travel blogs for retirees

15 Inspirational Blogs On Travel After Retirement

Retired and Travelling

Ranked as one of the top senior travelling blogs simply for its stunning magazine-like layout, retired and travelling offers a variety of tips on various travel locations all around the world. from cruise ship offers to afternoon tea trips in exotic locations such as cuba and dubai, this blog covers it all and stays true to its audience..

Retired and Travelling provides professional, high-quality tips, tricks, and photos for those who are, well, retired and travelling. Looking for tips on how to get panoramic views of the Tokyo Tower? Want to know what executive lounge etiquette consists of? Maybe you’re looking for the top eateries in whichever destination you’re heading off to. This blog has it all and its content is very much geared towards retirees and their desires (i.e. this is not backpacking blog looking to entice young travellers to rundown hostels and free city experiences). It’s worth noting that the layout of this blog is one of its most attractive features. The magazine-like structure of the articles and the simple, clean background make it easy to read as well as navigate. The keyword search function, for example, is easy to use and makes it simple to find whatever you’re looking for. The authors of the blog are retired executives and certified pilots and divers, so you know their tips are equal parts professional and thrilling.

Wandering Rose Travels

Martin and libby rose are no novice wanderers. the pair is embracing semi-retirement by adding a touch of adventure and a lot of wonder to their lives, making their blog full of incredibly helpful travel tips and guides while always focusing on the adventurous needs of senior travellers..

What stands out from the get-go is the neatly organised categories there are to choose from including destinations, trip activities, general travel hacks, and healthy adventures. The owners of the blog, Martin and Libby Rose note that they’re embracing the twists and turns of grandbabies, joint pain and semi-retirement by adding as much adventure into it as they can. That’s probably how they’ve racked up such a strong database of helpful information. Their blog is full of a wide variety of travel tips for those who are adventurous but might need to take things like joint pain and an aging body into consideration. What’s especially impressive is the sheer variety of content available, ranging across nearly all seven continents while including various helpful items such as checklists and guides. Because Libby Rose suffers from asthma, you’ll find extra special travel information for those who also might be affected by asthma, as well as travel security information and review of helpful gear they’ve tried and loved.

Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel

We’re sure you can relate to the author of this blog, who notes that after years of working simply to get by, she felt like a “hole in the donut,” solid on the outside but empty on the inside. throwing it all away to pursue travel, writing, and photography in her 60s, this author has been travelling pretty much full-time since deciding to change her life, and she’s gained invaluable experience along the way..

After being diagnosed with and receiving treatment for Lyme disease, Barbara Weibel decided that she would leave behind her unfulfilling career and travelled solo around the world for six months. Upon returning, she knew she didn’t want to settle back into a life of semi-retirement in a job she hated, so she decided to make a full-time career and life out of living all over the world. This passion for travel and adventure shines through in her writing and all over her website as she gives some of the best retiree travel tips you’ll find on the internet. Ranging from travel gear reviews and the financials of travelling to packing tips, frequent flyer tips and even how to become a full-time expat, this blog doesn’t really lack much in terms of content. As an added plus, the blog is excellently organised and features a dropdown menu where you can choose content based on destination.

Luggage and Lipstick

This award-winning travel guide is designed specifically for baby boomers and focuses on boutique travel with style, humor, and adventure. there’s a reason this writer has been listed as one of the “top 20 baby boomer travel bloggers having more fun than millennials.”.

It’s hard to find a travel blog more complete than Luggage and Lipstick. Designed with a bit of beautiful flare, the author (who has personally deemed herself the Boomer Blonde) has travelled to all 50 American states, 6 continents, and over 65 countries, islands, and territories abroad. This means that her content is diverse and comprehensive while always providing tips catered towards her audience. The menu is incredibly easy to navigate as you can choose from “Go Here,” “Do This,” or “Eat What?” This blog is great for any retired traveller, but its content is a little more geared towards women, with special sections for girlfriend getaways, solo female trips and inspiring women that will help you realise your power and passion for travelling. Even more, there is a lot of video content to sift through where you’ll see the author in action doing things such as eating guinea pig in Peru and swimming with sea monsters in Bora Bora.

More Time to Travel

A blog that caters to, you guessed it…travellers over 50 who finally have more time to travel. more time to travel features a stunning layout, professional writing and a variety of categories that include books, gear, spas and even cruises..

Designed to inform and inspire travellers over 50, More Time to Travel is headed by author Irene S. Levine, who's got quite the resume. Not only has she created one of the best senior travel blogs on the internet, but she's also a managing editor of GettingOnTravel, the only multi-authored online magazine for the over-50 luxury traveler. She's also been featured on Forbes.com, which makes sense since her travel writing is some of the best around. With categories such as experiences, cruises, food and wine and even contests to participate in, the content on More Time to Travel is really specific, which is something extra special. Here you'll find general travel guidees for travellers over 50, but also very specific city tips such as which small Italian villages you need to head to or insight into a small sugar shack in Quebec. The specific nature of the content and the quality of the writing and photos really set this blog apart from the rest.

Clark Norton

One of the industries experts in baby boomer travel, clark norton has years of copywriting and travel writing experience which make his blog absolutely great in terms of quality. better yet he offers his writing services to others, in case you're inspired to start your own travel blog..

The author of this blog is not only a veteran travel writer, but he’s also the author of hundreds of features published in major magazines, newspapers, and websites. This means that, along with publishing great travel tips for other baby boomers, he pubilshes links to full guides he’s researched and written himself. Clark Norton is especially great at writing blogs with retired travellers and baby boomers in mind, featuring content that centers around top travel destinations for like-minded individuals who are looking for age-appropriate adventure, cuisines and more. In this blog, you’ll learn about just how much your medical insurance will cover you while travelling abroad, how to go about purchasing a vacation property and how to travel as a retiree without spending all of your pension. As an added plus, Clark Norton is so well-versed in writing that he even offers his services to companies and individuals, so if you’re looking to start your own travel blog, it might be worth getting in touch.

Traveling with Sweeney

The author’s passion for going places is never absent from this blog’s content, which features information for any type of trip. whether you’re looking for tips on a weekend getaway, an international journey, a cross-country road trip, or a local jaunt, this is your place..

Whereas some other senior travel blogs focus on budget-friendly travel, Travelin with Sweeney is all about the best in luxury. What’s great is that the author adds a unique angle to traditional travel blogs by providing travel itineraries based on her own experiences and past trips. Rather than simply providing general tips and travel hacks, this blog delves into the small hidden secrets of various locations around the world. You can find, for example, blogs with information about the tiny town of Avignon, France or even blogs that will help you learn how to say thank you in more than ten different languages. The variety of the content is the beauty of this blog, but the pretty photos that the author has taken herself add a nice special touch that lets you know she’s really explored all of the backstreets and little winding roads in order to uncover hidden travel treasures.

Sand in My Suitcase

Luxury travel tales with a twist of adventure is the tagline of this award-winning blog. published by a husband and wife team of retirees who are indulging in luxury travel while photographing and writing about it all, this blog is nothing short of spectacular when it comes to content, both written and visual..

While the name suggests otherwise, Sand In My Suitcase isn’t only about jetting off to beachy tourist spots. Not only do they cover worldwide destinations, but they’ve also been published in major travel magazines. Like other blogs, this website allows you to search for various locations through their Destinations tab but also allows you to browse through experiences, cultural trips, adventures, cruise stories and Miami hotel reviews under their Explore tab. This means that, if travelling for you is more about the hotel stay than the city tour, then this blog is ideal for you. The sheer amount of hotel reviews available will certainly help you plan a great trip wherever you go. Still not quite sure where to start? That’s okay, they’ve got reader-curated lists of the best blogs and have even developed their own lists containing their favorite blogs and destinations to help you get started. Browse through their content and then head over to their Instagram feed for some inspiring travel photos. Even though they’re both retirees, their feed looks like it’s been shot and organised by a tech and travel-savvy millennial.

Chocolatour

Great for simply the novelty value of a nice blog that caters not only to retired travellers, but retirees who love to enjoy choclate while experiencing various different cultures as well. if you're looking for a specific travel activity like visiting a chocolate factory or touring a chocolate farm, check this one out..

When you’ve read all of the content in traditional travel blogs and still have a craving for something a little sweeter, you’ll want to click on over to Chocolatour, designed for lovers of everything chocolate-related. Featuring content about chocolate tours, tastings and travel events, this blog is backed by an author who is a chocolate adventurist and fellow retiree who provides insight and tips about travel destinations that have some sort of connection to chocolate, guides for visiting local chocolate farms in various different countries and reviews of sweet memories she’s encountered in her travels. The writing quality is great, which is probably why the author was nominated for so many awards for her 2014 book of the same name. Joining her on her global discovery of the many facets and tastes of chocolate is so thrilling that you’ll find yourself clicking through page after page as you become more entranced by the idea of planning your next travel adventure solely based on where you’ll be able to find the best sweets.

Adventures of Empty Nesters

If you and your partner are empty nesters looking to fill your now open schedule with travel, then this is absolutely the blog for you. not only will you find age-appropriate travel tips, but you'll receive great insight into what it feels like to adjust to life after the children move away..

What this blog does is take a general audience and really hone in on advice for those who are experiencing the period of change that occurs when your children have recently flown the nest. Featuring amazing tips and a super navigable site, Adventures of the Empty Nesters provides travel hacks along with practical advice for retirees looking to make sense of life with an empty nest. Not only is their Instagram feed pretty stunning, but they also publish videos occassionally and have a variety of categories in which they organise their blog to make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. Filled with tips that range from a bucket list adventure trip to Iceland and a romantic dinner spot review in Mallorca, Spain to life as an empty nester in California, this couple truly does cover it all and they do so with style and flare.

Contented Traveller

The tagline of this blog is “you’ve worked hard. you’ve earned it. just travel.” and, that pretty much sums up exactly what this couple is all about. they’ve been travelling together for over thirteen years now and have racked up an impressive portofolio of written and visual content in nearly every continent, but their secret weapon is in their content about food..

Get ready to change your culinary world. Not only does Contented Traveller publish amazingly well-written travel articles geared towards other retirees, but they’re self-proclaimed foodies and it truly shines through their entire blog. They’ve even been to cooking schools in Sorrento and Chiang Mai, graduated from a paella academy in Spain and have plenty of Michelin star dining reviews on their site. What’s particularly special about this blog, however, is the fact that the couple, Paula and Gordon, are honest about the fact that travel couples, even the retired ones, don’t have to do everything together. This makes for a well-balanced and very honest read to their articles, even though they do end up sharing nearly most of their experiences together. Restaurant reviews , food suggestions, accommodation tips, travelling guides and so much more is what you’ll find on Contented Traveller, and it’s all top quality. As an added bonus, they’ve even collected a host of recipes from around the world that they’ve tasted during their travels and they’ve put them all online for you to enjoy.

France Travel Tips

Calling all francophiles. this is the blog for you the authoer, jan, just can't keep jetting off to france whenever she gets the chance and has racked up lots of unique experiences along the way that aren't included in most guidebooks or travel blogs. because she's also retired, her stories and tips are often geared towards a similar audience..

This blog’s author has been to France nearly 40 times, which means she’s an expert at finding local cafes, the best eats and some of the most adventurous, age-appropriate attractions. Because she’s recently retired, she’s finding her way through retirement as best as she can: running in races in both Canada and France and letting the travel bug bite her over and over again. Because this blog focuses solely on France as a travel destination, it means that the content can be more intricate and centralised on small, specific experiences. She writes, for example, about a paddling trip she took under the Pont du Gard in Provence and how to visit local French markets to search for and order the best chicken to roast. These types of tips are incredibly helpful for travellers looking to stop in France during their journies. If you’re one of those travellers, you’ll be able to find advice on French etiquette, language, culture and so much more.

Golden Age Trips

You're living the golden age, so why not engage with a blog that's designed specifically for you this travel blogger has cultivated some of the best local travel tips within the united states and offers dining suggestions, accommodation tips and so much more, all with an added touch of luxury..

This Florida-based woman who hails from Puerto Rico lacks nothing in terms of culture and style. The blog is complete, comprehensive and filled with valuable advice regarding what she calls the “superagers” style of travelling. In her own words, she claims that these types of travellers seek more than just a typical cruiseand are on the hunt for travel experiences that immerse them in the culture and activities of their destination. What more could you ask for? Because she’s based in Florida, she has a lot of content about great travel destinations within the United States, which is great for those looking to spend some time in the various different parts of the US. As an added plus, this blog offers the ability to join a private group of other “golden age travellers” looking to share travel tips, secrets and stories. This is perhaps one of the most unique parts of this blog, as it offers the chance to join a community of like-minded people seeking the same types of adventures.

Travels with Tam

If you're looking for content that ranges from south america to africa and even to antarctica, this is your place. not only has the author been all over the world, but she address themes such as being an empty nester and normal family woes that come with having adult children..

Few travel blogs are more complete than Travels with Tam, which features content reaching as far as Antarctica. With sections dedicated to travelling, eating, and even diving, you’ll find yourself able to get lost in the well-written blogs of Tam, a retired traveler who’s been pretty much everywhere. She’s also an empty nester and used the time right after all her kids flew the coop to explore her native state of Texas. While you might not be looking for Texas-specific advice, her blogs about this experience are insightful and full of great emotional tips. What’s cool is that there’s a section of the blog that offers you the chance to actually travel with Tam. If you’re looking for an interesting experience with a fellow retiree who can show you the ropes, then you’ll want to stay connected to this woman and her blog. Who knows, you might even make a new travel best friend.

