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Travel Tips For Retirees

Many have dreams of getting out and seeing the world once they retire. However, traveling at an older age might not be what you dreamed it would be. Do not let some bumps in the travel road get in the way of a retirement trip. That trip may lead to many more and an enjoyable retirement. Here are some things to consider when planning to travel after retiring.

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Budget

Before you map out your plans to jet set around the globe, sit down and make a budget. How much you can afford to spend on your dream travel plans will become the foundation of deciding where you can go, what you can do and what you can go see. Not everyone has unlimited funds upon retiring, so a little budgeting and planning can make what money is available go a long way.

Here are some tips to help save money while traveling:

  • Embrace your age: Ask for senior discounts and other activities that are geared toward others your age.
  • Go to the source: Instead of using big travel sites to book hotels, tours and activities, go straight to the source and ask if there are any discounts available.
  • Go on a tour: Because most tours take multiple people out at the same time, the costs per person often end up less expensive than trying to see what the tour offers on your own. (Plus you will get insider's tips when taking a tour.)
  • House swap: Offer to house swap with another retired individual who lives in the area you want to travel to. This will save you money on having to pay for a hotel or other accommodations. (Perfect for long-term travel.)
  • Find help: Travel agents know the ins and outs of travel and have experience booking travel for retirees. They also have built relationships that help get their clients discounts on different travel packages.

Destination

There are many factors to consider when selecting a destination. These factors include health conditions, money and personal likes. Once you have narrowed it down to a few different destinations, it is time to start researching. Visit blogs and websites that are geared toward retirees looking to travel. Visit a travel agent to discuss different activities and points of interest.

Call your hotel and ask the concierge desk if there are any special activities just for retired travelers. They may know local tours, groups and activities designed for retired travelers.

Related: Have A Romantic Vacation In Hawaii

Health

Before making the decision on where to go and what to do, you need to sit back and consider your overall health. If you have mobility issues, running with the bulls might not be the best vacation option. Set an appointment to see your doctor and discuss any travel concerns as it relates to your health.

Research different facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies, before you leave. This will ensure you know where to go in case of an emergency.

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Packing

When purchasing luggage, look for luggage that is lightweight and can be easily moved around. Consider selecting luggage in a different color than black, brown or blue. Doing so will ensure you are able to spot it more easily when going to claim your luggage after a long flight.

Conserve the amount of clothing items you pack. Look for ways to mix and match outfits during your trip and depending upon how long you will be traveling, seek out places to have your clothes laundered. This helps save you the hassle of handling your luggage and money on over-weight bags that you check in while flying.

Medical/Emergency Kit

Pack yourself a medical and emergency kit. This kit should contain all of the medications you take on a daily basis and anything else you may need in an emergency. This includes aspirin, bandages, gauze, tweezers and alcohol pads. If needing to fill prescriptions while away, have your doctor write down all of the generic names of your medications, just in case the pharmacy does not label medications with the same names used back home.

Other things to pack in this kit should include an extra pair of glasses, copies/list of all prescriptions and medications, copies of identification, travel documents and passports. Keep all of these in a single small case you can tuck away in the bottom of your suitcase.

Insurance

Though seniors do pay more for travel insurance, there is a greater risk that you are going to need it. Depending upon your health, you may have to cancel your trip at the last minute. Plus, your insurance policy may not be accepted overseas. When purchasing travel insurance, pay close attention to evacuation insurance and find out if pre-existing conditions might be an issue.

Related: How To Plan A Surprise Romantic Vacation

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Sightseeing

If walking or climbing stairs is an issue, there are still ways you can enjoy the different sites while traveling. Check with your hotel to see if there are any wheelchairs available to borrow or rent for the day. If you are at a museum or touristy spots, ask if they have wheelchairs you can borrow to help get around. Also, if you do not see an elevator and fear you cannot climb the stairs, ask if there is a service elevator you could use to get to the second floor. Most locations will offer this to those who cannot climb stairs, but you have to ask for it.

Instead of walking for hours through town, consider taking a tour. Many tours, such as boat and bus, will take you to all off the area's points of interest. You will still be able to see everything you would if you were taking a walking tour, you just will not have to deal with all of the walking.

Many more retirees are packing things up and heading out to go explore new things. Make plans to get away and see what others are enjoying in their new life after retirement. You never know where your adventure may take you.

Heather Landon is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.

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