When you retire, traveling could be your golden ticket to a different kind of freedom, one where every day brings new chances to learn and experience new things. That is, if you love to travel. Going on vacations can help you see new places, but if you want to have a more complete experience, you should focus in on exploring one place instead of just passing through of several. A slower, more immersive approach lowers the stress and cost of travel while also helping you learn more about and appreciate the way of life in the area.
Slow Travel
“Slow travel” is a philosophy for traveling in retirement that focuses on building connections to the places you visit and getting more out of every trip. This is a great way to get to know a place’s history and culture in a fun, laid-back way. This less stressful and more involved strategy lets you understand and enjoy the local culture and way of life while also lowering the costs and stress of traveling.
Also, staying in one place for a long time means contributing more to the local economy. The money you spend to stay, eat, and shop (say for souvenirs) at your vacation destination goes to the owners of local businesses, building mutual respect and appreciation. Traveling this way is also better for the environment, as less flights less often reduces your carbon footprint.
Another tip: You can also get more involved with the local culinary culture and traditions by cooking with ingredients that you purchase locally, which will also save you more money on dining out.
Establish Meaningful Connections
One great thing about slow travel is that it gives you the chance to make strong connections with other people, too. Doing things like volunteer work and attending events in your area can help you meet new people. These interactions can help you make friends all around the world. The idea of slow travel also allows you to learn and grow as a person through more enriched experiences. You might have the chance to learn new skills, such as learning a new language, mastering a local craft, or cooking foreign cuisine.
How Frequently Do You Plan to Travel?
How often do you plan on traveling in retirement? This big choice will affect your finances and how much you enjoy retirement in general. Are you the type of person who loves travel enough to go on vacations constantly? Or, should you only take trips only every once in a while?
A personalized financial strategy that fits your unique goals is another important step. Each person has different financial goals and a different financial situation. Making a budget is an important part of planning a trip. Ask yourself: How long do you think you’ll spend traveling in retirement? What might this mean for your finances? Write down the kinds of trips you want to take, how often you want to travel, and when you think the best time of year is. Then, make an appointment with your financial advisor to discuss your plans in more depth.
Source: Kiplinger
