Why Retirement Is the Best Time to Travel

You have the two things that younger travelers desperately lack: time and financial stability. No more squeezing trips into a two-week vacation window. No more choosing between rent and a flight to Europe. Retirement opens up shoulder seasons, slow travel, extended stays, and weekday pricing that working-age travelers simply cannot access.

The challenges of senior travel are real, from mobility concerns to insurance complications to medication management, but every single one of them has a solution. This guide addresses each challenge head-on with specific recommendations, costs, and strategies that have been tested by travelers in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond.

Travel Insurance for Seniors (65+)

This is the most important section of this guide. Travel insurance becomes more critical and more complicated as you age. Medical emergencies abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and Medicare does not cover healthcare outside the United States (with very limited exceptions for certain situations near the Canadian and Mexican borders).

Why Standard Travel Insurance Gets Expensive After 65

Most travel insurance policies price based on age brackets. Premiums typically increase significantly at age 65, again at 70, and again at 75 and 80. Some policies cap coverage at age 80 or 85.

Typical annual travel insurance costs by age bracket:

Age	Single Trip (2 weeks, $5,000 coverage)	Annual Multi-Trip Policy
50-59	$80-$150	$200-$400
60-69	$150-$300	$400-$800
70-74	$250-$500	$700-$1,200
75-79	$400-$800	$1,000-$2,000
80+	$600-$1,500+	$1,500-$3,000+

Recommended Insurance Providers for Seniors

Allianz Global Assistance: Offers policies with no age limit. Their AllTrips Premier plan covers pre-existing conditions if purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit.
World Nomads: Coverage available to age 69 (some plans to 70). Good for active/adventure travel.
Generali Global Assistance (formerly CSA): No upper age limit. Pre-existing condition waiver available.
IMG (International Medical Group): Specializes in medical-focused travel insurance with no upper age limit. Their iTravelInsured Travel SE plan covers up to $500,000 in emergency medical.
GeoBlue (Blue Cross Blue Shield subsidiary): Excellent medical network abroad. Voyager plan available to any age. Direct-pay arrangements with hospitals so you do not need to pay out of pocket and file claims later.

Key Coverage to Prioritize

Emergency medical coverage: Minimum $100,000, preferably $250,000+. Hospital stays abroad cost $2,000-$10,000+ per day.
Medical evacuation: Minimum $250,000. An air ambulance from Europe to the US costs $50,000-$100,000+. From Asia or Africa, $100,000-$250,000.
Pre-existing condition coverage: Many policies exclude pre-existing conditions (defined as conditions treated or symptomatic in the 60-180 days before the policy purchase). Look for policies with a "pre-existing condition waiver," typically available if you purchase insurance within 14-21 days of making your first trip deposit.
Trip cancellation: Covers non-refundable costs if you need to cancel due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons.
Cancel for any reason (CFAR): Upgrades the cancellation coverage to allow cancellation for any reason (typically reimbursing 50-75% of costs). Must usually be purchased within 14-21 days of initial trip deposit.

Medicare and International Travel

Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover healthcare outside the United States, with rare exceptions (emergencies near the Canadian or Mexican border, certain cruise ship situations).

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N include a foreign travel emergency benefit that covers 80% of emergency care abroad after a $250 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit. This is helpful but insufficient for serious medical events.

Medicare Advantage Plans vary widely. Some include limited international coverage; most do not. Check your specific plan.

Bottom line: Even with Medigap, purchase standalone travel medical insurance for any international trip.

Medication Management Abroad

Before You Travel

Schedule a pre-trip doctor visit 4-6 weeks before departure. Discuss your itinerary, request a letter listing your medications and conditions (useful at customs and in emergencies), and ask about any destination-specific health concerns.

Request extra supply. Ask your doctor for a 90-day prescription if your trip is longer than 30 days. Insurance may require a letter of medical necessity for early refills.

Get a medication summary card. Write (or type) a card listing every medication, dosage, frequency, prescribing doctor, and reason for the medication. Include both brand and generic names. Carry this in your wallet separate from your medications.

Research medication legality. Some common medications are controlled or banned in certain countries:

- Codeine-containing medications: Banned in Japan, Greece, and some Middle Eastern countries

- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): Restricted in Japan and Mexico

- Adderall and other amphetamines: Illegal or strictly controlled in Japan, South Korea, and many Asian countries

- CBD products: Illegal in many countries including Japan, Singapore, and UAE

Check your destination country's embassy website or consult the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for guidance.

Packing Medications for Travel

Carry all medications in your carry-on bag. Never pack essential medications in checked luggage.
Keep medications in original labeled pharmacy containers. This proves the prescription is yours at customs.
Bring double the amount you need (half in carry-on, half in checked luggage as backup).
Carry a doctor's letter on letterhead listing all medications and medical conditions.
Pack medications in a clear, organized bag for easy inspection at security.
Account for time zones. If you take medication at specific times, adjust gradually as you cross time zones. Set phone alarms for each dose.

