Travel In Retirement

Spending ample time dedicated to traveling is a major priority for many Americans when making plans for their retirement. But dreams may not match up with the reality of everything that goes into travel when you actually start to plan.

It’s important to take a serious look at the obligations before committing to travel as part of your lifestyle in retirement. You’ll need to understand what your ideal travel plans really involve and how much they will cost — and make an honest assessment of whether you are healthy and fit enough to handle your travel plans.

A 2023 survey of travel trends by AARP Research reports that many older travelers choose their travel destinations based on their desires to spend time with family and friends, get away from everyday life and relax away from their homes and routines.

These reasons can also affect how you’ll get there.

Sunny and warm destinations top the list of favorite destinations for both domestic and international travel among Americans from the baby-boom generation.

Southern states accounted for 38% of domestic travel destinations for older Americans. That figure included 14% planning travel specifically to Florida, by far the top domestic travel destination named in the survey.

Another 31% listed western states, 13% listed states in the Midwest and 12% listed states in the Northeast as their travel destinations.

Meanwhile, Latin America accounted for 33% of the most popular international destinations for older American travelers surveyed. European countries represented the most-picked destinations with 42% of the vote.

As the ‌old adage goes, “It’s the journey, not the destination.” This wisdom certainly applies to retirement travel. Whether it’s a bucket list road trip or a leisurely cruise, getting there can be half the fun — or more.

Before you set off on an adventure, ‌consider how you’ll get there and the different options that can make the trip more of an experience‌.

Everyone has their own ‌preference for the ideal travel companion. You might prefer traveling with family or friends, with travel-specific groups or just going it alone. Choosing who you are most comfortable traveling with is a personal decision, and each has its pros and cons.

Planning is key to any trip. In choosing a perfect travel destination, ‌consider the experience you will have rather than just the place. Think about the things you want to do — relax, sightsee, explore a new culture, eat your favorite foods — then figure out the ideal place to have those experiences.

And when you’re spending your hard-earned retirement savings, you’ll want to look closely at costs — and explore ways to keep those costs down while maximizing your experiences and enjoyment.

Make sure you have all the right travel documents on hand. That means applying for or renewing your passport for international voyages and getting approved for any travel visas required by your destination.

You’ll also need to organize your travel itinerary details — airline ticket details, hotel reservations, rental car information and any other documents for your transportation and accommodations — and make sure you pack your proof of insurance. Purchasing both medical and travel insurance is wise for retirees traveling far from home.

Certain countries may also require specific documentation or vaccinations for COVID-19 or other medical conditions that threaten global public health. Officials may ask you to produce test result paperwork for particular diseases when arriving at your destination, so always check ahead for what’s required.