Life Bites News

Here you'll find the hottest news bites on travel, food and health. the health aspect is particularly interesting and charming, as it provides a unique angle on typical travel blogs only geared towards adventure. as a retired traveller, you'll likely find these health tips useful and the food bites even more so..

Not only does this blog focus on travel adventures and culinary delights, but the author does a great job of providing her audience with a variety of other news articles related to past times and pop culture. With sections such as “Tinseltown Tidbits,” “Kids Kaleidoscope,” “Spa Babys Secrets,” and more, you’ll find that this is a great source for travel tips as well as other general life hacks and stories that can either help you during your travels or that will at least keep you entertained as you kill time during a layover. The news is from all over the world, making it particularly relevant to travellers who want to stay updated on cultural events and the latest happenings in various different countries they’ve either travelled to or are going to travel to. What’s best of all is that the author, Bonnie Carroll, works in collaboration with top chefs, travel professionals and even international airlines to bring you close to the Port of Miami .

30 Best Above 50-year-old Travel Blogs & Websites To Follow In 2022

Welcome to my list of Best Above 50-year-old Travel Blogs. Here I made an archive of the best and most prominent 30 travel bloggers that are more than 50 years old.

Best Above 50-year-old Travel Blogs

• Life Part 2 – Jonathan Look took early retirement to pursue my passions for life, writing and photography.
• Vagrants of the World – When Kate and Mark retire they got rid of everything, packed 23 kilos each and started new career as international house sitters, discover extraordinary destinations & hidden gems.
• Gypsy Nester – David & Veronica are experiencing the collision of baby boomer and empty nester.They decided to grab life by the horns, sell the nest and become GypsyNesters.
• A Hole in My Shoe – Lyn and Steve from Australia everyday are one step closer to their next big adventure. Next adventure planned for December.
• Contented Traveller – Gordon and Paula travel their own way. Expect unique stories and advice for those who do not like conformity.
• My Itchy Travel Feet – The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel by Donna and Alan, inspiring boomers to get up off the couch and travel.
• Passing Thru – An online entrepreneurs who sold it all and moved to a tropical island. Now traveling RTW full time and living the dream.
• Luggage and Lipstick – The ultimate guide to adventure travel for baby boom women and men.
• Midlife at the Oasis – Lois is celebrating midlife by rediscovering her husband, comfortable shoes, the joy of female friends and, most of all, herself.
• Silver Backpacker – Digital Nomad travelling since the 70’s. Love Asia especially Philippines.
• Glamour Granny Travels – World travels of a chic granny.
• Travel Past 50 – Tom and Kris, empty nesters, baby boomers and travel bloggers.They have been to 55 countries since 2010.
• 50 Shades of Age – A lighthearted blog for the 50s and 60s with focus on Australian travel.
• One Road at a Time – Patti and Abi retired early to live a carefree life, travel the world and hopefully inspire others to redefine retirement.
• McCool Travel – Charles McCool is a travel skills expert, author, trainer, and blogger.
• Adventures in Wonderland – Alison and Don, travelling through the world, and through life.
• The Travelers Way – Travel magazine providing information and inspiration for curious baby boomer travelers, focusing on value luxury.
• Solo Trips and Tips – The blog for people who travel alone and inspiration for those who want to make their first solo trip.
• To Travel Too – Jane and Duncan embark on a global journey, house sitting and travelling in South America , Europe and Asia.
• Backroad Planet – Howard & Jerry’s passion are road trips and discovery on the backroads.
• Zenaida – Adventures and insights of a lady in her prime traveling solo around the world.
• Travel With All Senses – Travel tips to boomers still young and everyone with an interest for adventure, culture, arts and good food.
• World Wide Adventurers – Amazing adventures and activities of Joanne and Des.
• Nomad Women – Donna shares information and inspiration for mature women who travel or want to travel.
• Live Each Adventure – Trev and Chris from Adelaide want to encourage others to enjoy the life.
• Not Dun Roamin – Danila and Chris have sold everything and travel, mixing in volunteering on conservation projects, with staying in interesting places for weeks or months at a time.
• Tusen Takk II – The travel adventures of Chuck and Barb Shipley.
• Vagabondians – Glenn and Dixie are living expat life in Mexico, enjoying freedom in the second half of their lives.
• Gray on the Road – Traveler with a senior’s viewpoint and 53 years of experience of independent travel.
• Mid Life Wanderlust 1965 – Tales of a middle aged history buff, music lover, vegetarian and his travels.
• Jenny & Ewout Grand Adventures – Journal of an Australian couple, Jenny and Ewout who travel extensively in their motorhome the “Bunyip”.
• We Trot About – LuAnn and Andy quit their jobs & started traveling the world.

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We are an American couple who are traveling the world in retirement. We’ve visited 97 countries, every US state, and 52 of the National Parks in the USA. We hope our experience gives insight when you are planning a trip of your own. Happy Journeys! ~ John & Bev

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Retirement Travel: How to Get the Most Out of Senior Travel

Today’s guest post is from Kristin Henning. She and her husband Tom Bartel are perpetual travelers and publishers of the blog TravelPast50.com , where they discuss travel for older travelers looking to make the most out of retirement. Kristin is here to give her best tips on retirement travel (since I obviously don’t know much about this subject!).

Many hardworking people dream of the time when they’ll retire from their regular jobs and hit the road. For almost as many, the allure of travel is offset by the stress of planning and packing and leaving home for more than a few days.

Getting started can be especially difficult for senior travelers because of the “baggage” accumulated over a lifetime, including habits, pets, elderly parents, children and grandchildren, medical and other professional support networks, and assorted household stuff. Managing even a couple of months away can be complicated.

We were lucky to start our retirement travel early. We sold our house in 2010 and moved to South America, starting with a brief time teaching English. For the next ten years we traveled in almost every way imaginable: from months overseas to weekend trips in the USA ; from road trips to bike trips to walking across Spain ; from solo adventures to luxuriating together on a river cruise; from house-sitting to hotel-hopping.

We had no idea when we started out where this journey would take us, but before we knew it, we’d visited more than 70 countries on six continents!

We know such extensive travel isn’t for everyone. But the benefits of travel are available to anyone willing to take the leap and devote a month or two, at least, to exploring with interest and curiosity.

In any case, regarding retirement travel, we want to focus on using time and flexibility to your best advantage. Let’s replace the idea of a fully scheduled holiday — those plans you squeezed into your too-short paid vacation time — with the concept of independent, slower travel, because that’s when discoveries blossom. (Even if you do participate in a package holiday, we encourage you to surround the experience with additional weeks on your own to realize the rewards of independent travel.)  

Why Seniors Love to Travel — and are Good At It

Following our noses and personal interests, we can pursue opportunities that pop up along the way. Unrushed, we can stop to ask questions or read a roadside marker; we can add a few days to our travels to detour to an unusual site; we can decide to linger longer in a favorite spot.

So, while acknowledging our logistical barriers — and the need to adapt to new pandemic-related travel protocols — let’s remember why travel still calls. Here’s why we keep on traveling, right into even older age!

1. Natural beauty: Discover diverse scenery and ecosystems We love moving beyond our Great Plains roots to spend time in the mountains, to explore the deserts, to appreciate oceans and wetlands, and to view geological mysteries. The history of the Earth is long, and our time to witness all its glories and sunsets is short.

2. Historic context: Travelers love to learn No matter where we travel, we’re likely to start our visit with historic sites and museums to gain perspective on the area’s cultural heritage. These experiences not only add meaning to travel but often steer us to the next destination (or detour!) in order to follow some thread of the story.

3. Healthy lifestyle: Travel for your health Travel means more fresh air and exercise than we ever manage at home. The best of travel is active travel; walking in cities, hiking through national parks, and enjoying biking or water sports make for healthy bodies and engaged minds. Active travel also means you are that much closer to local people, as opposed to being escorted around by bus. Try it!

4. Food and culture: Find common concerns around the globe Who can deny the joy of watching a festival, eating the best regional dishes, and enjoying the local wine? These are the windows into the culture of a community, and we travelers are lucky to sample the fare and recognize these common concerns and joys around the world.

5. Increased resilience and patience: Calm down and enjoy the present Just because our children tell us we’re set in our ways doesn’t mean it’s true! Facing the unknown isn’t easy, but travel teaches patience and adaptability. Handling delays, changes, or adversity calls on us to solve problems and propose solutions. Problem-solving builds confidence, and confidence builds self-reliance, which in turn brings more joy to travel.

It’s also true that senior travelers aren’t afraid to take a day of rest. Sightseeing is most enjoyable at whatever pace one finds manageable.

6. Youthfulness: Surround yourself with all ages Traveling helps us feel young and energized. Interest in exploration and discovery is ageless, and fellow travelers love to share tips and stories. It’s easy to strike up conversations with all sorts of people when you are abroad. We especially enjoy meeting young travelers and hearing about their homes and travels. Most are interested in hearing about us, too.

7. Simplify your life: Travel light When you travel for an extended time and pack light , it becomes clear that joy comes from experiences more than things. Appreciate the lightness of living with only a roller bag and backpack for a few months and you’ll be inspired to declutter or downsize once you’re back home.  

Prepare Now to Enjoy Travel Later

1. Take steps to leave your home safe and sound

• Install a Wi-Fi remote-controlled thermostat.
• Consider a home security system to alert you of any opened doors or windows.
• Go paperless: If you haven’t already, eliminate all paper mail, including bank and credit card statements, doctors’ and insurance bills, and Social Security mailings. A good paperless habit now means easier travel preparations to come.
• Hold or forward mail: The US Postal Service will hold mail for up to 30 days. For longer trips, consider USPS Informed Delivery , or (as we did) forward your mail to a post office box accessible to a trusted family member or friend.
• Arrange house and/or pet sitters: Relying on friends and family to check in on your house and pets may not be a realistic solution. Look into the array of options, whether boarding your pet, hiring someone to tend to your pet/plants/house regularly, or finding a live-in house sitter. Check out Trusted Housesitters or House Sitters America for example.
• Sell or park your car: Avoid unnecessary auto expenses by storing your car and removing the insurance (except comprehensive) while it’s not being driven.

2. Prepare your online banking and travel credit cards

• If you haven’t already switched to online banking, now is the time to free yourself for travel.
• Check out PayPal and Venmo for settling up with friends, family, and small businesses instantly, from your phone.
• Find a travel credit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee.
• Know your credit card benefits. Know in advance, for example, which credit card you want to use to book a rental car so that you will realize built-in insurance benefits.
• Advise credit card companies of your travel. Otherwise, when they see unusual activity in, say, Bolivia , they may freeze your account.
• ATMs use debit cards, so know your PIN. Some services also require debit card transactions (versus credit). This is common in rail and metro systems.
• Leave unnecessary credit cards and jewelry at home.
• Carry and exchange minimal cash.

3. Tend to your travel health and wellness

• No matter where you travel, it’s important to start out with a clean bill of health, or at least some knowledge of how to deal with particular health issues.
• Prescriptions: With cooperation from your doctor and pharmacy, it’s possible to get more than 90 days of prescriptions filled at once.
• Travel clinics: Visit your doctor or a travel clinic with your specific destination in mind. This is invaluable if immunizations are required for visas or entry, and a huge help for understanding potential diseases and dangers in certain regions of the world. Travel clinics may also help supply first aid items and medicines, such as antidiarrheal or antibiotic pills, or medicine to prevent altitude sickness or seasickness.
• Pandemic and other global health updates: Do research the current conditions in your intended destination(s).
• Travel insurance : Check out single-trip coverage or annual plans (if you travel three or more times a year, including domestic trips). A good travel insurance program for seniors will (a) allow the traveler to find an emergency room or medical care provider quickly, (b) provide for emergency evacuation as the medical condition or situation dictates, and (c) offer appropriate coverage with minimal prior approval requirements.

4. Mind your digital records and mobile communications

• Eliminate headaches and having to put out fires back home by organizing your essential documents in digital format in advance.
• Scan or photograph your passport and credit cards and know where to access these on your phone or computer (preferably both).
• Update any travel-related apps, including those you might want in an emergency (banking, travel insurance, maps, and travel planners like TripIt or AAA ).
• Protect your various login usernames and passwords in a secure online place like 1Password .
• Set up your phone plan according to your destination, time away, and need for connectivity. Options include everything from using Wi-Fi only as available (turning roaming off), getting a SIM card specifically for your destination country (recommended for long stays), or using your US phone plan. We’ve appreciated the ease of T-Mobile’s unlimited data plan , which is good in over 140 countries.

The reward for being prepared is great enjoyment of the moment, your travel moment. When we travel, we expect we’ll meet up with various challenges. But many of those challenges are the adventure stories that stick with us the longest. We’re proud of those times when we’ve been able to roll with the punches, adapt to the situation, and continue to enjoy the journey.

Senior travelers, we know, are as qualified as any to launch themselves into the unknown and fully appreciate the benefits of travel . May we all discover that travel experiences are part of our lives and character, not escapes from them.

Kristin Henning and her husband Tom Bartel are perpetual travelers and publishers of the blogs Travel Past 50 and MN Trips . Their wwebsites are regularly featured in major media and they often speak at travel events.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

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The Golden Rules of Retirement Travel

By Stacey Lastoe

This is part of a collection of stories celebrating the many shapes retirement travel can take. Read more here.

