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Original poster

Going travelling while kids are at uni?

31 replies

Wannabetraveller · 24/07/2026 20:43

Has anyone gone away for an extended period whilst their kids are away at uni? DH and I are really keen to take a career break from work and travel for 3-4 months. Whilst the original plan was to wait for retirement at 60 we are now worried we may not be up to an active holiday at that age and are considering going in 3 years. DD will be in her third year and DS will either be working or in his first year at uni. We were thinking April - June. Has anyone done this?

OP posts:
Original poster
Wannabetraveller · Yesterday 09:16

Musicaltheatremum · Yesterday 08:09

Get working on those quads and glutes. I had terrible knees at 59. Regular gym sessions and muscle strengthening excersise have cured my knees.

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That’s really reassuring I’ve started some physio so hoping to see some improvement.

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Original poster
Wannabetraveller · Yesterday 09:19

Desperatelyseekinglazysusan · 26/07/2026 08:32

I've had dodgy knees since my 40's, but I would still not think I was too decrepid to travel at the age of 60, when many people are still working!
Also, due to my dodgy knees (and hip) in my 40's, I have really upped my exercise from hating all exercise to doing some form of exercise 5 times a week. I would say if you have a couple of years and are worrying about retiring with ill health at 60, push yourself to do regular exercise. Its done wonders for my knees, as well as my general fitness and endurance.
Aside from that, why not? But do it a bit earlier than June. Also, could they come out and join you for a couple of weeks at the end if they like?

Edited

It’s not too decrepit as I’ve got plans for some other trips I want to do then. Just a worry I suppose that we might not be able to do as active holidays at that point as well as really wanting to have something to look forward to that is pre-retirement.
Definitely here you on the exercise front that’s something I’m working on and trying to build up.

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Original poster
Wannabetraveller · Yesterday 09:20

Moreholidaysthanjudithchalmers · 25/07/2026 08:57

I don’t see why not but just think of timings. Late June can be graduation. My dd needed moving out in May this year (last exam was May 6th)

This is a good tip thank you and potentially changes where we might visit.

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Original poster
Wannabetraveller · Yesterday 09:22

Dozer · 25/07/2026 07:10

In June, if at university DS will likely need to move rooms and bring stuff home by car. So if you can’t help with that would offer to pay for help if he wants it, eg storage unit.

March to May would be better IMO.

Thanks think we are coming round to this.

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SylvanMoon · Yesterday 09:22

HPFA · Yesterday 07:34

How did you find getting insurance for America?

I'm very nervous of travelling outside Europe in case I've inadvertently answered a medical question incorrectly and get saddled with a huge hospital bill. At least in Europe I know the GHIC will cover some of it.

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Expensive. We no longer can get annual travel insurance, but have to get specific trip coverage instead. Staysure does it, but costs almost as much as the travel for an additional person. Just make sure you declare everything. I've never had to make an insurance claim in America tbf.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · Yesterday 16:01

@Wannabetraveller Doesn’t dc get time off at Easter? That’s March or April.

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