Traveling After Retirement

Whether it’s the last time hanging up the apron, logging off the office computer, or closing the classroom doors, retirement is always a huge step in life that opens up an endless number of doors. Because of the time and monetary stability it provides, the possibilities of what to do in the years following retirement are both limitless and varied. For many people, this new abundance of free time gives them the chance to visit new cities and countries, immerse themselves in foreign cultures, and learn more about the world around them. 

Putting boots to dirt and traveling the world is an excellent way to make the years following retirement both meaningful and memorable. Though the act of packing a bag and chartering a cab for the airport sounds fun and romantic, as it is portrayed in film and television, the reality of doing so is unfortunately not incredibly practical and efficient. Making the most out of one’s travel experience takes equal and plentiful amounts of time, planning, patience, and effort. 

Though making preparations for travel may not be as thrilling as the act of traveling itself, having a travel plan and sticking to it is the best way to make sure that one is safe, secure, and most importantly happy as they enjoy their adventure and see the world. 

BUDGET ACCORDINGLY

Now more so than ever, traveling is expensive. From airfare to hotel fees, to basic necessities, it is all too easy for early explorers to burn through their funds shortly into their journey. To avoid ending the adventure before it’s really begun, traveling retirees would do well to work out their budget and spending plans before making any rash decisions.

What such a budget may look like varies according to a person’s financial state, spending habits, and priorities while traveling. The first step of any quality travel financial plan is to gather a rough estimate of total expenses prior to the trip. From there, it is best to research different ways in which said costs can feasibly be shaved down. For example:

• Flight expenses can be reduced by researching travel companies that may cost less for international flights and those that offer senior discounts. There is also the option of searching for cheaper flights that land near enough to the desired location to justify using a cab or rental car for the remainder of the trip.

• The cost of hotels and housing can be lessened by again researching if certain establishments feature senior discounts and other travel benefits, as well as by sidestepping meal costs by either bringing in and cooking cheaper foods or soliciting restaurants.

• Food expenses can be alleviated by avoiding restaurants and other eating destinations that are popular for tourists and likely to cost more, asking local residents about their go-to for delicious, cost-effective eating, and lowering personal expectations as to what makes a decent meal (namely the expectation that cost=quality).

These are just a few of the many ways budgeting and creating a financial plan pre-travel can improve the experience of seeing the world and becoming engrossed in foreign cultures. For further information and advice on how to lessen the cost of traveling, Investopedia and NewRetirement are excellent resources.

CREATE A TRAVEL ITINERARY

While the act of deciding where to go while traveling is typically regarded as the most vital step in maximizing the experience of visiting different places and locales, the element of determining when to go is just as, if not more important. During the preparation stage where an individual, couple, or group of friends is settling on their preferred destinations for an extended trip, whether or not said areas are currently suitable for tourism tends to remain undiscussed. This unfortunately can result in an unfulfilling travel experience once tourists find themselves unable to experience the wonder and amazement that particular area can offer at different parts of the year.

When one is charting the course of their post-retirement travel experience, they would do well to research the individual areas that they plan on visiting and determine the times of the year when said areas are most hospitable to tourists and travelers. Factors to consider include weather, community events, and holidays. 

Once this is done, it is advantageous for tourists to construct a crude schedule that has them arrive at certain destinations at points of the year that are most optimal for tourists. This is a great way for one to ensure that they will make the most out of their travel experience, and avoid spending time in areas they are less likely to enjoy.

PRIORITIZE EXPERIENCE ABOVE ALL ELSE

Though multiple places are regarded as travel-musts that any tourist absolutely must visit at some point in their life, the reality is that some cities and countries primarily appeal to particular groups of people. Different travelers seek out different experiences and memories as they venture out to see the world, and where they decide to go whilst on their journey should reflect as such. 

When determining where to go while traveling post-retirement, it is important for one to employ introspection and decide on what parts of the world would most complement their individual likes and dislikes. If one is a nature-lover and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, destinations famous for their parks and reservations such as Peru, France, and New Zealand would be just right for them. If one enjoys visiting areas with storied histories and a rich cultural tapestry, they would likely enjoy destinations like Egypt, Italy, and Spain. One’s travel experience is all about fulfilling themselves as individuals, and should not be contingent on the expectations of other people.

Making the most out of life and experiencing new places and things are what the years following retirement are meant for, and while it may seem exciting to pick up that last paycheck and use it to buy a ticket to wherever the heart yearns, strategizing and having a tentative travel plan is the most effective way for one to have a truly memorable adventure. 

— Tucker Shuff