Vacations when you're retired.

[bobcat]

In younger years a vacation is often thought of as a break from work and a time to relax, unwind, and just enjoy life.
Retirement, for the most part, is one long vacation, except sometimes we even need a vacation from that.
Maybe it's just a break from routine and surroundings that we need, and it has a different flavor when compared to work vacations.
Perhaps now they're more pleasure trips.

Even so, they can require a considerable bit of effort. You need to decide where to go, where to stay, read reviews, possibly book and sign contract, pay for hotels or vacation rental, hold your mail and notify loved ones, possible flight booking and car rental, packing and unpacking, and the travel. It's usually not a simple and easy process. But once you're there, hopefully it is nice and rewarding.

 

[Oldeagle66]

Both my parents were career military, then defense workers and I followed the same way. So I regularly traveled till I retired at 55. Never lived longer than 4 years at any one place till then either. I'm okay now to sit in one place for awhile. A vacation for me might be checking into a cheap roadside motel overnight.

 

[IrishEyes]

Don't think about them much now, especially flying. The long waits, having to be there so early, the lay overs, the delayed flights. ughh
The last time I had a flight change in Atlanta, Ga, we were delayed 4 hours due to the crew of the plane not showing up to take off.
We live where we have a private lake that is kept stocked, so fishing is right down our road. Our bladders would make a 5 hour trip an 8 hour for all the pitstops We can't drive at night anymore, so add that into it. Then we have this dog of 14 yrs with Rage Syndrome that I would not ask anyone to house for me for a lengthy time.
Home is the best option at this time of our life. I will fly to Virginia in 2 years when my youngest turns 50. That is my last ...have to no matter what. I can do that for him

 

[Mike]

I have taken a few coach tours, I worry
a bit about driving far, yet at one time
I drove professionally, I still drive, but
only in the city now.

Mike.

 

[Lewkat]

Retirement to me is a never ending vacation.

 

[Trish]

In younger years a vacation is often thought of as a break from work and a time to relax, unwind, and just enjoy life.
Retirement, for the most part, is one long vacation, except sometimes we even need a vacation from that.
Maybe it's just a break from routine and surroundings that we need, and it has a different flavor when compared to work vacations.
Perhaps now they're more pleasure trips.

Even so, they can require a considerable bit of effort. You need to decide where to go, where to stay, read reviews, possibly book and sign contract, pay for hotels or vacation rental, hold your mail and notify loved ones, possible flight booking and car rental, packing and unpacking, and the travel. It's usually not a simple and easy process. But once you're there, hopefully it is nice and rewarding.

I no longer have any desire to travel abroad. When we go away, it's generally somewhere in the UK, more likely the coast. I know lots of people who are happy to never travel and I do understand that, it can be a hassle and holiday accommodation is expensive.

For me, having the opportunity to occasionally go away is a break from everyday things and the chance to explore somewhere new. Of course, you can never guarantee the weather!

 

[Aunt Bea]

I haven’t been on a vacation/trip since I stopped working twenty years ago.

No sacrifice, no need.

I’ve thought about a solo cross country train trip or a cruise but haven’t ever gotten past the thinking stage.

I have underwritten a couple of international trips for young folks in the family, following their exploits and adventures was more fun for me than a trip of my own would have been.

 

[Capt Lightning]

In younger years a vacation is often thought of as a break from work and a time to relax, unwind, and just enjoy life.
Retirement, for the most part, is one long vacation, except sometimes we even need a vacation from that.
Maybe it's just a break from routine and surroundings that we need, and it has a different flavor when compared to work vacations.
Perhaps now they're more pleasure trips.

Even so, they can require a considerable bit of effort. You need to decide where to go, where to stay, read reviews, possibly book and sign contract, pay for hotels or vacation rental, hold your mail and notify loved ones, possible flight booking and car rental, packing and unpacking, and the travel. It's usually not a simple and easy process. But once you're there, hopefully it is nice and rewarding.

You make it sound too much like work. Unless you have other commitments or plan to go for an extended period, you just go. You can do your research and book things online. Hold the mail? most communication is online. Notify family? pick up the phone and tell them.
One good thing about retirement is that generally you can do what you like when you like.

Some years ago, we took a road trip across the North USA. We booked our flights and that was all. We rented a Cadillac, had a small paper tourist map and we just stopped where it looked interesting. It was great fun stopping in out of the way places and we were always greeted with courtesy and curiosity - what are those Brits doing out here??

Don't plan too much - it spoils the excitement of discovery.