Travel Now, Thank Yourself Later: Why Pre-Retirement Adventures Matter

You’ve been grinding away at your job for decades, dreaming of the day you can finally jet off to exotic locales. Retirement hits, and…you’re stuck on the couch, overwhelmed by the thought of planning a trip. It’s a scenario I see all too often with my clients.

Here’s the kicker: not flexing those travel muscles before retirement makes you less likely to hit the road when you finally do have the time. It’s like expecting to run a marathon after years of being a couch potato. 

So why do people put off travel? Usually, it’s a mix of work obligations, financial concerns, and the misguided belief that there’s plenty of time later. But let me tell you, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed (morbid, I know, but it’s true!)

Benefits of Vacation: More Than Just a Tan

Let’s talk about why vacations are more important than just a frivolous expense:

1. Stress Relief: Nothing says “goodbye, stress” like sipping a piña colada on a beach (or whatever your version of relaxation looks like). Studies show that even the anticipation of a vacation can boost your mood and lower stress levels—so start planning now!
2. Improved Productivity: Ironically, taking time off can make you better at your job. Who knew? When you return from a break, you’re often more focused, energized, and ready to tackle challenges with fresh eyes.
3. Enhanced Creativity: New experiences can spark fresh ideas. That trip to Spain or Japan may inspire your next big project. Exposure to different cultures, art, and ways of life can broaden your perspective and fuel creative thinking long after you return home.
4. Strengthened Relationships: Traveling with loved ones can create bonds and memories that last a lifetime. Shared experiences, whether adventures or misadventures, often become the stories you’ll laugh about for years to come.
5. Personal Growth: Stepping out of your comfort zone can increase confidence and self-awareness. Navigating unfamiliar places, trying new foods, or attempting to communicate in a different language can all contribute to personal development and a greater understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Retirement to Travel

In conversations with clients, I often have to heavily encourage pre-retirees to take trips before they retire! They’re often stuck in a mindset that they don’t want to travel until after retirement. But this could be a big mistake. Here’s why:

1. Health Concerns: As we age, health issues become more prevalent. The adventures you crave might be less feasible when dealing with mobility issues or other health problems.
2. Comfort Zones: If you’re not used to traveling, it can become overwhelming to start when you’re older. Traveling is a skill, and like any skill, it requires practice.
3. Uncertain Futures: No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Postponing your travel dreams could mean missing out on experiences you’ve always wanted to have.
4. Home-Sweet-Home Syndrome: The older we get, the more we tend to appreciate the comforts of home. Postpone, and you may be less inclined to leave your cozy nest.

Breaking the “Wait Until Retirement” Mindset

So, how do we shift from the “save it all for later” mentality to a more balanced approach? Here are a few tips:

1. Start Small: You don’t need to book a month-long European tour immediately. Begin with weekend getaways or even staycations in your own city.
2. Budget for Travel: Just like you save for retirement, set aside funds specifically for travel.
3. Use Your Vacation Days: Did you know many Americans don’t use all their paid time off? You’ve earned those days, use them! Don’t let them go to waste!
4. Plan Ahead: Look for deals, use credit card points, and be flexible with your dates to make travel more affordable.
5. Consider Off-Season Travel: You’ll often find better deals and fewer crowds. It’s a win-win!

Try the “Dry Run” Approach

If you want to travel in retirement, start by doing “dry runs.” Here are some tips to get yo started:

1. Two-Week Vacations: Try taking a two-week vacation. It’s long enough to experience the rhythm of travel without the rush.
2. Staycations: If a big trip isn’t feasible, do a two-week staycation. Explore your city like a tourist, visit museums, try new restaurants, or take day trips to nearby attractions.
3. Experiment: Travel to different types of destinations—beaches, mountains, jungles, big cities, or small towns. Figure out what you love most.

By taking some dry runs, you might learn a few things to help you with future travel:

• Learn what type of travel you enjoy
• Understand your travel style (are you a planner or a spontaneous adventurer?)
• Figure out your ideal trip length
• Discover potential hurdles (like motion sickness or jet lag) before you’re committed to long-term travel

Travel Trends: Where’s Everyone Headed?

In 2023, everyone and their grandmother seemed to be heading to Italy. Seriously, my Instagram feed was nothing but Tuscan sunsets and plates of pasta.

This year? Japan and Paris are the hotspots. Why, you ask?

Japan was one of the last countries to lift all restrictions after COVID-19 so people are flocking to the country. Also, the American dollar is looking strong against the yen right now. The Japanese yen has weakened to a 34-year low versus the dollar. Your sushi budget will stretch further than usual, but don’t blame me if you come back with a Hello Kitty addiction.

Paris has long captivated travelers with its iconic landmarks, world-class cuisine, and romantic ambiance. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern charm that keeps visitors coming back year after year. With Paris hosting the Olympics this summer, it’s even more on everyone’s radar.

Balancing Enjoyment and Financial Responsibility

I know what you’re thinking: “But what about my retirement savings?” Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten my financial planner hat.

The key is balance. You don’t have to choose between traveling now and having a comfortable retirement. Here are a few ways to balance the two:

1. Budgeting: Set a travel budget and stick to it. Use tools like YNAB to keep track of your spending.
2. Saving: Set up a dedicated travel fund. Automatically transfer a small amount each month into this fund.
3. Prioritizing: Determine what’s most important to you. Maybe you can cut back on other expenses to make room for travel.

The Bottom Line: Carpe Diem (But Responsibly)

I’m not telling you to blow your life savings on first-class tickets around the world—although if you can swing it, more power to you! I am saying: don’t put off all your travel dreams until retirement.

Life is short, and the world is wide. By incorporating travel into your life now, you’re not just creating memories and experiences. You’re also setting yourself up for a more fulfilling retirement. After all, retirement should be about enjoying the fruits of your labor, not learning how to vacation from scratch.

So go ahead, take that trip. Your future self will thank you. You might even bump into me at a sushi bar in Tokyo or a café in Paris. Just don’t expect me to pick up the tab—I am a financial planner, after all!

Let Legacy Planning Help You

Are you inspired to dust off that passport and build those travel muscles before retirement?

At Legacy Planning, we believe in the power of enjoying life now while preparing for a secure and fulfilling future. Our team of experienced financial planners is dedicated to helping you find the perfect balance between living your dreams today and securing your financial future.

To see if we can help you integrate travel and adventure into your financial plan while ensuring your long-term goals are met, click here to schedule a conversation today.

Life’s too short to put all your travel dreams on hold. Let’s work together to make them a reality and plan for a future full of adventure and joy. The world is waiting—are you ready?