Wherever your trip takes you, one thing to remember is that it has a beginning and it has an end. We have given you 5 top tips for retirement travel to consider. Your tour, your cruise, your train or your fly and drive vacation all have one thing in common. You must get from your doorstep to your initial destination safely and as conveniently as possible. Remember, this too is a crucial piece of your adventure and can be as unforgettable as the proposed journey. Make it the best by devoting some time to proper planning and understanding what to expect. Travel shouldn't be a job but a time to create unforgettable experiences.
What's Your Start Time
What time of day are you starting out and how will that impact the remainder of that day and the next. If you have a start time for your formal tour or cruise, be sure you not only have enough time to get to that meeting point but consider how you’re going to feel when you arrive. Will you be ready to hit the ground running or will the time frame and length of travel be too much to manage? Traveling a day or two ahead of time ensures your arrival allows you to adjust to the REAL demands yet to come. If your journey begins in a city that you’ve never been to, allow time for a day tour and some time to explore. Enjoy the local cuisine and environment. Remember, you don’t know when you’ll be back and it’s always a great idea to take advantage of a chance to experience yet another new city. If it's a city you're familiar with, take that time to visit a new attraction you haven't been to. What about the zoo or a museum that you haven't had a chance to enjoy. Maybe you remember having had a wonderful meal and want to seek out that restaurant again. Allow yourself the time to enjoy at your pace!
Getting From Here to There
Consider the weather that you’ll encounter throughout your journey. If it’s cold at home, you’ll need to keep bundled until you are leaving that weather behind you. Whatever you choose to wear, you’ll be lugging it with you throughout the trip. Think about layering as a possible solution.
What about your transportation?
How about transportation to your departure point? You can drive to the airport but check out parking costs first. On sight versus offsite parking can save you a considerable amount of money, but if you are going to be gone for any length of time, compare pricing for a taxi, UBER or limo pick up. Think about minimizing stress and give yourself permission to choose the safest, most convenient option available.
Pack Accordingly
If your travels are going to require you to carry and transport your luggage, be sure you’re going to be physically able to navigate that task. Are you changing hotels frequently on your journey? Rule of thumb, always pack LESS than what you’ll need if that is the case. Pick a neutral color scheme, so mix and match becomes easy. Think about the weather as you’re going through that process. A windbreaker is versatile in many cases, helping to keep you dry and warm.
If traveling by train, will there be room to store luggage? Are there any size requirements? If you are traveling by plane be sure to note the checked and carryon luggage weight and size restrictions. Domestic versus international as well as carrier to carrier restrictions may differ. Less equals a more convenient experience. A roller bag that has four 360° wheels is much easier to navigate and can be used to hook that backpack or tote by easily slipping it through the handle.
Regardless of how you’re traveling, have a handheld backpack or tote to always keep your valuables safe and with you. Be sure to keep your medications, tickets, boarding passes, phone, charger, ID’s, CCD’s, passport and money in that backpack, purse or tote. If you desire, pack a journal to log your adventures. It will be very helpful and will fill many joyful hours once your home reading about the sights, sounds, smells and impressions of each of your days spent on this journey.
Make the Most Out of Each Day
When your bucket list travel is complete there is yet one more task... Getting home. It will be a bit different than when you first set out, as you will have probably traveled many miles and strolled through many unforgettable sites. With that said, you probably will be a bit more tired and have a little less spring in your step! Consider spending an extra day or two in that last city to regroup and enjoy one last day leisurely taking in the local cuisine and maybe a bit more shopping. Don't over plan this last day. Do as much or as little as you desire.
Have transportation to the plane or train decided on and even go so far as to have the pickup arranged. Check for a hotel that not only serves breakfast but also provides a shuttle to the airport or station. Be sure to check in for your flight either by phone or online 24 hours before departure if you are traveling by plane. Have your travel clothes and documents set out that night before you retire. (I love that word...RETIRE! It relaxes me just by saying it.) Enjoy that last stroll down the main street and have that last cocktail in order to set a relaxing tone for the next day.
In the morning allow time for one last breakfast, as everything has been arranged. Call or text the person who will be picking you up once you arrive home. If you have a car/limo or other transportation arranged, be sure you have your confirmation information readily available. If you need assistance with your bags, arrange that with the front desk ahead of time. Be in the lobby with your belongings 15 minutes before your transportation arrives.
Once you arrive at the station or airport, proceed with the check in process and locate your gate or platform. Allow time to get through security. Now take a seat and wait for the boarding process to begin. Grab a snack to go and pick up that magazine or book you've been longing to read. Hopefully, you have your electronic devices loaded with enough eBooks, movies and music to keep you entertained. Now's a good time to review the pictures you've taken and start enjoying those great memories you've just created!
/No matter the type of travel you decide will be best for you, undoubtably there will be possible changes or delays. Be patient and alert to any announcements that may affect your travel. Remain composed and remember that the organizations you are dealing with have your best interests and safety in mind.
When on that plane or train home, take time to really relax and enjoy the onboard amenities offered. Trained professionals have this last leg of transportation already under control. Enjoy a snack and a cocktail or mocktail if you choose! Close your eyes and take a snooze and start to remember the highlights of your travels.
When arriving in the city you call home, breath a sigh of relief and enjoy that feeling of being back to the familiar sights and sounds that make it HOME. A very nice place to be ...until the next adventure beckons!
