[Warren]

I’m ready to retire & start enjoying life! I’d like to start travelling. TBH, I don’t know how!

Do you book vacations thru travel agents? Or do you over pay that way?

Do you book online deals? Or are they all scams? Are cruises fun or just for old people?

I’ve never travelled & have no idea where to start! Any recommendations would be appreciated! Also, where are good destinations to start?

Please note, I have $ but am just starting to spend it instead of re-invest it …

it’s hard for me! Baby steps! So budget friendly would be appreciated & all inclusive so I know the total cost beforehand!

What should I know?

[Katie]

Travelzoo weekly deals. I have found some great adventures there

[Bill]

Another cruise fan here, 18 under my belt.
I do a lot of other types of traveling such as Vegas , All Inclusive Resorts, Beach Destinations like Virginia Beach, and others.

If I was only able to go on one type of vacation for the rest of my life, it would be cruising.

[Stacey]

We LOVE cruising and have been doing it for almost 30 years, I find it very economical, food, lodging and entertainment for one price, pre pay gratuities, so much to do.

We’ve done Carnival exclusively, can book thru there web site or they have vacation planner

[Bridie]

If you want to plan yourself Borrow lonely planet travel guides from the library for each country

[Laura]

I booked through EF go ahead as a solo and through gate 1. Gives you courage to then book your own and do what you want!

It depends on what you want when you travel…

do you want to see everything or do you want to relax.

[Donna]

I love to visit the US National Parks. There is a FB group for each one. I also love international travel.

The research is part of the experience for me.

Decide what your interest is, and go from there.

Enjoy history, pick a historical site.

Enjoy museums, art?

Or waterfalls?

Make a bucket list and go from there.

[Scott]

If you go to Europe, pick a country. Reserve a hotel, show up, ask the concierge what to do and see.

Don’t try to hit everything at once.

Just relax and wing it.

[Sara]

I plan our trips myself. Are you in the US? If so, start with something domestic.

National Parks, a big city (DC, Chicago, NY), Disney… whatever interests you.

Learn how to navigate the experience.

As long as you have a place to stay and a way to get there, you can figure out the rest on the fly.

From there, try an English speaking foreign country (unless you can speak another language), then progress to a destination that is popular with English speakers (Paris, Rome).

You can also learn language basics with Duolingo or similar apps.

For trip planning, I invest in at least one guidebook to help with ideal location and finding reputable facilities and services.

Congratulations and enjoy the adventure!

[Sid]

First, I would just think about where it is you want to go to. And then consider how much of the planning and logistics you want to do yourself.

Do you have friends or family that are well traveled?

In some cases, it’s easy enough to book these things yourself.

If you don’t want to do that, you can ask around for a trusted travel agent to help guide you.

[Jasmine]

I like to divide my trips into “travel” or “vacation” as a first step. Looking to relax or truly explore the culture & see everything?

[Dana]

I research and plan my own vacations. I wouldn’t do it any other way.

[Henry]

Rolf Potts Vagabonding, the art of long term travel, a Southern Africa Lonely Planet, and a one way ticket should square you away…

I’d be happy to chat if you need a pep talk.

[Laura]

You either love cruising or you dislike it. Have to try it to decide. I didn’t like it.

Others love it.

[Sandra]

Are you traveling solo? Where would you like to go? What kind of activities do you enjoy?

What kind of accommodations would you like (luxury, modest, budget)?

I think you would benefit from a travel agent.

[Bethany]

Maybe book one of the deals through Costco? They are reasonable.

[Author]

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