excerpt from chapter 6: How to Retire? Travel

I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list. Susan Sontag

Writer and activist Susan Sontag shares the fervent desire we have for new experiences and novel places. In this third act, the desire to travel may be intensified. This chapter explores why retirees are attracted to travel and travel options for seniors. Travel plans should include considerations of travel companions, where to go, and when to travel. Travelling in retirement comes with a new set of challenges, which can be made easier and more satisfying by following the tips at the end of this chapter.

Why Retirees Travel

Traveling is among the most anticipated activities after retirement (Collinson & Cho, 2023; Coxwell, 2023; Levy, 2024). According to the 2024 AARP Survey of Travel Trends, 65% of respondents over the age of 50 expect to travel at least once within the year, and many are choosing international destinations (Levy, 2024). Retirees are ready for takeoff!

So why do retirees prioritize travel? It has multiple benefits. It gets you out of your comfort zone when you experience new cultures, cuisines, languages, and customs. Theresa shared with me that travel is a way to prevent boredom in retirement:

Travel lets you get out of your routine and go and do things that challenge you. Go to places that challenge you. It’s about learning and getting out of your rut. (Theresa, retired for 7 years)

Traveling can be an exciting way to learn and grow. Liam’s desire to travel when he was retired was motivated by the opportunity for new discoveries:

Going to other places means new things and new experiences. I’ve always wanted to do that. You need to think about what you want to learn when you travel. (Liam, retired for 7 years)

It is so true that “the world is full of wonderful places, it’s time to go see them.”

Travel can also expand your horizons by exposing you to different worldviews and perspectives. When traveling to China, my husband and I experienced being “the other,” being noticeably different from those around us. We were stared at, and complete strangers wanted to take our photo. This gave me an appreciation for the different perspectives and experiences of others. In an interesting interview with Diana, she shared how travel gave her a more tolerant world view:

There’s a quote from Mark Twain that says travel will be the enemy of prejudice. This message really came full circle for me when I traveled in Africa. (Diana, retired for 7 years)

Learning about your own beliefs and cultural stereotypes can foster personal growth.

Depending on the nature of your trip, travel can be a way to relax and reduce stress. Even as a retiree, travel can relieve the pressure of everyday responsibilities. Travel can be rejuvenating and give you a fresh start after returning home. Evidence of positive physical and mental health benefits from travel is persuasive. Travel is correlated with lower levels of depression, stress, and the risk of a heart attack. It is also associated with improved cognitive flexibility and happiness (Alton, 2017; RBC Wealth Management, n.d.).

Retirees travel to visit family and friends. According to research, 3 in 10 adults live near extended family. Many retirees travel to visit family and friends (Hurst, 2022). Family members travel for reunions to reinforce and reconnect with relatives (Barn Burner, 2023). Interest in genealogical research has prompted some travelers to reach out to extended relatives. One of the retirees I interviewed travelled to Sicily to connect with his relatives. Although they did not speak the same language, they were able to reconnect through photos and historical documents. Kate’s retirement plans include preserving precious time with family by prioritizing this type of travel:

Other people travel to see different things and different places. That’s not what draws me. I travel to visit family. So, it’s about the people. And I’ve got siblings who have health issues so I’m going to visit them while there is still time. (Kate, retired for 1 month)

In retirement, there is time to reconnect with family members.

With a reduced number of work relationships, deepening relationships with friends is also a strong impetus for travel after retirement. Close friendships are linked to positive health outcomes (Mertens, 2023). Although some friends may be local, the average American moves 11.7 times during their lifetime (United States Census Bureau, 2024). Friends may therefore become dispersed geographically. I have a group of close friends who live all over the country. I’m excited that we are planning to get together this spring.

Some retirees travel to fulfill personal religious or other spiritual goals. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may have waited until retirement to visit Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Internationally, Israel, and particularly Jerusalem, is an important destination for many Jewish people. A lifelong wish of many Muslims is to take part in the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Northern India and southern Nepal are the sites for Buddhist pilgrimages, including places where Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha, was born, lived, and taught. “Mission” trips abroad have become an important travel theme in recent years. The possibilities are endless.

When to Travel

Retires often prioritize travel early in their post-retirement. Now that they have more flexibility, they can travel at will. Vincent is keen to take advantage of this flexibility:

When we were working, we had a short window for travel—maybe 2–3 weeks a year. Now we can go whenever we feel like it. There’s a lot of world to see. I want to keep seeing it, and so does my wife. (Vincent, retired for 1 year)

Retiring opens the calendar for travel. It took me a while to realize that I did not have to restrict my family trips to the weekends.

Allocating a larger amount in the budget to travel in these early years makes sense. According to an AARP survey, retirees set aside 5–10% of their budget for travel with an average of $5,000 for the first 10–15 years. In 2024, the survey suggested that retirees planned to spend over $6,000 on travel (AARP, 2024).

