Will you travel when you retire?

[Storm4star]

Having read a few threads about retirement, mainly people discussing pensions, and also from real life conversations. People will often say they need a certain amount of money in retirement so they can still travel or, in some cases, start to travel!

Now I can understand more if people like beach/poolside holidays where you literally just laze all day and maybe eat out in the evening. Or a very gentle cruise. Of course you can still do that at 75 (health permitting). But I genuinely hate those kinds of trips. I like to be doing activities or going off exploring for hours. If I want to just chill I'm happy to sit on my sofa with a book for free!

I just feel that by the time I'm in my 70's I just won't have the energy for long haul, or intense busy trips. I already feel a difference in energy levels/tolerance for jet lag etc in my late 40's compared to in my early 30's so I can only imagine how tough it would feel at 75.

So I guess I'm asking when people say that about travelling, are they talking about just continuing their usual fortnight in the sun or whatever, or something more strenuous? In which case do people think they would have the energy for major worldwide trips?

I do know a couple of people IRL who say they will go on major trips when they're old, AIBU in thinking they're kidding themselves a bit and should do it now while they can enjoy it?

My parents are in their 70s and have just got back from Africa. They go on long haul holidays every year as well as camping trips more locally.

But then they are baby boomers with a big fat pension. I can't afford the types of holidays they go on even now I work so certainly won't be able to when I retire.

Tricky, nice for you Baby Boomers eh? Pity about the rest of us who also 'work hard' but will never get the generous pensions the BB generation enjoy. not that I'm bitter

My 70 something aunt is planning a trip on her own around Australia and NZ.

Another friend who is late seventies makes regular trips to US to see family and friends and does lots of horsey type activities.

Colleague is 69 and still goes on diving holidays.

I think it's more to do with health than age really.

"Why ever not? My 88 year old Mum has been to China and Vancouver (Canada) in the last couple of years. She keeps saying 'no more long trips' but I would be surprised if she did."

Be honest, Jazhog, Your Mother is an exception. Many people don't even live to 88. Many have health issues that would prevent them from travelling outside the UK.

A relative of mine started an exercise program in his 60's after Cancer and a Stroke. He is on NHS posters, after taking part in the triathlons set up by them. He's just visited Cape Town for his 70th.

For those saying that they feel knackered in their 40's, a lot of Women feel better when they've come completely through the Menopause and their children are more independent. Look after yourself and you get your energy levels back, baring serious illness.

I was Widowed in my 30's,so I agree with not putting off visiting anywhere you really want to go.

OP, your tastes change as you age, or become less capable. Holidays that I'm now interested in, wasn't even on my radar ten years ago.

However, I'm helping out my DD who has children. I can see my disposable money going towards helping with my Grandchildren, unless there is a big turn around with finances.

I'm a long way off retiring (if I ever do haha) and have travelled quite a bit but there's still lots of countries I want to visit. I've been reminiscing about past trips and wishing I could go somewhere soon (damn FB full of people's holiday pics) but I need to save. If I were rich I would travel all the time because I love it so much. Such an amazing world we live in.

A former colleague retired about 10 years ago and he and his wife are extensive travellers, they've visited 100 countries and still continue with the long haul trips even though they must be approaching 70 now. I wish I could do that!

75 is late to retire - many will have had nearly a decade before then!

Plus it depends on the person. My grandfather is 86 and still travels regularly (twice yearly golf holidays - one in Scotland one abroad - plus usually a European city break with his wife, every couple of years he'll go to Australia to visit my auntie who lives there, fairly regular cruises etc). It really just depends on the person.

"75 is late to retire - many will have had nearly a decade before then!"

Not for my generation, I'm 50. My Sister and Friends are still working in their 60's, they can't afford to give up work.

If you've gone into a professional job, early on and got on the property market, or inherited, then you could possibly retire in your 60's.

For those without private pensions, who are only an average earner and single etc, we won't.

income and health dictates what you can do, as it does at any age. It just gets more expensive when you age.

Dm has done multiple trips to Oz to see grandchildren but at 80, says she’s not doing it again. She has booked a European trip with family this year.

The dh and I have done loads of US road trips, nothing else. Our plan is to buy a very rural house to retire to and have dogs, horses, chickens, so no travel planned.