Make the most of your post-retirement travel plans
Living Gems

Make the most of your post-retirement travel plans

It’s not surprising that many people’s attention turns to taking a big, long holiday as soon as they make their retirement plans.

Make the most of your post-retirement travel plans

After all, what could be better than travelling your way, taking months to explore your favourite destinations instead of a few scant weeks limited by your holiday leave entitlement?

That’s the dream but what about the practicalities?

Practical travel tips in retirement

Many people plan their longest holidays early in their retirement with the United Kingdom, United States and Europe the most popular destinations on the retirement travel bucket list.

Travel is still on the list for older retirees with two-thirds of people still intending to take a holiday in the next 12 months with the percentage jumping to 88 percent for those whose retirement income was more than $100,000.

1. Plan in advance of retirement

Before you go running off to the nearest travel agent it’s important to do some planning a little closer to home.

While not as fun as checking out destinations and itineraries, taking the time to financially plan your retirement gives you the security of knowing what can realistically be accomplished.

For many, this plan may include downsizing to an over-50s lifestyle resort like Living Gems. The decision to release the equity from their family-sized homes can help turbo-charge retirements nest eggs through the government’s downsizer super contribution program as well as having some serious spending money for that to put toward their future retirement and travel plans.

2. Plan for your holiday budget

Now that you have your retirement finances in order, you can budget for your holidays with more certainty.

Better still, when you’re no longer constrained by school holidays or travelling in peak season, your dream holiday might just become a bit more affordable – especially if you can take advantage of last-minute deals.

Take advantage of holiday budget calculators to work out how much you can afford.

One big concern many people have is whether their retirement income will last the distance. Speak to your financial advisor about your individual circumstances but it is commonly accepted that you can spend up to five percent of your retirement funds each year without running out of money.

3. Plan to improve your health and fitness

When you’re no longer working, there is no excuse to ignore your health and fitness. And if you need an additional incentive, think about those walking and cycling tours that let you see more of your destination.

Downsizing to an over-50s lifestyle resort like Living Gems, which has a gym, swimming pool and sporting facilities, means you have everything you need right at your doorstep to meet your fitness goals and to enjoy more adventures for longer.

4. Plan to travel smarter

There are plenty of online resources to help you plan your travel, but did you know there are websites that can help you manage your travel too?

Websites such as TripIt, TripTile, Wanderlog and trip Planner AI means you can keep all of your important travel documentation securely online as well as giving your family access, so they can check your progress. Also, give your family peace of mind by registering your overseas trips with the Federal Government’s Smart Traveller website.

5. Plan to look after your home

Who is going to look after your home while you’re away? It can be difficult to fully relax on your holidays if you are concerned about security – not to mention the cost of having someone water the plants and taking care of the pets.

Living Gems homeowners live in a friendly, secure gated community with no gardening or home maintenance to worry about which gives you confidence to go travelling knowing someone is close at hand to look after your home.

6. Plan to travel with friends

One of the big advantages of living in an over-50s lifestyle resort is sharing a community with likeminded people. Enjoying group travel with friends is a great way to enjoy new destinations and provides a great opportunity for solo travellers to journey with a companion.

Plan to check out Living Gems

Living Gems is more than a place to live, it is a simply lifechanging way to enjoy your post-working years.

For more than two decades, our family-owned business has built a reputation for creating award-winning lifestyle resorts for active over 50s at a surprisingly affordable price point.

Living Gems’ premium locations are carefully chosen based on the natural beauty of their surroundings as well as convenience to local amenities such as shopping, thriving local communities and medical services.

Living Gems has new resorts coming soon.

Make the most of your post-retirement travel plans