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For many of us over 50, traveling is a great way to stay active, engage with new cultures, and create lasting memories. However, planning a trip can sometimes require a bit more consideration than it did in our younger days. In this quick 5-step guide, we'll discuss some important trip planning tips that will help those over 50 have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey. From choosing the right destination to booking the right stay, we'll cover the essential things you need to know to plan your next adventure.
First, why travel?
Exploring the world doesn’t stop after a certain age. There are a variety of reasons why we should continue to travel as we get older–for starters, traveling helps keep the mind and body active! We are often exposed to new and unfamiliar experiences that keep our minds engaged, like navigating a new city or learning a new language, which challenges our problem-solving, memory, and attention abilities. After all, it was the Stoic philosopher Seneca who said that “travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” Physical activity, whether it's walking around a new city, hiking a scenic trail, or simply carrying luggage, is also a valuable component that comes with the territory. Both of these benefits combined help reduce stress and improve our mental health in the long run.
Traveling also provides opportunities to learn new things, meet new people, and experience different cultures. In doing so, not only are you broadening your perspective of the world, but you’re also enriching your life with a sense of adventure and excitement that can be incredibly fulfilling. What’s not to like about engaging with the world around you and connecting with it in ways you never have before?
Our 5-step guide for easy travel planning:
To help you along your travel journey, we’ve put together a simple 5-step guide to keep in mind as you plan your next adventure.
Step 1: pick a place
Whether you’re interested in international or national travel, there are plenty of places to choose from that are all amazing trips. If you’re looking closer to home (road trip, anyone?), here’s a list of some of the most popular domestic destinations for those over 50 that are known for their weather, culture, level of adventure, and inclusive ease of travel:
- Palm Springs, CA
- New Orleans, LA
- Key West, FL
- Moab, UT
- Oahu, HI
If you’re looking to travel beyond the United States, your search range just got a lot bigger. Luckily, Holidu, a Germany-based travel search engine, recently released their 2022 generational travel index. It analyzed cities all across the world based on a number of factors they found important for those over 50, most notably their number of different landscapes and green spaces. If you’re open-minded about your next destination, the following list is a great starting point:
- Singapore, Singapore
- Kyoto, Japan
- Bern, Switzerland
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Tokyo, Japan
Of course, there are a variety of other trips you can take that don’t require too much planning on your end. If you want to travel with grandkids, Road Scholar offers a variety of adventure-packed trips all around the world that center around learning. Eldertreks is also the world’s first adventure travel company that’s designed for people 50 and over, offering small-group adventures in over 100 countries! Other guided tours or going on a cruise are equally fantastic options that can provide the same level of adventure as planning it all out on your own.
Step 2: check your documents
After you’ve picked your destination, it’s time to check all of your official documents to make sure you’re ready to go. While most of these pertain to international travel, they’re still good for domestic travelers to keep in mind for the future.
- Passport
If you’re traveling internationally, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you depart. You can renew your passport by mail or in-person, though it may take anywhere from 8 to 11 weeks to renew it with expedited processing getting it down to as little as 5 weeks.
- Visa
Visa requirements may often change, and it’s important to be aware of any requirements to enter a country if you’re traveling internationally. iVisa is a fantastic tool to check real-time visa requirements so you are prepared well in advance.
- Insurance
It’s critical to obtain travel insurance in the event that your trip doesn’t go as planned. To make sure you’re covered for any accident, VisitorsCoverage provides a comprehensive overview of different insurance plans available to you depending on your trip. You can purchase directly through them and find the most affordable one for you!
- Vaccinations
Depending on the country you plan on visiting, staying up-to-date on all required vaccinations is mandatory for travel. Make sure you plan ahead and make an appointment with a healthcare provider if your travel country requires a vaccination that you don’t have. To check your country, the CDC has created a quick search engine to make it easier for you.
- Medications
If you plan on taking any medications with you internationally, it’s important to keep in mind that every country has its own laws pertaining to them. To check what documentation is required of you and the regulations of your destination country, the CDC has created this useful guide.
Step 3: check for discounts
If you’re over the age of 50, you are eligible for a variety of senior discounts that can help bring down the costs of travel. Make sure to check with the hotel or airline you are booking with for any discounts, and consider learning more about groups like the AARP, AAA, and AMAC to see if they are right for you.
For nature lovers over 62 who plan on traveling in the United States, you can also purchase a discounted $80 lifetime pass for all national parks managed by the National Park Service!
Step 4: book your stay
There are a variety of ways you can book your stay when traveling. Services like Airbnb and VRBO are highly popular and offer a wide range of unique accommodations for travelers, including private rooms, apartments, and entire homes. You can also filter your search to find stays that meet your specific needs, such as accessibility features, convenient locations, and amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities. If you find the right place, Airbnb and Vrbo can be even more cost-effective, comfortable, and personalized than a hotel.
If you’d rather go the more traditional route, Google Hotels, Booking.com, Expedia, and other travel booking sites are easy ways to find a beautiful place to stay. Through these, you can also look for car rentals if your trip will need one.
Prior to booking, check a site like TripAdvisor to make sure you’re getting the best deal and that your stay is exactly what you had in mind!
Step 5: book your flights
Similar to booking a hotel, you can either use a travel booking site to find good deals on airfare or purchase directly from the airline (this is the right choice if you’d like to use credit card miles or other points). Again, using a site like TripAdvisor can be helpful to compare prices and find the best deal.
Once these core steps have been completed, you’re well on your way to having a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip. If you want an international travel challenge, try learning a bit of the local language through platforms like Duolingo or Babbel before you take off. Remember to also take care of both your mental and physical health while traveling, including staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and checking in with friends and family.
With a bit of planning and preparation, you can embark on amazing adventures and enjoy all that traveling has to offer.
We hope this guide has helped simplify the travel planning process for you. For more about traveling and other lifestyle tips, check out our blog here.