Traveling is the number one goal of retirees, according to a poll from the TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies. Retirement is the ideal time to do the things that weren't possible during your full-time working years, since the retiree has the freedom of time.
Having more time on your hands makes it easier to spend less on adventures while still experiencing your bucket list destinations to their fullest. Start your travels soon after retirement to capitalize on your energy and good health and utilize travel savings strategies deployed by youthful backpackers.
1. Get the discounts you're entitled to
Mention your memberships when you book and you may be able to get substantial discounts on hotels, flights, or rental cars.
Some discounts aren't obvious though and require some looking. U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 and older can purchase either a lifetime Senior Pass to U.S. national parks. On airline discounts, best advice is shop first on price, and be sure to type in your age status when making the reservation.
2. RVing
A metaphor for retirement: Every day, you can wake up in a new place, and every day, you can make a new plan. Recreational vehicles are a good choice for driving around the U.S. to visit national parks and the cities and towns. RVs are available in a wide range of comforts and costs.
The fifth wheel (that detaches from the truck that tows it) is your call if you'd like to park the RV and then drive a truck around town with greater ease. If you'd like a genuine camping experience, try the pop-up trailer. For a long weekend, it's a great way to feel the outdoors without necessarily eating out every night or sleeping on the ground.
RV campsites and facilities catering to road warriors are common around the U.S.
3. Follow your interests
Retirement is a great time to explore your interests because you have all the time in the world. Interested in learning a new foreign language or immersing yourself in the culture of your ancestors? Pick a country that speaks your preferred language, find a local language school or learning group.
Retirement can be a time to discover an enjoyable, new way of life. Pursuing your passion while you travel can bring the experience to the next level. According to Rachel L. Sheedy, Managing Editor of Kiplinger's Retirement Report, "If you have a particular hobby or passion, such as wildlife photography or food, do a search for group trips that focus on that interest."
4. Make sure that you and your spouse are in agreement
Spouses also sometimes have very different ideas about what they want out of retirement.
Many married couples have an extremely difficult time discussing retirement planning and other financial planning subjects, according to a survey by Fidelity Investments.
Ask your spouse what is his/her preferred way of spending time in retirement.
If you long for a more adventurous lifestyle and dream of seeing the world, follow these steps.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
