Hu Canji, 68
Hu Canji said the period from 60 to 70 is the best time in one life.
“The burdens of work have been eased and you are freer to do what you like,” Hu said.
After retiring at around 60, he and his wife have visited more than 70 countries, covering all seven continents.
He doesn’t know much English or any other foreign languages, so they always prefer to go in a package tour.
He likes to take photos with his smartphone during the trip and share them immediately on WeChat Moments.
“At first we didn’t know how to use WiFi in a foreign country, so we asked the tour guide and gradually we know that you can simply rent a mobile WiFi router before leaving the country,” Hu told Shanghai Daily.
Hu uses a drone and also shares photos via his smartphone and has joined several WeChat travel groups.
“For sure you need time and money for traveling around,” Hu said, adding he was lucky to have both.
“Some people take it (traveling) as suffering but I quite enjoy it even though it is not always comfortable in a country that you are not so familiar with,” said Hu. “I just want to go and see places as many as possible when I’m still able to do so.
“If you are over 70 they ask you to present a certificate showing your state of health every time you travel; if you are over 80 then most travel agents will turn you down.”
For him, traveling is maybe no more different than line dancing for some others.
“You have to find your own interests. If you keep staying at home, time ticks by fast.”