The Travel Mom’s Retirement Roadmap: Where to Go and How to Save

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4  minute read time.

Just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean we stop learning.

If your idea of retirement includes a carry-on and a boarding pass, you’re in good company. This summer, older Americans are hitting the road and the skies in record numbers. According to one recent survey, 70% of adults 50 or older plan to travel this year.

Whether it’s checking off a bucket-list destination or vacationing with the kids and grandkids, travel remains a top priority for retirees. We recently sat down with travel expert Emily Kaufman, better known as “The Travel Mom,” to talk about the latest travel trends for retirees and why she believes travel isn’t just a luxury, but a way to stay connected and fulfilled at any age.

MEET THE TRAVEL MOM: EMILY KAUFMAN’S JOURNEY

To many, being “The Travel Mom” probably sounds like a dream job. Kaufman got her start in the travel space two decades ago. At the time, she was a preschool teacher who realized nobody was speaking directly to mothers about family vacations – despite the fact that most trips were being planned by them.

“Often, people could come to me and ask for advice on traveling with their little ones and I would share some of the most basic tips with them – nobody was doing that,” shares Kaufman, who began appearing on local television to help families make travel less stressful – and more enjoyable – for everyone.

Today, you can catch Emily just about everywhere – from The Kelly Clarkson Show to Good Morning America – sharing her travel tips. But, they’re not just for moms anymore. A 62-year-old grandmother, Kaufman offers advice for families of all shapes and sizes, including her fellow Boomers. “I think travel is the greatest teacher in the whole world,” she shares. “And just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean we stop learning.”

Emily Kaufman, “The Travel Mom”

WHY OLDER TRAVELERS ARE ON THE MOVE

Retirement may suggest slowing down, but for many, it’s quite the opposite. “I think that 60 and 70 are the new 30 and 40,” says Kaufman. “We’re a very vibrant, curious generation, and I think post-pandemic, people discovered that they really want to have experiences and meaningful travels.”

One major motivator? Checking items off the bucket lists. A recent survey revealed that about 75% of older adults have a “travel bucket list” of destinations they’d like to visit during their lifetime. Kaufman urges retirees not to wait to start checking destinations off. “There is never a window of opportunity when something will be completely uninterrupted,” she says. “However, we start to prioritize what means more to us, and for many of us, that’s traveling, seeing the world, spending time with loved ones, and travel is a great way to do that.”

PLANNING A MULTIGENERATIONAL GETAWAY

One travel trend that’s having a moment is multigenerational travel. A recent study shows that 74% of parents embrace the idea of vacations involving extended family, and more than 55% have started opting for trips that include grandparents as well as their children.

Kaufman recently returned from a multigenerational getaway with her children and grandson. Her advice: Start with the right accommodations. Vacation homes and cruises are ideal for larger groups. Just as important? Setting expectations. Are grandma and grandpa there to babysit? Who’s paying for what? Talk through these logistics in advance to ensure a smooth trip for all.

THE TRAVEL MOM’S SECRETS TO SAVING

More than half of retirees say travel is their top discretionary spending priority. For many, it can be tricky to navigate on a fixed income. Kaufman says there are ways to satisfy your wanderlust without overspending. Her favorite money-saving tips include:

  • Use memberships to your advantage: The list of organizations offering travel discounts is long – AAA, military and veterans’ groups, retired teachers, and first responders, to name a few. Kaufman reminds travelers not to overlook warehouse clubs and other retail memberships. “Big box stores, like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco, have travel departments, and because they’re buying in bulk, just like they are with electronics or produce or paper towels, they all have savings in all those travel categories as well,” she explains.
  • Getaway during the off-season: When the temperatures go up, prices fall in a number of resort destinations like the Florida Keys, Palm Springs, and Scottsdale. “There are luxurious five-star resorts that you can stay at for three-star prices right now, and they will give you credits to be used at the spa, dining, or golf,” she shares, noting that excellent deals can be found after Labor Day, too, when kids go back to school.
  • Use credit card rewards to your advantage: Kaufman uses two different credit cards for travel – one for the airline she frequently flies with and another that allows her to rack up points to be used on hotels, and tap into other perks, like access to airport lounges.
  • Get a taste of the good life: If a five-star stay is out of your budget, Kaufman suggests trying Resort Pass, a platform that offers day access to luxury resort amenities without a pricy overnight stay.
  • The best travel is free travel: Kaufman is known for her weekly travel giveaways to locations across the country and the globe. “It’s just my way to give back and make travel accessible for more people,” she shares. Ready to hit the road? You can enter her giveaways here.

HIDDEN GEMS: DOMESTIC DESTINATIONS FOR RETIREES

This year, many retirees are opting to stay stateside, with the majority saying they plan only to travel domestically. Kaufman says there’s no shortage of “hidden gem” destinations worth exploring

A number of locations, including Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and many others, are gearing up for celebrations of America’s 250th birthday. North Carolina, rebounding after recent hurricanes, is welcoming visitors once again. And, Hawaii remains a top pick. “Hawaii is as tropical and as exotic as you can get, while still feeling the arms of Uncle Sam wrapped around you with no currency change, no language barrier,” shares Kaufman.

STAYING SAFE AND SMART ON THE ROAD

If health or financial concerns give you pause when it comes to travel, Kaufman says there are things you can do to prepare and protect your peace of mind.

First, secure travel insurance. The right policy can safeguard your trip (and your wallet) in case of cancellations, lost luggage, trip delays and other unexpected events. Kaufman also recommends double-checking your medical insurance before you depart. “If you’re out of the country, your medical insurance may not cover you, so you want to check what your coverage is before you hit the road,” she says.

Lastly, Kaufman reminds us that travel agents aren’t just for luxury travelers. They can be a great resource, especially for retirees. “If you’re booking a cruise vacation, they know which cabin is the best cabin for you to be in. With resorts, they have relationships. They can make phone calls and send emails to do their best to have you get a little special treatment, maybe an upgrade or an amenity sent to your room,” she explains. “Travel agents are a wonderful, wonderful resource.”

THE TAKEAWAY: DON’T WAIT TO GET AWAY

Retirement is the perfect time to explore the world on your own terms. And, as Kaufman puts it, “If not now, when? The worst thing you can do is say it didn’t work out, but give it a shot.” So, start planning, pack your bags, and grab your passport. Your next adventure is just around the corner.

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