Bonni and Bob Gumport travel regularly in their retirement. Not beholden to one short vacation a year (they average seven big ones), their compounding experience has allowed them to develop a code of rules by which they abide— tips and tricks to use wherever they go. After one too many of the small rooms common in boutique hotels, for example, they’ve cut them out entirely. Also out of the question are walking tours within two days of arrival in a new destination, as they prefer to settle in. Their daughter Lauren describes them as “pros on retiree travel,” but they are not the only ones with advice to give.

There are former museum curators who have learned not to overbook themselves; solo travelers who always learn a little of the local language. Adherence to anyone’s rules will never ensure a vacation free of hiccups, where no flight is ever delayed , every tour is worth the hours put in, and every meal sublime . But learning from others may improve your chances of a good time—even when things inevitably go sideways. We’ve spoken to over 20 retired travelers to hear how their Golden Years have informed the way that they travel. Below, find some of their savviest secrets for better trips.

1. Take a ride on the hop-on, hop-off bus tour

If she’s traveling in a city that offers one of those double-decker hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours, Denver -based Heidi Burtoni, 65, who goes on multiple trips per year, is definitely stepping aboard. Burtoni says it’s a great way to figure out the rest of her itinerary, get tips from other travelers and the tour guide, and get a feel for the new city. “It’s the first thing I do to get the lay of the land,” says Burtoni. Her previous career in sales means the frequent solo traveler will “talk to anybody,” so these tours also open the door for socializing and making connections.

Know what to skip—“whether that means avoiding tourist traps, the most sweltering hours at fairs, or not putting yourself in danger by flagging a taxi when it's unsafe," says Lynn Zelevansky.

2. Figure out what to avoid

For Paul and Lynn Zelevansky (77 and 76, respectively), travel is less about hitting all the top spots and more about learning where not to go, “whether that means avoiding tourist traps, the most sweltering hours at fairs, or not putting yourself in danger by flagging a taxi when it’s unsafe.” They visit the Venice Biennale in fall, now, rather than at the opening, to avoid the worst of the crushes—it also helps them more effectively skirt the city's infamous pickpockets (Lynn's wallet was stolen on a crowded vaporetto ferry in 2022).

3. BYOTP (Bring Your Own Toilet Paper)

“Toilet paper in Europe is very scratchy … not good for sensitive parts,” says Florida native Karen Butera, an avid pickleball player who often travels with the sport in mind. Whenever overseas, she always travels with her own toilet paper. Butera, 66, is taking her granddaughter to see Taylor Swift in Paris this summer, and, yes, she will be packing TP—creature comforts are even more crucial on the road than they are at home.

4. Don’t overschedule

Packed-to-the-brim itineraries used to be J. Patrice Marandel’s MO, but these days, the former chief curator at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is more keen on scheduling “plenty of time for the unexpected.” Gone are the nonstop days with planned breakfasts, lunches, and dinners; instead, Marandel, 79, leaves room for the possibility of something unexpected and “exciting.” It often pays off.

5. Pack light

Buffalo, New York-based Lisa LaLonde, 74, and her travel companion Antoinette Judelsohn, 70, whom she’s been traveling with for over a decade, are pros at packing light . The pals can manage for a month on very little, relying on the versatility of black leggings and black tops, says LaLonde. The trick? Develop a travel uniform, bring just a few versions, and wash undergarments as necessary, says Judelsohn. Big suitcases stuffed to the brim with a ton of different outfits are more of a hassle than a luxury. “They’re a pain in the neck if you’re getting on a train or off a train … or moving from one city to another,” says LaLonde.

“Anybody and their brother with an RV travels on Sunday,” warns Jenelle Jones.

6. Don't get (too) excited

Judelsohn, a former teacher who met LaLonde when they worked together at the same school in Buffalo, has another travel rule that’s served her well: Letting go of expectations. “I never get excited about a trip,” says Judelsohn. Instead, the savvy traveler lets the excitement emerge based on what's in front of her in the moment.

7. Avoid traveling on Sundays

RVer Jenelle Jones, 64, is against traveling on Sundays. As she puts it, “anybody and their brother with an RV travels on Sunday.” Long weekend RVers who have to get back for work on Monday use Sundays to head home, so retired Jones, 64, simply avoids the day altogether. It's also, according to her, the “biggest day to get in an RV wreck”— yet another reason to sit back and relax. You have nowhere you need to be, after all. Take advantage.

8. Learn a few words of the local language

Charlotte Simpson , whose blog Traveling Black Widow documents her travels (100 countries and counting so far), says her number one travel rule is to learn a few key phrases—hello, goodbye, please, thank you—in the dominant language of the places she visits. Simpson says her efforts are always well received. “I just find, inevitably, it sort of stuns people when I even just say good morning.” Simpson, who prefers not to reveal her age, says she gets a lot out of bridging the language gap with just a few words: “It just makes people so friendly and so happy that you took this moment to learn [their language].”

9. Travel slower

When you cram too much into a single trip, “the whole experience just kind of becomes a blur,” say Gillian Batt, 43, and Stephanie Myers, 51, whose blog Our Freedom Years documents their early retirement and subsequent travels. The couple, who hail from Ontario, Canada, say staying in one place for an extended period of time helps them avoid travel burnout, keep costs low, and enjoy the whole experience more. All that rushing around on limited PTO? Well behind them.

For RVers like Norm, keeping things flexible is key.

10. Go your own way

The pandemic crystallized things for Kim Kelly Stamp , 65, and her wife Liz Schick, 62, who left it all behind and decided to travel around the country in a red 21-foot teardrop trailer. They’ve since gotten really good at going with the flow. “We know where we’re going to stay along the way, but we hold that really loosely and give ourselves the opportunity to make something else happen,” explains Stamp. This approach led them to Laurel, Mississippi, where the HGTV show Hometown —of which Stamp and Schick are big fans of, is based. Instead of following a regimented schedule, they followed their passion when the road forked, literally.

11. Keep an open heart and mind

In spite of being seasoned travelers, John and Bev Martin, 60, who started the RetirementTravelers site to share their journey with others, admit they still need to remind themselves that they can’t control everything. “We have to be patient and receptive to the lessons the world is trying to teach,” says the couple. One that keeps coming up? “Retirement is not the time to stop dreaming about new and different routes in life.”

12. Do your research

The Gumports appreciate getting a taste of the local culture wherever they are traveling, and they’re not opposed to tours or experiences that deliver on this front. But Bonni has a few words of advice: “If you’re looking at purchasing something that uses words such as ‘bespoke, artisanal, farm-to-table’ and more fluffy adjectives, make sure these experiences are as authentic as they sound.” Read reviews thoroughly and take the time to research before you buy, advises Bonni. It's fun to be spontaneous, but it's easy to be misled by clever marketing and buzzwords.

13. It’s a marathon—not a sprint

It wasn’t long before Brenda Huyhn adopted—and adapted— a popular van-lifer rule: Don’t travel more than 3 hours, get in by 3 p.m., and stay at least 3 nights. Huyhn, who at 47 retired earlier than many, is adamant about not trying to do too much in one day to avoid burnout. She and her husband take their time, prioritizing “quality over quantity” with their stops and stays. It makes the entire experience all the richer.

14. You can always head home

Diana Petterson is on track to hit the 100-country mark just in time for her 70th birthday in 2026. But as much as the Black solo traveler loves seeing the world, she’s not afraid to ditch a trip if something isn’t working out. “Wherever I am in the world, if for whatever reason I am uncomfortable, or I don't feel well … I’m going to plop down that credit card , and get home.”

15. Start the day early to avoid the crowds

Artist Simma Liebman, 76, enjoys going to museums while visiting new cities and places. But since the retiree is immunocompromised, she plans these outings a little differently. Now Liebman hits the museums “as early in the day as possible” and masks up while taking in the art "unless there are very few people inside.” Whatever your motivation, rising early is something you can be sure the hordes of 20-something backpackers won't be doing. Beat them to all the best spots.

“I like a very good hotel, but not necessarily the best,” says Betty. Focus on getting the right location.

16. Base yourself strategically

Betty, 80, an art collector who declined to share her last name, has found that mid-sized hotels (meaning about 200 rooms) in central locations, with just enough of the services she wants and needs, do the job. “I like a very good hotel, but not necessarily the best,” says Betty. As long as you have the basics covered, it's really about location, location, location.

17. Don’t wait for tomorrow

Instead of putting off travel for a later date, Chicago -based Ruthie Maldonado-Delwiche advises those interested in exploring the world to get out there and “do it now.” Because “tomorrow isn’t promised,” Maldonado-Delwiche, who’s been traveling since she retired in 2017, says. Don't wait if there’s something you want to do or a place you want to visit.

Former psychiatrist Ann Heaslett, 60, who aims to run the six major world marathons in her retirement, feels exactly the same way. “There’s no time like the present.”

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7 Best Retirement Travel Blogs

When you’re thinking of going places during your retirement years, you’ll probably first do some internet research, right? Sure, you can use all the same old travel sites, but have you ever read a blog about travel? How about a blog about retirement travel ? Well, I’m here to tell you that they exist and they are the perfect resource for ideas, entertainment, and tips when planning to travel through your Golden Years! Here’s a list of the best retirement travel blogs out there to get you started!

1. Solo Travel Girl

Solo Travel Girl is a site by Jennifer Huber. Jennifer has worked in the tourism industry for nearly 20 years including 10 years with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. I met Jennifer once in Boston and believe her blog is great for the solo traveling Boomer!

2. My Itchy Travel Feet

One of our favorite Baby Boomer travel bloggers has always been Donna Hull with her blog,  My Itchy Travel Feet  – The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel. Always traveling to interesting spots in the US and internationally from her home in Montana, wherever she turns up next will be exciting. Donna does the type of travel we like: active and inquisitive. Small luxury cruises are one of  Donna’s specialties. A real plus is that both Donna and her husband Alan are both great photographers!

3. The Gypsy Nester

David & Veronica are empty nesters who blog as  The GypsyNester  to chronicle their discoveries and places they visit. Plenty of good travel photos adorn their posts and the photos are perfectly matched to their words seemingly following them step by step.  You really get the gist of a place reading their blog. More than that, Dave and Veronica are great people and have a genuine love of travel that you will see on their website, and especially in their videos.

4. The Roaming Boomers

The Roaming Boomers    – David and Carol Porter did what we all want to do. They turned 50 and began to travel! A Boomer’s travel guide with pretty pictures in a well-laid-out presentation. In fact, they have a tab called “pretty pictures” and a cloud to browse locations. David does a great job on The Roaming Boomers website.

5. Go NOMAD

Go NOMAD  – Travel articles about great destinations all over the world. Max Hartshorne has one of the most robust travel sites anywhere. Max knows travel. I had dinner with Max and was quite impressed.

6. Chris Cruises

Chris Cruises  – Chris Owen is a travel writer from Orlando, Florida who shares frank, inside information about cruise vacations with travelers. Chris knows cruises. I was with Chris in a group of travel experts when they interviewed a cruise line representative and the travel experts let Chris do the talking!

7. Never Stop Traveling

Never Stop Traveling  – I like the way they write on this blog. You feel like you are there with them on the trip. Donna Manz, as a travel planner, focuses on Europe, senior and solo travel, and river cruises.

Retirement Travel Resources

If you’re in need of some extra help, then here are some great travel resources that we use all the time!

AARP Travel Center  – Travel and leisure deals, tips, and news for tours, air, and hotels.  AARP travel center powered by Expedia.

Cruise Critic  has forums where passengers post about their cruises. You get the good and the bad about a cruise or the cruise ship. Boomer cruises are popular and most of the posters on the Cruise Critic forums are retirees.

TripAdvisor  – One of our favorite travel sites is TripAdvisor. I like to see reviews by real people on hotels (and attractions, especially). Then go to the forums for the location you are visiting and catch the scoop on what is happening from real people who have been there or are locals. You can even ask questions too!

Popular Articles About Travel, and Boomer Blog

Originally published October 24, 2023

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Top Over-50’s Travel Blogs

The Internet has made it easier than ever for the world to tell its stories, with travel blogs now being one of the most popular ways for people to seek out travel tips and information and hear about first-hand experiences from a variety of viewpoints. In particular, over-50s bloggers have become immensely popular , demonstrating that age needn’t be a barrier to travel and adventure , and showing their loyal audience some brilliant ways to spend their time now their children have flown the nest.

Here are some over our favourite over-50s blogs offering their own unique perspectives on travel.

A Taste for Travel

As the title indicates, A Taste for Travel celebrates all things food and drink with a blog covering the tastiest travel experiences to be found around the world. Founded by award-winning writer Michelle , with content also provided by a top team of writers and photographers, A Taste for Travel offers the perfect inspiration for those looking to eat their way around a new country . With Michelle’s love for sunny destinations shown throughout, you can also seek out a tan as well as a full stomach.

Adventures of a Carry-On

Having caught the travel bug while on a work trip to London as a make-up artist, Penny Sadler started Adventures of a Carry-On to share her several travel passions, from beautiful historic architecture to the world’s best vineyards ; being WSET-certified, she’s able to share her wealth of knowledge on some of the best wines in America and Europe. To gain a deeper understanding of her favourite countries, Italy and the USA , you’ll read about her visiting beloved places time and time again, and discovering new things along the way too. Her article titled ‘ On the hunt for White Truffles: Piedmont, Italy ’ is a favourite of ours.

