The late birds get the world

His son has now also grown to love traveling, something that has encouraged the couple to undertake their trips independently. As with many older Chinese, language barrier is one of the biggest problems to surmount in undertaking overseas trips, Chen says.

"When a foreigner is talking it's all double Dutch to me. When I check in to hotels or ask for directions I use mobile translation apps."

He uses Google Map to get route. When he's lost, he will ask passersby by showing the photo of his destination.

He and his wife traveled to Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic this year. His son wrote down their itinerary in English in advance, and they had it at the ready whenever it was time to buy tickets. He also downloaded an app that gives real time updates of European train timetables.

The couple also went with their son and his wife on a road trip of New Zealand using a campervan, a vehicle Chen says is an ideal choice for families and older people because they can cook their own food and stay overnight at picturesque campsites.

"For older people the main thing you need for travel is courage. Health is also important, and you ought to get regular exercise.