So you’ve just retired and you’re wondering “now what?” “What do I do with my new retirement?” An easy answer to that question is take the road trip that you’ve always dreamed about but never had the time to take.
The glory of retirement is the time to do things you’ve never been able to do before. So use our top tips below to plan the retirement road trip of a lifetime. No matter your destination or length of your trip, the information below will help ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Vehicle
You can’t take a road trip without a vehicle. And you better make sure it’s a reliable one at that. Nothing is worse on a road trip than dealing with costly mechanical repairs on your vehicle. Though any type of car will do the job just fine, a spacious and fuel efficient SUV like the Jeep Compass Sport is always a good bet. Or you might prefer something quite a bit larger like an RV.
Itinerary
The best road trip is a flexible one. It pays to have a plan that allows you to stop here and there as you please. At the same time, however, it’s also important to have some structure. Research your route as well as the destinations, attractions, and features along the way. It’s often best to book lodging beforehand. This ensures you’ll have a place to stay and sometimes nets you a cheaper rate.
Communication
Your retirement road trip is the perfect time to disconnect from life. But it’s also important to stay in touch with friends and loved ones back home. Luckily, the Internet makes this easier than ever before. You have dozens of apps to keep in touch like Skype, Facebook, and Twitter if you’re traveling in another country. Otherwise your smartphone is pretty much all you need to connect with others while you’re on the road.
Packing
Packing is often the most difficult part of a road trip. Like any type of traveling, you’re limited in what you can bring. Longer road trips to areas with varied climates are even more difficult to pack for. You must make sure you have a range of clothing for all different weather and climate conditions. If you’re camping for a portion of your trip, you’ll need to place an even greater emphasis on packing the proper clothing and equipment.
Budget
Unless you’re extremely fortunate, you’ll need to plan your retirement road trip around a set budget. That’s why developing a comprehensive budget in advance is important. Use this to factor in the major costs of your trip including food, lodging, and gas. Factor in the costs for attractions you’re interested in along the way.
Enjoying your retirement with a road trip is an excellent way to spend your free time and see new places. Employ the five tips above to make the most of your trip. They’re the basics you need to ensure a good time.
