Are we all hardcore backpackers? Not a chance! I backpacked with Mum and Dad recently and I really discovered backpacking and travelling can be taken slow, as you get older.

For some, retirement is beckoning and now it is time for you to do all the things you have dreamed about doing on a full-time basis instead of just on the occasional break from work. For people who have always made the most of their vacations and tried new and adventurous activities, the thought of settling down to a quiet life may be abhorrent, but retirement does not mean that you have to spend your days baking cakes and watching TV. Retirement could be the opportunity to try even more new things, at a time that suits you.

Staying at home or heading abroad? The adventurous retirement you always wanted

Taking advantage of retirement

By the time you reach retirement age, you have worked for many years and deserve to enjoy it. With savings and pensions hopefully in place you should also have the financial resources to be able to do everything that you want. If you are not sure of your finances try this retirement calculator: https://www.industrysuper.com/understand-super/retirement/retirement-calculator/

Chilling out at Iguazu Falls after retirement.

Planning a trip in your retirement is also so much easier now, thanks to the Internet. Finding information on destinations, activities, accommodation and travel is all right there at your fingertips. To make the most of every penny, you can also use the Internet to shop around for cheap deals. Don’t forget, cheap does not have to mean a reduction in quality. You and the person sitting next to you on the plane may be on the same flight but that does not mean that you paid the same for your tickets. There is always a deal to be done and, once you are retired, you can be flexible on dates and times to make sure you get the best deals.

Retirement adventure holidays

So what can you do and where can you go? The truth is that the possibilities are endless. Studies have shown that more and more people aged 50 and over are now choosing to take activity holidays. Skiing is a popular choice and, with many ski resorts all over the world, you are not limited to the winter months.

Africa is a great destination for adventure holidays. You could spend time on safari in Kenya, go looking for gorillas in the jungles of Rwanda or make the most of the beautiful Zambezi River to do a little white water rafting. These tend to be organized tours and this is often a good way to travel as everything will be included and you get the services of an experienced guide.

Alternatively, make the most of the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Caribbean seas to do some scuba diving. A diving vacation will include lessons from qualified instructors and, once you have learned how to dive, this is something you can do in other parts of the world too.

These are just a few options but there are plenty of others. Why not spend time touring or backpacking in places such as Australia and New Zealand? Learn to surf in Hawaii? Travel to the foothills of the Himalayas? Whatever you choose to do, you know that you have the opportunity to do exactly what you want, when you want.

Planning your trip

First of all you need to plan exactly where you are going and what you will do. Research all aspects of your vacation before you go. This will help you to budget for your trip and ensure that you are prepared for every eventuality. Make sure that you have adequate travel insurance before you go. Some insurers will not cover you for adventure sports if you have a pre-existing health condition so you need to be completely honest with them in order to avoid problems later.

You should also find out where to get help abroad if you need it and what the regulations are for paying for medical treatment.

Alternatives to traveling abroad

However, you do not have to travel abroad for an adventure. Many retired people choose to start a new life in another part of the country by taking advantage of the laid-back lifestyle and recreational opportunities offered in purpose-built villages for the retired. These are often located in the most beautiful parts of the country and give you the chance to take part in a variety of activities – although perhaps not quite on the scale of white water rafting!

Cool place to retire.

Most will offer furnished apartments so check in advance to see just how much you will need to take with you and then plan accordingly. It is an adventure of a very different kind, but one where plenty of new friends and experiences await you.