You’ve decided to spend big on a dream holiday after your retirement, but how do you go about it and where should you go? We look at the statistics around over-55s travel and talk to travel experts and financial experts about being prepared and funding it with your pension.
Where will your retirement take you?
Tourists aged 65 and over are more likely to go on longer trips and tours than other age group, according to European Commission statistics. Whereas 15-64 year-olds, on average, take trips that are 5.8 nights long, tourists aged 65+ are staying for 6.6 nights, on average.
‘It makes sense to take your time and explore a place rather than rush around, to relax and absorb the atmosphere; retired folk have fewer limitations on their time,’ observes Clive Stacey, Managing Director of travel specialist Discover the World. ‘Also, when you combine a number of destinations together the cost of travel becomes expediently less, especially when travelling long-haul.
‘We find that many retirees have a list of places they want to visit and should a special offer come up, even at short notice, they are often prepared to travel,’ he adds.
Retirement is a great time to take a long holiday abroad, and many people approaching retirement plan a trip to look forward to after they leave work. You could even take out a lump sum tax free to fund your trip, just make sure you balance what you take out with what you need to maintain a steady income for the rest of your retirement. Read our article on taking out your lump sum for more information.
Many people approaching and at retirement are taking advantage of their extra time to go on longer solo trips to far-flung places. Over-55 solo travellers have become braver, and holiday makers are encouraging each other to go on adventures. However, the current climate of uncertainty is making some consider a trip closer to home.
[1] Stannah Stairlifts 2018, Life Begins at… Retirement, https://www.stannahstairlifts.co.uk/articles/life-begins-at-retirement/