After decades of hard work, raising a family, navigating the curveballs of life (and sitting beyond a significant share of meetings that could possibly become emails), you have gained the freedom to put yourself first. If you're over 60 and you're itching to engrave your once-in-a-lifetime travel dream, now is the time.
But be honest. Even if your passport is ready for a new stamp and your mind is screaming “Safari!” or “Santorini!”, it can be uncomfortable to immerse yourself in retirement savings or spend a lot of your experience. A tiny voice constantly whispers, “Should I really do this?”
answer? yes. Absolutely yes – and especially if you're doing it strategically.
“Traveling should not be guilty,” says Sue Garrett, GM supply, pricing and marketing at flight centres in South Africa. “Our travel experts have personally seen how today's 60s and older live in the 'now', without forgetting the importance of planning for the future. ”
According to a recent Flight Center Global PR survey (taken in South Africa, Canada, the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand), one in three travelers over the age of 60 says they will use some of their retirement savings to fund their holidays in 2025.
So, whether you are planning a gorgeous escape or a slow, travel adventure near your home, there is no need for any guilt. It's just a good plan.
Let's calculate clever numbers and show you how advanced can lead you along the way faster than you think…
Include your bucket list in your budget
Make a plan before booking your flight.
“If travel is an unnegotiable part of your retirement lifestyle, treat it that way,” advises Garrett. “It belongs to the same conversation as healthcare and housing.”
Financial experts agree: Travel fits your “hope” category. It usually costs about 30% of your after-tax income. Today, many retirees specify between 5-10% of their annual budget on travel alone.
Don't know where to start? Try this:
Decide what kind of trips will brighten you up. Set annual travel goals. Split into monthly contributions.
When you have a great story, who needs inheritance?
There are stats that frown (and perhaps a few glasses). One in ten people over 60 say they are considering using inheritances from their children and grandchildren to engrave travel dreams. Especially South Africans? Only 3%. The chances of juniors immersing themselves in future funds are much less.
That said, 25% of South African respondents say they are open to having their children and grandchildren put the bill on their feet for their next holiday! After all, we love a good multigen escape. In fact, Saffar is most likely to be on vacation with multiple generations of families.
Take it home? Whether you're funding your own trip or your family is grateful to play sponsoring the tour, travel is not selfish – it's real-time connection, abundance and joy.
Bundle and store in large size
Smart Travel isn't that much about where you're going and how (and when) you book. Bundle your holiday components (flights, tours, cruises, insurance) to bring serious savings without compromising your experience.
The Flight Center in-store “Bundle & Save” offer saves R5,000 from your total (newsletter subscribers only) when you book a cruise or international tour (minimum 5 nights), return flights and travel insurance together.
“Bundling simplifies planning, reduces hidden costs and ensures better value across the board,” explains Garrett.
bonus? “You're covered in touchdowns from takeoff and there are fewer moving parts to manage,” she adds.
Flexible – not frugal
What is one of the easiest ways to increase your travel budget? Shift your dates instead of your dreams.
Moving during shoulder and peak seasons can dramatically reduce costs. Flights are cheap, the proportion of accommodation will drop, and crowds will avoid clogging European cobblestone streets and Kruger game drives.
Even changing your departures for just a few days can reveal better deals, especially on international routes and long distance cruises. According to Garrett:
“Flexibility is one of the biggest financial benefits that retirees have. If you're not tied to school holidays or office calendars, take advantage of that freedom!”
Points are also pension-friendly
Loyalty pays – literally. Frequent flyer miles and hotel rewards can turn your daily spending into free flights, upgrades, or extra nights abroad.
If you haven't already, sign up for the airline and hotel loyalty program (most of which are free). Even if you buy groceries or pay your bill, you will still be linked to your credit card to earn points.
“Many of our older travelers have built up the points for years without realizing their worth,” Garrett says. “Using wisely allows you to unlock a premium experience without a premium price tag.”
Hot Tips: Redeem during off-peak periods for maximum availability and value, especially on long distance routes where savings actually increase.
Trade air miles square meters
Some over 60 are all going on while traveling by letting go of those that no longer serve them. By selling large homes and renting or renting them overseas, you can free up serious capital (and reduce monthly expenses) to fund serious adventures.
Others offload unused assets such as second cars, boats and even collectibles, collect dust and turn them into plane tickets and passport stamps.
Travel hacking that stretches all lands
You don't need a luxurious budget to have a top-notch experience. Small savings are faster, especially when traveling longer and even more.
What I'm familiar with over the 60s is that I squeeze more from every trip.
Pack lights to dodge baggage charges to facilitate airport transitions. Self-caters are sometimes found at local markets. It's cheap and gives you a glimpse into local life. Use public transport or take a walk in a safe and scenic area. Book an over-week flight that is usually cheaper than a weekend departure.
Budget consideration means intentional. Stay smarter at what's most important to you.
Make money as you go
Who says retirement means retiring from revenue? Many 60s find creative ways to fund their trips while they are on the road (or the sky).
think:
Houses in exchange for free accommodation. In return for food and bed, volunteer activities (such as preservation work and English education). Consult with freelance or remotely, especially if you have decades of expertise.
“These travelers save money while adding purpose and connection to their journey,” Garrett says. “That's an advantage for both parties.”
Are you keen to work? no problem. Simply join a global home seater network and shave thousands of accommodations each year without lifting more than a coffee cup.
With a little planning and some familiar moves, it is clear that travel over 60 can prove that travel is financially responsible and extremely rewarding. You did the job. Now it's a strange time.
“Retirement is about choosing what's most important, and for many South Africans now, it means seeing more of the world while they're healthy enough to enjoy every moment,” Garrett concludes.