Refilling Prescriptions Abroad

In many countries, common medications are available without a prescription at local pharmacies (antibiotics, blood pressure medications, etc.). However, relying on this is risky:

Drug names may differ by country
Dosages may differ
Quality control varies
Controlled substances require a local doctor's prescription

Plan to bring sufficient supply for your entire trip plus a buffer of at least one week.

Mobility Considerations

Flying Comfortably

Request wheelchair or electric cart service at the airport. This is free on all airlines and does not mean you cannot walk. It simply saves energy and time, especially at large airports (Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, London Heathrow, Dubai) where gates can be over a mile from check-in.
Choose aisle seats for easy access to the restroom without climbing over seatmates
Request bulkhead seats for extra legroom (call the airline directly; these are not always bookable online)
Wear compression socks to prevent swelling and reduce DVT risk
Walk the aisle every 60-90 minutes on long flights
Consider premium economy for flights over 6 hours. The extra 4-6 inches of legroom and wider seat make a significant difference for comfort and circulation. On many airlines, premium economy costs only 30-60% more than economy.

Mobility Aids and Travel

Airlines are required to transport wheelchairs and mobility scooters free of charge under the Air Carrier Access Act (US flights) and similar regulations in the EU.

Powered wheelchair/scooter tips:

Notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure
Batteries must meet airline regulations (lithium-ion batteries under 300Wh are generally accepted; contact the airline for specific limits)
The wheelchair is gate-checked and returned at the gate upon arrival (though sometimes it goes to baggage claim; confirm with the airline)
Consider a folding travel mobility scooter for trips: the Pride Go-Go Folding Scooter ($1,800-$2,500) or EV Rider Transport Plus ($1,200) fold to suitcase size

Walking aids:

Folding canes and walking sticks are allowed through security and on the plane
Trekking poles must be checked (pointed items are not allowed in carry-on)
Consider a portable folding seat cane ($30-$50) that doubles as a cane and a stool for museum queues and waiting areas

Choosing Walkable Destinations

Some cities require extensive walking over uneven terrain. Others are flat, accessible, and well-served by public transportation.

Most walkable/accessible cities for seniors:

City	Why It Works
Amsterdam	Flat terrain, excellent tram system, bike-free walking zones
Singapore	Clean, safe, air-conditioned walkways, MRT system reaches everywhere
Vancouver	Flat waterfront, accessible transit, compact downtown
Vienna	Flat city center, efficient U-Bahn, well-maintained sidewalks
San Diego	Mild weather, flat coastal areas, trolley system
Tokyo	Phenomenal public transit, elevators at most stations, extremely safe

Challenging cities for mobility:

City	Challenge
Rome	Cobblestones everywhere, hills, limited subway
Lisbon	Steep hills, narrow sidewalks, cobblestone streets
San Francisco	Extreme hills, limited accessible public transit
Santorini	Stairs carved into cliffs, no elevators, donkey paths
Dubrovnik	Steep limestone streets, massive stairways, no vehicles in Old Town

Best Cruise Lines for Seniors

Cruising is the most popular travel format among seniors for good reason: you unpack once, meals are included, entertainment is onboard, and medical facilities are available 24/7. Not all cruise lines cater equally to the 65+ demographic.

Top Picks

Viking Ocean Cruises:

No children under 18 allowed. Quiet, adult-only atmosphere.
Small ships (930 passengers) access ports that mega-ships cannot
Enrichment lectures, destination-focused itineraries
Price: $300-$600/person/day including excursions, Wi-Fi, specialty dining
Accessibility: Accessible staterooms available; elevators to all decks

Holland America Line:

Heritage brand popular with 60+ travelers
Culinary arts programs, live classical music, enrichment presentations
Longer itineraries (14-35 day voyages)
Price: $150-$350/person/day
Good medical facilities; available on all ships

Oceania Cruises:

Known for cuisine (Jacques Pepin is culinary director)
Small to mid-size ships (684-1,250 passengers)
Country-intensive itineraries with overnight port stays
Price: $200-$500/person/day
Upscale without being formal

Crystal Cruises:

Ultra-luxury, all-inclusive (beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi)
High staff-to-guest ratio
Comprehensive enrichment programs
Price: $500-$1,000+/person/day

Cruise Accessibility Features

All major cruise lines offer accessible staterooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered closet rods, and wider doorways. Request these early as inventory is limited.

Onboard wheelchairs and scooters are accommodated but bring your own; cruise lines do not provide them. Shore excursions may not be accessible; check with the excursion desk or book accessible tours independently through companies like Accessible Travel Solutions or Wheel the World.

Guided Tour Companies for Seniors

If independent travel feels overwhelming, guided tours provide structure, logistics, and companionship without the stress of planning.

Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel)

Who it is for: Adults 50+ seeking educational, enrichment-focused trips
Trip types: Walking tours, cultural immersion, national park programs, international discoveries, intergenerational (grandparent-grandchild) trips
Group size: Typically 20-40 participants
Price: $1,500-$5,000 for domestic programs; $3,000-$10,000 for international (including most meals, accommodations, and excursions)
Activity levels: Clearly rated 1-5 (1 = minimal walking; 5 = strenuous hiking). Choose level 1-2 if you have mobility concerns.
Website: roadscholar.org

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.)

