For many, retirement is the dream time to start traveling, but the thought of planning and packing can be daunting, especially for seniors. It’s not just about leaving the comforts of home; it’s the accumulated life “baggage” like family commitments, health care needs, and managing a household that can make it challenging.
Kristin and Tom were fortunate to begin their traveling lifestyle early by moving to South America in 2008 after selling their house. Their travels have been rich and varied, spanning teaching English, road trips across the U.S., biking, walking across Spain, river cruising, and even house-sitting. Over a decade, they visited over 70 countries on six continents!
They believe that the key to enjoyable retirement travel is embracing the flexibility and time you have. Instead of jam-packed itineraries, they recommend a more relaxed approach that allows for spontaneous discoveries and deeper experiences.
Travel in retirement offers unique advantages. With no job to rush back to, retirees can extend their trips and immerse themselves fully in the present, enhancing their experiences and relationships. They can explore at their own pace, follow their interests, and even stay longer in places that capture their heart.
Despite some logistical challenges and new travel norms due to the pandemic, the call to travel remains strong. Here are some reasons Kristin and Tom continue to explore the world:
- Natural Beauty: They enjoy discovering different landscapes and ecosystems, from mountains and deserts to oceans and wetlands.
- Historic Context: Learning about the cultural heritage of new places through museums and historic sites enriches their travel experiences.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Travel encourages more activity than usual, like walking, hiking, and biking, which keeps them physically and mentally fit.
- Food and Culture: Sampling regional cuisines and participating in local festivals provide a taste of global communities and cultures.
- Increased Resilience and Patience: Travel has taught them to handle unexpected changes gracefully, enhancing their confidence and joy in their journeys.
- Youthfulness: Travel keeps them feeling young and connected, enjoying interactions with people of all ages.
- Simplify Your Life: Extended travel with minimal luggage shows the benefits of living simply, inspiring them to maintain a clutter-free life back home.
For those ready to embark on retirement travel, here are some practical tips to reduce stress and prepare for an extended time away:
- Home Safety: Install remote-controlled thermostats and consider a home security system. Go paperless to manage your mail easily while away.
- Financial Preparation: Switch to online banking, consider travel-friendly credit cards, and inform your credit card company of your travel plans.
- Health: Check in with your doctor, manage prescriptions for extended periods, and consider travel insurance that covers medical needs abroad.
- Communication: Organize important documents digitally, update travel apps, and arrange an appropriate phone plan.
With these preparations, you can fully enjoy your travel experiences, ready to handle whatever comes your way with grace. Whether it’s a road trip or a few months overseas, travel can be the highlight of your retirement.
