Make vacations and travel a key component of retirement

Make vacations and travel a key component of retirement

When the time comes to bid farewell to conference calls, meetings and daily commutes, retirees have open schedules to fill with whichever activities they choose. Travel is one exciting way to pass the time, and many sen-iors find that travel tops their to-do lists once they retire. The following ideas are some of the more popular ways retirees choose to travel.

Road trips

Taking to the highways and byways is an excellent way to see the country. Seniors can customize their routes depending on which places they want to visit. RV travel can be as comfortable or as rustic as travelers prefer. Many seniors spend months traveling in their campers, which offer many of the same amenities of home. Campsites and special RV hook-up sites offer the other necessities of traveling the open road.

Genealogical tourism

People hoping to trace their ancestry and visit their ancestral homelands are one of the fastest-growing travel segments. Visiting an old church where ancestors were married or buying food from a market in which a great aunt or uncle once worked leads retirees on adventures near and far. Such trips can create a tangible link to one’s past and open up more opportunities to learn the varied genealogical history that has shaped a family, and even one’s personal identity.

Off the beaten path

History buffs or adventure-seeking couples may be particularly attracted to exciting travel destinations that are slightly off the beaten path. Travel tours may take vacationers to destinations such as excavation sites or backpacking through the rain forest. With passport in hand, seniors can go just about anywhere their desires take them.

All-inclusive tours

All-inclusive packages remain a popular option for travelers of all ages. These vacation packages charge one price for accommodations, entertainment, sightseeing, food and many other amenities. All-inclusive vacations remove some of the headaches associated with organizing various components of travel so that a person can focus on relaxation and having fun.

Seaside trips

A seaside vacation can be the perfect trip for seniors who want to put their feet up and sip some cocktails while watching the waves lap the shore. Many beach resorts offer allinclusive packages for different age groups. Meals, excursions and hotel rooms can be bundled into one affordable, confusionfree price.

Cruises

Speaking of all-inclusive vacationing, cruising seems tailor-made for those ages 50 and older because it offers the convenience of accommodations, food, entertainment and transportation all in one. The various activities offered on the ship mean travelers can find ways to spend their time how they see fit. Cruising couples can opt to spend all of their time on the ship, enjoying carefully prepared meals and entertainment, or disembark and explore the various ports of call along the way.