How to Prep for Your Next Big Adventure (Especially if You’re Retired and Ready to Roam)

We’ve packed for everything from desert camps in Morocco to overnight trains across Thailand, and one thing’s for sure: the smoother your prep, the better your trip. Especially if you’re planning that big post-retirement adventure you’ve always dreamed about.

Whether it’s a river cruise in Porto, Portugal, a slow safari in Kenya, or a summer wandering the Mediterranean, getting ready isn’t just about what goes in your suitcase. It’s about setting yourself up to travel with confidence, comfort, and a sense of calm.

Start with Smart Packing

After years of travel (and a few forgotten toothbrush moments), we’ve learned that packing light is the difference between breezy adventure and shoulder aching regret. The secret? Focus on what you’ll really use. Comfortable shoes, lightweight layers, and breathable fabrics are your best friends on the road.

Keep your essential items for carry-on luggage close: medications, prescriptions, a change of clothes, snacks, and anything valuable or irreplaceable. Airlines lose bags, it happens, so make sure your carry-on can get you through a couple of days on its own. We also like to stash a small bottle of laundry soap and a quick dry outfit. You’d be amazed how far that one outfit can take you.

Take Care of Health and Dental Work Early

Nothing ruins a sunset over Santorini faster than a toothache. Before you go, take care of your checkups and any dental work you’ve been putting off.

If the cost feels steep, consider financing ahead of time with options like Cherry Payment Plans, which let you spread payments into smaller, manageable chunks. Many users of Cherry and Sunbit services say the easy online application and zero credit impact check make it stress free, perfect if you’d rather save your travel cash for gelato than root canals.

Ask your dentist for their application link or check online directly for promotions or zero interest periods. Getting it done before you leave means fewer surprises mid trip and more smiles for the photo album.

Money Matters (and How to Avoid Stress)

We’ve learned this the hard way: travel goes smoother when you practice careful money management. Start with a clear budget that includes flights, accommodations, meals, and a fun fund for experiences you can’t resist once you’re there. Then, pad it by about fifteen percent for the unexpected, because there’s always an unexpected.

Use more than one payment method. Bring a main credit card and a backup, some local cash, and a debit card. We always set up account alerts before leaving so if anything odd happens, we know right away. And if you’re hopping between countries, check your bank’s currency conversion fees. Those little charges add up fast.

Keep Safety Top of Mind

Peace of mind is priceless when you’re halfway around the world.

Staying safe isn’t about fear, it’s about taking proactive measures for your home and while you’re away. Before you leave, pause your mail, set a few lights on timers, and ask a neighbour to keep an eye out. Lock windows and doors, unplug non essentials, and double check your travel insurance details.

On the road, we stick to simple habits: well lit streets at night, keeping valuables tucked away, and always knowing our route back to the hotel. A small safety kit with a flashlight, whistle, emergency cash, and passport copies goes a long way. We’ve carried one for years and have used it more times than we’d like to admit.

Plan for Memorable Experiences

Once the logistics are done, the fun begins.

This is your moment to slow down and savour.

If you’ve got the time, choose experiences that immerse you in local life, maybe a host family stay, a gentle walking tour, or a scenic train route like the Trans Siberian or the Glacier Express. The goal isn’t to rush through your itinerary; it’s to collect stories you’ll still be telling at your next family dinner.

Travel at any age is a gift, but traveling with experience is the sweet spot. A little planning now saves a lot of stress later. So take care of the essentials, plan your finances wisely, and protect your home and health before you go. Then get out there and enjoy the world, it’s waiting for you.