Image by Adventures of Empty Nesters

Adventures of Empty Nesters

Mother of two Suzanne Stavert saw her kids flying the nest as her prime opportunity to spread her own wings and discover more of the world, documenting it in her travel blog, Adventures of Empty Nesters . Her blog showcases places to visit closer to home as well as those in more far-flung places , so whether you’re looking to explore Japan or follow Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail , there’s bound to be an experience you’d love to read more about here.

Anita’s Feast

Focusing on food and cultural exploration across the world , Anita’s Feast is a beautifully written travel journal by Anita Breland, accompanied by amazing photos from photographer husband Tom Fakler. From little family-owned restaurants and street food stalls to Michelin-starred fine dining establishments , the duo seek out all kinds of foodie experiences not to be missed. They also often get to know the people behind the food, offering insider tips on what creates a top-quality dish.

Blonde Brunette Travel

Sisters Kay (Blonde) and Anne (Brunette) have travelled the world for decades, and have been sharing adventures together since 2002. With their vast array of life experiences, they tell travel stories with great nuggets of advice and plenty of humour , recommending some of the best ways for baby boomers to travel. While having travelled extensively in the US and Europe, Blonde Brunette Travel also covers lesser-known destinations such as Fiji and Bhutan.

Bon Voyageurs

Former international business travellers, husband and wife Denis and Lynn Gagnon have been trotting the globe for over 45 years , with their adventures chronicled on their blog Bon Voyageurs . With their decades of travel experience behind them, they share how you too can travel with class, comfort and style. Their first-hand reviews of high-end hotels , luxury cruises and cultural city breaks show you some of the world’s finest experiences as well as lesser-known ones also well worth checking out.

Clark Norton

A real veteran in the business, Clark Norton has been travel writing since his twenties, when he backpacked around Europe, and today has visited more than 120 countries and all 50 US states . As well as writing about the many, many countries he has visited in a personable style, he also writes about issues specific to the baby-boomer generation, such as travel trends and how to get over-55s discounts .

Contented Traveller

Living by the motto “You’ve worked hard, you’ve earned it, just travel” , Contented Traveller shares the message that life shouldn’t all just be about work, and that any travel experience can be memorable. They’ve covered unique experiences all over the globe , from staying in incredible places such as an Amsterdam houseboat, a Japanese ryokan and treehouse with a giraffe, to having backstreet massages in Thailand and learning to cook paella in Spain. After reading about their first-hand experiences, you’ll be sorely tempted to follow in their footsteps.

Getting On Travel

Seeking the finer things in life? Getting On Travel offers the ultimate guide to luxury travel , enticing fellow over-50s to indulge in some new adventures and exploration. Founded by established journalists Irene and Janice, with articles also offered by more than 60 international contributors and a knowledgeable editorial team, you’ll find insights here on everything from luxury river cruises to the best travel gear to take with you.

Green with Renvy

Living sustainably is increasingly becoming a talking point in today’s society, and Green with Renvy seeks to show how it can be done when it comes to travel. After an extensive career of eco-friendly textile buying and home renovating, Alison Abbott took to sustainable travel and shares it all on Green with Renvy. As well as sharing reviews of her favourite eco-friendly hotels , she also covers topics such as eco-friendly travel products and restaurants using local produce.

The Gypsy Nesters

After the last of their three kids left home for college, Veronica and David James chose to transition from having an empty nest to no nest at all, and began their adventure travelling the world as The Gypsy Nesters . On their site, they write about how it’s never too late to start afresh and explore the world , covering places as diverse as Ancient Greece to the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands .

Hole in the Donut

While being diagnosed with chronic Lyme’s disease and bedridden during treatment, Barbara Weibel decided life was too short to not do something that brought her joy, and once she recovered, set off on a 6-month journey around the world and started Hole in the Donut . She originally started the blog to write stories about her travels for her friends and family, the blog quickly found a larger audience and 13 years later, Barbara has now visited her 100 th country an 7 th continent . As well as sharing insider’s guides to her favourite destinations and tips on how to travel full-time, she also writes about what life is like as an expat in Chiang Mai, Thailand .

Julia’s Place

Describing herself as ‘retired but not retiring’ , Julia is a retired headteacher and the blogger behind Julia’s Place . Although retired, she still works on educational projects, and so often blogs about something most of us struggle with: the work-life balance. For anyone looking to make life’s commitments and routines a little easier , this is the blog for you.

Life Part 2

Keen to show that there is so much out there to be enjoyed during retirement, writer Sarah and photographer Jon started Life Part 2 , a blog on travelling during retirement . They show how to travel with the ‘luxury of little’, using a minimalist approach to keep only important possessions and fill their life with experiences. Alongside this, you’ll also find destination guides and musings on retirement on their site.

More Time to Travel

After extensive careers as both a psychologist and as a freelance writer, Irene S Levine decided to pursue a new passion and become a travel writer. A regular contributor to Forbes Travel and editor of Getting On Travel , she also set up More Time to Travel to inspire over-50s travellers. Here you’ll find write-ups on experiences ranging from safaris to road trips, cruises, food and wine travel, spas and her favourite hotels.

My Itchy Travel Feet

Focusing on active and inquisitive travel, husband and wife Donna and Alan set up My Itchy Travel Feet in 2006. Their passion for adventure is infectious, and as proud baby boomers themselves, are keen to share the limitless opportunities for over-50s travel. They’re especially passionate about active travel , and their site features everything from walking holidays to watersports . They also love a good cruise, and you’ll find countless luxury cruise reviews here to inspire you too.

Sally Dowling

After years of working in the travel industry, and winning a competition in 2006 that saw a travel feature get published, Sally Dowling is a fully-fledged travel writer with a fully-fledged following to match . Recently, she’s embarked on a road-trip around Canada , but she’s equally as passionate about places closer to home too, such as her hometown of Eastbourne . You’ll also find her writing on Silver Travel Advisor , one of the most-trusted travel sites for over-50s, as a Silver Contributor.

Sand in My Suitcase

Formerly lawyers by trade, Janice and George Mucalov cover their many travel passions on the award-winning Sand in My Suitcase . Specialising in luxury adventure travel , they seek the finer things in life during their adventures, but you’ll find this is just as likely to be an affordable boutique inn as it is a five-star hotel. If you’re looking to pursue hiking, cycling, scuba diving or kayaking on your next travel adventure, be sure to check out Sand in My Suitcase.

She’s Cookin

For those who simply love food, She’s Cookin is a food and travel blog that is sure to make you want to head to the kitchen or perhaps even the airport ! Alongside a whole bank of tasty recipes to try, founder of She’s Cookin, Priscilla Willis, also shares her culinary adventures across the US and beyond, including a dim sum tour of Shanghai and the bistros of Paris .

Travel Past 50

Husband and wife Tom and Kristin took a leap of faith in 2010, selling their house and most of their possessions to leave their publishing careers behind, see the world and document it too. Ten years on, they haven’t looked back, with their blog, Travel Past 50 , having won several awards . Their blog mainly covers cultural travel experiences in some of the world’s biggest cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as hiking and biking across Europe and the United States .

Wayfaring Views

For those who seek to avoid the regular tourist hotspots and go off the beaten track , or simply find undiscovered gems in popular destinations, be sure to read some of the inspiring blog posts by Carol Guttery over at Wayfaring Views . Having been a keen traveller since the age of 15, Carol shares her experiences of some of the world’s most unique places as well as alternative travel itineraries to try for yourself, such as this alternative itinerary for London .

Featured image Carol Guttery, Wayfaing Views

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Slow Travel Retirement Adventures (Couple Tells All!)

• November 13, 2021

Lots of us dream of traveling in retirement, but not many make it happen full time!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Craig Hammell, who together with his wife Donna, started an instagram account and blog to document their retirement slow travel adventures: “2 Suitcases for 2 Years.”

I asked Craig the burning questions that will answer the larger query: Can retirees really make full-time travel happen?

Why Slow Travel in Retirement?

“Why did you decide to leave home and travel?”

One night my wife came home and said she’s a little burnt out after 25 years as a pastor. I was still working, but not wild about my job, so I was ready for a change.

A few more discussions, and we agreed it would take us a year to get everything in order.

It would be an early retirement for us both at age 63.

Making Long Term Slow Travel Happen

Now Craig spills the tea on how they made everything work, from downsizing to finances.

How to Downsize for Retirement Slow Travels

We sold 2 cars and everything else we didn’t want.

The rest went into a storage pod for 2 years at $200.00 per month. This is an expense I would advise folks to try to eliminate.

“Did you keep a place to live back home?”

No. We didn’t own our home to begin with, and we sold everything we didn’t want.

Our housing was part of my wife’s salary package, so when we left we would be without a home or health insurance.

We liked to say we were officially homeless, jobless, and uninsured…and enjoyed every minute of it.

“Did you miss having that home base?”

Our goal was to travel for two years.

We did return to the states for short stays at Christmas twice to see our seven grown kids and one grandchild.

How to Make the Finances Work

With a quick financial review one night we determined it was feasible if Donna took her pension and I started taking dividend withdrawals from my retirement account.

We are by no means wealthy and I think this might be a misconception folks have of us. We live frugally and choose to save our money for travels.

So we needed to bridge two years before Social Security and Medicare were available to us. We were experienced travelers before this and had always talked about living in a foreign country, maybe as expats, but we weren’t sure.

Choosing a Destination (or Many!)

We determined that to rent an apartment in the metropolitan suburbs of NJ/PA would be unaffordable, and it made no sense to us to live beyond our means.

On the other hand, many long-term Airbnb rentals of a month or longer offer 40, 50, or 60 percent discounts, especially in the off seasons. We determined that living overseas should be slightly less expensive than living in the U.S. and at least we would enjoy the destinations. And this is in fact the case when you factor out the travel between places. Italy was high on the list because of my wife’s heritage, but totally unaffordable.

“ Did you plan to travel the world, or did you have only a couple of destinations in mind? “

Originally, we were hoping to make it all the way around the globe, but that didn’t happen.

The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador were our first stop in August 2018. We had wished to go there for our 60th birthdays but working got in the way.

It was our very first destination because we didn’t want to risk missing it for some unforeseen reason in the future.

(I love that they made sure it happened after work had previously made them miss out!)

We were trying to hit countries we hadn’t been to before:

Ecuador, Guatemala, Cuba, Portugal , Bulgaria , South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Montenegro, Italy and Spain.

Italy was the only repeat for us, as it is the land of Donna’s people.

Our longest apartment stay was 6 weeks.

Our longest country stays were 3 months in South Africa and Guatemala.

In Cape Town we had 3 different apartments in various neighborhoods across the city.

How Long Should You Slow Travel For?

“ How long did you plan to travel for? “

2 suitcases for 2 years was what we originally planned until the pandemic cut it short at 21 months. Not a bad run. I was beginning to lobby for a one-year extension before that though so we could get to Asia.

We are/were notorious long-term planners, and we are not sure what the right balance is.

Having an enjoyable apartment is crucial for long stays.

If we really wanted a particular place we booked very early, sometimes 6 months ahead.

The Schengen visa restrictions, 90 days total for all the European Union countries, is difficult to work around when slow traveling. So we needed to rearrange 6 months of our schedule to be able to reenter Europe in the fall.

(There is a way to work around this, as not all EU countries are part of Schengen , but Craig is right, it is difficult.)

Extra Expenses to Consider for Long Term Retirement Travel

We decided not to buy health insurance. It’s just too expensive and for the most part we are very healthy so it was a calculated risk to do without it.

With everything we’d been reading for years about the affordability of other countries’ health care systems, we decided to pay for any medical expenses out of pocket.

We did purchase travel insurance with a medical evacuation policy in case of anything serious.

How to Pack for Slow Travel in Retirement

The most difficult part was packing the final suitcases. Really Donna gets one and a half and I only get half of mine.

(Sounds about right.)

Small suitcases are needed especially if you want to rent a car and secure everything, unseen in the trunk.

(The most affordable rental cars often have very little trunk space.)

We also decided to follow spring like weather across the globe. This made our wardrobe choices easier with the intent of layering up or down.

(I have never heard anyone suggest this before, and it’s genius! I can appreciate it from the standpoint of someone who likes to pack light, but I also don’t do well in extreme heat. So smart!)

Assessing the Pros and Cons of Long Term Slow Travel

“Were you nervous about the risk?”

Not really.

We are adventurous and I wouldn’t want anyone else as a travel partner.

Over the course of our 15-year marriage we had steadily widened our traveling experiences and levels of comfort.

“What surprised you about travelling full-time?”

We went from being a 9-5, six days a week working couple to instantly being a 24/7/365 retired couple, and we survived. Donna might have been tempted, but she did not throw me to the lions.

It becomes a way of life and you get into a groove.

Not every day needed to be filled with a fabulous activity or destination. Just finding a nice café worked for us.

“Walk a little then café, then walk a little more,” is how we describe our approach.

For us the joy was the ambience of a place. Trying to immerse ourselves into its daily flow. Shopping in the local markets so we could cook our own dinners most nights.

Practical Reasons to Slow Travel in Retirement

Ecuador was top on our list because we had read so much about affordable dental care there.

Our first long-term stay was in Cuenca and I was able to get a tooth extracted for $25 and a dental bridge made for $250.

We also found the best dentist in Cape Town, South Africa, and both of us had very affordable root canals done.

