3 Non-Traditional Travel Options
Many retirees are exploring new types of travel to keep their itineraries fresh and their experiences invigorating. According to AARP, in 2019 baby boomers are expected to have taken 4-5 trips. Over the course of a typical 20 to 30-year retirement, that’s an awful lot of beaches, athletic resorts, and bucket list landmarks getting crossed off.
To make it fresh, here are three popular trends in retirement travel, as well as some things you should think about before clicking BOOK NOW!
1. Adventure Travel
Adventure travel can be as spiritually and emotionally rewarding as it is physically rewarding. An African safari or a trek through Patagonia will definitely get you out of your comfort zone. Many adventure travelers come home with a new favorite cause that becomes part of their everyday retirement routine.
If you think you have a couple retirement adventures in you, consider scheduling them earlier in your retirement when you’re likely to be healthier and more mobile. Also, be realistic about what an “adventure” really means to you and what you’re really capable of doing. You might have missed your whitewater rafting window, but that doesn’t mean you can’t camp near the Grand Canyon and hike for a couple hours every day.
2. Slow Travel
A European tour might let you see Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sistine Chapel in a week or two, but renting an apartment in Paris for a month will give you a very different and much more immersive experience.
That’s the appeal of slow travel, which is becoming more popular as services like Airbnb make it easier to find long-term lodging at affordable prices. Living like a local creates an entirely different daily routine. You’ll be more likely to venture off the beaten tourist path and really soak up local culture.
This kind of a vacation might require a little extra planning though. Lean on any friends or family who’ve spent time in your slow travel destination to make sure you’re picking a suitable neighborhood for your stay. And while some people end up spending less on slow travel because they buy groceries instead of eating out every night, the longer you’re going to be away from home, the more money you should probably budget.
3. Solo travel
No matter how good your marriage is, couples who take the occasional break from each other, don’t often end up driving each other crazy. Both people need to have space for themselves at home and be able to pursue passions and interests that their spouse does not share.
You don’t REALLY have to hit the road alone if you don’t want to. Group travel packages will give you a chance to mingle with new people while also providing you with the security and structure of a set itinerary. Just make sure you’re booking with a reputable company and able to take care of yourself without a spouse’s constant supervision.
Also double-check your annual vacation budget before you book a solo trip. Make sure that doing something separately isn’t going to make it harder for you and your spouse to do something together.
Are you planning on racking up frequent flier miles once you retire? Are you already shopping for RVs?
Come in and talk to us about your travel plans. We can help you make sure your retirement plan is as ready for adventure as you are!
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