Redefining retirement, Lyn and Garry clock 70 countries and counting

Celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary in 2024, the couple recall travel had never really been in their sights until Garry said goodbye to work 17 years ago.

Before retiring, it was their honeymoon that had been the most exciting adventure the couple embarked on.

"In those days it was up to the Gold Coast, so we went to Surfers Paradise," Lynette said.

"The Exotic place to stay was the Pink Poodle Motel, that was the real 'in' place to stay."

The couple also recalled brief bouts overseas with friends before being married, including Garry driving around Europe in a Kombi van filled with three other blokes.

But how times have changed.

These days the 78-year-old Victoria residents can boast about seeing the wonders of Venice (twice), visiting Turkey like a local numerous times, admiring the beauty of Italy's Amalfi coast, and travelling by train through the snow-capped mountains in the Swiss Alps.

"It took my breath away at night," Garry said of the Alps.

Six years ago the couple downsized to move into Ryman's Nellie Melba Retirement Village in Wheelers Hill, which they believe has given them more independence and helped them continue to travel as time ticks on.

"It has made it so much better because we can just walk out the door, close the door and that's it," Lynette said.

"Whereas at home, you were running around right until the last minute before your car arrived to take right up to the time because everything's done. So it just takes all the worry out of the travel."

Lynette's advice for other adventurers ready to take a different path in retirement would be to: "Just do it while you can, don't leave it too late".

She also advised travelling while your feet are able, as it can become "quite tiring" wandering around different cities. If you'd prefer a more "relaxed" holiday, she suggested cruising.

The pair will tick yet another country off their Bucket List later in 2024 when they embark on a cruise through Japan.