Retired? Now You Can Take Off
If you’ve retired from work, you’re free to travel at last, so don’t put your feet up just yet. There’s a wonderful world out there, waiting for you, so get planning now and make the most of your hard-earned retirement. Here’s a bunch of tips and pointers to get you started:
Set a Purpose
Are you going to visit a far-flung friend or relative? Or do you have a favourite place in mind? Maybe you’re more interested in trying a challenge, like biking across the US or beating your record in mountain-climbing. You may wish to try out a new travel method, like sailing or steam-train riding, wherever it may be available, or perhaps you’d like to treat a special person in your life to a magical mystery tour. Decide what your trip is going to be for, and you’ll be ready to start planning.
Define a Spending Budget
Travel can be enjoyed in luxury or on the cheap, depending on personal choice and finances, so check your available spending money and set a budget to suit. If you have plenty of savings or income to draw from, you can travel in style, of course, or extend your journey and vacation period. If funds are limited, you can still venture far and wide and have a brilliant adventure, with more basic facilities or off-season deals, perhaps. You can cut costs in other ways, too, such as staying with friends and taking low-cost travel options, such as bus rides and cycling, which may be your first choice anyway.
Pick a Destination
If you have a dream destination that you’ve been hoping to visit one day, now is the time. Whatever the distance, and however tricky the journey, willpower and canny planning should get you there. But if you’ve no particular place in mind, browse the catalogs for ideas, consult friends or follow a personal line of interest, such as ancient history, a style of music or a rare animal species, and see where it leads you. Alternatively, consider a tour, taking in a whole range of must-see places.
Choose a Travel Style
How do you wish to travel to your chosen haunt? Do you want to sit back on a luxury cruise or make your own way by car, for instance? For a more physical experience or tougher challenge, a long-distance hike or cycle ride might suit you. If you’re fit and healthy, with time and money to spend, the options are wide open. Consider destination and travel options together to find the ideal arrangement for you.
Sort the Practicalities
Once you’ve made the key decisions and your travel plan is starting to take shape, you’ll need to sort out the details. Check out the best transport and accommodation deals available, and the top sightseeing opportunities along the way. If you’re planning to meet up with friends or relatives, now is the time to agree dates and venues. You’ll also need travel insurance, and you may wish to arrange for someone to keep an eye on your home or take care of your pets. With all the preparations done, you can start shopping and packing for your trip. That’s when the fun starts and the horizon starts to call.
Retirement is your golden opportunity for adventure, so don’t miss out. You deserve a special, inspiring experience, so grab some maps and brochures and get cracking. Before you know it, you’ll be off, setting forth on the trip of a lifetime.