Travel in retirement: how to plan, enjoy and travel with confidence
Written by Maria Hughes
Travel Expert
Published
Updated
Retirement can open the door to a completely different style of travel. With more flexibility, fewer time pressures and the freedom to travel outside peak seasons, many retirees find it’s the perfect opportunity to explore new destinations at a slower, more enjoyable pace.
Whether you’re dreaming of longer stays in Europe, scenic cruises, cultural city breaks, or simply spending more time visiting family abroad, travel in retirement can bring a renewed sense of adventure and wellbeing.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to plan retirement travel comfortably and confidently, from choosing the right holiday style to managing health considerations and travel insurance.
In this article¶
Why retirement is the perfect time to travel ¶
For many people, retirement is the first time in decades that travel no longer has to fit around annual leave, school holidays or work commitments. Instead of rushing through short breaks, retirees often have the flexibility to travel more comfortably and at a pace that suits them.
Retirement travel isn’t always about travelling further - it’s often about travelling differently. Many retirees prioritise comfort, culture, scenery and meaningful experiences over fast-paced itineraries.
For inspiration, explore Holiday ideas and destination guides designed for relaxed, enjoyable travel.
How travel changes in retirement ¶
Travel in retirement often becomes more flexible and personal. Some people take shorter, more frequent breaks, while others prefer extended stays abroad to escape colder weather or to fully explore a destination.
Common changes in retirement travel include:
A slower pace¶
Rather than trying to fit several cities into one week, retirees often prefer slower itineraries with more downtime and fewer long travel days.
Longer stays¶
Retirement offers the opportunity to spend several weeks, or even months, abroad, particularly in warmer destinations during winter.
Off-season travel¶
Travelling outside peak periods can make airports, attractions and accommodation less crowded and more comfortable. There’s also the chance that holidays will be cheaper outside of peak season.
Comfort-led choices
Many retirees prioritise direct flights, central accommodation, accessible transport and guided tours to reduce stress while travelling.
This shift in travel style can make holidays feel more enjoyable, manageable and restorative.
How to plan travel in retirement ¶
With so many different things to consider, planning retirement travel can feel a little overwhelming at times. To help you get started, it may help to think about the following:
Decide what type of travel suits you¶
The first thing to ask yourself should be “what do you actually enjoy the most?”. Some retirees prefer structured trips, while others enjoy independent travel with plenty of flexibility. Some popular options include:
| Holiday type | Best for |
| Relaxing beach breaks | Best for those seeking a mix of ultimate relaxation and downtime, with the option of water-based excursions like boat trips and snorkelling. |
| Cultural city breaks | Best for people who want to experience new cultures and traditions while ticking off some bucket-list attractions and museums. |
| Cruises | Best for travellers who enjoy waking up in a new destination every day, combining luxury onboard amenities with the convenience of visiting multiple countries in one trip. |
| Rail journeys | Best for those who believe the journey is just as important as the destination, offering scenic landscapes and a romantic, slower-paced way to explore. |
| Escorted tours | Best for curious explorers seeking a stress-free experience, with expertly planned itineraries, local insights, and a like-minded group to share the adventure. |
| Nature and countryside escapes | Best for those looking to reconnect with the great outdoors, whether through peaceful rural walks, wildlife spotting, or fresh-air activities in stunning natural landscapes. |
| Visiting family abroad | Best for travellers prioritising meaningful connections and shared experiences, blending the comfort of seeing loved ones with the chance to explore a destination like a local. |
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Balance comfort and adventure¶
Retirement can be a great time to try new experiences, but it’s also important to travel at a pace that feels comfortable physically and mentally.
When planning, consider:
- Walking distances
- Climate and temperatures
- Accessibility
- Transfer times
- Medical facilities nearby
- Rest days between activities
Budget realistically¶
Budgeting on a pension is key to making your money go further. Plan in advance and shop around for the best holiday deals. Consider going outside of peak season or to less popular destinations to make the most of your budget.
