Welcome to The Middle Age Wanderer! I’m Lisa Bundesen, a proud Aussie, passionate traveller, photographer, and retired chartered accountant who specialised in forensic accounting.
After years of building a successful career – and with my husband Darren still working – we’ve found a rhythm that lets us enjoy the best of both worlds. Our travels have taken us across more than 35 countries, from backpacking adventures to luxury escapes. We immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, creating stories we’ll never forget.
We explore as much of the world as we can, then return home to Australia so Darren can step back into work, and we can cuddle up with our two beautiful fur babies, Jazz and Indy. That balance – of wander and home – is what keeps us grounded and inspired.
It’s also what inspired The Middle Age Wanderer – a space for me to share real stories, practical tips, and to show that travel has no age limit. Life after 50 is not winding down – it’s opening up to all sorts of adventures. And I’m here to help you embrace it.
I created The Middle Age Wanderer to inspire fellow travellers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. Age should never be a barrier to exploration. Age doesn’t limit us – it empowers us.
The Middle Age Wanderer is here to inspire you to embrace travel and to step outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re planning your first big trip or your fiftieth, there’s always something new to learn and experience.
Here, you’ll find:
To inspire and support travellers over 50 to keep exploring with confidence and curiosity.
On The Middle Age Wanderer, I aim to:
Before launching The Middle Age Wanderer, I spent decades in the corporate world as a chartered accountant. But even then, travel was always calling. In my 40s, I hiked the Inca Trail – a challenging yet unforgettable journey. In my 50s, I earned my open water diver certification and discovered a whole new world beneath the surface.
Now, I embrace travel with the same curiosity and drive that guided my career. For me, it’s not just about ticking off places – it’s about staying active, open-minded, and fully engaged in each experience.
Fitness plays a big role in our lifestyle. I hit the gym regularly – not to chase youth, but to keep saying “yes” to the kinds of adventures that make life feel rich. Of course, I also believe in balance. A great trip includes a hike through nature and a wine tasting in France, or a day wandering the streets before a street food crawl in Bangkok.
Over the years, I’ve travelled widely – sometimes staying in luxury, other times living simply with locals. I understand how travel changes as we get older, and how important comfort, safety, and meaning become.
This site is built on real experiences. I share:
You won’t find gimmicks here – just helpful, practical content from someone who’s been there and gets it.
One of the biggest joys of travel for me is seeing wildlife in their natural environments. From spotting elephants in Sri Lanka to watching whales off the coast of my home beaches here in Queensland, Australia I’m always in awe of nature.
My commitment to ethical travel is deeply rooted. Having served nearly a decade on the board of a major animal welfare organisation in Australia (with the largest wildlife hospital in the Southern Hemisphere), I advocate for responsible tourism. I believe in observing wildlife in their natural habitats and making travel choices that support conservation efforts. That means making smart, respectful choices about the tours we take, the photos we snap, and the causes we support.
While exploring the world is exhilarating, returning home to Australia brings its own joys. It’s not just because we get to sleep in our own bed again. Our two beautiful girls, Jazz and Indy are always waiting for us with wagging tails and big cuddles. They’re a huge part of our family and bring so much joy into our lives. Darren and I cherish our moments with them.
And when we’re home, we don’t stop exploring – we turn our attention to our own backyard. From stunning coastlines to lush hinterlands, we take every chance to discover more of what makes Australia so special.
Our travels are enriched by the balance of adventure abroad and comfort at home.
