Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Post-Retirement Travels
By Living Better on August 8, 2019
Traveling post-retirement is an excellent way to put all those years of hard work to good use. Whether you decide on jetting off to the Maldives, or prefer more of an urban break in a place such as Barcelona, here are a few good tips to help you on your travels, no matter where you are.
Double-Check the Paperwork
As boring as it sounds, paperwork (including passports, visas, and so on) is one of the most essential facets of your pre-holiday preparation. Depending on where you’re from, your passport has what is known as a global mobility index (GMI). This GMI influences where you can and cannot travel without needing a visa – the higher the GMI, the more options you can have in terms of holiday destinations. This would, therefore, be a very useful tool when planning your holiday – this should be a stress-free time of your life, so be prepared, because as the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed.
As well as travel documents, make sure that any health-related documents (such as a European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC, if you’re traveling to Europe) are in order. Furthermore, if you plan on driving, ensure that any car hire arrangements are made in advance – not only are you more likely to get the vehicle of your choice this way, but you’ll likely get a cheaper price, too.
It might seem like all of this is a bit of a hassle, but in the long-term, it’s worth double-checking you’ve got all the above things in order to ensure hassle-free travel no matter where you end up going.
Safety First
When traveling, especially in your golden years, it is important to look after your own health. Particularly when trekking through some of the more inhospitable places in the world, it is essential to be constantly aware of your own health – whether you are riding a camel through the Egyptian sands, or backpacking through the Amazon.
Make sure to always stay hydrated – most experts recommend around half a gallon of water a day, and more if it’s very warm or you’re in more inclement weather. If you’re particularly keen on maintaining your health during your travels, it’s not particularly hard to learn how to make a first aid kit – whether big or small, some essential medicines and first aid implements (such as bandages and so on) can be handy in a pinch. However, remember – for the most serious incidents, always call upon the local authorities for help first.
Money, Money, Money, That’s So Funny
Traveling is oftentimes expensive – whether it’s the flight, the accommodation, or the local amenities, there is always something (or someone!) eyeing your wallet when your travel. Thus, it’s worth keeping an eye on your budget and, if possible, constructing even a rudimentary budgeting plan before you head on your holiday.
Nevertheless, it’s important to first and foremost have fun and enjoy the sights – that’s why you’re going on holiday in the first place. Don’t take the above tips as gospel, but instead work with and, if needed, around them in order to make the best of your holiday, enjoying the prime of your life to its fullest.
This is a guest post by Steve Conway, a techie by profession and a passionate traveler who loves to soak up the sun, swim in azure waters and explore far-off destinations that hold the promise of a great adventure.
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