Retirement offers the perfect opportunity to finally go on those dream trips that you’ve had to put off for so long. With oceans of uninterrupted time all to yourself, celebrate your golden years by immersing yourself in a different culture and visiting those once-in-a-lifetime destinations.
Whether you’re already world-wise, or just now getting into traveling, congrats! It’s something you’ll never regret, and never forget.
When planning your trip, there are some things that are worth considering. As well as doing plenty of research about where you’re going and what you want to do, it’s also helpful to make a budget, investigate insurance options and check out tour operators who could make your trip easier.
Here are some things you need to know before planning your trip.
Don’t overstretch yourself
Before booking anything risky, assess your health and fitness levels. Whilst you may think that you are healthy and active, it’s still a good idea to check for any underlying health or mobility issues before taking on something particularly challenging.
You also need to time things properly, allowing yourself to get plenty of rest. That means not booking a multi-day hike the afternoon you fly into your destination or overexerting yourself in intense heat.
Perhaps doing some training walks or hikes will get you into the shape you need for your upcoming trip to the Alps.
On the flip side, you also might be pleasantly surprised about how much you can manage!
Budget properly
Before you even close the book on your professional life, consider setting up a retirement travel fund so you aren’t tempted to spend it all right away. And don’t just plan for one blowout trip; try and also plan ahead for smaller trips and visiting family and friends around the world.
It’s also a good idea to save a buffer too. There will be some days where you want and need to spend more than your daily allowance. A buffer will cover any emergencies that arise or fund something particularly special that you want to splurge on.
Book onto a tour
The best thing about a tour, besides it taking you to remarkable destinations all around the world, is that it’s all organised for you. Minimise the potential stress by booking through a tour company, especially if you’re not confident in your own navigational skills or personal safety.
All destinations come with public and private tours, the private ones offering more personalisation when it comes to activities. Visit magical and mysterious lands, like Egypt, and let the tour organisers do all the hard work for you.
Bring the right gear
We recently posted about some of our top choices for travel luggage, including backpacks, duffel bags, and rolling luggage. The right gear will make you feel prepared, organized, and more at ease for the trip to come. Take a look!
Go now
As soon as you’re ready, go! You’ll find that even when you’re retired, there are plenty of reasons to keep you at home and delay the trip of a lifetime. However, the longer you leave it, the less able your body will become and you might not be able to do the things you set out to do.
Retirement is your time. Live it to the full.
That sounds horrible! Thanks for comment. Will be sure to add that tidbit.
Be sure to buy full coverage medical insurance for foreign travel. My sister learned this lesson over 10 years ago after breaking her hip in Germany. She remained on the gurney in the hallway until the hospital received $50,000 wired from the US to cover the operation.