‘Best of both worlds’ How to vacation during retirement years
It’s a daydream that has crossed just about everyone’s mind at one point or another — retire, pack a suitcase and head out into a life of travel.
What does it take to enjoy travel and vacations during the retirement years? Christina Long with Care Free First Class Travel has advice and tips for seniors who want to make traveling during retirement a reality.
“In general, seniors have the best of both worlds when choosing to travel,” said Long. “They can choose to travel during low occupancy times and with that freedom, they can take advantage of lower rates and extra perks that vendors use to attract travelers.”
“Also, being able to plan a ‘spur of the moment’ trip will often allow seniors the opportunity to take advantage of outstanding savings if they are flexible in their destination.”
Long says that vacation destinations for seniors are as unique as the traveler. “It all depends on the wishes and dreams of the client,” said Long. “I like to encourage the traveler to get the most value and experience for their travel budget. Often those choices include options like all-inclusive properties that are found throughout the Caribbean, river cruises both in and outside the U.S., ocean liner cruises and guided group tours in domestic and international locations.”
A good way to choose a vacation destination is planning and assessing your lifestyle. Do you really love to travel, or just vacation?
There’s a big difference between a weeklong vacation and a lifestyle of travel. If you enjoy packing, flying and other inconveniences involved with traveling, a longer, out of country trip might be for you. If a week or less on vacation is enough to satisfy your travel spirit, then a regional vacation would be the best fit.
To save money while planning a trip, Long says traveling at certain times gets the best discounts. “In general, the least expensive times to travel are when students are in school,” said Long. “The months of September, October, January, early February, and May are the most economical times to travel both domestically and internationally. When students are not in school, one can expect travel costs to increase.”
Another way to save is by staying in less expensive accommodations. If you are willing to stay in modest accommodations, like inexpensive motels, hostels or campgrounds, you can travel quiet inexpensively. Whether you plan on a once a year vacation or a more permanent life on the road, your itinerary needs to start with an honest look at your retirement savings, and organizing your travels around your financial situation.
Another way to save money and enjoy a much-needed getaway is by enjoying a newer concept called glamping. Glamping, which stands for glamorous camping, is for people who want to commune with nature in comfort and style. The concept has become so popular that it has spawned a whole industry of companies that provide authentic safari tents, yurts, or tree houses, plenty of amenities, and planned activities. There’s something for everyone’s budget in the world of glamping.
Long does not advise any special safety precautions for traveling retirees. “I think seniors have an advantage traveling,” said Long. “They have had life experiences that maybe less experienced travelers have not had and know their limits. I don’t think that there are any specific precautions that I would offer up to senior travelers. Instead, I think the traveler is best served by choosing the best destination for their wishes, having a solid itinerary that allows for minor changes, and traveling with those they enjoy spending time with.”
While some retirees are happy to spend time relaxing at home, others long for a more adventurous lifestyle, and following these tips will help you get the most out of following your dreams of traveling during retirement.
‘They can choose to travel during low occupancy times and with that freedom, they can take advantage of lower rates and extra perks that vendors use to attract travelers.’
Christina Long
Care Free First Class Travel