Wes Moss was recently featured in Great Senior Living’s recent article highlighting what to do in retirement and great ways to spend your time. In the article, Moss shares tips based on research from his book What the Happiest Retirees know, and specifically gives some ideas around how travel can be a significant part of enjoyment during retirement. Read excerpted sections of the article below.
What to Do in Retirement: 23 Great Ways to Spend Your Time
Retiring from the workforce can be a chance to reconnect with your greatest passions and most important goals—it all depends on what you choose to do in your retirement. You can try new experiences, develop new skills, and devote more time to the people and hobbies you love. It’s all up to you.
During a person’s working years, leisure often means relaxing and getting away from structure. But in retirement, it’s more about engaging in activity and connecting with people. So we’ve identified a wide range of activities that can help keep you physically active, mentally stimulated, and engaged in opportunities for socialization and fulfillment.
But remember: Retirement is all about freedom and choice. These ideas are just a starting point—use them as inspiration for charting your own path!
When you retire, you suddenly find yourself with all the time in the world. So, what are you going to do with it? Here’s one great idea: Travel.
Satisfy your wanderlust! With no limits on your vacation time, you can get out and explore the world. Retirees have the flexibility to go on extended holidays and take advantage of last-minute deals. Many enjoy regular trips dedicated to biking, golf, shopping, or the arts. Some stick to domestic destinations, while others go further afield to explore places like the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America.
In a survey of more than 1,300 American retirees, author Wes Moss found that the happiest ones took an average of 2.4 vacations each year. Here’s more good news: A study in Applied Research in Quality of Life has shown that simply planning a trip can boost happiness levels because you are anticipating the good times to come.
Here are a few senior travel ideas to consider:
- Rent or buy a trailer or motorhome and hit the open road. Make a goal of dipping a toe in each ocean, driving the entire length of Route 66, or visiting every national park in the country. If you’re over 62, you can get a lifetime federal parks pass for only $80; in some cases, the pass also gives you significant discounts on camping and boat launch fees.
- Become a campground host. Many campgrounds and RV parks provide free campsites and amenities in exchange for help with tasks like collecting fees, enforcing rules, and tidying the grounds. Campground hosting jobs might last for a few weeks or for an entire season; they are often volunteer positions, but some provide a small stipend. This can be a great way to travel for less cost.
- Trade houses. Exchange houses with like-minded travelers and take advantage of completely free holiday accommodations. House swapping provides an immersive experience and lets you live like a local. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway in a nearby region or an extended vacation abroad, you can find options to suit you. Websites like Home Exchange 50plus and HomeExchange.com cater to older adults; membership fees vary.
- Take a cruise. Do you dream of a vacation at sea? Cruises are popular among retirees because they offer an almost-all-inclusive experience that lets you see different places every day. In fact, an AARP study found that 37 percent of baby boomers who traveled internationally did so on a cruise ship. And cruising may be more affordable than you think: Major lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer discounts on some sailings for travelers over the age of 55.
Read the full Great Senior Living article here.
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