FIFTY YEARS IN MOTION: A SECOND ACT OF SHARED ADVENTURE

Some couples share a favorite chair or a favorite show. Gloria and Richard Perez share a metaphoric suitcase—and a finely tuned instinct for never waiting too long to use it. As they approach their 50th wedding anniversary this September, the Perezes aren’t slowing down. If anything, they’re speeding up. Their golden years? Less about rocking chairs, more about river cruises. Less about “someday,” more about, “how soon can we pack?”

Originally from San Antonio, the Perezes met in high school, started dating in 1974, and married in 1975. After Richard’s Marine Corps service brought them to California, the couple eventually settled in Dallas. In 1982, they both joined the Dallas Police Department, where Gloria rose to the rank of Deputy Chief and Richard to Lieutenant. They retired together in 2014 after more than 30 years of service.

Retirement didn’t quite stick the first time around. They briefly returned to work—Gloria with the Plano Police Department and Richard with Parker PD—before finally retiring for good and settling into a 55+ community in Frisco.

Though they’d always been big on traveling when they could, it was there that they stumbled across Celebration Magazine, and not long after, a new rhythm emerged: planning their year around travel.

Their first major adventure with Celebration was a big one: London, including excursions through France and Spain.

“Those few days in London were just awesome,” Gloria remembers. “We saw things we’d only seen on TV, and it really was that good.”

Since then, they’ve traveled to Alaska, Niagara Falls, and Branson (more than once). This August, they’re heading out on the Columbia and Snake River cruise. October brings another Branson trip, and January will take them to Hawaii.

“Those three are already locked in,” Richard says of their current lineup. “And if something else comes up between now and then? We’ll grab it.”

What they love most, Richard says, is the camaraderie.

“We talk about our careers, our kids, what we did when we were young and good-looking,” he laughs. “It’s all people our age. No children. Just adult time.”

They’ve also found joy in going back to the same places. Branson, in particular, has become an annual favorite.

“People ask why we go back,” Gloria says. “But every trip is different. Debra changes the itinerary. We branch off on our own. Then at dinner, we all talk about what we did and get ideas for next time.”

Their travel philosophy is rooted in curiosity and community.

“Even before travelling with Celebration, we wanted to visit every state capital,” Gloria says. “We’ve done about three-quarters of them, and we always try to visit one if we’re nearby.”

They’re also presidential library enthusiasts and seek out military museums when they can, even sneaking off if one is nearby a Celebration destination.

And the list isn’t finished!

“We haven’t been to New Orleans yet,” Richard says. “There’s a military museum there, and a river cruise out of New Orleans we’re hoping they’ll offer. Napa Valley too—there’s a wine train up there we’d love to do.”

Despite the beauty and adventure of the traveling itself, some of their favorite memories are about the people they’ve met on their trips.

“It’s amazing how many of them live close by,” Gloria says. “We’ve stayed friends after—gotten together for coffee, lunch, and talked about where we’re going next.”

When asked what advice they’d give to other seniors, Gloria’s voice is firm:

“Don’t put it off. Travel when you can, to the places you can. We’re not promised tomorrow.”

She shares the story of a longtime neighbor who used to travel with them.

“Now she can’t walk much anymore,” Gloria says. “Her husband said, ‘I knew we shouldn’t have waited.’ Life gets in the way. Grandkids, family, all of it. But you have to find time while you still can.”

And when asked what keeps him going, Richard doesn’t hesitate: “We’re only here for a short time. Take care of yourself. Take care of your people. And enjoy what time you’ve got.”

Whether they’re on a cruise ship, a bus to Branson, or strolling along a riverside promenade, the Perezes know the secret. It’s not just about where you go. It’s about going while you can.

Together.