Ever wondered if you could make the thrill of discovering exotic new places last indefinitely? Ever felt that a holiday just isn’t long enough, that you want travel to be your day to day?
The decision to become a full-time traveller – to just up sticks and, as they say, become ‘location independent’ – is a major lifestyle choice. But if it is what you love doing, why not? And why should age be any kind of barrier?
In fact, you could argue that retirement is the perfect time in life to follow your dreams and take to the road (or skies, or waves). Greater financial independence, not having to work for a living, family all grown up – if retirement isn’t the time to indulge in your passions, then when is?
Taking travel seriously in later life can be anything you want it to be, from heading away for a few months every year to really embracing the location independent way of life. If it is what your heart yearns for, then go for it. And here are a few handy pointers to push you in the right direction.
Do…
- Look at cheaper destinations. You might as well make the most of your pension or life savings, and head to places where you can live in perfect comfort for a fraction of the cost of home.
- Consider ways to earn a little extra while you are travelling. If you have a house you can rent out while you are away, or perhaps can turn your hand to a bit of blog writing or photography on your travels, a little extra cash can extend your nomadic lifestyle that much further.
- Embrace the cultures you visit. Trips to tourist resorts are holidays because they are never meant to last. If you really want to get under the skin of a destination, get to know the people and live it as they live it. Volunteering can be a great way to immerse yourself in a new way of life.
- Protect yourself against all eventualities. Part of the thrill of travel is taking a step into the unknown, but that does not mean you cannot take steps to minimise risk. Travel insurance may not be glamorous, but it can save your bacon if something goes wrong. Look into anywhere to anywhere policies, and specialist providers who will cater for your age.
Don’t…
- Take any risks with your health. Travelling can be a wonderful, life affirming, transformational experience. But nothing comes before being healthy, and if you try to travel in poor health, you are unlikely to get what you expected out of it.
- Push yourself if your heart isn’t in it. If you set off for 12 months and find yourself pining for home after three, then don’t stay away for the sake of it. Following your heart and your instincts should always be the first rule of long term travel.
- Forget to treat yourself. Working to a budget is all well and good, but long term travel is about more than money and practicalities. If there is something you really want to do or a place you really need to see, well, you only live once.
- Worry about home. We all have the right to determine our own lives. If country hopping on the opposite side of the world is what you need for a few years in retirement, you have earned it. And if you have family left behind – get them to come to visit you!
Avanti Travel Insurance specialises in bespoke policies for people wishing to travel with a wide range of medical conditions, as well as policies for over-50s travellers. To find out more, please visit our website.
