Being retired gives you the freedom to travel whenever and for however long you want. Without the constraints of a 9-5, travelling has never been more accessible. You can book a holiday for a whole month or even decide to extend your stay somewhere, without worrying about rushing back to work. You can visit all the places you used to dream of going to and even discover places you never knew existed.

Travelling while retired can be a smooth and enjoyable experience, but only when certain things are in place. Careful planning is important before embarking on a trip to avoid any unwanted surprises. Having certain details in place, from travel insurance to accommodation, allows you to travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are prepared for any situation.

Having a plan in place also helps manage health concerns, such as having access to necessary medications, knowing the locations of nearby medical facilities, and understanding the healthcare system of the country you are visiting. Additionally, arranging finances, such as budgeting for the trip and understanding currency exchanges, helps prevent financial stress during the journey.

Thorough preparation will enable you to fully embrace the joys of travel, creating lasting memories while minimising potential challenges. In this blog, we’ll outline some valuable retirement travel tips that will make travelling while retired a piece of cake.

Retirement Travel Tips to Keep You in The Know

Below are 18 travel tips that every retired person should consider:

• Plan Ahead:
  Whether you’re staying in the country or heading abroad, planning ahead is one of the most valuable ways to ensure a successful trip. Research your destination and discover everything you need to know before you arrive. Look into the accommodations that are available and take the time to find the perfect place. And find activities that align with your interests and comfort levels. Being retired, you have the luxury of being able to spend as long as you want, planning the perfect getaway.
  

• Get Travel Insurance:
  We all like to think that it could never happen to us, but certain situations arise that we do not foresee. This is why it’s imperative to get travel insurance before you head off on your trip. With a comprehensive travel insurance plan, you’ll be covered if your luggage gets lost, if you have a medical emergency that sees you taking a trip to the hospital and if your trip were to be cancelled. Travel insurance may seem unnecessary, but it is more than worth it.
  

• Make Sure Your Passport is in Date:
  There’s nothing more devastating than getting to the airport and being told you can’t fly as your passport has expired. Before you make any arrangements, check the date on your passport. The last thing you want is to have your holiday and fun activities booked, to find that you may have to cancel everything last minute. Some countries will not accept your passport if you expiry date is within six months of entry. Give yourself enough time to get your passport renewed if it’s getting close to or has already expired.
  
  
• Stay Healthy:
  Holidays are about being carefree and indulging in whatever we want, but it’s always best to not go overboard. Have that extra slice of chocolate cake, but make sure the fruit and vegetable intake is still a priority.
  If you are on medication, make sure you pack all that is necessary and have a copy of your prescription to hand. Identify all the local medical facilities at your destination and even some in the surrounding areas. Your health should be your number one priority.
  
  
• Travel Light:
  It’s easy to want to pack everything but the kitchen sink, but there really is no need. If you have the essential items, such as passport and money, almost everything else can be bought if you happen to leave them behind. Avoid overpacking by bringing versatile clothing and items that suit the climate you're heading to. Packing light makes your travel experience more comfortable and leaves room to bring home souvenirs.
  
  
• Consider Slow Travel:
  You’ve retired, so now is the time to slow down, and that includes your travel experience. There’s no need to squeeze in as much as you can within a few days. With time on your side, you have the luxury of taking your time at each destination. Soak in the culture and enjoy each environment that you find yourself in. Slow travel allows for a more relaxed and immersive experience without the rush.
  
  
• Stay Flexible:
  While having a plan is important, it also doesn’t hurt to mix things up a little. Allow some room for spontaneity and unexpected opportunities. You may be enticed to go on a tour that wasn’t on your schedule but is too good an opportunity to miss. Or you may come across some like-minded individuals who know about a play or an activity that piques your interest. Don’t miss out on life-changing experiences by being too rigid.
  
  
• Notify Your Bank:
  Letting your bank know that you will be out of the country is crucial. Imagine trying to pay for goods by card or withdraw cash and being told that your card has been declined. Being abroad with no money is a headache in itself but trying to sort the issue while out of the country is also no fun and will put a huge dampener on your trip. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with accessing your funds.
  
