When most people reach their 50s, they’re settling into routines and planning for retirement. Shelly and Shayne Peterson took a different path. The couple sold their home, cars, and business to embrace a life of full-time travel—a bold move that has since evolved into a thriving platform helping thousands of others follow in their footsteps.
The Petersons have now visited more than 48 countries across five continents, logging over 120,000 miles in just two years. But what makes their story particularly compelling isn’t just where they’ve been—it’s how they’ve transformed their personal adventure into a resource for others.
“We created Jetset Petersons because we wanted people—especially people in their 50s and beyond—to know it’s not too late. You don’t have to be rich. You just have to be willing to go for it,” says Shelly Peterson.
Their platform, Jetset Petersons, serves as both inspiration and practical guide for aspiring travelers. The site offers destination guides, budget-friendly tips, visa information, and personal stories from their journeys around the world. Written in an approachable style, the content makes readers feel like they’re getting advice from experienced friends rather than distant travel influencers.
Beyond sharing their experiences, the couple has developed innovative tools to help others plan their own adventures. They’ve created custom GPT tools to help travelers find their perfect destinations or plan trips efficiently. They’ve also documented affordable living options abroad, including a three-bedroom villa in Bali for just $900 per month—challenging the notion that international living requires substantial wealth.
For those looking to save on travel costs, the Petersons launched JetsetClub.co, a membership service that provides hand-picked flight deals with discounts sometimes reaching 90% off standard prices. The service is designed for flexible travelers who are open to letting exceptional deals guide their destination choices, making international travel accessible to people with modest budgets.
The couple’s growing Instagram community reflects the appetite for midlife freedom and adventure that the Petersons represent. They’ve begun hosting group travel experiences and plan to expand these hosted trips globally, creating opportunities for community members to experience international travel with experienced guides.
What distinguishes the Petersons’ travel platform from many others in the space is their focus on authenticity. They share both the highlights and challenges of full-time travel, from breathtaking destinations to near-misses on scooters, providing a realistic picture of what the lifestyle entails.
Their story challenges conventional thinking about age and adventure. While much of travel media focuses on young backpackers or wealthy retirees, the Petersons occupy a refreshing middle ground—proving that midlife can be the perfect time to reinvent yourself and explore the world.
For those inspired by the Petersons’ journey, their travel resources and budget-friendly guides offer practical steps toward making similar dreams a reality. Whether it’s a two-week vacation or a complete lifestyle change, their message remains consistent: it’s never too late to live boldly and explore the world, regardless of your age or budget.
