There’s no need to set that Monday morning alarm clock now that you’ve retired, but it’s not quite a time to grab your pipe and slippers just yet – you’ve got a retirement vacation to plan. Now that you can take advantage of senior discounts and plan your travels during off-peak periods, it’s a great way to kick off your retirement.
Reaching retirement age means you’ve achieved a newfound freedom, enabling you to extend your dream retirement holiday well beyond the confines of a typical two-week getaway. Never has there been a better time in life to tick off that bucket list of places you’ve always wanted to see.
Whether you opt for a romantic couples’ retirement retreat or a golfing trip away with other retirees, either way, maximizing the benefits of retirement travel still takes planning, and that’s why we’ve created a five-point guide to help you get the most out of your retirement vacation.
Firstly, start by jotting down a list of all your favorite hobbies and interests that would make up your ideal retirement vacation. These can be sports like golf or skiing or focusing on your interests in other cultures and histories. These key aspects can help you formulate a successful retirement trip itinerary later on.
Secondly, list all your ultimate retirement travel bucket list destinations; these could be places you’ve never been to or have always dreamt of returning to. With some careful planning, you could create a retirement vacation that combines these two wish lists. This is where your new flexible schedule kicks in, merging your interests with your bucket list getaways while targeting the low seasons and avoiding the crowds.
Of course, you should always keep in mind your retirement travel budget. However, this is where signing up for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and other senior discount programs can reap huge dividends. Identifying opportunities to save on travel and transportation, eating out, and accommodation during your retirement vacation can help extend your time away or spend your travel dollars on more exciting activities.
Determining your budget ahead of time helps avoid any unpleasant surprises when you’re away. These hidden costs can easily be budgeted for and can often be recouped in savings through advanced forecasting. Strategic travel planning, such as advance booking your flights and transportation, can save hundreds of dollars. You can also make incredible savings through Best Western® Hotels & Resorts’ dedicated senior discount and AARP rewards program and massively reduce the cost of your retirement vacation.
So, you’ve identified how to incorporate your hobbies into a brilliant bucket list holiday destination, but to truly extract the most from your retirement vacation, we advise you to investigate everything your destination has to offer. For example, rather than hiring a car, rent some bicycles, explore the area, and spend the day on a tour of the local wineries instead. Often these side excursions can become the pinnacle highlight of your retirement holiday.
By devoting time to researching your destination before embarking on your retirement trip, you might discover new points of interest and cultural experiences that you might otherwise overlooked. Additionally, utilizing discounted modes of transport such as public transport or your senior rail card can prevent you from wasting money on expensive local taxis.
No matter where you choose to go, make sure to make your reservations with Best Western® Hotels & Resorts. As a retiree, why not make the most of our low-season rates? Take advantage of our specially curated senior discounts and the AARP rewards program, offering remarkable savings and exciting upgrades.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil beach getaway, an adventurous mountain retreat, or an enriching cultural expedition, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts vast network of premium locations ensures that your dream retirement vacation becomes a reality.
This final step is the most important of them all – be sure to enjoy every moment of your retirement holiday, after all, you’ve earned it! Embrace every opportunity to engage with the locals, explore new cultures, and take the chance to savor the local cuisine as you might find a new favorite dish.