Dreaming of seeing the world? Retirement finally gives you the freedom and time to travel. Whether it’s an extended sunny getaway, a cruise, an organized tour, a road trip, or a last-minute escape—a little preparation goes a long way. Here is a complete guide to help you along the way.
Planning a retirement trip: Where to begin?
Travelling in retirement, particularly after 60 and for extended stays, requires a bit more preparation than a standard trip. Before booking, ask yourself these essential questions:
What are you looking for in a destination: enriching experiences, breathtaking scenery, rest and relaxation?
How long do you want to travel?
What travel style suits you best?
What is your budget?
What types of travel are popular in retirement?
Cruises, guided tours, road trips, long-stay apartment rentals, RV travel—there are many options that appeal to retirees. Each offers a different level of autonomy and comfort, depending on your preferences, budget, and available time.
Cruises: A comfortable and accessible option for retirees
Cruises are a wonderful way to see the world, especially river cruises. Grand Voyage-style ocean cruise itineraries are also a great opportunity to travel for an extended period while discovering multiple countries. Nearly every morning brings a new landscape! Discover our advice on getting ready for your cruise.
Ideal if you enjoy comfort, a relaxed pace, an all-inclusive environment, and hassle-free travel.
Ideal if you prefer to travel without worrying about logistics, with structured support and a guide.
Road trips: The Joy of the open road at your own pace
Dreaming of crossing Canada or driving the legendary Route 66 in the United States? See how to properly get ready for your road trip. Road trips are also possible across Europe or elsewhere in a rental vehicle. Self-drive tours are another great option—you choose the itinerary and the logistics are taken care of for you.
Idea lif you love freedom and flexibility, and don’t mind long-distance driving.
Long-stay travel and snowbirds
Extended stay travel attracts many retirees, especially snowbirds looking to escape the winter. Renting an apartment and immersing yourself in local life is a great way to disconnect and truly experience your destination. Organized tours and long-stay cruises are also appealing options that combine comfort and exploration.
Florida, Portugal, Spain, and Mexico are among the best destinations for retirees looking to spend the winter somewhere warm at a reasonable cost.
Ideal if you want to spend a lot of time in one place, enjoy a pleasant climate, and soak up the local culture.
Solo travel in retirement
Want to travel solo for greater freedom? It’s entirely possible. With the right preparation and destinations, solo travel can be just as safe—and often more rewarding—than any other type of trip. Here are a few options:
All-inclusive resort packages
Guided retirement travel groups
River cruises
Custom itineraries
Good to know: Room or cabin rates are often based on double occupancy. You may need to pay a single supplement.
Ideal if you want more freedom, meaningful experiences, personal time, or the chance to meet new people.
Multigenerational travel: Family trips in retirement
Travelling with children and grandchildren is a unique opportunity to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. Like any trip, it requires preparation—especially when choosing a destination. Read our advice for a successful multigenerational trip.
Ideal if you want quality time with your family in an exciting new setting.
Last-minute travel
Heading somewhere on a whim is entirely possible in retirement. Keep an eye on last-minute deals—you could save significantly (though not always!). Of course, you’ll need to make sure your passport is valid.
Ideal if you’re flexible with dates and love jumping on a great deal when it comes along.
Where to find inspiration for your next trip?
Movies, magazines, social media, newspapers—travel inspiration is everywhere. Travel websites offer inspiring destinations to explore alone, as a couple, with friends, or as part of a group. Attend free travel presentations to learn more about your favourite destinations and discover the latest trends.
Whether you want to celebrate your retirement, head somewhere sunny, or explore a part of the world you’ve always wanted to see, CAA-Quebec travel counsellors can help you plan flights, hotels, itineraries, and more.
How to save money on retirement travel?
Here are some tips to help reduce your travel expenses:
Book early to lock in your price. Last-minute deals exist, but they’re rarer and not always that advantageous.
Travel during the off-season to destinations with a lower cost of living.
Rent a home or participate in a home exchange with other travellers to reduce accommodation costs.
Good to know: A solid estimate of your expenses is key to saving money and fully enjoying your trip. To set a realistic budget, calculate the total cost of all expenses: accommodations, flights, car rentals, travel insurance, meals, and activities.
How to avoid travel fatigue?
Adopting a pace that suits you is essential to fully enjoying your retirement trips. Here are some simple tips to make every journey more comfortable:
Choose direct flights and avoid tight connections to reduce fatigue.
Schedule regular breaks, especially during excursions, guided tours, or long drives.
Arrive a few days before the start of a tour or cruise to ease into any time zone differences.
Opt for low-key activities: River cruises, guided walks, thermal baths, or leisurely cultural visits.
Choose centrally located, mobility-friendly accommodations if you need to minimize walking distances.
Plan at least one rest day every four to five days to recharge.
Avoid very early morning excursions when possible.
Health, safety, and travel insurance: What precautions should you take before you go?
Whether it’s a short stay or a long trip, certain steps are essential to travelling with peace of mind.
Health: Travel vaccines, medications, and medical preparation
Before a long trip:
Make sure everything is in order health-wise.
Check that your vaccinations are up to date and prepare a list of your medications.
Consult a healthcare professional for extended stays to avoid any issues at your destination.
Safety and formalities: Passport, provincial health coverage, and required steps
Check your passport’s expiry date. Some destinations require a validity of six months beyond your return date. Others require a visa—check before booking.
Ideal if you travel often, even for just a few days at a time
Services commonly included with many insurers:
Telemedicine
24/7 assistance
Support in case of emergencies (e.g., repatriation, hospitalization)
Expert’s insight
“A quick calculation will confirm whether an annual travel insurance plan is more cost-effective than multiple single-trip policies. This is generally the case for retirees who travel frequently or for extended periods. Say goodbye to repetitive paperwork and policy condition checks—you’re covered from the first day of your contract.”
