Road Trip: The Benefits And Challenges Of Travel As An Older Adult

Those in the know understand that we are coming up on one of the travel “shoulder seasons,” which means that it’s the perfect time to travel, with continued mild weather but fewer crowds. Without the binds of school schedules or limited vacation from a job, older retired adults can take advantage of wonderful travel opportunities at potentially lower costs. And these days, whenever and wherever you can trim costs, that’s a good opportunity. For older adults, airlines generally don’t advertise “senior discounts” (though you are advised to directly call an airline to see what they may be able to do for you). But other entities, including hotels, resorts, and tours, may be willing to cut a deal now that the summer crowds are fading. For some smart ways to save dollars without trimming your sails, pack your bag and take a look at Travel & Leisure’s secrets to travelling affordably in retirement. Among the best recommendations they make: Find reduced airline fares, especially last-minute pricing, from websites such as Going and Thrifty Traveler Premium. Or book a last-minute vacation rental through the website Whimstay.

But not every older traveler is looking for bargain-basement pricing. In fact, research shows just the opposite. A recent article from The Detroit News focused on a new trend, SKI, which stands for “Spend the Kids’ Inheritance,” suggesting that older travelers are now prioritizing their own comfortable and perhaps luxurious travel, with fewer concerns about the money left in their estate. It appears that for older travelers with discretionary funds, travel is becoming the big ‘luxury spend’ even as paying for traditional expensive products appears to be softening. As the saying goes, it’s “prioritizing experiences over possessions,” especially if the travel involves multiple generations and the grandparents pay for it. In fact, a recent report from the Global Coalition on Aging and the TransAmerica Institute found a rapid rise in “silver tourism” and multigenerational travel, as older adults live longer and healthier and have the financial resources and inclination to invest in making multigenerational memories. This is good for seniors, their families, and the broader global economy. As a recent Wall Street Journal article explained, in response to this uptick in senior deluxe travel, hotels and tours are creating more luxurious accommodations, activities geared to the needs of older adults, and services such as luggage delivery, all designed to make travel easier and more enjoyable for older adults and their families. There are now even travel advisers who specialize in luxury travel options for older adults.

There are other measures older adults can take to make their travel as seamless and stress-free as possible. Tips range from packing lightly to staying hydrated to purchasing travel insurance and calling in advance to understand your hotel’s accessibility and interest in meeting your physical needs. AARP recently put together some practical strategies for older adults who are intent on traveling through Europe. Among the adjustments and ideas they recommend? Understand the local walking conditions and transportation options at your destination; don’t hesitate to ask for airport assistance or car services if it makes your travel easier; buy your tickets to attractions in advance to avoid long lines when you want to see a specific venue; and don’t be embarrassed at slowing the pace of your activities- better to absorb and enjoy than to be rushed, stressed or even injured as a result. You may even want to join a senior-friendly travel group to take the stress out of planning and arranging things for yourself- and you might make some friends in the process. For safety’s sake, you may also want to invest in some lightweight luggage to give yourself ease of movement and some anti-theft small travel bags to eliminate any temptations to pickpockets.

But if you’re still wondering whether you can scratch the travel itch at your age, you may take some comfort in the example of Ellie Hamby and Sandy Hazelip, two friends well into their 80s who continue to travel the world together and document their adventures on TikTok. Known as the “Traveling Nannas,” they have published a joint memoir, Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Traveling Nanas, to share the wisdom and wild adventures they have experienced as they travel together well into their later years. They’ve gone to all 7 continents and over 50 countries, and between them they have 4 artificial knees and one hip replacement! But that doesn’t hold them back, and as they say, ”Adventure has no age limit.” Surely, they are superb role models for any of us who want to get out there and travel but are concerned that our adventurous travel days may be behind us. So grab your duffle bag, and find out more about these intrepid travelers here.