May 28, 2025 • 17 mins
Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie as they explore "retirement moons" - celebratory trips marking life's next chapter. Learn essential planning tips and discover top destinations for your dream retirement adventure.
What is a Retirement Moon?
A celebratory trip taken at retirement time, growing in popularity as retirees are more active and healthy. It's a reward for decades of work and kickoff to a new lifestyle.
Timing: Plan for a few months after retirement to decompress and handle life transitions.
Budgeting: Decide between splurge vs. sustainable spending. Use retirement gifts, bonuses, and extra time for cost-effective options.
Trip Style: Choose solo, couple, or group travel. Consider adventure vs. relaxation focus.
Health & Insurance: Essential travel insurance and medical prep for international trips.
Length & Pacing: Take advantage of unlimited time off for slower, extended stays.
International
- Italy: Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Lake Como - perfect for slow-paced cultural immersion
- New Zealand & Australia: Extended stays justify long travel times
- European River Cruises: Stress-free, all-inclusive travel
- Japan: Unique culture and culinary experiences
- South Africa: Multi-week safaris and wine country
Domestic US
- Alaska: Land tours and cruises with extended exploration
- National Parks: Multi-park road trip adventures
- Napa/Sonoma: Wine country relaxation and indulgence
- Florida Keys & Charleston/Savannah: Laid-back Southern charm
Expert Planning Tips
- Book Early: Start planning 1-2 years ahead for best options
- Use Travel Advisors: Professional planning for seamless, personalized trips
- Add Personal Touches: Special dinners, photography sessions, surprise upgrades
- Avoid Over-Planning: Balance structure with flexibility for spontaneous discoveries
Featured: Quincy, Massachusetts
Visit the United States Naval Ship Building Museum and explore the greater Boston area.
Contact Wonder and Beyond Travel
Website: WonderandBeyondTravel.com
Ready to plan your retirement moon? Contact Ryan and Julie for personalized travel planning services.
Keywords: retirement travel, retirement moon, senior travel, Alaska cruises, European river cruises, Italy travel, National Parks road trips, travel planning for retirees
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (00:00):
Hello and welcome to All Things
Travel.
Today we're diving into agrowing travel trend that's all
about celebrating the nextchapter in life, the Retirement
Moon.
You've heard of honeymoons, babymoons?
Well now travelers are markingtheir retirement with
unforgettable adventures, andwe're totally here for it.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (00:20):
Listen in with travel advisors and
destination experts, Ryan andJulie.
He is your travel professorteaching you everything you need
to know to have a magicalvacation.
And I am a Disney lovingMaryland mom of three and a
specialist in family travel.
Whether we're discussingincredible destinations, top
vacation tips, or sharingpersonal stories, it's always
(00:41):
all things travel.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (00:44):
All right, Julie, so is this the
show where I get to officiallyannounce my retirement?
Is that why we're talking aboutretirement moons?
you're gonna gift me aretirement moon.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (00:55):
This is a continue working moon.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (00:57):
Oh, okay.
All right.
All right.
Sounds good.
speaking of that, what are youworking on?
you are busy, busy, busy, and Ilove it.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (01:04):
Yeah.
So this week, I've booked someuniversal trips.
Epic has people super excited,and at the time of recording it
opens tomorrow.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (01:14):
yes, yes.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (01:15):
by the time this comes out, it will
have been open and Ryan willhave been there.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (01:19):
son and I will have been there.
he chose Universal for his 16thbirthday trip and it just so
happens to line up with Epicopening.
his birthday's in January, but Isaid, let's hold on.
Let's not do it over Christmasbreak.
Let's not do it over springbreak.
Let's wait for Epic to open.
And man, I can't wait.
I'm sure by the time you'relistening to this we will have
(01:40):
had an amazing time
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (01:41):
I am so excited to hear about it because
the reviews coming out of Epic,like the previews they've been
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (01:47):
Yeah.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (01:47):
just been amazing.
I haven't heard negative aboutthe park,
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (01:52):
Yes.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (01:53):
hear what you think
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (01:53):
Yeah.
So in a co in a couple episodes,we're gonna do a recap of that.
Maybe we can even get Caleb on,and just kind of talk about it.
So,
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:01):
can give us his point of view.
That'd be great.
So, lot of universal trips, lotof Disney trips.
Halloween party
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (02:08):
Yep,
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:09):
I've done a couple Europe trips this
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (02:11):
I've got some Europe trips going on.
I've got folks looking atGreece.
I've got folks looking atSwitzerland.
I've got folks looking atIreland, so I've got some things
in the hopper that way.
going off of last week'sepisode, I had somebody reach
out.
to do a land tour of Alaska.
So we're gonna see what we cando there.
(02:31):
timeline's a little tight, butwe're gonna, we're gonna see if
we can make it work,
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:36):
Do they wanna go next month?
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (02:39):
kind of,
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:40):
Oh my gosh.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (02:42):
but that's okay.
