The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Solo Trip In Retirement
How To Plan For A Solo Trip In Retirement
Having the freedom to travel near and far or far and wide is one of the best things about retirement, especially if you plan on spreading your wings and seeing your state, country, or other regions by yourself. However, age brings a few different challenges from those you might have encountered in your younger days. To ensure your adventures go off without a hitch, use our guide to plan ahead and enjoy all the benefits of solo trips in retirement. Here’s how to plan for a solo trip in retirement.
Do Your Research Upfront
Don’t be tempted to go traveling without doing some research first. Research is vital, even if you prefer a more flexible schedule that allows you to take things as they come. Proper preparation can ensure you save money on flights, hotels, tours, and activities and have a safe and comfortable experience.
Research destinations and other travelers’ experiences of countries, cities, hotels, restaurants, tours, and other activities. Check booking sites and hotel websites to compare offers and read reviews. This will give you greater insight into what other travelers have experienced first-hand.
Create A Basic Itinerary
Almost every successful solo trip in retirement begins with research, but the time and effort you put into this won’t be worth much if you don’t use your newfound knowledge to plan. Take time to plan a basic itinerary for guidance, but don’t pack your schedule too tightly. After all, you’re bound to discover attractions and activities you didn’t know about before arriving at your destination, and you’ll want to allow for the unexpected.
Keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to fit everything you would like to do into your itinerary. Use your planning time to prioritize your activities and movements when you travel, booking beforehand, if possible, as this can help you save time by avoiding queues. Prebooking can also help you ensure that you enjoy the things you really want to experience, such as a gourmet meal in a hugely popular restaurant.
Choose Suitable Tours Or Activities
Be aware of your interests and capabilities when planning a solo trip in retirement. This can help you choose tours that cater to your interests while ensuring you enjoy as much of the experience as possible.
For example, if you enjoy art and culture, go on tours focusing on these aspects of your preferred destination. If you need to consider your physical health or condition, opt for tours or activities that are easy for you.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Ensure you have travel insurance that offers comprehensive coverage for lost luggage, cancellations, and medical emergencies. Even though travel insurance is optional in some regions and mandatory in others, it offers dependable protection in unforeseen circumstances and peace of mind. At the same time, you do some serious exploring or relaxing in retirement.
Go For A Pre-Travel Check-Up
Make sure that you schedule a health check-up with your doctor before traveling during your retirement, especially if you’re on chronic medication, have a health condition, or have had surgery. Ask your doctor for any required medication or vaccinations.
It’s also essential to gather or purchase a small first aid kit. If you’re putting together your own travel first aid kit, include essentials such as plasters, pain relievers, tweezers, gauze, a small bandage, antihistamines, and prescribed medications. Ensure you also include a copy of any prescriptions and check whether your medication types are allowed in your destination country. Some countries ban specific medications, so you need to be aware of this upfront.
Select Your Accommodation Carefully
Be discerning when choosing accommodation. While you can benefit from selecting accommodations designed with solo travelers in mind, such as Airbnbs, bed and breakfasts, hostels, and boutique hotels, it’s also important to consider comfort, safety, and your preferences. Look for personalized options that offer these and opportunities to meet other travelers. Be sure to check whether the prices you find are per person or apartment/room.
Pack And Travel Light
Only pack essentials to avoid the burden of heavy luggage. Research the climate of your destination when you’ll be there so you can pack accordingly. Pack clothing that’s versatile enough for different types of weather and that you can mix and match. It’s a good idea to use travel-size bottles for shampoo, conditioner, and other personal care products, even if you decant your own, as this can help save space for all the souvenirs you bring home.
When you make your packing list, include a small yet sturdy bag or backpack to carry essentials. This bag can hold a reusable water bottle to ensure you drink enough water, a warm or waterproof top to protect you from a sudden change in the weather, a power bank for your phone in case of emergency, and any critical documents or essentials you need within easy reach.
Take Advantage Of Technology
Make the most of your smartphone when you travel solo as a retired person. Use it to stay in touch with loved ones at home and use travel apps and other technologies when exploring your destination. That said, try to unplug from social media while on your holiday unless social media is your way of staying connected to the world and sharing your memories.
Using your phone, you can find accommodation, directions, specials, and travel experience tips, buy tickets, and book restaurants, tours, and transport tables. This will save you time and effort, allowing you to put more energy (or less) into enjoying your holiday.
Let Someone Know Your Travel Plans
Let someone you trust know your travel itinerary and check in with them daily or at agreed times, letting them know you’re safe and sound. Traveling solo at any age can be risky, and it’s important to be honest about that. Giving someone a copy of your itinerary and checking in regularly offers peace of mind to you and them.
Enjoy Retirement Travel Adventures
Retirement is when you get to do what you want, traveling included! Whether you’re considering a stay in a nearby town or you have your eye on an exotic location halfway around the world, planning and preparing correctly for your solo trip is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Use this ultimate guide to turn your travels into adventures.