When I started traveling after I retired, I thought I knew it all. I had the time, the money & a travel bucket list. But it didn’t take long before I discovered that trips in retirement aren’t always that easy. And you think you’re at last free to go, but small lapses can make your dream vacation a nightmare. If you’re a new retiree getting off the grid, let me tell you 10 things I (and thousands like me) did wrong while traveling.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels.
Overpacking for Every Trip
You might feel tempted to pack it all “just in case,” but carrying heavy suitcases gets tiresome very quickly. You’ll be thinking that you might need something for every occasion, but most of those clothes are gonna be left unused. Limit yourself to clothes you can dress up & down, and consider the laundry facilities at your destination. Believe me, when you travel light, everything — from airports to unpacking in hotels to buses & taxis — is more enjoyable.
Trying to See Too Much at Once
I understand that when you have the luxury of time off, you want to try to pack everything into your calendar. But traveling from place to place every couple of days is exhausting if you’re not used to it. Give each place some time to fully appreciate it. You’ll have more good memories of a leisurely week in Paris than a quick trip to five cities.
Not Budgeting for Hidden Costs
You may miss out on resort fees, tips or transportation costs during the planning stages. I had no idea that these “little” costs add up. Create an overall budget with all of the nitty-gritty details such as insurance, food, activities, etc. Leaving some room for surprises can help you avoid financial trouble while enjoying your trip.
Forgetting About Travel Insurance
I used to take travel insurance very lightly when I was young. But when you are a retiree, you’re more likely to suffer medical issues or trip interruptions. Cheap travel insurance can backfire when things don’t work out. Get insurance that covers overseas medical care & trip cancellation — you’ll be glad you did when something goes wrong.
Ignoring Your Physical Limits
While it’s understandable that you’re feeling younger than you really are when you’re looking forward to a vacation, walking all day & having a full schedule can put your body through its paces. Check yourself on how fit you are & take breaks. You’re on vacation, it’s not a marathon.
Traveling During Peak Seasons
Finally you can travel as often as you want, but it is so tempting to pick summer or vacation times. And, sadly, that means higher prices, crowds, and more stress. Use your slack and go travel in the off-season. You’ll not only be saving money, you’ll also have a better time.
Not Learning About Local Customs
I’ll admit, local traditions didn’t interest me too much on my first visits. But even slight misunderstandings can result in embarrassing or even offensive incidents during your travels. Researching local customs, tipping habits & simple sayings in the local language can make all the difference. It’s respectful & often gets locals to treat you better.
Skipping Health Preparations
Maybe you’ll need vaccines or medicines if you are going abroad. It was one time I found out too late that I needed the yellow fever vaccine before a trip to South America. Some countries won’t even let you in without proof of certain vaccines. It was overly stressful & almost toppled my plans. Have a doctor visit before you leave & bring along any medications you’ll need, plus extras for delays.
Underestimating the Power of Downtime
You’re used to filling your days with stuff because you want to get the most out of your vacation. And I discovered first-hand that sightseeing makes you burn out. Make time for yourself — from a quiet morning with coffee, to an afternoon in the park. Take it in, slow down.
Not Planning for Technology Use
So you may believe Wi-Fi is free everywhere or you’re not going to use your phone much, but it isn’t always the case. I’ve lost direction because I didn’t plan for poor Wi-Fi or roaming charges. Download maps, check international calling plans & pack your power banks. Buy a local SIM card when you land. Be prepared, it will save you migraines.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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