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Embrace the Art of Slow Travel Retirement Planning
I’m in my 50s, married, and a military spouse. We’re about to retire and look forward to a new chapter. For the past 30 years, we’ve embraced slow travel, truly taking our time to experience each destination. Initially, we planned to travel full-time after retirement, hopping from one place to another. However, we’re now considering a slower pace to savor each moment and place. Wondering what slow travel is and why it’s perfect for retirees like us? Read on to find out.
Table of Contents
- Embrace the Art of Slow Travel Retirement Planning
- What is Slow Traveling?
- Choose Your Destinations Wisely
- Opt for Flexible Transportation
- Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
- Long-Term Accommodations
- Utilize Senior Discounts
- Be Flexible When Booking
- Embrace Group Travel
- Enjoy Slow-Paced Activities
- Cook Your Own Meals
- Use Public Transportation
- Sign Up to Participate in the Female Travel Group, Wanderful
- Volunteer or Participate in Work Exchange Programs
- Try Repositioning Cruises
- Final Thoughts
- Like it! Pin it!
Slow Travel Retirement Planning
The concept of slow travel clearly has fans. In fact, the latest travel trends from Vrbo, Hotels.com, and Expedia named “JOMO Travel” another term for slowing it down as a top trend for 2025.
What is Slow Traveling?
Slow traveling is about taking the time to fully experience a place, connecting with local culture, and enjoying a relaxed pace. Instead of rushing through destinations, you stay longer, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, and form meaningful connections with the people you meet. This approach allows you to savor every moment, whether enjoying a leisurely breakfast at a quaint cafe, exploring hidden gems off the beaten path, or participating in local traditions and events. Additionally, slow travel can be cost-effective, as longer stays often mean lower accommodation costs and the ability to cook your meals. Slow traveling enriches your journey by prioritizing depth over breadth, making it more rewarding and memorable.
Choose Your Destinations Wisely
When planning your next adventure, think beyond the typical tourist hotspots. Look for destinations that align with your interests and offer a slower pace of life. Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America are regions rich in culture and natural beauty, often at a fraction of the cost of more popular destinations. When we were trying to see as many countries as possible, we just looked at transportation. We weren’t as concerned about how that experience would change our lives. We breezed through, trying to see as much as we could, as fast as we could. That’s not how we roll now.
For instance, spending a month in a quaint village in Vietnam can provide a deeper understanding of the local way of life compared to a hurried tour of major cities. Research affordable accommodations, local food markets, and transportation options to maximize your stay. And that’s more appealing to us.
Opt for Flexible Transportation
The journey can be one of the most rewarding parts of slow travel. Instead of hopping on the next flight, consider taking a train, bus, or boat. These modes of transport tend to be cheaper and offer scenic views and opportunities to interact with locals.
Renting a car or bike allows you to explore at your own pace. Imagine winding through the Tuscan countryside, stopping at vineyards and small towns along the way, without rushing to catch the next tour bus.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Traveling during the off-peak seasons can transform your experience. You’ll avoid the throngs of tourists, enjoy better weather, and find more accommodations and activities available. Picture wandering through the streets of Prague in the serene early spring or savoring the tranquility of a Greek island in late autumn.
Long-Term Accommodations
Consider settling into a long-term rental, such as an apartment, villa, or house. Websites like Airbnb and Booking.com offer many options that are often cheaper and more comfortable than hotels. Staying in one place for an extended period allows you to create a home away from home, fostering a sense of belonging and a deeper connection to the local community.
Utilize Senior Discounts
While I’m not yet eligible for senior discounts, I always inquire about military discounts, which have saved me considerably. Many travel providers offer significant savings for seniors, making it worthwhile to ask, especially for those considering slow travel during retirement. Additionally, joining a senior travel club can provide extra benefits like group tours and travel insurance.
Be Flexible When Booking
Flexibility is key to slow travel. Being open with your travel dates and times can result in substantial savings. Avoid peak travel periods and book in advance to secure the best deals. This flexibility allows for spontaneous adventures and unexpected discoveries along the way.
Embrace Group Travel
Traveling with a group can be both economical and enjoyable. For example, our group tour to China was a fantastic experience. The tour included a translator, a driver, and a flexible itinerary, making exploring together easier and more fun. Sharing expenses with friends or family can also reduce costs and enhance the travel experience.
Enjoy Slow-Paced Activities
Engage in leisurely activities that allow you to connect with the local culture. Take long walks, visit museums, or attend local festivals. Participate in a cooking class, attend a language school, or join a local walking group. These experiences enrich your understanding and appreciation of the destination.
Cook Your Own Meals
Dining out every day can quickly add up. Renting a place with a kitchen allows you to cook meals using fresh, local ingredients. This saves money and gives you a taste of local flavors in a more intimate setting. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can be an adventure.
Use Public Transportation
Opting for public transportation is often cheaper and more sustainable than renting a car. It also offers a unique perspective of the local life, allowing you to interact with residents and observe daily routines. Look for discounted long-term passes to save even more.
Sign Up to Participate in the Female Travel Group, Wanderful
Wanderful is a travel group for women that offers local chapters, events, travel resources, and connections with like-minded women. Through Wanderful, you can find home-sharing opportunities worldwide, fostering community and support during your travels.
Volunteer or Participate in Work Exchange Programs
Volunteering or joining a work exchange program can significantly cut travel costs. Many programs offer room and board in exchange for work, providing a meaningful way to meet locals and immerse yourself in the community. Imagine spending a few weeks helping at a farm in Italy or teaching English in Thailand while living like a local.
Try Repositioning Cruises
Repositioning cruises, where ships move from one region to another, offer unique travel experiences at lower prices. These cruises provide a relaxed way to explore multiple destinations with the comforts of a cruise ship. You can enjoy leisurely days at sea and fascinating stops along the way.
Final Thoughts
Retirement slow travel allows you to explore the world at your own pace, connect deeply with local cultures, and enjoy leisurely adventures. Plan wisely, leverage discounts, and embrace flexible travel options. Pack your bags, take your time, and savor the journey. For more travel tips and inspiration, check out my other posts on senior travel destinations and tips.
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Hey! I am really interested about Slow Travelling but when I talk about it with my friends who travel, they all tell me that I will need at least 2 months to really Slow Travel, what do you think about it based on your experience?
Hey, Nathan. I hope you are doing well. My first question is, where are you planning to go because I think it matters. I think that you can get pretty familiar with a city in about a month; if you walk and take public transportation, eat at few cafes and restaurants multiple times, stay in a locals neighborhood and not a hotel, go to places like libraries, grocery stores, places where you can meet the locals and learn some of the language; where you can meet the locals &; you can assimikate pretty quickly.
I like this new vision about travel. My wife and I were thinking about travelling the world when we will be retired and it seems like a nice option.
Me too. I think if you’re smart you can travel cheaper than living in an expensive society like the United States.