I think your post is important for us “gentlemen of a certain age” as we move into a new phase of hobbying. Of course, it is a true phase as it comes on gradually and, ultimately, causes each of us to consider the role this hobby has in our lives. Our ability to perform changes… that is inevitable. But what about the mental side of all this? Is the thrill still there? Is chasing the thrill worth the mental energy and the economic cost?
As I am now in my early 60s, I have given much thought as to the role Hobbying actually plays in my life as opposed to the role I want it to play in my life. I think we are happiest, and at our Hobbying best, when these two things line up. For me, I too travel to hobby more than hobby at home. I am trying to find a regular to enjoy multi hour outcalls to my home. Not easy to find. I am in an area where $1000 is the norm for 2 hours with a quality provider. 2 hours goes quickly and 1k is no small number. So, for now, I will continue to travel for my hobbying pursuits. The only issue here, as OP notes, is it get harder to maximize the enjoyment of a 3-4 day trip as the days go on. When I return from a trip I continue my search for a local provider in the $1000 range for 3 hours. I’ve tried Seeking Arrangements in the past and have had great experiences, but that was all prior to 2021. Sine that time there has been a dramatic drop in the number of woman who, for a $500 ppm would enjoy a 3-4 hour play date followed by dinner. That concept, 3-4 times per month, were the golden years of SA. Now, too many seeking $$$ meet and greets to “show you are serious.” No thanks.
So, I will continue to try to find that alignment between the role I want hobbying to play in my life and the role it actually plays. For now, I am a little off. But it is still fun to search. Thanks for reading!