(Sounds like this Craig and Donna didn’t experience many downsides!)

Facing Challenges When Traveling in Retirement

“How did your plans change as you travelled?”

Six months into our trip we were in Portugal for 6 weeks, one month in Lisbon and a two-week road trip.

After Portugal we were scheduled to do three dog sits in England over two months’ time then head to France for a WorkAway assignment over the summer months at a 16th century chateau as a way to save funds for our time in Africa.

The first dog sit canceled and the dog at the second one had become gravely ill and was canceled.

With an unfavorable UK pound to dollar exchange rate, England was out of our budget without the dog sitting, so we canceled the third dog sit.

At this same time Donna was ill from a lingering sinus infection that would not go away and required finding a doctor in Portugal. We were advised to go to a private hospital for an out-patient visit, which only cost $150 to see a specialist and was covered by our travel insurance.

At this point we re-evaluated what we wanted to accomplish and while living and working at a chateau sounds wonderful, it’s still a working obligation.

We cancelled out of the Workaway, quickly and unexpectedly picked Sofia, Bulgaria for our next 30 day stay.

Experiencing Culture Shock While Slow Traveling in Retirement

“Did you encounter any culture shock?”

The extreme poverty of some regions in Africa is astounding. Miles of shanty towns in South Africa.

Communities digging for water in dry riverbeds in Ethiopia. At the end of the day we all share the same concern of just wanting to provide happiness and well-being for our families.

What to Do in Retirement After a World Travel Adventure

“Where are you now?”

In March 2019, 21 months into our journey, we were just wrapping up a six week stay in Seville when Spain and the rest of the world instituted the shutdown for the pandemic and all travelers were advised to leave .

We had thought about staying since it was originally supposed to be for two weeks, but fortunately decided to play it safe and we flew back to the states the day before all flights were canceled.

(Well that was a lucky decision!)

Without a home, and coming from a Coronavirus hotspot, we decided not to visit any of our kids upon our return.

Originally at the end of our trip we going to visit our children in NJ for a few weeks before flying on to Albuquerque, NM to retire there , but we had not made definite plans.

In the meantime, friends offered us their vacation cottage in rural Georgia as a place to quarantine.

So, returning from Spain we landed in Newark, NJ, and spent the night at an airport hotel, without seeing any of our family, before flying down to Georgia for an indefinite quarantine.

Living in Georgia

We never expected to enjoy Georgia, but there is a tranquility to the lake we are staying on that resonates with us and we’ve fallen in love with the place.

We bought a vacant piece of property a few doors down from our quarantine cottage, and are having a house built on the lake shore.

Our belongings and furniture have now been in storage over three years as we wait for our retirement home to be finished. We are about forty minutes south of Savannah.

What an inspiring story! I hope if you are considering long-term slow travel either in retirement, or for a gap year, you will find Craig and Donna’s story helpful.

I love how casual they sound about uprooting their entire lives for over three years now!

You can keep up with the Hammels on their Instagram: @2suitcasesfor2years

Or their blog: 2suitcasesfor2years.com

20 Great Retirement Travel Ideas: Make the Most Popular Retirement Pursuit Your Reality

June 7, 2023

Here are 20 tips for making travel after retirement plentiful, affordable and completely fulfilling. Get ready to make reservations!

According to surveys of NewRetirement users, travel after retirement is clearly the most popular and desired pursuit for this phase of life. From day trips by car to round the world journeys, retirees have wanderlust!

A full 75% of users of NewRetirement’s award-winning Retirement Planner mention travel as what they want to do in retirement and AARP has reported that almost all baby boomers – 99% – want to travel!

Here are 20 tips for making travel after retirement plentiful, affordable, and completely fulfilling:

1. Set goals, make a bucket list, think through where you want to go – with whom? Why?

Thinking about what you want to do in retirement is an important part of retirement planning. And, you are likely to be more successful if you get as detailed and specific as possible about how, when, where, why, and with whom you want to travel.

• Do you have a bucket list of destinations?
• Are you hoping to travel once a month? Once a year?
• Are you thinking spur-of-the-moment jaunts to take advantage of good deals? Or, are you hoping to see specific places?
• Who will go with you? Spouse? Friends? Grandkids? Siblings?
• Why do you want to travel?

Write down your travel goals. The mere act of documenting what you want is proven to help you achieve it.

2. Get in agreement with your spouse

One overlooked aspect of retirement planning is communication between spouses. A survey by Fidelity Investments found that many married couples have an extremely difficult time discussing retirement planning and other financial planning subjects.

Spouses also sometimes have very different ideas about what they want out of retirement and how they intend to pay for it all.

Is retirement travel important to you? How does your spouse want to spend time in retirement? Get tips for how to talk with your spouse about retirement .

3. Consider more exotic locales

You may have a few favorite destinations that you want to revisit, but it can be a good idea to put some wildly new destinations on your retirement travel wish list.

Let’s face it, as we get older, we’ve seen and experienced a lot already. It can sometimes feel like nothing will surprise you anymore.

However, travel is one way to see something new and fresh. From this perspective, travel can almost give you the opportunity to experience life as a child sees the world – marveling at things new and wondrous. Best of all, these types of new experiences are actually scientifically proven to keep our minds more alive.

“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” — Bill Bryson

4. Find senior discounts on hotels and airfare

You probably know that most hotel chains offer discounts of 10-20% for seniors. These are usually easy to find on the hotels’ websites and are similar to a AAA discount.

You might not know that some airlines also offer discounts to seniors. However, it is not as common as it once was and the senior discount might not be the best deal you can find. Airlines currently offering discounts include:

• British Airways offers discounts to AARP members.
• Delta Airlines offers discounts on some flights. You’ll need to call them – 1-800-221-1212 – to learn about which flights and to reserve with these rates.
• Southwest also offers senior discounts, but these fares must be booked over the phone: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)
• United Airlines also offers senior discounts on certain flights. Call and ask at 1-800-241-6522

5. Hit the Road

Twenty-four percent of retirees say going on an RV trip is very appealing at this stage of their life and RV sales have been skyrocketing with most buyers ages 50–69.

And, camper vans are the vehicle of choice for hipster millennials. However, seniors may be the biggest market for these homes on the road.

These vehicles can be your transportation and hotel all in one. Some people even sell their homes and live on the road.

“The real home of man is not his house but the road. Life itself is a travel that has to be done by foot [or RV].” — Bruce Chitin

6. No Matter the Length of Your Road Trip — Here Are Some Great Resources

Whether you want to drive across the country for a few weeks or just visit a neighboring town for the day, road trips are one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Here are a few great resources for finding interesting diversions along the way:

Swimming Holes: Listings of 1,600 swimming holes in the United States and Canada.

Roadside Attractions: Put in your route and find wacky roadside stops.

The Outdoor Project: Maps with great hikes, campgrounds, adventures, and more.

Roadfood.com : Jan and Michael Stern are probably the most famous of all roadside dining aficionados. Their site, RoadFood.com helps you find casual, affordable local restaurants, cafes, diners, and more featuring regional specialties.

GasBuddy: An app that helps you find the cheapest nearby gas station.

RoadTrippers: Also an app, helps you find cool attractions along the way.

”Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.” — Jack Kerouac

7. Other ways to forgo hotels altogether

There are more options than ever for affordable vacation lodging.

Airbnb and VRBO :  Airbnb and VRBO are popular services that enable you to rent apartments, condos, houseboats, tree houses, single-family homes, and even compounds.

You will be amazed to see that all kinds of homes are available for rent all over the United States and remote corners of the world. Best of all, the amount you pay per night is often much less than what a hotel would cost plus you get a kitchen and more — sometimes the homes even come with cars or other transportation perks.

Home Exchange : HomeExchange is a service that matches homeowners for a housing swap. Thousands of people exchange houses every year and love the experiences and connections that are made.

Hostels: You might think that hostels are just for young, drunken kids. However, hostels are making an effort to cater to older (and more sophisticated) travelers. Some hostels even offer private rooms and great amenities (if bunk beds aren’t your style).

If you are interested, check out: Hostelworld.com . You can see descriptions, reviews, rankings, and even see availability and make reservations.

8. Rent out your own home to fund retirement travel

In addition to offering you a great place to stay when you travel, Airbnb can also offer you an almost magical way to make money for travel (or whatever). It is easy to list your home on Airbnb as a rental for other travelers who will be visiting your community. Depending on where you live, you might just get flooded with interest.

I live in Marin, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. The most successful renters here are retirees who just take off whenever someone wants to rent their home.

If you have a successful rental, the income you earn can often pay for a trip and more!

9. Go last minute and save

When you are working, travel gets squeezed into available vacation slots. For travel after retirement, you have a lot more freedom to take advantage of last-minute deals and opportunities.

There are quite a few websites and apps that can help you with these spur of the moment trips:

Hotel Tonight: Hotel Tonight is an app. They get unsold inventory from hotels for that night and make it available to app users at a big discount.

Kayak.com/explore : Kayak has a feature on their website that lets you see a map of the world and the lowest airfares from your city to anywhere and everywhere.

Intrepid Travel : Intrepid Travel books tours. You can review their last-minute deals.

Groupon: Groupon does all kinds of discounts for many different types of experiences. They also have some last minute deals.

Lastminute.com : This site focuses mainly on European last-minute deals.

Travelzoo : Travelzoo aims to offer the best deals from the best companies.

Google Flights: Watch out, this can get a little addictive. If you plug in your departure city and dates, but leave the destination blank, Google Flights will return a list of the lowest airfares available for you.

10. Take time to plan (scientists say it is the best part)

Last-minute adventures are exciting and fun, but they might rob you of what scientists say is the best part of travel.

You might think that the best part is something like the smell wafting from a corner bakery, seeing an iconic monument, or dipping your toes into the sand. However, this study suggests that the best part of your trip happens long before you even board the airplane…

According to the researchers, planning and anticipating your trip makes you happier than actually taking it.

Speaking of planning, make sure your travel plans are budgeted as part of your retirement plan. The NewRetirement Planner enables you to allocate travel money as part of your monthly or yearly budget. Or, you can specify one-time expenditures for specific trips.

11. Plan longer trips and save

The beauty of retirement is that you have time. You do not have a clock to punch or other specific demands on your days. As such, you can plan travel with practically unlimited time. Done right, this can save you money and be much more enjoyable.

Imagine you wanted to see Spain and Italy. When working, you either have to see very little of each place in a short period of time or take two trips. Two trips are double the airfare and if you are trying to squeeze it all into one trip, then you might be paying a premium for hotels close to the things you want to see and other conveniences that make seeing everything possible.

Everything is different in retirement. You can take two months and see two, three, or more locations in one trip — dramatically reducing your airfare costs. And with time, you can rent apartments or other lower-cost accommodations, cook some meals in your rented home, walk instead of taking taxis — all of which can dramatically decrease your daily spend and also enable you to really enjoy being in the location instead of packing it all in.

12. Don’t travel, just retire abroad

Retirement abroad is the ultimate in retirement travel. Here are 12 tips for retirement overseas .

13. Think seriously about travel insurance

Travel insurance – especially medical travel insurance – is probably a good idea if you are traveling abroad. Medicare, even supplemental Medicare, is not usually valid outside the United States.

A couple of companies offering coverage for travel include:

• Emergency Assistance Plus
• World Nomads

14. Get big discounts on national parks

Seniors can buy a lifetime pass (lifetime!) for $80. And, if you don’t want to pay the fees upfront, you can spread out the cost over four years. If you buy an annual pass for $20 for four years straight, then you can trade it in for the lifetime pass.

The pass offers access to more than 2,000 sites and parks across the country.

To be eligible for the senior pass, you must be 62 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

15. Discover discounts on cruises

Have you read about the people who retire… to a cruise ship !?!!!

That might be going a bit, um… “overboard.” However, cruises were immensely popular for retirement travel pre-pandemic. With strict protocols, these floating hotels are making a comeback.

There are lots of resources to help you find the right cruise at the best price:

• Cruise Critic
• Vacations to Go
• Cruise Sheet
• Cruise Deals

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ― Mark Twain

16. Join a tour

There are numerous travel companies that target retirees for travel after retirement. Two of the most popular operators include:

• Road Scholar who focuses on experiential learning.
• Overseas Adventure Travel offers small group adventures.

These tour operators have special programs for solo travelers:

• Single Travelers International
• Solos Holidays
• Odyssey Traveler

17. Sign up for a senior travel club

Many cities have private senior adventure and travel clubs. These are usually just what they say they are – groups of people who want to travel and meet other people who want to travel too.

Very often these clubs organize amazing trips at huge discounts because they are able to get group rates.

Do a web search for a senior travel club in your city. However, beware of scams – never give out a credit card or money to an organization you don’t know anything about. A legitimate club will usually invite you to attend a meeting to get to know everyone before asking for any kind of fee or deposit.

18. Try out voluntourism

Voluntourism – volunteering while being a tourist – is an increasingly popular retirement travel option for seniors. If you want to try to give back while exploring the world, consider some of these better-known organizations:

• Earthwatch Institute
• Habitat for Humanity
• Global Vision International
• Volunteer World
• Peace Corps

19. Take the grandkids

If travel is the most popular thing people want to do after retirement, spending time with grandkids is probably second. So why not combine the two?

Travel is an excellent way to spend real quality time with grandchildren while making extraordinary memories. To make the trip successful, be sure to involve them in the planning (you might want their parents’ input as well).

