I have always loved travel which is ironic since my parents were not big travelers (my mother has never even been on an airplane). Growing up we went on one vacation every summer to someplace we could drive to. But I had an aunt who travelled a lot and would bring me back dolls from different countries—I was hooked! So, once I was able, I travelled as much as my time and finances would allow. Back in my 20s this was mostly in the U.S. and Europe. In my 30s I was fortunate to end up in a career that involved international travel. It allowed me to travel to countries in both Africa and Asia, places I probably wouldn’t have been able to visit on my own.
Travel planning
I used to plan all of my trips myself. But for anyone who has ever done that you know it is a lot of work and takes a lot of time. In the past few years I have found I don’t always want to do all this work. So I started to look into group travel even though I had some concerns. First, I did not want to travel with big groups. Also, right now I’m really into active travel. I want to do these trips while I’m still able (you never know what will happen, right?) but don’t want to be with a group of super fit 30 year olds. The other thing with groups is that sometimes they include activities or sites you don’t want to do or see, or they don’t include something you want.
Since I retired, I have put together some really amazing trips, both in the U.S. and abroad, using different approaches:.
- Some trips I’ve planned completely by myself
- Some I’ve done with a group, and,
- Some I’ve used a hybrid approach, part group and part independent
Any of these approaches to travel planning takes at least some research and organization—figuring out where you want to go and what you want to do once there, identifying groups that meet your needs if you pick the group option, and figuring out lodging, transport/ flights, sites, etc. if you go independently.
Whichever approach you use, travel is one of the big perks of retirement! No need to request time off from work, travel only during school vacations, etc.!
Check out the Travel section if you are looking for information, tips, group recommendations, or inspiration.
And Bon Voyage!