As seniors helping seniors we are asking the question “Are you ready to turn those dreams of international travel after retirement into a reality?” “Do you love the idea of traveling the world? Are you ready to face any culture shock that may come your way? Are you easily adaptable to changes? Can you easily leave the ‘stuff’ behind? These are some of the questions you will need to answer below.
We know there are a lot of retirees out there who dream of becoming a senior international traveler but have a fear of the unknown. We were you! In sharing out lessons learned from our travels, we may not have all the answers but we will give it a try to at least point you in the right direction!
We know that as we grow older it is harder for some to address cultural shock or just be downright resistant to adapting to changes in new environments. I know that changes can be scary but there is a huge world out there that will pass you by should you decide to not face your fears. We know that there are numerous questions that only seniors helping seniors know to ask. Here’s the deal, our issues as seniors traveling internationally will differ from younger travelers. That, of course, is a no brainer! As a first time wanna be senior traveler, you will have to dig down inside to determine if in fact you are ready for international travel & the culture shock that may just come along with it! There may be uncomfortable moments but we totally believe that in the long run it is so worth it!
Here are some really very -may not be so simple- questions for you to ask yourself to see if traveling is for you. Your answers after some deep thought may surprise you but will also guide you to your final decision of ‘Am I really ready for international travel’?
Questions to Help You Determine If You Are Ready For That Road to International Travel as a Senior!
If you have followed us you know we started our world travel plan years ago. We quickly realized this could possibly be a future life for us. We loved everything about traveling – new sites & especially the various cultures. Now we are retired & we have been able to turn those fabulous ‘vacations’ into everyday living. We did our homework then & continue to research now to be sure we are on our best path. We have made mistakes along the way but we share those with you in order to hopefully keep you from making the same mistakes.
Whether you are a new senior traveling alone or a senior couple, we believe the answer to each of these questions will be beneficial to seniors with the dream of international travel. Lets get started!
1. Do I have as a future senior traveler a realistic view of my limitations?
How do I see myself as a first time senior traveler? Do I want to stay in a tourist area where English is the main language & I will be treated with all the luxuries of my home? Or do I want to be immersed with the ‘natives’? How much can I handle? What are my limitations? Beach, mountains, jungle, desert??? Where do you see your happy place?
The answers to all these questions depend on you & your limits you have set upon yourself in thinking about traveling. Are you use to driving from point A to B or would you be happy walking?
A huge question you need to ask yourself also regards your health. Do you consider it good, excellent or on the other end ‘not so hot’? The answer to this question should probably be your first issue to address before even planning traveling. If you have health issues that need constant supervision than you might want to checkout the medical facilities in the area you are desiring to travel. Check out Google to see what is in that area. Also, while we are talking medical, be sure to check with your health insurance to see if they have connections to doctors/hospitals in your new possible home area.
I am just asking you to be prepared!
2. Will I survive leaving the kiddos behind?
Ok, so health issues above have been addressed so lets talk about leaving the kiddos, friends, animals,etc behind. Now here is something else that will give some of you a lot of thought. I’m leaving this one to you to decide. If you feel like you will be missing everything or can’t cut those strings yet, you will probably not enjoy your traveling worrying about what you might be missing at “home”.
My thoughts are simple on this issue. You’ve worked your entire life to this point, raised your children & quite possibly had a large hand in raising the grandchildren, BUT, now is your time. You are still somewhat healthy & the end of your ‘working’ life is a stone’s throw away. It is your time to shine & enjoy life doing what you need to do to be happy. If that is working out in the garden, you do you & be happy. But, if you are like thousands of other retirees, you each have your own reason to travel internationally & worrying about leaving the kiddos behind should not be something to keep you from doing you. Does that make sense for you?
3. Am I up to learning a second language? Will that be an issue?
Do you have a second language? If so, I’m thinking you would check into cost effectiveness to live in a country where you already have a handle on the language.
Not knowing the language of a country you want to visit and/or possibly live should not be a deterrent to your plans but it might slow down the transition from tourist to manageable. Are you willing to take language lessons before you fly to your destination? I think this is probably the best bet if only to learn a few introductory phrases. Once you get landed check out FB pages for that expat community in your new location as they are an excellent source of information!
We found out Spanish instructor by visiting a coffee shop & as we chatted with him we learned his wife use to teach Spanish in Mexico City! Once we talked with her, the plans were set & we try to meet at least three times a week for an hour or so each. It has worked wonders for me in learning & The Big Guy has strengthened his knowledge as well. Pesos well spent!
Watching a Spanish novella is another way to learn the language plus the drama is entertaining & it doesn’t cost a thing. Destinos is a telenovela series that can be found on YouTube. It is 52 episodes & specifically to help you learn beginner Spanish. Check it out & see what you think!
4. Am I worried about culture shock? Is adapting to change difficult for me?
Anyone can face some type of culture shock even in your own home or local society surroundings but when it comes to first time travelers culture shock takes on a whole new meaning. Clash of behaviors, lack of communication, different social customs, even toilet design could throw you into a ‘what the heck did I get myself into!’ To some people the lack of those ‘comfort’ foods or the ability to dress as you please would be enough to send them home.