Retirement travel planning should also include budgeting for:
- Flights and accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Medication and healthcare needs
- Airport transfers
- Excursions and activities
- Food and drink
- Unexpected disruption or delays
Travelling during quieter months can often help stretch your budget further, and booking in advance can help you get the best deals on flights, accommodation, and all the fun things to do on holiday!
For extra preparation advice, see our pre-travel checklist and practical travel tips.
Retirement holiday ideas ¶
One of the best things about retirement travel is the variety of holiday styles available.
Short breaks, cruises and escorted tours¶
Short breaks can be ideal for retirees who want regular holidays without the exhaustion of long-haul travel. European city breaks, river cruises and escorted tours remain especially popular.
Cruises can offer:
- Easy transport between destinations
- Accessible facilities
- Organised excursions
- Medical support onboard
- Minimal packing and unpacking
Escorted tours can also remove the stress of planning logistics while offering opportunities to meet other travellers.
For accessible inspiration, check out Accessible European City Breaks.
Longer stays and slow travel¶
Some retirees choose to spend several weeks abroad rather than taking multiple short trips. Slow travel allows more time to settle into local life, enjoy quieter routines and reduce the stress of constant moving around.
Popular choices include:
- Winter sun stays in Spain or Portugal
- Countryside cottage rentals in the UK
- Long-stay apartments in Europe or further afield
- Scenic rail holidays like the Bernina route
- Coastal retreats like Madeira
Travelling internationally in retirement¶
Retirement can also provide the freedom to take longer international trips that may have been difficult during working life.
When planning long-haul travel, it’s important to think about:
- Flight duration (over 6 hours) and the importance of stretching regularly
- Travel vaccinations e.g. hepatitis, typhoid and diphtheria
- Mobility and accessibility
- Recovery time after flights
Planning ahead can make international retirement travel far more comfortable and enjoyable.
Health and well-being when travelling as a retiree ¶
Health considerations don’t have to stop you from travelling - but they do make preparation more important. Plan and look for medical support at your destination and the medication rules abroad.
Managing existing medical conditions¶
If you live with ongoing health conditions, it’s important to:
- Carry enough medication for your trip
- Keep medication in the original packaging
- Bring copies of prescriptions
- Research local healthcare facilities
- Check whether vaccinations are needed
Many travellers worry that medical conditions will prevent them from getting cover, but specialist insurers, like ourselves, can often help travellers with a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions.
Accessibility and mobility¶
If you have mobility or access needs, choosing accessible accommodation, transport, and excursions can make travel significantly more enjoyable. Consider:
- Lift access
- Walk-in showers
- Ground-floor rooms
- Step-free transport
- Distance from attractions
- Availability of airport assistance
Mental well-being while travelling¶
Travel can also positively support mental wellbeing, confidence and social connection during retirement. However, anxiety around flying, unfamiliar environments or medical concerns can affect some travellers.
If you live with mental health conditions, it’s worth reading more about travel insurance for mental health conditions before travelling.
You can also explore more advice in Your Health Abroad.
Is retirement travel worth it? ¶
For many people, travel becomes even more rewarding in retirement. Without work pressures or strict schedules, holidays can feel more meaningful, restorative and enjoyable.
Research consistently links travel and active lifestyles with benefits, including:
- Improved mental wellbeing
- Increased confidence and independence
- Social connection
- Reduced stress
- New experiences and stimulation
Retirement travel can also create opportunities to reconnect with hobbies, family, culture and nature. Rather than slowing life down, retirement often creates the freedom to experience travel in a completely new way.
Frequently asked questions
Get insurance for your retirement travels ¶
Retirement should feel like an opportunity to travel with greater freedom and confidence - not a reason to stop exploring.
Whether you’re planning short European breaks, extended winter stays or international adventures, having the right preparation and travel insurance can help you enjoy every trip with peace of mind.
Goodtogo specialises in travel insurance for older travellers and people with medical conditions, with no upper age limits on policies, meaning we cover over 65, 70, 80 and 90!
Ready to start planning your next trip? Get a quote today.