20. Make Travel a Detailed Part of Your Overall Retirement Plan

Whatever kind of travel is on your retirement wish list, if you want it to happen, you had better make sure that you set goals and budget for it as part of your overall retirement plan.

The NewRetirement Planner allows you to:

• Budget for big one-time expenses so you can plan for a big trip.
• You can also vary your budget and set different spending levels for different phases of retirement. So, if you plan on one trip a year for the next 5 years and then less travel after that, your projected budgets can reflect your actual plans.

Do it yourself retirement planning: easy, comprehensive, reliable

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Travel Tips

Retirement Travel: 7 Secrets to Making the Most of Every Vacation

Posted June 22, 2021

Caron Bergen

Caron is a Holiday Inn Club member, lifetime Ohioan, wife to Rob, mom to three, mother-in-law to three and Nana to one amazing grandson. Caron became a tireless pediatric cancer crusader after her youngest son's diagnosis. She also volunteers for the Cincinnati Arts Association. As retirees, Caron and her husband are adventurous travelers with a crazy bucket list and are always looking for opportunities to hit the road with family and friends.

1. Plan Early, Plan Often, But Plan Carefully

2. Focus on Experiences, Rather Than Places

3. Find Your Travel Buddies

Make sure your goals align.

That sounds simple, but you might have vastly different visions of travel, from style to cost. Be very honest and upfront about budgets to prevent overextending your travel dollars.

Be flexible and negotiate.

Don’t be afraid to split up or say no.

If they want to go whale watching and you want to hike up a glacier, go your separate ways and discuss your fun at dinner that evening. From a proposed trip idea that doesn’t fit your travel goals or budget to an excursion on a trip that just isn’t your thing, it’s ok to decline. Plus, a long trip with no time to yourself/selves can be tiring. Separate meals or excursions can recharge your relationship with your significant other and your friends.

Evaluate honestly afterward.

Your overall goal, besides the fun of traveling, is to remain friends. If your styles and tastes don’t mesh well, neither of those goals will be met.

4. Live Like a Local

Do research.

By researching travel blogs (like the one you’re reading now!), in addition to Trip Advisor , Lonely Planet or Rick Steves , you can learn a great deal about your destination and its off-the-beaten-path hidden gems.

Ask the locals!

Immerse yourself in the cuisine.

Take a tour with a local guide.

Discover new experiences in places you’ve already been to.

Get involved.

We became registered volunteers at Give Kids the World (GKTW), based in Central Florida. Our youngest son is a cancer survivor and, though he didn’t select GKTW Village for his Make-A-Wish trip, we hope to give back to families, as we understand the power of a wish.

5. Use Local Transportation

• We found that the train system in Europe is an efficient and relaxing way to get around. While renting a car is doable, roads can be narrow and confusing, and parking is expensive.
• “Hop on, hop off” tour buses can be a fun way to see a big city, like London.
• In Amsterdam, living like a local meant spending a day riding bikes through the city, which was fun, but not for the faint of heart!
• In Asia, we hired drivers as traffic is chaotic.
• If you want to live like a New Orleans local , the city has an excellent streetcar line (which we used extensively) that goes right past Holiday Inn Club Vacations New Orleans Resort .

Using local transportation can free you up to relax and watch out the window. But while we’re adventuresome, we’re also keenly aware of our surroundings and backtrack when necessary.

Looking for more helpful travel tips?

• 8 Travel Workout Tips for Staying Active on Vacation
• 5 Tips for Surviving a Couple’s Road Trip with Your Spouse (and Dog)

Cooking on Vacation: Foodie Advice and 25 Tips from Club Members

6. make a packing list & check it (more than) twice.

Invest in a good backpack.

Backpacks allow us to move quickly and efficiently. I recommend a quality, lightweight nylon backpack with thick, comfortable straps. Avoid ones with several zippered interior pockets, as it reduces capacity and becomes confusing to find your stuff. On three Holiday Inn Club Vacations trips last year, we flew with nothing more than carry-on backpacks.

Pick a color theme and pack accordingly.

Pack older clothes.

This way, if your luggage is misplaced, you haven’t lost your expensive cashmere sweater or favorite jeans. I do the same thing with jewelry, packing minimally and always costume-type jewelry. For one of our international trips, we purchased clothes for pennies on the dollar from our local thrift store, wore them on our trip, had them laundered and then donated them to a thrift store in the city. We filled the empty space in our luggage with souvenirs. Speaking of…

Research souvenirs you want ahead of time.

Many countries have unique items that aren’t large or expensive. I had a traditional Vietnamese silk ensemble, called an Ao Dai, made specifically for me in Hoi An. To fit it in my carry-on, I cleaned and donated two t-shirts, a worthwhile trade, in my opinion.

Do laundry.

Buy accessories to store your money.

Evaluate your packing afterward.

Perhaps the most important tip, document what you pack and then review what you did and did not use when you return. We always seem to overpack shoes, so we’re constantly paring those down. And remember, if you find yourself “missing” something, you can most likely purchase it when you get to your destination. If you don’t want to bring it back, clean it and donate it.

7. Plan Out Your Retirement Travel Budget

Find a good, recommended travel agent.

They can help you make your travel dreams a reality within your budget. My niece owns a travel agency and has been invaluable in planning and advising us.

Travel during the week and in off or “shoulder” seasons.

Travel buddies can help with budget, too!

When you travel with friends, you can book a slightly larger villa and cook meals on your own (rather than dining out), providing significant cost savings. In Phuket, Thailand, our Airbnb (which was perched on a cliff overlooking the beach) was less expensive than if we had booked hotel rooms for each couple. And the view was breathtaking .

Take advantage of free activities and discounts.

A Few Final Retirement Travel Tips

If you’ve made it this far, I know we’ve covered a lot . But I do have a few more insights for you that will help make your vacations even easier and more amazing.

Know your limitations.

Know your medications.

Keep lists of your meds and allergies with you, and be sure whoever you’re traveling with knows where that list is in case of emergency. We keep ours on a document in our cellphones.

Consult the State Department website regarding foreign travel.

This not only applies to civil unrest, but medical outbreaks you might encounter. Consult with your doctor and make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

Make copies of important documents.

These can include your passport and driver’s license. Keep them separate when you travel, and leave extra copies with a trusted family member at home, just in case.

Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery .

With this service, you’ll receive an email notification of your daily incoming mail or packages, even when your mail is held.

Enroll in autopay.

This ensures your regular bills that could come during extended travel are paid and paid on time .

Prepare your home.

Invest in security cameras.

Security cameras, like “Wyze,” have become inexpensive and allow you to monitor your home, especially during longer trips. You can also purchase cameras to place in your hotel or villa for added security. Admittedly, the only nighttime prowler we’ve seen on our cameras has been a raccoon. But it’s still nice to be able to know. And as a sign of the 21st century, during one of our trips, I saw my local Girl Scout come to the door selling cookies. I reached out to her mom on social media and ordered cookies online — a win-win in my book!

Save everything .

Looking Ahead

While there will be no international travel for us this year (due to COVID-19), we’re actively planning a trip abroad next year. This year, instead, will be filled with trips around the U.S., vacationing with family, visiting friends, doing RV travel and making full use of our vacation ownership through Holiday Inn Club Vacations. I hope my retirement travel tips and “secrets” help you plan your next great adventure. We hope to see you on the open road! Curious about what vacation ownership could look like for your family? Learn more about membership with us, request a virtual tour or connect with one of our virtual consultants at (855) 605-8458. Our guest bloggers are compensated for their writing contributions and honest opinions. All information is subject to change. This article is a curated guide and is neither sponsored nor considered an official endorsement. Please be sure to check information directly with any/all tours, guides or companies for the most up-to-date and direct details.

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Hi, I’m Jim Ferri.

For work and pleasure, I’ve spent most of my life traveling…..photographing and writing about the places I’ve visited and the people I’ve met.

I love to travel, and the memories I have are incredible. My goal now is to help you make memories.

Meet musicians in Seville, villagers in Thailand’s hill country, vintners in Napa Valley. Sail the Danube, the Mississippi, the Atlantic.

Discover great Dim Sum in a Hong Kong teahouse, the best gelato in Rome, top safari camps in Africa. Together we’ll visit places large and small and in-between. Ready to make some memories? Just click on the map below….

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Want to Travel the World in Retirement? Here’s How

Make the most of your retirement with these tips

Are you hoping to travel the world after you retire? Traveling is the most common activity that people dream of doing after they stop working (60%, according to a December 2023 Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies survey)—and it’s totally possible for most retirees.

With a bit of planning, creativity, and discipline, you’ll be ready to jump on your transportation of choice and experience unforgettable moments. The following tips will help you turn that daydream into your retirement reality.

Key Takeaways

• Travel is the most popular dream of retirees, with 60% expressing a wish to see the world.
• Before you just set off, be honest with yourself about your love of being on the road, your obligations to others, and the state of your health.
• Traveling can be expensive, so look carefully at your retirement savings and make sure that the cost of traveling is incorporated into your retirement plan.
• Medicare generally doesn’t cover your healthcare costs outside of the United States and its territories, so additional insurance may be necessary.

Make a Plan Before Retirement

Retirement planning is an ongoing, multistep process. If you already know travel is on your retirement bucket list, you should factor the cost into your plans. To ensure a comfortable, secure, and fun retirement, you’ll want a personalized plan based on the following:

• Retirement date
• Financial and investment goals
• Risk tolerance
• Retirement lifestyle

To help solidify your plans for traveling during retirement, consider doing these things:

• Discuss your travel ideas : Where do you want to go? What type of traveler are you? Do you plan to take short trips, or will you go the nomad route of retiring with no permanent home? Be specific and realistic, as costs will vary greatly.
• Consider your finances : Based on your anticipated retirement income , what type of travel will you be able to afford? The U.S. Department of Labor has a set of interactive worksheets, such as a balance sheet, to help you organize all your accounts and calculate your net worth.
• Plan for Social Security benefits : Social Security is a major income source for many retirees, and the age at which you begin claiming benefits affects how much you will receive. Plan your ideal age to start receiving benefits using this claiming age calculator . You can also get an estimate of your future benefits by checking your Social Security account.
• Factor in health concerns : Do you or your partner have any health issues that may impact where and how you can travel?
• Make a list of wants and needs : What kind of amenities, culture, access to healthcare and public transportation, etc. are you looking for? What is nice to have, and what is non-negotiable?

Planning for the above will help you create a realistic retirement plan that includes travel. See if you have access to retirement planning and savings tracking tools through your 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA) . You can also talk with a financial advisor. 

Create a Retirement Travel Budget

If you’re like most retirees, a retirement travel budget will be key to making sure you can afford everything you want to see and do. According to Fidelity, most retirees will spend 55% to 80% of their annual working income each year in retirement.

If you plan to travel frequently in retirement, you’ll need to raise that percentage. Some estimates suggest a budget of between $10,000 and $50,000 a year.

To begin building a retirement travel budget that matches your situation, estimate your future travel expenses. Research the cost of living , accommodations, groceries, eating out, and other activities in the places you want to visit to get a rough idea of your future spending needs.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s planning worksheets include a “Goals & Priorities” section to help you prioritize what you save based on short- and long-term goals. Then use the “Cash Flow Spending Plan” worksheet to build a guide for how you expect to spend your money. Track actual spending to compare it with what you planned.

Use the 50/30/20 Spending Rule to Budget for Travel in Retirement

Kimberly L. Curtis , a certified financial planner (CFP) at Cerity Partners, recommends the 50/30/20 rule to budget for traveling in retirement. This budgeting framework breaks after-tax income into three main categories with corresponding percentages.

• Needs (50%)
• Wants (30%)
• Savings (20%)

Based on this rule, cash flow for spending on travel in retirement comes out of the 30% allotted for wants.

“Retirees spend, on average, 5% to 10% of their annual budget on travel,” Curtis said. “Instead of a monthly dollar amount, many retirees will ‘chunk’ their retirement travel budget into annual amounts. For example, a big European trip might mean putting aside $10,000 for that year. Otherwise, retirees may plan on around $5,000 a year for the next 10 to 15 years of retirement.”

Consider Insurance

Retired travelers’ needs may differ from those of younger travelers, particularly the potential need for medical care while on the road. Individuals become eligible for Medicare at age 65. If you plan to travel during retirement, make sure you don’t miss your initial enrollment period.

Medicare Parts A and B cover hospital care and doctor visits in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands) as long as the provider accepts Medicare.

Certain Medicare Advantage (MA) plans also provide state-to-state coverage, including a national pharmacy network.

Keep in mind that many MA plans limit the amount of time you can spend outside your service area (i.e., your state) and still be covered (for example, six months). Additionally, once you travel outside the United States, Medicare generally doesn’t cover healthcare. For this reason, additional insurance is recommended for traveling during retirement.

If you want to travel the world after you retire, consider additional travel insurance to protect against potential medical emergencies. Travel insurance may also cover inconveniences such as trip cancellations or interruptions and lost or stolen baggage.

What to Consider When Selecting Travel Insurance

Cost shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing travel insurance. Travel expert Chris Appleford of Travelling Apples notes some of the most important coverage options to look out for:

• Medical coverage (including medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation in case you need to be brought back to the U.S. for care)
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Travel delays
• Luggage and personal belongings
• Terms and conditions surrounding pre-existing conditions
• Coverage duration

How to Cut Down on Travel Costs

Balancing cash flow can get tricky when you’re no longer receiving a paycheck or business income. Cutting down on travel expenses is one of the biggest concerns for retirees as they explore the world.

