel.
Meet Florence Gibson
Florence spent over 30 years with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, beginning her career as a Customs Officer and later serving in public affairs in Washington, D.C. She also worked internationally, training customs authorities, including a memorable experience in South Africa where she taught officials how to clear merchandise and process passengers.
After retiring, Florence decided to turn her love of travel into a second career. While planning a personal trip to Australia, she became interested in the travel industry. Her research led her to become a licensed travel advisor with Travel Wisely, blending her professional experience and personal passion.
How Travel Has Enriched Her Life
As a seasoned traveler, Florence thought she knew the ins and outs of travel. But her training as a travel advisor gave her new insights. One key benefit she highlights: a travel advisor can vet vendors and act as your lifeline when unexpected issues arise during your trip.
She recommends the book, Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands for understanding cultural etiquette abroad. For example, Florence recalled visiting Beijing and holding a door open without receiving a verbal "thank you." She later learned that in China, a nod of the head is a customary sign of gratitude.
Smart Travel Planning
Florence offers practical advice for trip planning:
Health & Activity Level: Consider your health and how active you want your trip to be. Are you looking to relax, explore, or a bit of both?
Time in Each City: Spend at least 2–3 days in each location to fully experience it.
Travel Timing: Traveling during off-peak seasons helps you avoid crowds and maximize your experience.
Packing Tips
Bring extra medication in case of delays.
Wear compression socks on long flights to prevent swelling.
Carry essentials in a crossbody bag or backpack.
Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Travel Insurance: Always travel with protection from a reputable company like Alliance. It can provide emergency assistance, even issuing a temporary passport through the U.S. embassy if yours is lost or stolen.
Budgeting for Your Adventure
Florence emphasizes starting with three key questions:
How many days do you want to travel?
What level of hotel accommodations do you prefer?
What kind of experiences (e.g., guided tours) do you want?
Extra Travel Tips
Senior Discounts: Many places offer discounts for travelers aged 65+.
Airport Tips: If you're 75 or older, TSA often allows you to keep your shoes on and bring a bottle of water for medication.
TSA PreCheck: Highly recommended for faster, less stressful airport security.
Reach out to Florence Gibson with Travel Wisely to book your next vacation - florence@travelwiselyllc.com
Share this inspiring story and helpful travel tips with friends, family, or colleagues who love to explore and live fully.
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF CURRENT OR FUTURE RESULTS. Examples of historical information included in this presentation do not, nor are they intended to, constitute a promise of similar future results. Specific client portfolio allocations, risks and returns can and may deviate from these examples depending on accounts and types of investments available through each account. Future market views by WJ Interests, LLC may vary significantly from the historical examples presented herein and no one receiving this summary should assume that WJ Interests, LLC will be able to replicate successful views in the future.