For many retirees, travel is one of the top priorities. And it’s not hard to see why. Travel can be a great way to explore new places, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. It can also be a great way to relax and unwind after years of work. Vikki Gerrard La Crosse is one retiree who has made travel a priority. She firmly believes that everyone should experience the wonders of different places in the world. To make the most out of travel, Gerrard is a huge advocate for having a travel bucket list.
Benefits of Traveling
There are many benefits to traveling, especially for retirees. One of the most significant benefits of travel is that it broadens your horizons. When you travel to new places, you’re exposed to new cultures and customs. It can help you learn more about the world and open your eyes to different ways of life. Understanding the world can make you a more compassionate and tolerant person.
Another benefit of travel is that it helps you stay active and fit. If you’re retired, staying physically active is vital to maintain your health. Traveling allows you to explore new places while getting some exercise. Walking around a new city or hiking through a nature trail can be great ways to stay active while on vacation. Museums and other tourist attractions are great options for safe places to move around and explore.
Travel can also help you combat depression and anxiety. It can provide a sense of adventure and excitement that can benefit your mental health. By getting out of your comfort zone and exploring new places, you can help improve your mood and mental well-being.
Finally, traveling can be a great way to bond with friends and family. If you’re planning a trip with loved ones, it can help you create lasting memories together. Whether taking a road trip with your spouse or flying to a new country with your kids, travel can help you strengthen your relationships.
It can also be a great way to socialize and meet new people. When you’re retired, it can be easy to become isolated. Traveling can help you combat isolation by meeting new people from all over the world. You might even make new friends that you will keep in touch with long after your trip.
Creating a Travel Bucket List
If you want to get the most out of your travel experiences, Vikki Gerrard La Crosse recommends creating a travel bucket list. A travel bucket list is simply a list of all the places you want to see in your lifetime. The list can include both domestic and international destinations.
One of the benefits of having a travel bucket list is that it gives you something to look forward to. If you’re retired, you might not have many goals or plans for the future. Having a travel bucket list can help you feel excited and motivated about the future. It can also help keep your mind sharp as you plan and dream about all the different places you want to visit.
Creating a travel bucket list can also help ensure you make the most of your travel experiences. Getting caught up in the mundane details of daily life can be easy. But if you have a list of places you want to visit, it can help you stay focused on your goals. It can also help you make the most of your time and money by carefully planning each trip.
Bucket List Tips
There are several ways to start your travel bucket list. One option is to brainstorm a list of must-see places. This list can include both specific destinations and more general types of trips. For example, your list might include particular spots like Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Eiffel Tower. Or it might be more general, such as taking an African safari or visiting all seven continents.
Another option is to start with a list of activities or events you want to experience. This approach might include learning to surf, seeing the Northern Lights, or going on a hot air balloon ride. Once you have a list of experiences, you can start thinking about specific places where you can have those experiences.
Once you have a list of potential places and experiences, you can start narrowing it down. Start by thinking about which destinations are most important to you. Then, consider your budget, time frame, and physical abilities. You might also want to prioritize bucket list items that you think are more likely to become unavailable in the future. For example, if you’re interested in seeing the Great Barrier Reef, you might want to prioritize that item since it’s currently threatened by climate change.
Planning Your Trips
Finally, once you have a list of potential destinations and experiences, it’s time to start planning your trips. Vikki Gerrard La Crosse recommends working with a travel agent to help prepare for each trip. A travel agent can help you find the best deals on flights, hotels, and tours. They can also offer helpful advice on things like visas and vaccinations.
Other things to consider when planning your trip include your travel dates, budget, and length. You’ll also want to think about what you want to do at each destination. Will you be spending most of your time sightseeing? Or do you want to focus on relaxing and enjoying the local culture?
Final Thoughts
Traveling is a great way to see the world and meet new people. It can also help you learn new things and experience different cultures. To get the most out of your travel experiences, having a travel bucket list can be helpful. It can give you something to look forward to and help you make the most of your time and money.