Hotel, airline, and attraction prices are highest in summer and on weekends, so retirees with flexible schedules can save money by traveling in the offseason. The same flexibility can pay off when it comes to travel dates and destinations. Kasper de Wijs , travel expert and owner of HotelRoutePlanner.com, says travel websites and newsletters often post destination-based deals and last-minute offers.

De Wijs also recommends exploring senior discounts, early bird discounts, and loyalty programs for travel-related services. Amber Dixon of Elderly Guides agrees that most establishments offer discounts to seniors.

She adds that house-swapping with other travelers or making house-sitting arrangements can also save retirees on accommodation costs. Sites such as Nomador, Trusted Housesitters, and MindMyHouse connect homeowners and house/pet sitters with each other.

While house- or pet-sitting may help lower travel costs, those arrangements may be considered work even if money does not change hands, violating tourist visa and immigration laws. If this arrangement interests you, check the visa guidelines of your destination country before making plans.

Explore the Open Road to Save Money on Travel in Retirement

For slightly more adventurous, lower-cost travel, many retirees swear by recreational vehicle (RV) camping. The purchase of an RV is an upfront cost, for sure, but as many RV travelers live in their vehicle for months at a time, other costs are absorbed or reduced. For example, you’re eating most meals in, and the site fee is small compared with hotels or Airbnbs.

Andrew Kuttow , RV enthusiast and travel blogger at RVCampGear.com, notes that memberships with organizations such as Good Sam, AAA, and AARP often include camping and travel discounts.

“You might also consider an America the Beautiful Senior Pass,” Kuttow said. For $80, a lifetime senior pass allows access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by the National Park Service and other federal agencies. An annual Senior Pass is $20. You must be 62 years old to be eligible.

What Percentage of Older People Travel?

According to the AARP Travel Trends survey from February 2024 (the most recent survey), 65% of people ages 50 and older plan to take at least one leisure trip in 2024, with the majority taking international trips. About half of older adults say they plan to spend more on travel in 2024 than they did in 2023.

How Much Do I Need in Retirement to Travel?

It depends on your retirement plan, overhead costs, and budget. Kimberly L. Curtis, a CFP at the Cerity Partners, says that retirees pay 5% to 10% of their annual budget on travel and puts the average yearly amount at about $5,000 for the first 10 to 15 years of retirement. AARP’s 2024 Travel Trends survey found that people ages 50 and older planned to spend an average of $6,659 on travel in 2024.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Travel in Retirement?

There is no one answer to this question, but there are many ways to curtail the costs of travel, including traveling in the offseason, having flexibility regarding dates and destinations, and taking advantage of senior discounts, early bird discounts, and loyalty programs. There are also house-swapping and house-sitting arrangements. The adventurous can buy an RV and travel the open road, saving on restaurant costs (by eating in) and accommodation costs (by sleeping in).

The Bottom Line

Traveling is a popular pastime for many people, and retirees are no exception, especially with all the free time they have on their hands. However, if you want to travel in retirement, and particularly if you want to travel internationally, it takes prudent planning starting early in your professional career.

You need to decide how and where you want to travel, then build those costs into the total amount you are saving for retirement. Don’t forget to factor in healthcare concerns and when you should start taking Social Security. There are also plenty of cost-cutting measures you can take to make your journeys more affordable.

Read the original article on Investopedia .

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• Senior Travel

14 Best Senior-friendly Travel Groups

These senior-friendly travel companies offer tours and travel experiences as diverse as their clients.

The benefits of travel, whether it's a refreshing weekend getaway or a month-long trip to a new destination, are undeniable. And for retirees and seniors who have time and a travel budget, the opportunities are nearly endless — their own city, state, country, and even the whole world are all waiting to be explored.

It should be recognized that seniors are as diverse as any other generation, perhaps even more so as their years of experience have taken them in many directions. While their interests, abilities, values, and habits may vary, it can safely be said that for many, travel is in their plans.

Seniors travel to visit family, learn about the countries of their ancestors , or explore new destinations. Many seek immersive experiences, educational opportunities, or adventure. And travel companies are responding to their needs and wishes by offering tour options ranging from independent to fully guided, budget to luxury, and group to individual. The 14 organizations listed below are either aimed specifically at mature clients or feature experiences that are flexible enough to accommodate a variety of travelers.

Walking the World

Operating out of Grand Junction, Colorado, Walking the World offers walking and hiking tours mainly for travelers over the age of 50 who want to be immersed in the destinations they choose. Experienced hikers will enjoy its Rocky Mountain National Park tour , for example, with treks of up to 10 miles on some days during the eight-day itinerary. Meanwhile, the Ireland trip covers 11 days of exploring fishing villages, rolling green hills, the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park. Daily walks range from four to eight miles and are described as gentle to moderate.

Road Scholar

Originally launched as Elderhostel in 1975, the company rebranded in 2010 as Road Scholar , recognizing the values and interests of lifelong learners who have participated in their lectures, tours, field trips, and educational experiences over the years. Participants are typically over the age of 50 and ready to learn from travel or focus on a specific interest. Trip themes such as grandparent adventures (special types of trips you can take with your grandchild), cruises, urban exploration, art and history, historical sites, and academic topics can be browsed by destination, activity level, and interest to help clients select their ideal tour experience.

Adventures Abroad

While Adventures Abroad largely caters to travelers over 50, tours are open to adults of all ages, and operate on every continent except for Antarctica. The company's "soft adventure" trips, which concentrate on the culture and history of a destination, don't include strenuous activities, though a reasonable degree of fitness and the ability to walk are required. Trips are rated from one to three based on physical activity, with the first level featuring only leisurely walks and level two meaning more time on your feet each day. Level-three trips might include walks or hikes on uneven ground for three to seven hours, though at a leisurely pace. Specific trips are suggested for each activity level for easy planning.

An adventure travel company designed for people ages 50 and over, ElderTreks offers small-group adventures — think wildlife safaris, hiking trips, cultural journeys, and other unique expeditions — in more than 100 countries. The tours are rated by activity level, ranging from one to five. At level one, travelers should be able to walk for one to two hours, whereas at level five, they'll need to be capable of hiking for eight to 10 hours.

Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

Senior Cycling

Specializing in bicycle tours for active adults ages 50 and up, Senior Cycling limits groups to a maximum of 13 participants. And they are always accompanied by the "sag wagon" in case someone needs a break from riding. Trips are rated at two levels: intermediate (for the occasional rider who prefers bike paths and flat terrain for 20–40 miles per day) and advanced (for those who are at ease with up to 50 miles per day, hills, and traffic). Custom tours can also be arranged for families or groups of friends.

Firebird Tours

With a focus on clients ages 50 and over, Firebird Tours offers small group trips to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East that deliver value, comfort, and quality. Themes for guided tours include gastronomy, history, architecture, and the Northern Lights , as well as theater and opera. Private family tours are also available, with destinations and activities suitable for a wider age range depending on the group.

Seniors interested in active vacations should check out Backroads , based out of Berkeley, California. While tours are open to all ages, the majority of participants tend to be over 50. Guided biking, walking, and hiking tours to a variety of destinations are geared toward adults, but also include options for families traveling with "teens and kids," "older teens and 20s," and those in their "20s and beyond." The company's Dolce Tempo tours offer a more relaxed pace, and include trips such as the Easygoing E-bike Tour in California wine country and the Easygoing Multi-adventure Tour in New Zealand.

Overseas Adventure Travel

With a variety of trips available to destinations on every continent, Overseas Adventure Travel makes a great choice if you're interested in seeing the world via small-ship cruises. In addition to guided land tours for groups of eight to 16, OAT offers sailings through the Norwegian Fjords, along West Africa's coast, and throughout the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Mature travelers are often attracted to the flexibility of the trips and the ability to personalize activities. Recognizing that many of their customers travel alone — including a whopping 85 percent of their female clients — the company has created its getaways with solo travelers in mind, whether they're first-timers or experienced adventurers.

EF Go Ahead Tours

Operating out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, EF Go Ahead Tours offers a selection of small group tours for 10 to 22 guests. The senior-friendly trips focus on interests such as food and wine, adventure, and safaris, as well as specific destinations and seasonal events (think Oktoberfest in Germany, annual holiday markets in Europe, or St. Patrick's Day in Ireland). Traveling alone? The company's solo tours provide private rooms and personalized experiences especially geared toward those traveling by themselves. Clients can also gather their own group and take advantage of the services of EF's professional coordinators.

Kensington Tours

If you're looking to create a fully customized, privately guided trip based on your group's specific needs and travel preferences, look no further than Kensington Tours . Their expertise in more than 100 destinations worldwide makes planning easy, whether the goal is a culturally immersive experience, enjoying fine wine and dining, discovering the history of a place, or relaxation. While these arrangements are ideal for mature travelers who appreciate ease and luxury, the company also provides experiences for multigenerational travel in countries like Thailand, Japan, Iceland, and South Africa, featuring kid-friendly trips that come with private vehicles, local guides, and dining options fit for the whole family.

Intrepid Travel

A leading adventure tour operator known for its efforts to make travel accessible to all, Intrepid Travel offers a good mix of bespoke and ready-made itinerary options that can be adapted to suit your group's comfort level. Intrepid's Accessible Tours are especially inclusive, with trips that are designed for every type of traveler. Whichever trip you decide to book, you'll have access to local destination specialists to help you choose the perfect places to stay as well as organize transportation, activities, and guided tours, depending on your needs. The company's Walking & Trekking trips, suitable for a range of fitness levels, are especially popular with seniors, though adults of all ages are free to join in.

YMT Vacations

In business since 1967, YMT Vacations designs all-inclusive trips with mature travelers in mind. Prices cover hotel accommodations, guided sightseeing tours, baggage handling, and the expertise of tour directors and driver guides. Destinations include Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, North America, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, among others, and the company arranges travel for popular events such as the Rose Parade in California. A number of river cruise and transatlantic sailing options are also available.

Grand European Travel

Grand European Travel is an AARP-preferred travel provider (check the website for members-only discounts) that promotes itself as a one-stop shop to help clients plan their desired travel experiences. The company represents a collection of 30 travel brands — including the likes of Trafalgar and Insight Tours — which, altogether, cover seven continents. Offerings range from budget to luxury getaways, and everything from cruises to land tours. Thinking of taking a multigenerational trip? Browse the company's family experiences section, stocked with tours fit for all ages, whether you're into all-inclusive European river cruises or exploring U.S. national parks.

Country Walkers

Country Walkers aims to introduce travelers to new landscapes and cultures around the world by traveling on foot. Established in 1979, the Vermont-based operator offers walking tours in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. Tour types include guided (in a small group of up to 18) and self-guided (in a private group of up to 12), providing a great option for independent exploration. Travelers can choose from five levels, starting at "easy walking," which includes a daily distance of two to six miles for up to four hours per day. "Moderate walking," the mid-range option, suggests four to 10 miles and up to six hours of walking per day. Trips at the "challenging walking" level might go up to seven hours a day on foot, covering anywhere from six to 14 miles. Guests of all ages should be able to find a destination and tour that's best suited for their interests and fitness level.

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Money blog: Loud budgeting - the taboo-busting money hack you can do without giving up daily coffee

Created accidentally by a comedian, "loud budgeting" is breaking down the taboo of speaking about money. Read this and the rest of our Weekend Money features, and leave a comment, and we'll be back with rolling personal finance and consumer news on Monday.

Saturday 11 May 2024 20:15, UK

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By Jess Sharp , Money team 

Money saving trends are constantly popping up on social media - but one in particular has been gaining huge amounts of attention.

Created accidentally by a comedian, loud budgeting is breaking down the taboo of speaking about money.

The idea is based on being firmer/more vocal about your financial boundaries in social situations and setting out what you are happy to spend your money on, instead of "Keeping up with the Joneses". 

On TikTok alone, videos published under the hashtag #loudbudgeting have garnered more than 30 million views - and that figure is continuing to climb. 

We spoke to Lukas Battle - the 26-year-old who unintentionally created the trend as part of a comedy sketch. 

Based in New York, he came up with the term in a skit about the "quiet luxury" hype, which had spread online in 2023 inspired by shows like Succession. 

The term was used for humble bragging about your wealth with expensive items that were subtle in their design - for example, Gwyneth Paltrow's  £3,900 moss green wool coat from The Row, which she wore during her ski resort trial...

"I was never a big fan of the quiet luxury trend, so I just kind of switched the words and wrote 'loud budgeting is in'. I'm tired of spending money and I don't want to pretend to be rich," Lukas said. 

"That's how it started and then the TikTok comments were just obsessed with that original idea." 

This was the first time he mentioned it...

Lukas explained that it wasn't about "being poor" but about not being afraid of sharing your financial limits and "what's profitable for you personally". 

"It's not 'skip a coffee a day and you'll become a millionaire'."

While talking money has been seen as rude or taboo, he said it's something his generation is more comfortable doing. 

"I've seen more debate around the topic and I think people are really intrigued and attracted by the idea," he said. 

"It's just focusing your spending and time on things you enjoy and cutting out the things you might feel pressured to spend your money on."  

He has incorporated loud budgeting into his own life, telling his friends "it's free to go outside" and opting for cheaper dinner alternatives.

