Those Golden Years indeed appear to be rose-tinted. Retirement is a long-term dream for many individuals, with images of laid-back afternoons, free time to explore long-forgotten hobbies, and the freedom to pack up and go. Finishing our employment and sending our children off to college means we may dust off our passports once more, a dream for many, especially if travel has been more fantasy than reality in recent years (or decades).
Though senior citizen travel is frequent, with at least 25% of individuals 65 and older departing the country each year, finances can often be an issue. That's why it's a good idea to start planning not only where you'll go when you retire but also how you'll pay for it. And, of course, there's the question of cost-cutting. We talked to financial and travel specialists to help you plan your retirement world tour, both financially and geographically.
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Why you should keep traveling even when you are older!
1. Natural beauty: Explore a variety of landscapes and ecosystems.
We enjoy getting out of the Great Plains to see the mountains, explore the deserts, appreciate oceans and wetlands, and marvel at geological wonders. The Earth's history is long, and our time to witness all of its splendors and sunsets is limited.
2. Historical context: Travelers enjoy learning about the past.
We are likely to begin our visit with historic sites and museums, regardless of where we are going, understanding the area's cultural past better. These encounters not only enrich travel, but they also frequently direct us to the next destination (or detour!) to follow a tale thread.
3. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Travel is beneficial to your health.
We get more fresh air and exercise when we travel than we do at home. Walking in cities, hiking through national parks, and enjoying bicycling or water sports are all great ways to keep your body and mind in shape. In comparison to being escorted by bus, active travel allows you to get closer to the locals. Please give it a go!
4. Food and culture: Find out what concerns people all over the world.
Who can dispute the pleasures of attending a festival, dining on the greatest regional cuisine, and sipping local wine? These are the windows into a community's culture, and we tourists are fortunate to be able to sample the fare and recognize these universal concerns and joys all across the world.
4. Increased patience and resilience: Relax and appreciate the moment.
Just because our kids say we're stuck in our ways doesn't mean they're right! It's not easy to face the unknown, but travel teaches patience and adaptability. When faced with delays, adjustments, or difficulties, we must address problems and offer answers. Problem-solving increases confidence and confidence increases self-reliance, which increases the enjoyment of travel.
Senior travelers, on the other hand, aren't hesitant to take a day off. Sightseeing is best done at a speed that is comfortable for you.
Also read 9 Reasons You Should Learn the Local Language Before Your Trip
5. Youthfulness: Hang out with people of different ages.
We feel young and energized when we travel. Exploration and discovery appeal to people of all ages, and fellow travelers are eager to share their experiences and suggestions. When you're traveling, it's simple to strike up discussions with strangers. We like meeting and hearing from young travelers about their homes and adventures. Most people are curious about us as well.
6. Make your life easier by traveling light.
When you travel for a long period and pack light, it becomes evident that happiness is derived from experiences rather than possessions. Enjoy the freedom of living with just a roller bag and a backpack for a few months, and you'll be motivated to purge or minimize when you return home.
Tips To Travel Easily After Retirement
Here are some suggestions for making travel abundant, affordable, and entirely enjoyable after retirement:
1. Take precautions to ensure that your home is secure.
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Install a Wi-Fi thermostat that can be operated remotely.
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Consider installing a home security system that will notify you if any doors or windows are opened.
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Eliminate all paper mail, including bank and credit card statements, doctor and insurance bills, and Social Security mailings, if you haven't already. A good paperless practice now will make future travel preparations much easier.
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Mail can be held or forwarded for up to 30 days by the US Postal Service. Consider USPS Informed Delivery for lengthier journeys, or (as we did) forward your mail to a trustworthy family member or friend's post office box.
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Make arrangements for a house and pet sitter: Counting on friends and family to keep an eye on your home and pets might not be a viable option. Consider boarding your pet, hiring someone to look after your pet/plants/home regularly, or employing a live-in house sitter. For example, look into Trusted Housesitters or House Sitters America.
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Sell or park your automobile to save money on auto expenses. When your car isn't being used, store it and remove the insurance (excluding comprehensive).
2. Get your internet banking and credit cards for a vacation-ready.
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If you haven't already made the switch to online banking, now is the time to do so.
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PayPal and Venmo are two apps that allow you to pay friends, relatives, and small companies quickly from your phone.
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Look for a credit card that doesn't impose a foreign transaction fee when traveling.
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Recognize the advantages of your credit card. For example, know ahead of time the credit card you wish to use to book a rental car so that you may take advantage of the built-in insurance benefits.
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Notify your credit card companies of your trip. Otherwise, they may freeze your account if they notice suspicious activity in Bolivia, for example.
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Debit cards are used at ATMs, so know your PIN. Debit card transactions are also required for some services (versus credit). In train and metro systems, this is a common occurrence.
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Keep credit cards and jewelry that you don't need at home.
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Carry and exchange as little cash as possible.
3. Take care of your health and well-being while traveling.
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It's crucial to start out with a clean bill of health, or at the very least some knowledge on how to cope with specific health issues, no matter where you go.
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Medications: With your doctors and pharmacy's assistance, you can fill more than 90 days' worth of prescriptions at once.
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Travel clinics: With your specific destination in mind, see your doctor or a travel clinic. If vaccines are required for visas or admission, this is big assistance in learning about potential diseases and hazards in different parts of the world. Travel clinics may also be able to assist with first-aid supplies and medications, such as antidiarrheal or antibiotic pills, as well as medication to combat altitude sickness or seasickness.
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Updates on pandemics and other global health issues: Do some study on the current state of affairs at your desired destination (s).
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Check our single-trip coverage or annual plans for travel insurance (if you travel three or more times a year, including domestic trips). A good senior travel insurance plan will (a) make it easy for the traveler to locate an emergency room or medical care provider, (b) cover emergency evacuation if the medical condition or scenario warrants it, and (c) give adequate coverage with minimal prior approval requirements.
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4. Keep an eye on your digital files and mobile communications.
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Organize your vital documents in digital format in advance to avoid problems and having to put out fires at home.
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Your passport and credit cards should be scanned or photographed, and you should know where to find them on your phone or computer (preferably both).
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Any travel-related apps, particularly those you might need in an emergency, should be updated.
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Keep track of all of your login usernames and passwords in a safe online location like 1Password.
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Set up your phone plan based on your destination, length of stay, and connectivity requirements. Using Wi-Fi only when it's accessible (turning off roaming), buying a SIM card expressly for your destination country (preferred for lengthy visits), or using your US phone plan are all options. T-unlimited Mobile's data plan, which is valid in over 140 countries, has been convenient.
The benefit of being prepared is that you may appreciate the present moment, your travel moment, to the fullest. When we travel, we anticipate facing a variety of problems. Many of those trials, though, are the adventure stories that we remember the most. We're proud of ourselves for being able to roll with the punches, adjust to the situation, and keep enjoying the ride.
