Traveling in Retirement on a Budget

Reaching retirement is a lifetime achievement marking a new chapter of exploration, journey, and relaxation. That’s why so many retirees choose to travel when they enter retirement! But affording the retirement you planned for isn’t a walk in the park, especially nowadays with inflation affecting where and how we spend. This is particularly true when it comes to traveling. And with market downturns affecting our income streams, it may be wise to live more frugally so as not to put a strain on your retirement savings. However, retirement is a new beginning – a time to explore and do what matters most to you. Traveling is usually expensive, but these tips can help you live the retirement life you hoped for while on a budget.

Travel to Cheap Locations

Fortunately for US Citizens, the US Dollar is strong compared to other currencies out there. If you’re thinking of international travel, consider traveling to places like Costa Rica or Mexico. If you’re looking to stay in the states, there are still plenty of cheap places to travel where you’ll find well-priced hotels and food, along with the fun activities you look for on vacation. In major cities, you’ll have to deal with large crowds, long lines, and high prices across the board. So if you can, consider alternatives like Atlanta, Georgia, which has the perks of a major city without the high price tag of a New York or San Francisco trip. Tampa, Florida will have friendlier prices compared to Miami or Los Angeles, but the same quality of beautiful sunsets and beaches.[1]

Plan Your Trip FAR in Advance

With inflation increasing airfare prices to levels that make a considerable dent in budgets, it’s crucial to purchase your tickets far in advance so you can get the best deals on your vacation flights. But that doesn’t mean you have to book your flights 10 months in advance. The sweet spot for domestic flights is around one to three months out, and for international flights, it tends to be two to eight months in advance.[2]

Travel During Non-Travel Months

If you’re beholden to the work week or the school calendar, you’ll likely have to travel when prices are competitive because everyone is trying to book the same flights. But luckily for you, since you’re in retirement, you can plan your travel when others can’t. When you book flights on the travel offseason, you can take full advantage of less competitive airfare prices!

Don’t Use a Rental Car!

Although using a rental car may make your travel plans easier, they are more expensive than ever given the current supply shortages affecting the car market. Because of this, you may want to plan your trip to a budget-friendly place that is walkable, bikeable, or has readily available taxis or ride-sharing services. It may even add to your travel experience to end up having a great conversation with a local driver or enjoy biking down a quaint street.

All in all, your retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy new experiences that you’ve always wanted to have, no matter your budget. But managing your retirement savings and income streams yourself can feel like another job altogether. And that’s why we’re here – to help you plan your finances around your needs and goals. So, talk to us today to get started on your journey to an enriching retirement.