You’ve retired, and now it’s time to grab life by the horns and see what the big, wide world has to offer. Wave goodbye to rotas, clock-ins, timesheets, shifts and day-to-day work stress. Now, it’s all about you – and it’s the perfect time to start checking off your bucket list travel destinations. We know that planning a big trip can be complicated – but luckily, we’re here to lend you a hand. And with 44 years in the travel industry, we like to think we know a thing or two!
How to travel the world: where to start
It’s a fairly loaded topic, but when you’re thinking about how to travel the world, whether you’ve saved up for a lifetime or you’re doing it on a budget, you first need to establish what type of traveller you are, and where you want your travel bug to take you.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to skydive in New Zealand or a laidback lounger who is more tempted by a spa resort in Bali, we can help to set you on track.
Find out more about how to travel the world with our handy retirement travel guide, including:
- What type of traveller you are
- Best destinations and excursions for active trips, relaxing holidays, cruises, coach trips and eco friendly travel
- How to travel, by plane, train, car or boat
- What to take with you
- Solo travel do’s and don’ts
- Top tips for getting the most from senior travel
- Bucket list travel: what you didn’t already know
- Eco friendly travel insights
How to travel the world: budget planning
Whether you’re going on a one-man solo travel adventure, or you’ve decided to retire early and travel with family and friends, you’ll want to be mindful of budget.
As helpful as it may be to scroll endlessly through travel retirement blogs or ask fellow travellers for useful tips and advice, it’s best to simply do a bit of quick research on your destinations. What currency do they use? How much is an average cup of coffee or a meal? Do they use public transport travel cards or are private taxis more cost effective? Knowing the ins and outs of where you’re hedead will be the best indicator of how much you can realistically spend.
If you’ve been saving up for your retirement travel plans, you’ll likely be well prepared and have some emergency funds to use up should the unexpected happen or something crops up that you just can’t say no to – after all, you’ve been waiting long enough to tick it off the bucket list!
But if you’re planning on early retirement travel, you might need to think about budgeting out your hard-earned money day by day. For instance, can you budget a certain amount of money per-day depending on the average costs of the country or city you’re in? Or can you organise your schedule so that you’re only spending money on food and drink as opposed to souvenirs and pricey excursions? When it comes to travel, there’s no reason why a lower budget should get in the way, as there’s plenty of free experiences to be had when it comes to retirement travel, such as:
- Visiting landmarks
- Street festivals
- Museums
- Art galleries
- Public spaces & parks
- Beaches
- Points of interest
- Churches & chapels
- Hiking
If you’re still a bit stuck or want some extra insider advice, our APH retirement travel guide will give you much more food for thought on budgeting, as well as many more handy tips and tricks you might not already know.
Introduction
You’ve retired – now is the perfect time to see the world. Whether you’re craving adventure or relaxation, APH is here to help you plan your bucket list trip with confidence and ease. With over 44 years in the travel industry, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you travel smart and make the most of your golden years.
1. Discover Your Traveller Personality
Everyone travels differently. Are you:
- The Active Adventurer? Ready to trek through Patagonia or paraglide in the Alps?
- The Taking‑It‑Easy Traveller? Maybe you’d enjoy yoga in Bali or island‑hopping in Thailand.
- The Cruiser? Picture cruising through the Mediterranean or spotting polar bears in Alaska.
- The Eco‑Friendly Explorer? Discover ways to travel sustainably without compromising on excitement.
- The Coach Tripper? Sit back and relax while others do the planning.
Figure out your style, and you’ll help tailor the rest of this guide to suit your preferences.
2. Budget Smarter for Retirement Travel
Planning a trip doesn’t have to cost the earth. Here’s how to keep costs sensible:
- Do your research: Understand typical meal, transport, and ticket prices at your destination.
- Daily budgeting: Estimate your per-day spend and stick to it.
- Seek low-cost experiences: Parks, museums, local markets, and festivals are often free and rich in culture.
- Emergency fund: Always set aside a little extra, you never know when an unexpected opportunity (or expense) might pop up.
