Travel in an Uncertain World: Considerations for Retirees
Words and Images by
Ron Jeffery B.A.; M.Ed.
One of the best gifts that retirement has to offer is the time and freedom to travel. But following the news and current events can certainly raise questions about travel safety, cost, accessibility, health, and reliable advice. Who do you believe, and how do you plan to leave your front door in an uncertain world?
Even travelling to the United States to visit family members, taking a camper in the winter, or a short trip to Vegas might leave you a bit uneasy. Stories about restrictions, searches, and having to consider taking a ‘burner’ phone to maintain privacy are both real and a bit frightening. As of late, many retired Canadians have opted to take a ‘staycation’ or travel within the country until it feels safer to venture beyond the border. Still, this is not what you had expected now that you’ve reached your ‘freedom years.’
Banderas Bay, Mexico
Lac Beauvert, Jasper Alberta
Cover Your Bases
Your first considerations should be what travel means to you, what your interests are, your level of mobility, and your financial means. Too often, we assume travel means getting on a plane to visit another country abroad, taking photos in front of iconic monuments, historic sites, or locations – travel truthfully begins as soon as you step outside your front door!
We might have exciting, far away destinations on our bucket list, but when health and safety are factors – from armed conflicts to wildfire smoke (not just in Canada!) – political protests and uncertainty of border policies must be considered. A lot more planning becomes involved, as well as awareness and support.
You may never have used a travel agency before and prefer to book your own flights, hotels, and tours. This can all be done online and works well for many people. However, the world today is less certain, and travel and health insurance are a must for anyone going beyond their own province. Airlines, bus and train services, and even road systems may face disruptions – what do you do if your connection, hotel, or destination is compromised? Who do you fall back on to adjust and manage costs?
Greece Longstay Program 2020
Whether you’re covered by ARTA travel insurance or another provider, ask questions and be sure before leaving on a trip that you have coverage in the event of an emergency. All insurance has conditions, and it’s important to understand them before travel.
A Change of Pace
As we age, some of us might experience changes in our mobility and overall health. Regardless of your destination, always consider the following when purchasing health and travel insurance to ensure that you’re fully covered: medications you’ve been prescribed, procedures and surgeries you’ve had, and mobility aids that may be required for both comfort and safety when travelling.
If you book with a travel agent, ask questions and never assume they will know your abilities for activities or travel. For example, if you need grab bars in a tub or shower, will your booked accommodation have that? Is there a lot of walking or hills? Do restaurants at your destination accommodate dietary restrictions? What about your mode of transportation – walking, bus, cruise, bicycle, donkey? Are you travelling alone, with a friend, or family? Much to consider!
Machu Picchu
Peruvian Amazon Landing Strip, Luggage "Carts" and Airport Terminal
Some More Travel Suggestions
If you love feeling the wind through your hair and want to have the cycler experience again, regardless of mobility level, cycling tours through services like Cycling Without Age are a great option. You can even sign up to be a volunteer!
Want to explore more of your own province or country? Consider local travel clubs or associations. Travel Alberta and Travel Canada are good resources for discovery as well as planning.
If you want to go further afield, this is where I suggest consulting a reliable travel partner with experience. As an ARTA member, there are a multitude of resources related to health and travel on the ARTA website that can help ensure you have the information you require to plan a travel experience. Just search for “travel” in the search bar at the top right corner of the web page.
It is important in your planning to visit the Travel Advice and Advisories by Destination page on the Government of Canada website to review where in the world it is considered safe to travel at any given time. This page is regularly updated as global events occur.
So… Where To Next?
If you’ve considered the above suggestions, truthfully, the world is your oyster. Just do so having the most information you can, be aware of global events, have insurance, be honest with your limitations and comfort levels, and most of all: keep moving through travel, no matter how close or far!
Portugal Longstay at the Monte Santo Resort
Ron Jeffery and his wife Linda have been traveling around the world to over 54 countries for over 60 years with students, young adults and senior adults. He is passionate about travel and uses his own experience to help others enjoy reaching their travel goals safely.