Like many retirees, your retirement goals may include a long list of travel experiences. But when you hit retirement age, you may find yourself wary of taking fast-paced tours or adventuring too far off the beaten path. Fortunately, slow travel may help you live your dreams at your own pace.
Slow travel was born out of slow tourism — the opposite of mass tourism, which attracts large groups to an area for commercialized experiences. Instead, slow tourism allows communities to protect their culture and the physical environment.
Slow travel seeks to eliminate the stress, both physical and mental, associated with taking a vacation. You choose quality over quantity by spending extended time in one location and not rushing to multiple destinations.
Taking a vacation can provide physical and mental health benefits for older adults. So, why do seniors stop traveling as they get older? The COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on plans for a few years, but older adults who’ve placed travel plans on hold said their concerns include crowds, costs, or health problems.
But travel among seniors is returning to pre-COVID levels — in 2024, 37% of seniors took a trip. And 9 out of 10 Americans enjoy slow travel for the ability to appreciate local scenery and to have authentic cultural experiences.
If you’re considering relocating abroad after retirement, extended trips can also help you determine if a location is right for you. You can also include rest days to recharge and protect your health.
When resorts or larger properties don’t have sustainability practices, you can support slow tourism by staying at a bed and breakfast or renting a home. They give you the chance to interact with local owners or immerse yourself in the activity of the neighborhood. These options may also save you money and allow you to shop like a local and prepare your own meals.
As a savvy senior traveler, you should also know if the area is walkable and has transportation options to avoid hiccups. It’s a bonus when your transport is more ecofriendly, such as bicycles or public transportation.
Begin your search for lodging with a flexible schedule. It may present more options to fit your specific needs, such as a handicap-accessible room or one on the first floor, which can make your stay safer and more comfortable. If you mention your age when you book, the staff can guide you to the best accommodation or a discount.
While you want to maintain flexibility in your dates, you may still want to aim for the shoulder season. This period will vary based on your destination, but generally, it includes a month or two in the spring and in the fall. It’s when you’ll likely see pleasant temperatures as well as fewer people, allowing you and the local community to enjoy slow tourism.
A 2024 study has shown that travel experiences may slow the aging process. Engaging in meaningful activities as an older adult can lower your risk of disease and boost your emotional health. This means, instead of only visiting popular attractions, consider a cooking lesson, a wine tasting, or a wildlife tour — any interesting activity that helps you understand (and support) the local culture.
What are the best destinations for slow travel trips? Italy, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Sweden are popular choices for slow travel destinations, but there are endless opportunities.
Your best destination will likely depend on your preferences. You’ll also want to ensure the local cuisine won’t be an issue or the language a barrier. Other considerations include safety, and the U.S. Department of State’s website provides country-specific information.
Once you’ve chosen your destination, a little more strategic planning specific to older adults can help you get the most out of your upcoming trip.
This will help you know what to pack, ensuring you have the right clothing to stay warm, cool, or dry. It will also help you plan indoor vs. outdoor activities.
It may not be feasible to pack clothes for every day of an extended trip. If you’re staying in a home or other rental, you may have a washer and dryer available. While hotels or resorts may offer a service, you may wish to save money and do it yourself in your sink or at a laundromat.
You’ll want to ensure you have enough medication for the duration of your stay. When traveling, keep them in their original bottles, either on you or in your carry-on, in case your luggage is lost, and follow TSA rules. Yet, when traveling internationally, it’s important to know the country’s rules in case your medications are not legal.
If you would like to briefly visit nearby cities or towns, take a side trip at the beginning or end of your trip. You may choose to keep your lodging and only take a day trip or pack a small bag to stay overnight.
Even though you have a U.S. driver’s license, you may run into obstacles for driving a car in other places. Depending on your age, you may not be able to rent a car in some countries, or you may need an International Driving Permit or additional auto insurance.
Besides auto insurance for international travel, you’ll also want to double check you have enough coverage to handle other insurance needs before you leave on your excursion.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest you consider getting travel insurance to protect your trip investment in the event of cancellation or disruption when vacationing abroad. You’ll need to examine travel insurance policies closely to understand what they cover. You should also know that the older you are, the more expensive they are. That’s because seniors are more likely to need the coverage for health issues.
Are you traveling to a remote destination, or do you have concerns about the care you may receive on your trip? If so, the CDC recommends medical evacuation insurance in the event you need to go elsewhere, by ambulance or helicopter, for medical help. The CDC also suggests that you check if your current health care plan covers emergencies while traveling abroad.
While original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans follow the same rules for health care services provided inside the United States, you should find out what, if any, health care services your Medicare Advantage plan may cover in another country. In the case of original Medicare, it’s likely you’ll incur out-of-pocket expenses. When health care coverage isn’t sufficient, the CDC recommends a supplemental policy.
While Medicare Supplement plans cannot be paired with Medicare Advantage, they can be paired with original Medicare and most provide coverage in other countries.
You can choose from several Medicare Supplement plans. Most pay 80% of certain medically necessary emergency care services if they begin within the first 60 days of your foreign trip. Therefore, you may wish to look at your health care needs to determine which letter plan is right for you both in everyday life and as you travel the world.
To be well protected for all of life’s what-ifs:
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Wellabe offers life and supplemental health insurance plans to help you prepare for good days and bad. We’ll always be here to empower you to be well — well prepared, well protected, and well loved.