3. Practical Travel Planning
Getting around in your retirement means making smart choices in travel modes:
- Flights: Look for senior discounts with airlines.
- Trains: Grab yourself a Senior+ Railcard for up to 1/3 off European rail travel.
- Cruises: Compare river vs ocean cruises and take advantage of senior rates.
- Road trips: Use APH’s secure airport parking and local car hire for added convenience.
4. Top Travel Tips by Traveller Type
Active Adventurer
- Pack light but smart, duct tape and zip-lock bags can save the day.
- Bring spare sports kit if you want to keep costs in check.
- Explore adrenaline-packed bucket-list trips like Machu Picchu or safari walks.
Taking-It-Easy Traveller
- Chill in Santorini or spa out in Bali, luxury is earned and welcomed.
- Use APH lounges and pre-book hotels for airport stops.
- Consider extras like extra legroom or priority boarding for comfort.
The Cruiser
- Look for senior packages on P&O, Viking, or Mediterranean cruises.
- Keep travel insurance and sea-sickness meds handy.
- Park your car near the port, APH is great for secure, stress-free parking.
Eco-Friendly Explorer
- Pick sustainable destinations and eco‑certified tours.
- Consider rail travel over short flights.
- Travel green with reusable water bottles and cloth totes.
The Coach Tripper
- Take value-for-money guided tours across the UK or Europe.
- Use discount coach operators, especially for cultural and local experiences.
- Explore APH shuttle-compatible hotels for convenient coach trip origins.
5. Safety & Comfort Essentials
- Wear weather-appropriate layers and choose comfy footwear.
- Bring ID photocopies, a whistle, and universal adaptors.
- Charge your devices and ideally carry backup chargers.
- Stay hydrated, keep a refillable bottle handy.
- In coach and cruise environments, consider minor first-aid kits and stick-on plasters.
6. Solo Travel for Retirees
Solo travel can be liberating but requires its own considerations:
- Register your trip with the British Embassy.
- Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or relative.
- Choose hotels with good security and check room accessibility if needed.
- Bring emergency contacts and international SIM or roaming plans.
- Be alert to common travel scams targeting older travellers, stay informed and safe.
7. The Health Benefits of Travel
Travel in retirement isn’t just fun, it’s also good for your health:
- Reduced stress, longer life expectancy, and mental stimulation
- Improved cognitive function by learning new cultures and navigating unfamiliar places
- Keeps mobility strong: walking, excursions, and exploration all help you stay active
- Increased happiness through shared memories and new experiences
8. Next Steps: Plan Your Golden‑Year Journey
Ready to make your travel dreams a reality? Here’s your action list:
- Define your travel style and update your bucket list destinations.
- Set a realistic budget per-day, and include a buffer for emergencies.
- Apply for travel cards (like railcards or senior air fares) in advance.
- Book your essentials: flights, hotels (especially near the airport if it’s early departure), and secure APH parking.
- Purchase travel insurance to cover medical support, cancellation, and any high-value items.
- Download travel apps for boarding, translation, and trip tracking.
- Pack smart, comfortable clothing, essential documents, local adaptors, medications, and ID copies.
Start your travel retirement planning with APH
Wherever you’re going – whether it’s a road trip on a budget or a once-in-a-lifetime holiday on the other side of the world – you need to be in the know. Being organised and prepared will allow you to relax and enjoy the experience you’ve waited so long for. So while you’re sunning yourself in the Caribbean or taking the the slopes, rest assured your car is safe with us. Start planning your dream retirement now with travel extras – such as airport parking, insurance, car hire and hotels from APH.
FAQ
Estimate daily spending (accommodation, transport, meals, activities), add an emergency buffer, and seek senior/budget discounts to stretch your money further.
Absolutely – Senior+ Railcards, cruise senior rates, and airlines often offer discounts for over-60s. Always look for age-based offers.
Notify someone of your plans, register with the British Embassy, use reliable transport, and keep documents and contacts handy at all times.
Disclaimer: All information is correct at the time of publication. Travel policies, pricing, and discounts may change, always double-check details with your service providers before booking or travelling.