"Having the terminology and knowing it's a trend helps people understand it and there's no awkward conversation around it," he said. 

The trend has been a big hit with so-called American "finfluencers", or "financial influencers", but people in the UK have started practising it as well. 

Mia Westrap has taken up loud budgeting by embarking on a no-buy year and sharing her finances with her 11.3k TikTok followers. 

Earning roughly £2,100 a month, she spends around £1,200 on essentials, like rent, petrol and car insurance, but limits what else she can purchase. 

Clothes, fizzy drinks, beauty treatments, makeup, dinners out and train tickets are just some things on her "red list". 

The 26-year-old PHD student first came across the idea back in 2017, but decided to take up the challenge this year after realising she was living "pay check to pay check". 

She said her "biggest fear" in the beginning was that her friends wouldn't understand what she was doing, but she found loud budgeting helped. 

"I'm still trying my best to just go along with what everyone wants to do but I just won't spend money while we do it and my friends don't mind that, we don't make a big deal out of it," she said. 

So far, she has been able to save £1,700, and she said talking openly about her money has been "really helpful". 

"There's no way I could have got this far if I wasn't baring my soul to the internet about the money I have spent. It has been a really motivating factor."

Financial expert John Webb said loud budgeting has the ability to help many "feel empowered" and create a "more realistic" relationship with money.

"This is helping to normalise having open and honest conversations about finances," the consumer affair manager at Experien said. 

"It can also reduce the anxiety some might have by keeping their financial worries to themselves." 

However, he warned it's important to be cautious and to take the reality of life into consideration. 

"It could cause troubles within friendship groups if they're not on the same page as you or have different financial goals," he said.

"This challenge isn't meant to stop you from having fun, but it is designed to help people become more conscious and intentional when it comes to money, and reduce the stigma around talking about it." 

Rightmove's keyword tool shows Victorian-era houses are the most commonly searched period properties, with people drawn to their ornate designs and features.

Georgian and Edwardian-style are second and third respectively, followed by Tudor properties. Regency ranked in fifth place.

Rightmove property expert Tim Bannister said: "Home hunters continue to be captivated by the character and charm of properties that we see in period dramas.

"Victorian homes remain particularly popular, characterised by their historic charm, solid construction, and spacious interiors. You'll often find Victorian houses in some of the most desirable locations which include convenient access to schools and transport links."

Throughout the week Money blog readers have shared their thoughts on the stories we've been covering, with the most correspondence coming in on...

• A hotly contested debate on the best brand of tea
• Downsizing homes
• The cost of Michelin-starred food

Job interview mistakes

On Wednesday we reported on a new £12m ad from PG Tips in response to it falling behind rivals such as Twinings, Yorkshire Tea and Tetley....

We had lots of comments like this...

How on earth was the PG Tips advert so expensive? I prefer Tetley tea, PG Tips is never strong enough flavour for me. Shellyleppard

The reason for the sales drop with PG Tips could be because they increased the price and reduced the quantity of bags from 240 to 180 - it's obvious. Royston

And then this question which we've tried to answer below...

Why have PG Tips changed from Pyramid shape tea bags, to a square? Sam

Last year PG Tips said it was changing to a square bag that left more room for leaves to infuse, as the bags wouldn't fold over themselves.

We reported on data showing how downsizing could save you money for retirement - more than £400,000, in some regions, by swapping four beds for two.

Some of our readers shared their experiences...

We are downsizing and moving South so it's costing us £100k extra for a smaller place, all money from retirement fund. AlanNorth

Interesting read about downsizing for retirement. We recently did this to have the means to retire early at 52. However, we bought a house in the south of France for the price of a flat in our town in West Sussex. Now living the dream! OliSarah

How much should we pay for food?

Executive chef at London's two-Michelin-starred Ikoyi, Jeremy Chan, raised eyebrows when he suggested to the Money blog that Britons don't pay enough for restaurant food.

Ikoyi, the 35th best restaurant in the world, charges £320 for its tasting menu. 

"I don't think people pay enough money for food, I think we charge too little, [but] we want to always be accessible to as many people as possible, we're always trying our best to do that," he said, in a piece about his restaurant's tie up with Uber Eats... 

We had this in... 

Are they serious? That is two weeks' worth of food shopping for me, if the rich can afford this "tasting menu" then they need to be taxed even more by the government, it's just crazy! Steve T

If the rate of pay is proportionate to the vastly overpriced costs of the double Michelin star menu, I would gladly peel quail eggs for four-hour stints over continuing to be abused as a UK supply teacher. AndrewWard

Does this two-star Michelin star chef live in the real world? Who gives a toss if he stands and peels his quails eggs for four hours, and he can get the best turbot from the fishmonger fresh on a daily basis? It doesn't justify the outrageous price he is charging for his tasting menu. Topaztraveller

Chefs do make me laugh, a steak is just a steak, they don't make the meat! They just cook it like the rest of us, but we eat out because we can't be bothered cooking! StevieGrah

Finally, many of you reacted to this feature on common mistakes in job interviews...

Those 10 biggest mistakes people make in interviews is the dumbest thing I've ever read. They expect all that and they'll be offering a £25k a year job. Why wouldn't I want to know about benefits and basic sick pay? And also a limp handshake? How's that relevant to how you work? Jre90

Others brought their own tips...

Whenever I go for an interview I stick to three points: 1. Be yourself 2. Own the interview 3. Wear the clothes that match the job you are applying Kevin James Blakey

From Sunday, eligible working parents of children from nine-months-old in England will be able to register for access to up to 15 free hours of government-funded childcare per week.

This will then be granted from September. 

Check if you're eligible  here  - or read on for our explainer on free childcare across the UK.

Three and four year olds

In England, all parents of children aged three and four in England can claim 15 hours of free childcare per week, for 1,140 hours (38 weeks) a year, at an approved provider.

This is a universal offer open to all.

It can be extended to 30 hours where both parents (or the sole parent) are in work, earn the weekly minimum equivalent of 16 hours at the national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year.

Two year olds

Previously, only parents in receipt of certain benefits were eligible for 15 hours of free childcare.

But, as of last month, this was extended to working parents.

This is not a universal offer, however.

A working parent must earn more than £8,670 but less than £100,000 per year. For couples, the rule applies to both parents.

Nine months old

In September, this same 15-hour offer will be extended to working parents of children aged from nine months. From 12 May, those whose children will be at least nine months old on 31 August can apply to received the 15 hours of care from September.

From September 2025

The final change to the childcare offer in England will be rolled out in September 2025, when eligible working parents of all children under the age of five will be able to claim 30 hours of free childcare a week.

In some areas of Wales, the Flying Start early years programme offers 12.5 hours of free childcare for 39 weeks, for eligible children aged two to three. The scheme is based on your postcode area, though it is currently being expanded.

All three and four-year-olds are entitled to free early education of 10 hours per week in approved settings during term time under the Welsh government's childcare offer.

Some children of this age are entitled to up to 30 hours per week of free early education and childcare over 48 weeks of the year. The hours can be split - but at least 10 need to be used on early education.

To qualify for this, each parent must earn less than £100,000 per year, be employed and earn at least the equivalent of working 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage, or be enrolled on an undergraduate, postgraduate or further education course that is at least 10 weeks in length.

All three and four-year-olds living in Scotland are entitled to at least 1,140 hours per year of free childcare, with no work or earnings requirements for parents. 

This is usually taken as 30 hours per week over term time (38 weeks), though each provider will have their own approach.

Some households can claim free childcare for two-year-olds. To be eligible you have to be claiming certain benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit, or have a child that is in the care of their local council or living with you under a guardianship order or kinship care order.

Northern Ireland

There is no scheme for free childcare in Northern Ireland. Some other limited support is available.

Working parents can access support from UK-wide schemes such as tax credits, Universal Credit, childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare.

Aside from this, all parents of children aged three or four can apply for at least 12.5 hours a week of funded pre-school education during term time. But over 90% of three-year-olds have a funded pre-school place - and of course this is different to childcare.

What other help could I be eligible for?

Tax-free childcare  - Working parents in the UK can claim up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of their children to help with childcare costs. 

If the child is disabled, the amount goes up to £1,000 every three months (up to £4,000 a year).

To claim the benefit, parents will need to open a tax-free childcare account online. For every 80p paid into the account, the government will top it up by 20p.

The scheme is available until the September after the child turns 11.

Universal credit  - Working families on universal credit can claim back up to 85% of their monthly childcare costs, as long as the care is paid for upfront. The most you can claim per month is £951 for one child or £1,630 for two or more children.

Tax credits -  People claiming working tax credit can get up to 70% of what they pay for childcare if their costs are no more than £175 per week for one child or £300 per work for multiple children.

Two big economic moments dominated the news agenda in Money this week - interest rates and GDP.

As expected, the Bank of England held the base rate at 5.25% on Wednesday - but a shift in language was instructive about what may happen next.

Bank governor Andrew Bailey opened the door to a summer cut to 5%, telling reporters that an easing of rates at the next Monetary Policy Committee meeting on 20 June was neither ruled out nor a fait accompli.

More surprisingly, he suggested that rate cuts, when they start, could go deeper "than currently priced into market rates".

He refused to be drawn on what that path might look like - but markets had thought rates could bottom out at 4.5% or 4.75% this year, and potentially 3.5% or 4% next.

"To make sure that inflation stays around the 2% target - that inflation will neither be too high nor too low - it's likely that we will need to cut Bank rate over the coming quarters and make monetary policy somewhat less restrictive over the forecast period," Mr Bailey said.

You can read economics editor Ed Conway's analysis of the Bank's decision here ...

On Friday we discovered the UK is no longer in recession.

Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.6% between January and March, the Office for National Statistics said.

This followed two consecutive quarters of the economy shrinking.

The data was more positive than anticipated.

"Britain is not just out of recession," wrote Conway. "It is out of recession with a bang."

The UK has seen its fastest growth since the tailend of the pandemic - and Conway picked out three other reasons for optimism.

1/ An economic growth rate of 0.6% is near enough to what economists used to call "trend growth". It's the kind of number that signifies the economy growing at more or less "normal" rates.

2/ 0.6% means the UK is, alongside Canada, the fastest-growing economy in the G7 (we've yet to hear from Japan, but economists expect its economy to contract in the first quarter).

3/ Third, it's not just gross domestic product that's up. So too is gross domestic product per head - the number you get when you divide our national income by every person in the country. After seven years without any growth, GDP per head rose by 0.4% in the first quarter.

GDP per head is a more accurate yardstick for the "feelgood factor", said Conway - perhaps meaning people will finally start to feel better off.

For more on where Friday's figures leaves us, listen to an Ian King Business Podcast special...

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money .

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

If you've missed any of the features we've been running in Money this year, or want to check back on something you've previously seen in the blog, this archive of our most popular articles may help...

Loaves of bread have been recalled from shelves in Japan after they were found to contain the remains of a rat.

Production of the bread in Tokyo has been halted after parts of a "small animal" were found by at least two people.

Pasco Shikishima Corp, which produces the bread, said 104,000 packages have been recalled as it apologised and promised compensation.

A company representative told Sky News's US partner network, NBC News, that a "small black rat" was found in the bread. No customers were reported to have fallen ill as a result of ingesting the contaminated bread.

"We deeply apologise for the serious inconvenience and trouble this has caused to our customers, suppliers, and other concerned parties," the spokesman said.

Pasco added in a separate statement that "we will do our utmost to strengthen our quality controls so that this will never happen again. We ask for your understanding and your co-operation."

Japanese media reports said at least two people who bought the bread in the Gunma prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, complained to the company about finding a rodent in the bread.

Record levels of shoplifting appear to be declining as fewer shopkeepers reported thefts last year, new figures show. 

A survey by the Office for National Statistics shows 26% of retailers experienced customer theft in 2023, down from a record high of 28% in 2022.

This comes despite a number of reports suggesting shoplifting is becoming more frequent. 

A  separate ONS finding , which used police crime data, showed reports of shoplifting were at their highest level in 20 years in 2023, with law enforcements logging 430,000 instances of the crime.

Let's get you up to speed on the biggest business news of the past 24 hours. 

A privately owned used-car platform is circling Cazoo Group, its stricken US-listed rival, which is on the brink of administration.

Sky News has learnt that Motors.co.uk is a leading contender to acquire Cazoo's marketplace operation, which would include its brand and intellectual property assets.

The process to auction the used-car platform's constituent parts comes after it spent tens of millions of pounds on sponsorship deals in football, snooker and darts in a rapid attempt to gain market share.

The owner of British Airways has reported a sharp rise in profits amid soaring demand for trips and a fall in the cost of fuel.

International Airlines Group said its operating profit for the first three months of the year was €68m (£58.5m) - above expectations and up from €9m (£7.7m) during the same period in 2023.

The company, which also owns Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling, said earnings had soared thanks to strong demand, particularly over the Easter holidays.

The prospect of a strike across Tata Steel's UK operations has gained further traction after a key union secured support for industrial action.

Community, which has more than 3,000 members, said 85% voted in favour of fighting the India-owned company's plans for up to 2,800 job losses, the majority of them at the country's biggest steelworks in Port Talbot, South Wales.

Tata confirmed last month it was to press ahead with the closure of the blast furnaces at the plant, replacing them with electric arc furnaces to reduce emissions and costs.

In doing so, the company rejected an alternative plan put forward by the Community, GMB and Unite unions that, they said, would raise productivity and protect jobs across the supply chain.

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