Six Rules for Traveling in Retirement

At Road Scholar, we offer a wide range of senior-friendly travel programs to help you make post-retirement travel seamless and enriching. Whether you want to walk historic cobblestone streets throughout medieval villages in Europe or embark on a backpacking adventure throughout America’s national parks, you can find an adventure through our experiential learning programs designed for nearly every interest and ability level.

But no matter your age, travel can be stressful if you’re not prepared. As you navigate your golden years, there are several keys to successful retirement travel. In this guide, we unpack the six rules for traveling in retirement, from carefully planning your trip to staying active and budgeting accordingly.

1. Plan with Purpose: Define Your Travel Goals

To start our list of the six rules of traveling in retirement, we have planning with purpose. As with any big decision, having forethought on your goals and interests can help guide you to the perfect destination for your retirement travels. Planning also allows you to anticipate any potential challenges you may face so you have plans for a smooth and stress-free adventure.

First, think about the goals of your trip. Do you seek cultural immersion, where you interact with locals and gain a deeper understanding of unique cultures and traditions? Or, are you interested in adventure, whether biking through the countryside of the Netherlands or going on an African safari? Perhaps your interests lie solely in relaxation, such as enjoying the views on a riverboat cruise or the scenic landscapes of a train ride. As you begin planning your retirement travel, make a list of what you want to get out of your journey and interests.

For an enriching experience, you can consider a learning-based travel program. At Road Scholar, we have an exciting collection of experiential learning programs that cater to different travel styles and interests. For history lovers, join guided tours of some of the world’s most famous museums, such as the Louvre, the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Musée d'Orsay. If you’re interested in wildlife and geography, we have expert guides who are well-versed in the landscapes and history of national parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite and Acadia. You can even find programs designed for certain activities, such as bicycling tours, hiking tours and wine-tasting tours.

Once you have found the next dot on the globe you’re going to visit, you can finish the rest of your planning by packing appropriate clothing and gear for a comfortable trip. Our team at Road Scholar does most of the logistical planning for you, including booking accommodations, transportation, activities and meals, so you can focus on the journey ahead.

2. Prioritize Comfort and Convenience

The next rule on our list of the six rules for traveling in retirement is prioritizing comfort and convenience. The last thing you want is to end up on a fast-paced guided tour when your plan is to rest and relax. As one of the golden rules of retirement travel, always put comfort and convenience first. This means carefully choosing destinations and itineraries suited to your pace and mobility needs. At Road Scholar, you can easily filter through our travel programs based on your desired activity levels and other preferences, such as interests, destinations and even dietary preferences.

All-inclusive programs are an excellent way to enjoy your retirement travel, as they ensure everything you need for your vacation is paid for and taken care of beforehand — flights, transportation, lodging, meals, entertainment and more.

Another tip for ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience is booking travel programs that pair you with expert guides and like-minded groups. A professional, local guide will be able to teach you about your destination’s culture and traditions while taking you off the beaten path to areas many tourists might not see. Guides can also navigate language barriers, prevent scams and ensure an overall smooth travel experience.

3. Travel Smart: Budget and Plan for Long-Term Adventures

Traveling around the world can be expensive, but there are ways you can stretch your dollar and maximize your travel budget. First, take advantage of special offers and senior discounts on flights, lodging and attractions. Carefully planning to research deals can make a significant difference in price, allowing you to get more out of your travel experience. 

One of the benefits of retirement is newfound free time, which means you can travel nearly any time of year. To save even more, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons or winter, when many accommodations are cheaper and feature fewer crowds. You can also take advantage of any travel rewards programs you are part of, such as those offered by your credit card.

Once you reach your destination, make sure you have an emergency fund to account for any unexpected expenses, such as last-minute itinerary changes, medical expenses or lost belongings. Opting for free or low-budget activities is another great way to save for long-term adventures. Many museums and parks are free or offer senior discounts, and local festivals and walking tours can be enjoyed at a low or no cost. Lastly, consider travel insurance, which provides coverage for unexpected emergencies like trip cancellations, lost luggage or medical expenses.

4. Stay Active and Healthy on the Road

The fourth of six rules for traveling in retirement is staying active and healthy on the road. Maintaining energy and mobility levels on the road allows you to enjoy a pleasant experience by improving circulation, preventing stiffness and keeping you feeling your best. For retirement travelers, it’s essential to pack any necessary medications and consult your physician before your trip to assess your mobility and what’s safe for you on your adventures.

From there, you can choose between active and relaxed itineraries to find a senior travel program that suits you best. At Road Scholar, we’re committed to providing safe, accessible and health-conscious travel. Before departure, our team will outline any mandated travel vaccinations that are needed depending on your destination, as well as answer any questions related to safety and accommodations.

5. Be Open to New Experiences and Lifelong Learning

One of the top benefits of exploring new areas is learning something new. Whether you’re interested in cultural studies here in the United States or the diverse geography of Australia or Africa, expanding your horizons to new experiences serves as a great way to make lifelong memories. Immersive educational experiences enrich travel in more ways than one. Engaging with locals allows you to get a true understanding of regional customs and traditions while indulging in unique culinary experiences, which teach you how native ingredients are infused into the cuisine.

By stepping out of your comfort zone, you will be able to expand your horizons to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. From visiting historical sites like the Parthenon to attending local performances or taking a cooking class, there are countless ways to add depth to your travel experience. As the “university of the world,” Road Scholar has expert-led programs on every continent, offering experiences compatible with any interest.

6. Travel with a Community

Traveling with a community of like-minded individuals opens up the opportunity to forge meaningful friendships and connections that will last well beyond your travels. Through spirited conversations, you can connect with fellow travelers and bond over the shared experience of discovery. Additionally, traveling with a group offers a sense of security, especially when exploring a new destination.

At Road Scholar, you’ll join a diverse cohort of travelers from a wide range of backgrounds, from business professionals to teachers and beyond. Together, you’ll combine independence with social opportunities in exciting areas around the world.

Make Every Trip a Learning Adventure

By carefully considering these six rules for traveling in retirement, you can enjoy a stress-free, comfortable and enriching journey, whether exploring new places or rediscovering familiar destinations. Retirement travel offers a wide range of benefits, from learning something new to building community and social connections. Traveling also allows seniors to stay active through walking tours, sightseeing or engaging in new activities. This allows seniors to promote cognitive health while reducing stress. With Road Scholar, every journey is seamless, engaging and transformative, led by professional guides well-versed in each destination’s culture, history and traditions. Explore our collection of senior travel programs and start your retirement travel adventure today.