Travelling is something so many people look forward to enjoying in their retirement years, especially the retirees of today, who are living a more active, independent lifestyle than generations before. The retirement village lifestyle means that instead of maintenance responsibilities to tend to, you’ll have newfound freedom and time to spend your way, whether that be going on adventures internationally, or staying local and exploring all that our beautiful country has to offer. You’ll also have the ability to lock up and go whenever you’d like, having peace of mind that your home will be secure and taken care of in your absence.
Whether you’re planning an adventure travelling around Australia or embarking on a trip overseas, these suggestions will help you navigate your journey with expertise and confidence.
HERE ARE 6 TRAVEL TIPS FOR RETIREES!
CAREFULLY CONSIDER TRAVEL OPTIONS.
When booking your holiday and choosing options, carefully consider every aspect. It’s a good idea to stay somewhere easily accessible, with food options within walking distance or public transport nearby, to avoid having to go up and down flights of stairs with your bags or having to travel too far for groceries or restaurants.
You might also want to consider exploring holiday options like cruises or train journeys, as they offer senior-friendly amenities, onboard medical facilities, specialised dining options, and organised activities tailored to retirees. They also provide the luxury and convenience of visiting multiple different places, without having to constantly pack and unpack. Cruises and train journeys are popular amongst older Australians, so they’re also a great way to meet likeminded people.
All-inclusive resorts are also a great holiday option because they give you the comfort and convenience of having everything you need within easy reach. From food and drink to facilities like a swimming pool and tennis court, to spa treatments and entertainment, you’ll have everything you need for an incredible getaway without having to leave the resort.
MAKE THE MOST OF THE DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE TO YOU.
When you’re planning your holiday, ensure you consider discounts so you can save as much money as possible. There are many places like Senior Stays who offer great deals on accommodation and tours worldwide for over 50s!
To learn more, go to https://www.seniorstays.com.au
TAKE THE TIME TO EXPLORE.
It’s easy to want to jam pack your days full of sightseeing and activities when you’re visiting somewhere new, but it’s so important to pace yourself and have rest days in between so you don’t tire yourself out or become run down.
EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY.
Embracing technology is a game changer when it comes to travelling as it offers an array of benefits and conveniences that will completely enhance your holiday! If you’re travelling internationally, make sure to download a translating app and that specific country’s version of Uber to help you get around easily. Familiarise yourself with google maps and utilise google reviews when choosing restaurants, cafes, and other local attractions to explore.
Additionally, make the most of the wallet feature on your smart phone which allows you to digitise important documents like your bank card, vaccination certificate, boarding passes, and e-tickets. Utilise FaceTime and WhatsApp to stay in touch with all your loved ones back home and share photos and videos from your trip! For safety, you can also share your location with friends, family, and people you’re travelling with though the Find My Friends app.
FIND A TRAVEL BUDDY OR TRAVEL GROUP.
If you don’t like the idea of travelling by yourself, know that you’re not alone! There are so many people out there who are in the same boat – perhaps you are single, or your partner is no longer able to travel, your family are busy with their own lives, and your friends don’t share your passion. If you’re in this situation, finding a travel buddy is a great idea! Consider exploring online platforms if you haven’t been able to connect with anyone organically or through friends. There are so many online options out there, some tailored specifically to seniors looking only for platonic friendships. Traveling with a partner or a group can make your holiday more enjoyable as you get to share experiences with others, while also feeling safer, and more comfortable.
Another great option is holidaying with a travel group. There are a number of companies like Travelrite International who offer all-inclusive senior escorted tour packages that include flights, accommodation, sightseeing tours, special events, and activities. They’re fully escorted by a professional Tour Manager, ensuring your holiday is smooth and well organised. You could go on a rail and coach exploration of New Zealand, an Indian Pacific rail journey and Western Australia escape, an Antarctica and South America cruise, or a Celtic cruise of Britain and Ireland! Travelrite have an array of both domestic and international package options that offer a great opportunity to see the world and meet likeminded people.
To learn more about Travelrite’s senior escorted tour packages, visit https://www.travelrite.com.au/senior-escorted-tours.php
One of the best things about living in a retirement village is having the opportunity to connect with likeminded people who have similar interests and are at the same stage of life as you. At Oak Tree, many of our residents have formed incredible bonds since moving in, and even gone on overseas trips with their new neighbours!
John Brak, a resident from Oak Tree in Toowoomba has loved travelling with his new friends since making the move to the village, as well as the fact that he can lock up and leave whenever he feels like he needs a holiday!
