Retirement means you don’t have to worry about your career or working long hours (hopefully). For many people, retirement represents finally traveling and enjoying a vacation (or several). Some retirees never stop traveling, using their freedom as an excuse to live abroad or see the world at their own pace. Regardless of the type of traveling you want to do, you’ll want to absorb some essential tips and strategies before hitting the runway to make the most of your travels.
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Budget Wisely
After retiring, you typically have a finite amount of savings outside Social Security income. Unfortunately, travel is costly, so you’ll want to budget wisely to ensure you have enough finances to live off of during and after your travels. Subtract expenses from your income and savings to create a reasonable budget. Work with a financial advisor if you want to be smart about it. Don’t utilize all your retirement funds on a one-week trip!
Entry Requirements
If you’re going to travel internationally, it’s imperative to research customs and entry requirements. Some countries may not allow you to enter the country if your passport expires in six months. Other countries may require a specific visa in addition to your passport. Improper research can result in denied entry and wasted plane fare. Ensure you’re up to date on all border policies before you book your tickets. (Also, update your passport if it’s expiring soon.)
Pack Climate-Friendly Clothing
Retirement age can make you more sensitive to extreme temperatures. Certain medications can increase the chances of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or even hypothermia. From the harsh chill of the Himalayas to the sweltering deserts of Dubai, you’ll want to pack for the climate you’re heading to. Wear breathable, thin clothing for hot temperatures and ensure you have plenty of warm layers for cold areas.
International Phone Service
Your current phone plan may not cover international travel; if it does, it may overcharge. Research your current plan’s roaming and international charges. You may want to consider switching (even temporarily) to a new phone plan for any international travel. You can save money and get a more reliable signal, which is vital for unfamiliar areas. Make sure you check for senior discounts.
Learn the Language and Customs
If you’re traveling to a new area, you can travel more efficiently by learning the language and customs. You may even make friends, as learning about the country you’re traveling to can show respect. Learning about other cultures and languages can help improve cognitive skills, which is important during retirement. You’re less likely to come across as rude or insensitive when you know what another country values or dislikes.
Travel Health Insurance
The older you are, the more likely health concerns will pop up. Travel can exacerbate and cause medical problems, as germs can quickly spread in high-traffic areas like airports. You will want to ensure your healthcare is covered when you’re away. Travel health insurance can help cover and reimburse you for medical fees as you travel since your usual health insurance will likely not cover you.
Bring a Friend
Socializing in your later years can be difficult, as family life and careers can push personal friendships to the backburner. Consider bringing a friend or former coworker with you on your travels to increase bonds and socialize. Socialization is very healthy for the mind in older age. Having a partner along for your trip can also provide support in case of emergencies. Make sure your travel partner is someone you enjoy spending time with, as you’ll be together often.
Know Your Limits
Travel is tiring, and aging bodies need rest, routine, and healthy living environments. It may seem tempting to scale Mount Everest or take a three-week backpacking tour through Argentina, but in retirement age, you may want to play it safe. Overworking yourself may land you in the hospital or exacerbate existing health conditions. If you end up hospitalized or in a nursing home far from your home, you could be limited in options. Even large cities like Atlanta have seen high cases of senior or elder abuse in nursing homes or other hospital care settings. You don’t want to end up vulnerable in an unfamiliar place. Sightseeing isn’t going anywhere, so you must skip excursions that may hurt you. Young people can even benefit from this advice!
Take Your Time
It can be expensive to travel, especially internationally. While a three-week itinerary with one day in each country may be feasible for younger adults, it may be tiring for retirement age. You still have plenty of life left, but you’ll miss out on many sights and experiences if you go too quickly or plan too much. If you’re interested in a particular event or experience, don’t rush through it. You may never get to experience it again—enjoy it!
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Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
