Travel in Retirement

Travel in Retirement

If you were to ask anyone on the street what their top goals are for retirement, there’s a pretty good chance they would say travel. There’s definitely a romantic idea we all carry about putting work behind us and relaxing in some exotic climate. Others want the opportunity to look in on relatives who live far away. Still others may want to explore cultures they’ve only known from films and books. 

Tourism has always been big business. International tourism accounts for $1.9 trillion USD in international tourism receipts according to the United Nations Tourism’s World Tourism Barometer.¹

Here are some more facts:

• International tourism arrivals, defined as overnight visitors, were up 4 percent in 2025.¹
• Around the world, 1.52 billion people traveled internationally in 2025. That’s up 60 million from 2024.¹
• U.N. Tourism anticipates international travel will go up 3 to 4 percent in 2026.¹

Bearing this in mind, there's so much to consider when traveling in retirement. Where to start? A good “square one” is thinking about what you need and what you want. You might find these factors are occasionally in conflict. Let’s explore a few areas you’ll want to think about.

Timing is everything. The best time for big travel plans may be ASAP. If you’ve always dreamed of a big, multigenerational family trip, whether by air, land, or sea, you'll want to time that trip well. If the grandkids are old enough to make memories with, the adult kids can get the time off from work, and you’re ready, it’s time to go-go-go! Here’s where what you need and what you want might clash a little. It’s definitely practical to save for the trip, but summer vacation is finite, and spring and winter breaks are even shorter. Weigh your decisions carefully, but there’s nothing wrong with spending a little money on things that matter to you.

Research before you commit to a long or short trip. This is another area where what you need and what you want might come into conflict. Anyone who has ever come home from a week in Hawaii, the Caribbean, or another tropical locale might say they are already thinking about going back. With some trips, more is better! On the other hand, you do have to keep certain realities in mind. Even a paradise might have a bad season! Find out what sort of weather and local cultural factors might be in play. If there’s something in the forecast or on the calendar you can live without, be prepared and schedule accordingly. 

Savor the experience. For many, cultivating beautiful experiences is the whole point of travel. However, couples and families might encompass a number of tastes and preferences. If some members of the party are looking for culinary opportunities and others seek educational enrichment like museums and historical sites, make sure the trip offers everyone the experiences they want most. Communication is key because it also lets you pin down the attractions everyone agrees on. Spa day, anyone?

Keep the practical in mind. Here’s an area where “what you need” comes to the forefront. Many travelers need to consider their medical situation when abroad. Talk to your medical professionals when you are sketching out your trip and, from there, see where your health coverage might factor into your decisions. It may be as simple as knowing how to get hold of a crucial medication in an emergency or what sort of insurance coverage you might want when far from home. It doesn’t stop there. If you’re going to be in another country for weeks, who will look after your home and do the little things, like watering the plants and feeding your pets? If you’re spending several months in another country, are there any tax implications?

That last question is a good one for me, incidentally. We'd love to talk with you about your travel ambitions and go over a few details, especially those related to your finances!

^{1. United Nations Tourism, January 27, 2026}