When you’re in your 40s or beyond, travel isn't just about going places — it's about becoming someone new in the process. It’s about slowing down enough to feel life again. To hear yourself. To breathe.
That’s why I want to talk about something we don’t always give enough credit to: the layover.
Our 2AM Landing in Kuala Lumpur
Back in January, my husband and I took a soul-nourishing journey from Taiwan to Nepal. Along the way, we made a quick overnight stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, booking everything (flights and accommodations) through Trip.com. (It made the process seamless and stress-free, especially at odd hours.)
We landed in the early morning hours, tired, disoriented, and just ready to be still.
That’s where Sama Sama Hotel, tucked inside the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, became more than just a place to sleep. It was a much-needed exhale. This place was stunning: grand spaces, warm lighting, peaceful energy. You could feel the intention in every detail and it was deeply calming.
I was so exhausted I almost missed breakfast the next morning. But when I finally made it down, I found myself grateful for the pause. Grateful to just sit, sip something warm, and not be in motion for a moment.
Midlife Teaches You: Rest Is Part of the Journey
In our 20s and 30s, travel often meant trying to do everything — rushing through cities, cramming in sightseeing, and checking off every “must-see” on a list. The goal was often to maximize motion, not meaning.
But something shifts in midlife.
We begin to understand that rest is a requirement for real transformation. The pause is the progress. And that’s especially true when you're reinventing yourself.
Whether you’re sipping tea in a hotel lounge or simply soaking in a few hours of silence before your next flight, these still spaces become sacred. They offer us:
- Space to reconnect with ourselves — outside the noise of routine or responsibility
- Time to reflect on where we are, what we’ve outgrown, and what’s calling us next
- Clarity and creativity — because inspiration often flows when we stop pushing
- Permission to soften, slow down, and listen to what we really need
- Energy to receive — from the people, places, and experiences waiting to meet us
When I almost missed breakfast at the Sama Sama Hotel, it reminded me: It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to not “do it all.” Midlife travel is about collecting insight. It’s about honoring your energy while still saying yes to expansion.
We’re not just going somewhere.
We’re growing into someone. And sometimes, that growth happens best when we slow down long enough to meet ourselves where we are.
Dear Sister in Reinvention…
If you’re navigating change, dreaming of something more, or simply needing a break from the hustle — give yourself permission to pause. You don’t have to be in constant motion to make progress. In fact, your next breakthrough might arrive in the stillness.
Ready to Travel More Intentionally?
If you’re craving soulful travel and want to turn your next trip into a journey of inner discovery too, I’d love to gift you my free download:
Wander & Wonder: 5 Soulful Prompts to Awaken Your Inner Nomad
Your guide to traveling with intention, reflection, and joy, no matter your destination.
Because the journey isn’t just about where you’re going.
It’s about how you arrive — to the world, and to yourself.
With love,
Lorna
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to book or purchase through them. I only recommend resources and experiences I genuinely trust and love.💛