Ask yourself the question “Does the idea of culture shock scare me?” If you say yes, you will definitely want to do some soul searching as to what you want in your travels. If you are looking for what you already have, then maybe you should just enjoy your ‘travel’ by going to tourist destinations where they cater to well, tourists.
If you feel you are easily adaptable to changes type of person then pack those bags & get ready for some grande adventures to see what is waiting for you out there! A little culture shock is only that until you acclimate. The more you put into your state of mind traveling, the more you will get out of it. I don’t think a little culture shock can hurt anyone. To The Big Guy & I we personally love immersing ourselves into the local community of whichever country we are in & we have been blessed with many beautiful memories.
5. How much will it cost me to live in another country? Is my income and/or budget realistic?
How much will it cost me to live in another country? Depends on which country you are looking at? If you know you will have a limited income than just Google “cheapest countries for expats to retire” & you will have more than enough info to keep you reading for a bit. There are sites that give you approximate rents, etc. Now these are in stone but they will guide you to further research. I thought this article was amazing in that it has a lot of similar articles that may be interesting to you.
Once you have sat down & completed a budget of your present monthly expenses – then compare it with what you could live on in a another country! You may just be surprised. I know cost of living here in Mexico is awesome compared to the drain of living in the states on a limited income.
Having a realistic budget will tell you whether or not you could survive in ‘that’ country you are looking at. Of course, not everyone has to budget for traveling & that is great for them but considering the number of folks who receive only a social security check with no other income, a budget is a must & the ability to stay on that budget will make or break you.
6. How Tech Savvy Are You – Seniors helping seniors get tech savvy!
This question is simply to be sure you are tech savvy with your smart phone. Your phone will be your life line should any emergencies happen during your trip. Sure, we hope nothing ever will but just in case be sure to have your emergency contact numbers along with local police, fire, hospital info, copies of your medical cards, flight & hotel itineraries, etc. Any & all of these should either be in your number list or scanned into a folder on your phone should something happen.
Apps are another evil you may have to deal with on your phone. I’ve come around to the notion that I do like my apps. My favorites are Google Translate, Google Maps, Currency Converter, insurance polices & access to my email accounts. Are you getting what I’m saying? Let your smart phone work for you!
7. Am I Willing To Leaving The “Stuff” Behind? It’s all material…
Leaving the stuff behind?!?! Really, how can you do that? More than a few of our friends, family & acquaintances asked us these questions. It was pretty easy as we were coming down to within a few months of our preset take off for Mexico.
If you are serious about your grand adventure into traveling internationally, you won’t think twice about leaving all that ‘crap’ behind. We didn’t actually leave it but sold, donated or gave away. Your house, your vehicles, clothes, electronics…..it is all material right. What joy does it bring you other than that precise moment you are using it? Probably none.
If you are ready, just take it in steps. Call the kiddos to come pick up whatever you have been holding for them. Clean out the closets for donation or yard sales [it can be several yard sales but weed out of your closet the unnecessary items].
The larger reputable consignment stores are great for those nicer pieces of furniture or decor that you would like to recoup some money from [remember the money you make goes toward the travel fund]! Let me repeat, don’t try & do this all at once, you will be pulling your hair out. Take it one step at a time. After all, if you’ve gotten this far in your plan then you already have a sale date in mind for the house & you know once the house goes on market, you will need to be able to leave shortly. If this is done right, you’ll be out of your house be closing day & eager to sign those papers & you will be done with whatever had to be done to get to this point.
One more note & we will move on. I cannot tell you how much weight on our shoulders was lifted once we walked out of the house that last time. Sad for a fleeting moment & then we were off to conquer the world! We were free!
8. Do I have a clear understanding of how my health insurance works or will it?
We hit on this lightly above in making sure you have copies of all your health insurance policies with you should something happen. Now, the question you need to answer is “Do I clearly understand what my health insurance will or refuse to cover on this trip? Call them & ask, make them talk to you about your policy until you understand completely the coverage or lack of coverage while you are out of the states.
Tell your insurance company where you will be & ask them if they partner with any doctors, dentists, hospitals, etc in that area. As a side note, when I needed my secondary health insurance a couple months ago they would not cover the accident since it was outside of the first “sixty” days of trip [it happened on 77th day]…More on that in another post.
Should you check into traveling insurance? Absolutely, just be aware of what that policy covers as different companies have different coverage. Generally, coverage for the duration of your traveling is a small percentage of cost. Lost luggage, interrupted air flight, accidents, etc are a few of what could be covered but you really won’t know for sure what you need until you speak to your insurance provider.
Bottom Line
There are so many benefits to traveling internationally to look for your piece of the pie. For now, we are in Mexico for a bit to see how this pandemic or if this pandemic changes our future travel plans. We will have to wait & see. For you though, get started setting your goals on paper & looking at it every day you will be on the road to international travel as a senior before you know it. I know the time is flying pass us.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have & if we do not know the answer we can guide you to someone who does.
Til next time! Happy Travels with The Big Guy!