Retirees can save money by travelling offseason. The offseason is the time of reduced activity in a particular location and will vary by location. The offseason at Disney World is late August or early September; the offseason in France is November through the end of March. Transportation and hotels are cheaper. The flexibility of retirees’ schedules makes it easier for them to travel during the offseason versus the peak season. In addition, retirees will appreciate that there are fewer tourists and shorter lines.

After retirement, my wife and I traveled for four months. We never travel in the summer. We want to avoid all of the tourists. (Isaac, retired for 1 year)

Isaac and his wife take advantage of their flexibility in retirement to improve their travel experience. One caveat: Some attractions may reduce their hours or close during the offseason, so it pays to check this in advance.

Finally, retirees have the luxury of traveling at a moment’s notice. You can take advantage of last-minute deals offered by airlines, cruises, hotels, and resorts. By saving in this way, you can stretch your travel budget. Websites for finding these deals are collected in Appendix 6.1.

Overall, travel in retirement has far fewer restrictions. Retirees control their own schedules, opening more opportunities to travel and increasing the flexibility regarding when they travel and the length of their trips.

Modes of Transportation

You can get from point A to point B on planes, trains, ships, buses, and automobiles (Gamliel, 2024). Planes are the quickest way to travel but also the most expensive. They are (relatively) reliable and safe. Unfortunately, cancellations and flight delays are a reality. Travelers need to be flexible and patient if these occur. Planes are especially recommended for trips of short duration so precious time is not being used to just get to the destination. Some airlines offer senior discounts and other amenities for seniors (e.g., wheelchairs, extra boarding time). It is best to call customer service at the airline to determine available discounts and eligibility criteria. To reduce stress, arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This should give you plenty of time to find your wheelchair assistant, check your baggage, go to the restroom, pass through security, and get a snack. In the security clearance, passengers will need to show identification, remove items from pockets, empty any water bottles, and put all other liquids (3 ounces or smaller) in a bag that can be placed in the security bin. Seniors are given priority in boarding the plane if they require additional time or are in a wheelchair (Postcards & Passports, 2023). Although I feel like plane travel has become more unpredictable, it is still my favorite way to travel in retirement. I do have to remind myself to be patient!

Trains are the fastest form of land travel, typically less expensive than planes but more expensive than buses. They have reliable schedules, bathrooms, and sometimes dining and/or sleeping cars. Trains are comfortable and can be a good option if you have more time for traveling or if you live in an area that has a well-developed rail system. There are more extensive lines in Europe than in the United States. My husband prefers to travel by train because you can view the scenery and easily move around. Amtrak reports that 24% of their passengers are over 65 (Brody, 2023). They offer senior discounts (with limitations) as well as priority boarding for seniors. Prior to your trip, check on the accessibility of the train and the station, as well as the availability of Wi-Fi.

Coach or charter buses booked for a group are the least expensive form of land travel and, like planes, offer passengers a view of the passing scenery. Buses may be a good option for casino excursions, museum tours, shopping, festivals, or reunions. Passenger satisfaction with bus travel varies with the quality of the service, amenities, and the length of trip. Most coach or charter buses in the United States have Wi-Fi, power outlets, a restroom, air conditioning, and reclinable seats. Movement is limited, and long trips on a bus can be hard on aging bones! Greyhound is the largest carrier in the United States and offers senior discounts. Buses are a go-to option when financial considerations are primary. Bus travelers recommend wearing layers to be comfortable and taking a book, ipad, or sketchbook to keep yourself busy.

Cruising is immensely popular among older adults. More than one half of the passengers on cruise ships are over 50, and one third are 60 or older (Zelinski, 2024). This option is less physically taxing than other alternatives and offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment. Cruise ships are designed to be accessible. They vary from budget to luxury options, with corresponding amenities. Cruise lines offer discounts and exclusive deals for seniors including discounted fares, complimentary excursions, and onboard credits that can be used for things like drinks and entertainment. Some retirees love cruising so much that they engage in “serial cruising” and “retire at sea.” If you are new to cruising, try a shorter trip first to see if you like it. Book early to get an accessible cabin and choose activities that are appropriate given your mobility.

Day and weekend destinations may be easy to reach by car. This mode of travel is comfortable and flexible. The traveler controls the pace of the travel. This form of travel is also practical if you are travelling with pets. The flexibility of this type of travel can make it attractive even for longer road trips. At some point, however, you may not feel comfortable driving. Vision, hearing, and reaction times decline over time. Although there is no age restriction, the average age that individuals stop driving is 75 (Assil Gaur Eye Institute, n.d.). Before planning a road trip, assess your driving skills and your comfort level in making the trip. It will help to plan the route in advance, restrict your travel to daylight hours, and take frequent breaks.

It is worth comparing different modes of transportation. Compare costs, the availability of discounts, length of travel, comfort, reliability, flexibility, and amenities to assess the best option for your travel plans.Explore interactive visualizations that uncover insights, reveal trends, and help guide smart decisions. Our charts and graphs turn numbers into narratives—helping you understand and explore key information at a glance.