Who it is for: Active adults 50+ seeking small-group, culturally immersive experiences
Trip types: Small group adventures (8-16 people) in Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe
Distinguishing feature: Home-hosted meals and visits to communities often missed by mainstream tourism
Price: $3,000-$8,000 for most international trips (flights usually extra)
Flexibility guarantee: Generous cancellation and rebooking policies
Website: oattravel.com

Intrepid Travel (Comfort Level Trips)

Who it is for: Travelers of any age who prefer small groups and comfortable accommodations
Trip types: Comfort-level trips use 3-4 star hotels, include more meals, and move at a slower pace than their standard trips
Group size: Maximum 12-16 people
Price: $2,500-$6,000 for 10-14 day international trips
Website: intrepidtravel.com

Tauck Tours

Who it is for: Travelers seeking premium, all-inclusive guided experiences
Trip types: European river cruises, land tours worldwide, small ship expeditions
Distinguishing feature: Most meals included, exclusive access to sites (private museum openings), luxury hotels
Price: $5,000-$15,000+ (premium positioning)
Website: tauck.com

Solo Senior Travel

Traveling solo after retirement, whether by choice or circumstance, is increasingly common and well-supported by the travel industry.

Tips for Solo Senior Travelers

Choose group tours or cruises for built-in companionship without the pressure of organizing everything alone
Look for single supplement waivers. Many tour companies charge solo travelers a "single supplement" for having a room alone. Road Scholar and G Adventures often waive this fee or offer room-sharing matching.
Stay in social accommodations. Boutique hotels, B&Bs, and small guesthouses offer more social interaction than large chain hotels.
Join travel groups: AARP Travel, Solo Travelers Society (solotravel.com), and Women Traveling the World (women-only groups for ages 50+)
Consider a Worldpackers or similar exchange for extended stays. Exchange a few hours of work per day (hosting, gardening, cooking) for free accommodation. Many hosts specifically welcome mature travelers for their reliability.
Share your itinerary with a family member or friend at home. Check in daily by text or email.

Safety Considerations

Carry a personal safety alarm ($8-$15 on Amazon) on a keychain
Use hotel safes for passport, extra cash, and medications
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics in unfamiliar areas
Research your destination's healthcare quality before traveling
Carry a local SIM card or international plan for phone calls in emergencies. Google Fi ($20/month) works in 200+ countries.

Grandparent-Grandchild Trips

Grandtravel (multi-generational trips with just grandparents and grandchildren) is one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry. These trips create bonds and memories in ways that regular family visits cannot.

Best Formats

Road Scholar Intergenerational Programs: Specifically designed for grandparent-grandchild pairs. Programs include national park exploration, city discovery trips, and international adventures. Age-appropriate activities for both generations.
Theme parks: Universal Studios and Disney World offer multi-generational appeal with rides for all comfort levels
National parks: Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Acadia offer accessible viewing points and ranger-led programs for children
Cruises: Disney Cruise Line appeals to children while Holland America or Viking appeals to grandparents. Choose based on the grandchild's age and interests.

Practical Considerations

Authorization letter: If traveling internationally without the child's parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from both parents granting permission for the child to travel with you. Include parents' contact information and the dates and destinations of travel. Some countries (Mexico, Brazil, South Africa) strictly enforce this.
Medical authorization: Carry a notarized medical authorization from the parents allowing you to consent to emergency medical treatment for the grandchild.
Know the child's routines: Bedtime, dietary restrictions, allergies, medication schedules, comfort items
Plan age-appropriate activities: A 6-year-old and a 14-year-old need very different itineraries

Plan Your Trip With TripGenie

Whether you are planning a solo adventure, a cruise-and-land combination, or a grandparent-grandchild trip, TripGenie helps you build a day-by-day itinerary matched to your pace and preferences. Instead of spending hours researching logistics, let TripGenie create the framework while you focus on the anticipation of the journey ahead.

Senior Travel Checklist

Before booking:

Confirmed travel insurance covers your age bracket and pre-existing conditions
Verified passport validity (at least 6 months beyond return date for most countries)
Checked visa requirements for your destination
Researched destination accessibility and healthcare quality

Before departure:

Visited doctor for pre-trip health check
Obtained sufficient medication supply plus backup
Created medication summary card
Arranged for mail hold, pet care, and home security
Shared detailed itinerary with family member
Saved copies of passport, insurance, and prescriptions to phone and email

Packed:

All medications in carry-on with doctor's letter
Compression socks for flights
Comfortable walking shoes (broken in)
Portable charger and phone cables
Travel insurance policy documents
Emergency contact information

Travel does not have an expiration date. With proper planning, the right insurance, and realistic expectations about pace and mobility, retirement travel can be the most fulfilling chapter of a lifetime of exploration.

Travel Tips for Seniors: How to See the World Comfortably at Any Age