“I’ve been living at Oak Tree for over a year and a half now, and the friendship and hospitality between the residents here is outstanding, so much so that a few of us went on a trip to Bali together recently! We ate too much, drank too much, and had so much fun. We’re now recouping and planning for our next trip!”, says John.
“It’s so good to know that when I leave the village for a holiday, I know that everything including my garden will be looked after by our grounds person, and I have peace of mind that my belongings are safe.”
Stenna Jackson, another resident from Oak Tree in Toowoomba, recently went on a girl’s trip with some friends she made in the village.
“After forming amazing connections here in the village, us girls decided to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise together. There was so much laughter, fun, and the occasional cocktail. We loved showing off our village by wearing our pink Oak Tree polos and caps”, says Stenna.
“We’re planning to go again this year, but this time we’ll have an even bigger group!”
If you’re looking to form friendships and find likeminded people to travel and enjoy this chapter of your life with, consider making the move to a retirement village.
CONSIDER LOCAL TRAVEL!
If you’re looking to travel in your retirement but no longer feel comfortable going overseas, consider staying local and exploring all that our beautiful country has to offer. While travelling internationally is an incredible experience, travelling domestically is easier, more cost effective, and there are so many hidden gems in Australia that many people don’t even know about or think to explore!
TAKE A TRIP ON THE GHAN!
The Ghan Expedition is a unique and epic experience that allows you to explore the wonders of Australia with one of the most renowned rail journeys. From world-class food and wine to a range of immersive off-train experiences, once you set foot on The Ghan, you can relax completely knowing everything is included in your fare.
The Ghan allows you to explore Australia’s endless and magnificent landscapes, so it’s the perfect holiday for you if you’ve always wanted to see more of our beautiful country. With offshore excursions you’ll be able to discover the culture, history, and natural beauty of the landscapes you travel through.
To find out more, go to https://www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/journeys/the-ghan/
DISCOVER FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND!
There are so many tropical places to explore and adventures to be had in far north Queensland! Home to the majestic Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, it’s an Australian gem with so much to offer. Explore the Whitsundays, try your hand at mud crab hunting and cook your catch for lunch on the beautiful Cooya Beach, or visit a luxury spa at Palm Cove for some pampering – the options are endless.
There are several packages that include accommodation, dining, and activities, which make planning and booking your holiday so easy. To learn more, to go https://www.myqldholiday.com.au/tropical-northern-queensland-hot-deals/
VISIT THE HUNTER VALLEY!
Just a few hours’ drive north of Sydney lies the Hunter Valley – an incredible place to escape for a holiday and enjoy exquisite wines, serene countryside, and natural beauty. This picturesque region boasts an array of vineyards, award-winning wineries and rich heritage that dates back to the early days of Australian winemaking. The Hunter Valley region also offers a variety of gourmet experiences, including farm to table dining and artisanal food markets.
Beyond the wine tasting and delicious cuisine, you can immerse yourself in nature by hiking the many scenic trails, playing a round of golf, embarking on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, or simply relaxing and enjoying the stunning views – there is something for everyone!
To learn more, visit https://www.australia.com/en/places/sydney-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-hunter-valley.html
EXPLORE THE SCENIC RIM!
Just roughly an hour and a half from Brisbane, Queensland’s beautiful Scenic Rim is a ring of dramatic mountain ranges and World Heritage-listed rainforests, boasting so much to see and do. It has become an increasingly popular destination for those looking to get back to nature and enjoy a peaceful, wholesome getaway. While there are a number of accommodation options to suit varying price ranges, the Scenic Rim is also a wonderful place for a day trip adventure.
With gorgeous 180-degree restaurant views of the Great Dividing Range, the Kooroomba Vineyard Lavender Farm in Mount Alford is a beautiful place to visit for a walk through the lavender fields, wine tasting, or simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon over a delicious meal.
Alternatively, you could visit the Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Café for brunch outside amongst the trees or walk through the Scenic Rim Flower Fields and Kalbar Sunflower Field one afternoon.
Head to Blume, an intimate restaurant in the heart of the Scenic Rim for dinner, for a delicious degustation style meal using seasonal ingredients from local suppliers in the region.
To learn more, go to https://www.visitscenicrim.com.au/
The best part about travelling is no matter where you go or who you decide to go with, you’ll make incredible memories! With the right approach and careful planning, travelling is such a rewarding and fulfilling experience to have at any age. By carefully considering travel options, finding likeminded friends to travel with, and embracing technology, you will feel safe, comfortable, and empowered to have the best holiday possible!