  
• Use Senior Discounts:
  One of the golden rules of retirement travel, is to take advantage of your age. The discounts offered to seniors are limitless and should be used whenever they’re available. As a retired senior, you will have access to discounts on transportation, accommodations, attractions and much more.
  
  
• Keep Important Documents Handy:
  We don’t advise that you take your passport out with you in case it gets misplaced, but we do recommend keeping some form of ID on your person. Anything could happen, so it’s important to have the necessary documentation on hand. Have digital and physical copies of your passport, ID, travel itinerary, and insurance details. This way you will have a copy of each if needed, with the originals safely locked away in your accommodation.
  
  
• Choose Comfortable Accommodations:
  You may not plan on spending much time in your hotel or rental accommodation, but it’s always a bonus to have somewhere comfortable to come back to after a long, tiring day. Prioritise comfort and accessibility when selecting where to stay. Try to find a place which is central to most of the places you wish to visit, therefore limiting the time and money spent on travel. After a packed day of sightseeing and activities, there’s nothing better than knowing you don’t have far to go before curling up in a comfortable bed.
  
  
• Stay Connected:
  Keep in touch with family or friends, especially if travelling alone. They may be the last thing on your mind, but you will be at the forefront of theirs. Drop a text or send a picture every now and again, just to let them know you are safe and to ensure someone knows your whereabouts.
  
  
• Keep Your Home Secure:
  Knowing that you have left your home unattended can give you an anxious feeling and chances are you’ll be constantly wondering if your home is ok. Living in a gated community like ours at Lifestyle Communities takes away the stress and worry that you may have. You will be safe in the knowledge that your home is securely guarded and looked after 24/7. Exploring the world should be an experience you never forget and with our stress-free solution, travelling will become much easier.
  
  
• Stay Hydrated:
  Staying hydrated can help avoid any unnecessary trips to the hospital. Many of us make the mistake of replacing water with alcohol, tea and coffee when on holiday, but that only leads to avoidable health issues. Drink plenty of water, especially during long flights and in hot climates, to avoid dehydration.
  
  
• Be Mindful of Physical Limitations:
  If you’re not someone who usually partakes in rock climbing or extreme sports, now is not the time to try them out! There are plenty of ways to have fun and stay physical, so choose activities and excursions that match your energy levels and mobility. Don’t ruin your time away by pushing yourself further than you can go.
  
  
• Learn the Basics of Technology:
  Having travel apps on your phone can prove to be extremely useful. If you’re lost somewhere and can’t find anyone to help, pulling up a map and turning on your location, will help you to find your way home. If you’re struggling to decide where to eat, travel apps such as Tripadvisor are there to show you what’s available close by, ranking them from best to worst.
  
  
• Learn Basic Local Phrases:
  Knowing a few key phrases in the local language can prove to be very useful. We can’t take for granted that everyone we come across will speak English, so we have to be prepared to try and communicate in their language.
  Learning some local, basic phrases can enhance your experience and help in emergencies. It comes across as a sign of respect as you have shown effort in trying to learn the local language. As the saying goes, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
  
  
• Pack Snacks:
  Having snacks in your bag isn’t just for the grandchildren. You never know when you may need a pick me up or need something small to carry you through until dinnertime. Snacking intermittently is also a good way to keep your sugar levels stable, preventing you from feeling faint and keeping hunger at bay. Bring along healthy snacks for long travel days or when local food options might not suit your dietary needs.

Take The Stress Out of Travelling

Travelling is one of the most exciting experiences we’ll have in our lifetime, but it can also be one of the most daunting. Making travel stress-free during retirement requires a combination of careful planning, flexibility, and a focus on comfort.

Choose destinations that match your interests and physical abilities. Your trip should be unique to you to ensure you get the most out of your holiday.

Have travel insurance in place to give you peace of mind and save you from a hefty bill if anything were to go wrong.

At Lifestyle Communities, we take the stress out of this process. Our gated retirement communities are equipped with top-notch security measures, including community managers who keep a watchful eye on your property. Whether you're away for a weekend or an extended vacation, you can relax knowing your home is in safe hands. Enjoy your well-deserved break with complete peace of mind.

Lastly and most importantly, have fun. Enjoy your newfound freedom, for it is very much deserved.