It is a commonly accepted belief that human beings were not born to live in one nation for the entirety of their lives. As social creatures, humans have an intrinsic need to travel. A need that many are forced to suppress throughout their youth due to a never ending list of social and economical restraints. Although the list does vary from person to person, certain factors are common. Financial strain, inability to travel due to familial responsibilities, inability to travel due inflexible working hours, lack of resources required to travel are some of the most commonly cited reasons people have for not being able to travel. As a result of this, many people look forward to retirement. The curtain falling on one’s career coupled with having sent children to university gives people some much needed free time. Affectionately dubbed as the golden years, the fantasies of that future are indeed rose tinted and bathed in sunshine.
It is easy to get lost in the thoughts of a time with minimal responsibility and plenty of unclaimed time. Fantasizing about picking up old hobbies, catching up on favourite time pass activities, and spending time with oneself can be addicting.
There is a fantasy that many people have expressed over the years: the desire to travel. This desire is also known as wanderlust and is ingrained in the philosophy that human beings are social animals.
Over the past couple of decades more and more senior citizens have taken up travelling. Some do it in order to have something to fill their days with, but most retired folk travel in order to satiate that need for adventure which they were forced to suppress all through their youth. At the spry age of 65 and above, they embark on flights and go across the globe to alluring destinations. They explore entire continents and find hidden gems as they trek across cities.
While the idea of retirement travel sounds like a dream come true, it requires meticulous planning at least 5 years prior to retirement. They need to work out a financial plan, a travel plan, insurance, etc.
Financial Plan
One of the main reasons why people do not travel before retirement is the lack of resources. One of the said resources is money. Having a proper retirement fund in place is crucial and if one wants to travel after retirement then having a travel fund is exponentially important. Remember to keep the budget loose, though, so that splurging is an option. It is essential to separate a retirement fund from a travel fund. According to the data from the Federal Reserve of USA, an average retiree has around $ 206,819.53 in retirement savings. Taking the mortgage, utilities, hospital bills, etc into account, the savings would not leave enough money to be able to travel. Hence having a separate travel savings account will help turning that dream of travelling into a reality.
Wanderlist
Wanderlist, taken from the term wanderlust, refers to a list of destinations that one would like to go upon retiring. The list has to be realistic and age appropriate. Places that would require connecting flights and tons of walking should be some of the first destinations on the list. Places like Australia, New Zealand, the African continent should be visited sooner rather than later as the flights to these places are typically longer.
Taking multiple connecting flights to areas where accessibility is limited would be easier for someone who is in their 60’s as opposed to someone who is in their 80’s.
Ensure being Insured
Insurance is a big part of travel, especially in elder travel. It is easier for older people to get hurt. It is a harsh truth, but it is one that needs to be accepted and planned around. While travelling as a senior citizen, one must ensure that they are insured. If they fall during a hike, a basic traveler’s insurance will cover them being evacuated to the nearest hospital, but that is it. If the injured party wants to be evacuated to their home country on the basis of their injury, a basic traveler’s insurance will not cover it.
Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the most important factors to consider when travelling as a senior citizen. Staying in cheap hostels for travelers, shady hotels, or sleeping on a friend’s couch or living room floor is not a viable option as an older person. Renting a proper hotel room may seem like a smart idea, but it truly is not. The hotel checkouts are not flexible at all. As a senior traveler, renting out a house would make more sense. The checkouts are flexible and it provides the travelers with the opportunity for some extra TLC. This helps them battle traveler’s fatigue before embarking on the day’s adventure.
Travel Group
Loneliness is an epidemic in the older generation. Travelling alone may sound like a wonderful opportunity to be reacquainted with yourself, but it may exacerbate one’s loneliness, especially when travelling to a foreign place that is the absolute opposite of their home country. Travelling with a group significantly lowers the chances senior travelers experiencing loneliness. Travelling with a group also leads to added security.
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