The Midlife Escapes 5 Budget and Travel Tips for Midlife Travelers
As we get older, we often tend to get embedded in our routines. While home conveniences are wonderful, there’s a universe out there to explore! Traveling can make you get that youthful fire to rekindle by opening your mind to new experiences, locations, and also cultures. At The Midlife Escape, we’re firm believers that it is never too late to take a trip. That’s why we’ve assembled this useful overview for budget midlife traveling! It includes our leading tips for taking a trip securely, comfortably, and also budget-friendly as a midlife adventurer.
Our 5 Tips for Midlife Adult Travel:
Tip 1: Offseason or Shoulder Season Trips:
Among the most effective tips for traveling when you’re in midlife and/or retired is that you can travel whenever you like! No longer constrained by working hours and vacation days or paid time off leaving you with more options to travel off-peak season. A shoulder-season trip equals fewer crowds and lines at attractions and more budget-friendly options for accommodations. Avoid the heat of summer peak season to have milder weather to make walking conditions more comfortable and enjoyable.
The shoulder season time is additionally a great option for senior travel! Catch those springtime flowers blooming or the vibrant colors of autumn.
Tip 2: Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is an absolute requirement. Mishaps and things go wrong, it’s a fact of life and this is specifically real as we age. At The Midlife Escape, we take out travel insurance for all of our trips. There are many options available for every budget level.
Travel insurance will secure you from unexpected expenses such as trip cancelations, medical emergencies, or loss of personal belongings. Inconvenient at best and a ruined trip at worst, also cost you thousands in unanticipated expenses if you’re not covered with insurance! Here are some Travel Insurance company’s options and suggestions ( insert a link to post )
Tip 3: Senior Discounts and Free Options:
Numerous destinations offer discount price cuts to senior travelers! If no senior discount rates are posted then be sure to ask, just ask! Proof of age may be required, so have identification. In about every location, especially in popular travel destinations, free tours are available. Tip your guide to show appreciation after the tour.
Save on dining by avoiding establishments around popular tourist sites. A couple blocks over and you can get the same options for less money typically, as well as see where local residents choose to eat. When hotel shopping do not be afraid to look at alternative stays. Popular booking sites are now offering more than just hotel rooms. Entire apartments can be rented for the same cost or many times even less.
Tip 4: Pack Less
This may be the toughest for some to overcome. Dragging around a heavy suitcase gets old fast. It’s painful, bothersome, and, honestly, unneeded. Tack that carry-on-friendly suitcase or backpack ( midlifers and older travelers can backpack as well). Pack just what you need and nothing more, save room if you like to pick up souvenirs for friends and family. Washing clothes on a trip is not the end of the world, many hotels offer a washing service for a fee. Unless you are going off the beaten path, you can always pick up something if you should need it. If checking a bag then make sure all important documents such as your passport stay with you at all times. Medications should also be in a personal bag. Don’t forget doctor’s letters and prescriptions when traveling overseas. Customs could ask to see the official prescription upon entry.
Here is Midlife Escapes’ personal packing list and tips (insert link)
Tip 5: Book Tours In Advance
Planning a trip is stressful for some travelers, particularly if it is a first-time overseas trip! The options can be overwhelming for tours, day trips, museums, or restaurants to eat. A few reservations before the trip can ease that stress. Save some time for freely exploring the area as well. Tour guides are great sources of advice for hidden gems and local food options. Plan some tours but don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten path for some local adventures.
Traveling solo?
If not an experienced solo traveler then tours can be a great opportunity to meet other travelers. open yourself up to an adventure. For example, a port wine-tasting tour that I attended was scheduled for 3 hours. The official tour ended at 3 hours, and the unofficial tour ended at 3 AM!
I will leave you with this parting thought: You get one life to live. So enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think!