For many people, retirement is only the beginning. With no work to worry about and the kids grown up and settled in their own homes, it’s time to focus on what you want to do – and a growing number of people are taking the opportunity to explore the world later in life. The usual seasonal restrictions of traveling, such as school holidays, are no longer a barrier – leaving you free to go where you like, when you like.
Whether you arrange to cruise the Caribbean, backpack in Central America or take in the great cultural cities of Europe, you’ll find traveling just gets better with age. Older travelers give the younger generation a run for their money when it comes to having adventures, and tend to be a bit wiser too – meaning they’re less likely to fall foul of some of the frustrations experienced by younger travelers abroad.
Additionally, having a medical condition does not necessarily mean you’ll have to scrap your travel plans. As long as you take sensible precautions and consult with your doctor before embarking on a long trip, there is no reason you can’t go where you want to. While it can be difficult to arrange travel insurance over 70, specialist providers will be happy to create a tailor-made package that meets your needs, meaning you are fully protected should anything go wrong.
Many retirees will invest in a reliable motor-home, which can be every bit as comfortable and homely as a hotel room, to reduce the cost of accommodation and ensure they always have a bed for the night wherever their travels take them.
When planning your trip, take advantage of all the information available to you. Travel agents will still offer invaluable advice, but the internet also provides a wealth of hotel and location reviews and tips for getting the most out of your destination. Consider finding an online community of retirees – they’ll be only too happy to recount their own experiences and give you all the latest advice.
This is a guest post on behalf of Staysure.
retirebyforty> I think it is very important to have travel insurance when you take international trips especially when you’re older. My health insurance has emergency coverage for international trips, but I would need more than that for an extended stay. Once I retire, I would love to live in Italy for a year or so and will need to investigate the health insurance situation again.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey RB40 – health care is “free” in Italy, for residents and visitors alike. Admittedly, it’s not the best care, and I’m going back a few years. Might be changed by now. Surely will be changed if the Italian government isn’t able to keep paying 6 and 7 percent on its sovereign debt.
I’m keeping a close eye on the Italian government too. We’ll see how it turns out, but things are not looking good for Europe…
You know, I’ve always assumed the opposite: I would enjoy travelling more while I’m younger than when I’m older. This is a refreshing perspective.
@Joe, I don’t know that I could be away for a year like you’re planning, even if it is Italy. Still, that’s sounds awesome!
A couple I know stayed in Italy for a year and they had the time of their lives! I would love to do that at least once.
It would be great to pull it off while we’re young, but in reality, we have too many obligations.
I don’t like traveling now, but hopefully I will when I’m older!
With the exception of a few more lines, I am thrilled with aging. Everything seems to get better.
We love to travel and I am sure we will continue it in our old age. I am in no rush to grow old but I also don’t fear it.
I don’t want to get old.
{ 1 trackback }