My recommendation, listen to your surgeon. The 5.0 is a reference, there are other factors they take into account, you should have the surgery when your body is at its best.

I had my surgery 4 years ago at 54, open heart, my surgeon told me I should based on the size (5.2) and also my general physical conditions. I was in very good shape, never smoked and that made my surgery relatively low risk (he gave me >99% probability of no complications)

Good physical health not only lowers the risk but makes the recovery easier, I was out of the hospital in 5 days, back to work in 3 weeks.

Regarding travel, if you’re thinking before the surgery, i wouldn’t do it, you want to be close to your care team. After surgery there’s a time after surgery when restrictions are lifted you should listen to your surgeon and cardiologist.

If you want more info let me know, wish you all the best!!!