After a long and fulfilling career, you’ve earned the freedom to swap those conference calls for Caribbean sunsets — and there’s no better way to celebrate retirement than with a dream trip abroad.
However, before you can click “Book Now,” it’s important to set aside some time and prepare for your international adventure — especially by budgeting, reviewing your health needs, and gathering documents like a birth certificate that may be required.
Going over your paperwork and travel plans now means smooth sailing tomorrow. Let’s take a look at four key things you need before you pack your bags.
Make Sure Your Documents are Ship-Shape
Whether your dream is a Danube River cruise or a hiking tour of Machu Picchu, every grand adventure begins the same way: by making sure your documents are as travel-ready as you are.
If you already have a passport, that’s great! Stay on top of international requirements by double-checking the expiration date, as many countries require at least six months of validity from your planned return date.
If you don’t have one, apply early — the U.S. State Department currently estimates around 4 to 6 weeks for standard passport processing and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service. As mentioned above, you’ll need to submit a birth certificate when applying for your first U.S. passport.
Traveling on a cruise? If your itinerary starts and ends at a U.S. port (called a “closed loop cruise”), some lines still allow travelers to board with an original birth certificate and government-issued ID. That being said, check with your travel agent or cruise consultant just in case.
Also keep in mind that, starting in May 2025, travelers flying domestically will need to have a REAL ID or passport to board a plane. If your license doesn’t have the star in the upper corner, now is a good time to update it.
Budgeting & Insurance Considerations
According to AARP, the average 50-plus American plans to spend nearly $7,000 on vacations in 2025 (that same study also notes that 95 per cent believe travel is good for their mental health, so consider this an investment in your self-care).
With that in mind, be sure to look at your travel style (budget-friendly, mid-range, luxury) and tally how much you expect to spend on airfare, day tours and excursions, tips, hotels, and more. Don’t forget to add hidden costs like pet sitting, airport parking, and departure fees.
After that, add an extra 10% for those just-in-case moments, like a cute souvenir or an extra suitcase for wine!
While preparing your finances, notify your credit card companies and banks before departure to avoid fraud blocks while spending abroad. Most banks let you do this through their mobile apps.
While on the call, it’s also worth asking if they refund foreign ATM fees — if not, look into travel-friendly cards like the Charles Schwab debit card, which offers fee reimbursements.
Staying Connected On-The-Go
While traveling is fun, it’s even better when you share your experiences with friends and family back home.
Thankfully, most carriers now let you add an international roaming “day pass” for around $10, which lets you use your phone just like you would at home.
For longer trips, consider adding an eSIM for a local or regional data plan — some can be as low as $20 for a week of coverage.
One final tip is to download offline maps, translation apps, and a currency converter before you leave, so you’re not caught out if you don’t have a signal.
Health & Safety
Nobody wants a health hiccup while enjoying their trip, right?
Schedule a pre-departure physical check-up and talk with your doctor about the countries you’ll be traveling to — they can help come up with a plan and verify vaccines (for example, a shingles booster for a Panama cruise or typhoid for Southeast Asia).
Make sure you bring enough of your prescription medications, ideally with a two-week cushion. Keep a laminated list of your medication (with both brand and generic names) in your day bag in case of emergencies — again, speaking with your doctor can help with this step.
Finally, definitely consider taking out travel insurance. According to a survey conducted by Squaremouth, travelers aged 60+ make up more than 40% of all travel insurance purchases — and it’s easy to see why. A sudden illness, natural disaster, or even a flight cancellation can turn into a costly ordeal.
Contrary to popular belief, travel insurance covers much more than medical issues; it can also include trip cancellation and interruption protection, emergency evacuation, lost or delayed baggage compensation, and 24/7 assistance hotlines.
With a little planning — whether it’s checking your passport, picking the right insurance, or packing a laminated med list — you’ll be ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime with confidence. Retirement is your time to explore, relax, and reconnect with the world.
