Ten Real Things You Can Start Doing Today as a Retiree to Ensure Your Travels Can Continue in This Age of Economic Upheaval Retirement should be a time of exploration and adventure, but with the current economic climate, many seniors are feeling the pinch. However, there are practical steps you can take to keep your travel dreams alive. Here are ten actionable strategies to help you travel smartly and sustainably, along with my take on them. 1. Create a Travel Budget Start by assessing your finances. List your income sources, including pensions, Social Security, and any savings. Then, determine how…
Category: Research
How Airlines Nickel-and-Dime You (And How to Win)
You know that moment when you find a cheap flight, your heart skips a beat, and you think: This is it—I’ve outwitted the system! But then… You try to pick a seat, check a bag, or click “continue,” and suddenly that $129 deal has ballooned into something that looks suspiciously like a small mortgage payment. Been there. Bought the middle seat. Ate the dry pretzels. The greatest deal I ever scored was a flight from Brussels to Geneva. At the time, I was living in Geneva, but I had a business partner based in Berlin. We needed to meet to…
My new secret travel weapon
OK, it’s not that secret and it’s not that new. Bear with me: Anyone serious about using AI for travel knows it is pretty useless. It’s very good for some initial research, but it is sadly lacking when planning itineraries or recommending the best places to visit. I will use AI to gather historical perspectives on some of my black bug blog posts or elaborate on some information I mentioned in a previous post. That’s it for a travel blog. There’s nothing like personal experience. However, I recently stumbled upon a place where AI can speed up your process. There…
A Solo Travellers Guide to Making Friends on the Road
Are you putting off taking a vacation because you’re in between relationships, or have your friends used up their vacation days for the year? Solo travel may be less lonely than you think. Travelling solo after 65 allows you to explore the world on your terms while building meaningful connections. By choosing senior-friendly accommodations, joining group activities, using technology, and engaging in social events, you can create a rich and fulfilling travel experience. Remember, age is just a number—adventure and friendship are timeless. So pack your bags, embrace the journey, and get ready to make new friends wherever your travels…
Rsponsible Travel in 2025
The tourism industry faces a critical challenge: balancing the allure of popular destinations with the need for sustainability. Fodor’s “No List 2025” highlights destinations struggling under the weight of over tourism, environmental degradation, and cultural erosion. While these places remain breathtaking, their challenges call for thoughtful travel practices. Travel in 2025 offers incredible opportunities for exploration and connection, but it also demands responsibility. Destinations like Bali, Kyoto, and Mount Everest remind us of the delicate balance between tourism and sustainability. By making informed choices, travellers can help preserve the beauty and culture of these places for future generations. Over the…
Sustainable Travel Certifications: What You Need to Know
As travellers increasingly become conscious of their environmental impact, sustainable travel certifications have become prominent. These certifications aim to guide travellers toward eco-friendly choices and encourage businesses to adopt more responsible practices. Understanding the role and significance of these certifications can help you make informed decisions and support global efforts toward sustainable tourism. What Are Sustainable Travel Certifications? Sustainable travel certifications are endorsements from tourism businesses, destinations, or operators that meet specific environmental, social, and economic standards. They ensure that these entities operate in ways that protect natural resources, respect local communities, and promote cultural heritage while minimizing adverse environmental…
Soft Travel for Seniors: A Gentle Way to Explore the World
Take your time. The world will wait. Travelling in your golden years doesn’t have to mean rushing through crowded tourist spots or embarking on exhausting adventures. Soft travel is a more relaxed, mindful approach focusing on comfort, ease, and meaningful experiences. Perfect for seniors who want to explore the world at their own pace, soft travel allows for deeper connections with people, culture, and nature without the physical strain of high-energy activities. What Is Soft Travel? Soft travel emphasizes slow, comfortable, and enriching journeys. It’s less about how much ground you cover and more about the quality of your…
Senior Travel Planning – Men or Women?
Travelling with Pets as a Senior
How Gender Influences Travel Choices: Key Insights and Trends
It’s not difficult to understand that different generations and genders may have different preferences regarding travel. Still, I decided to conduct some research because I was curious about exactly what those differences might be. In my own experience, I didn’t find age or gender to be a factor in destinations, but rather more so in activities. Now, having said that, I do think that there may be some differences for solo women travellers. That’s why I think you’ll notice far more businesses catering to that market. Read the research below and see what you think. Gender appears to…