We're gonna
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:45):
was it the first time they listened to
the podcast?
Because we do always say to bookearly.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_1942 (02:49):
Alright, Julie, so this idea of
Retirement Moon, before westarted talking about this, is
this something that you hadheard of before?
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:58):
I don't think I had heard that phrase.
I had seen it, but I hadn'theard that phrase we've all
heard of people, traveling a lotafter they retire, and that's a
big deal.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (03:10):
Yeah.
So basically when we're talkingabout this idea of retirement,
moon, that's not a term that wecame up with.
That's a term that's starting topop up in travel.
it's a celebratory trip thattakes place at the time, of
retirement.
Maybe it's a loan, maybe it's aspouse, maybe it's friends,
multi-generational, however youwant to do it.
one of the reasons it's growingin popularity is when people are
(03:31):
retiring, they tend to be moreactive and healthier, so they're
able to extend that travel time.
it's a reward for decades ofwork.
There can be more flexibility totake that quote unquote bucket
list trip.
And we'll talk about several ofthose today once you have, more
timeframe with a retirement.
(03:51):
And really for some it's a resetor kind of a kickoff to a new
lifestyle.
to give you kind of a, forinstance, this wasn't a
retirement, but it was certainlya transition.
When I ended my time at theuniversity to go into travel
full time, I was actually goingto hike the Camino Trail in
(04:11):
Spain with several friends, andthat was gonna be my reset now,
unfortunately, what was the yearthat I ended my time at the
university?
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (04:20):
2020.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (04:21):
It was 2020, so we had plane tickets
booked.
We were getting all ready to goand that obviously had to
change.
I liked that idea of a reset.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (04:32):
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (04:33):
Before we start talking about
retirement moons, if you havenot listened to last week's
episode, we dive into Alaska.
We talk cruising, we talk landtours, and We talk about where
you should visit and why it's alot of fun.
we also talk about the toptourist destination or excursion
(04:54):
in Alaska.
All right, so as we talk aboutretirement moon considerations,
Julie, what are some things weshould keep in mind?
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (05:02):
Okay, so first and most important is the
timing of when you want totravel.
Do you wanna go right after youretire, or you stopped working
on a Friday?
Are you leaving on Saturday?
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (05:12):
Ooh.
Wow.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (05:13):
the old fashioned.
Honeymoon idea
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (05:16):
huh.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (05:16):
you think you wanna plan it for a few
months later?
Most of the clients I work withthat plan a trip like this are
doing it a couple of monthslater.
because when you retire, there'sjust a lot to take care of and
you want a moment to decompress.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_19 (05:30):
Absolutely take that breath, clean out that
stuff, Get some of thoseprojects done around the house
and then after you've kind ofslowed down a little bit, then
take the trip.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (05:41):
And the next big one is budgeting.
do you think that you wannasplurge on this trip, or do you
wanna be, a little moresustainable in your travel
purchases?
you could also consider usingsome retirement gifts towards
the trip, any bonuses or.
Savings that you have ready togo.
if this is your retirement moon,chances are you've been thinking
(06:01):
about it for a while, so you'vegot a pretty good idea.
And I think one of the neatthings that can play into the
budgeting with this is thatyou've got more time to spend on
the trip.
sometimes that can help withyour budget, if you can drive
somewhere as opposed to havingto
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (06:15):
Yeah.
Yeah.
No, I really like that.
The next thing to consider istrip style.
Are you looking for anadventure?
Do you want to chill and relax?
Are you going by yourself?
Are you going as a couple?
is this a time for you to joinlike a tour or a group so you
can meet people and be social?
Or is this a time for yourfriends and family to go with
(06:37):
you?
I'm thinking back, episodesEarlier this year, talking about
your in-laws and the retirementmoon trip you created for them
driving down the Pacific Coast.
that was not only a time tocelebrate retirement, but really
a time to reconnect as a couple.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (06:55):
And experience a lot of adventure.
they're actually doing a reallysimilar trip again next year in
2026.
But instead of going south fromSeattle, they're going north.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (07:06):
Love it.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (07:06):
still driving.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (07:08):
The next consideration is health and
travel insurance.
we recommend travel insurancefor everybody, making sure that
you're covered, making sure thatyou have, what you need to feel
safe, especially forinternational trips.
And most folks who are retiring,maybe they have some different,
medical considerations or, orhealth considerations, making
(07:30):
sure that's all taken care ofwith your travel insurance and
trips to your doctor.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (07:34):
you definitely have a lot more
leeway when you think about thelength of your trip.
a lot of times these retirementmoons are much more of a relaxed
style of travel.
it's a two bigger, more type.
Trip, you're kind of like, oh,you know, I can, I can do what I
want.
And even if you are goingsomewhere that in the past
you've only been there for acouple of days, this is the trip
(07:56):
that you go and you spend a lotmore time and have a lot more
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (07:59):
Well, 'cause you don't, you don't have
that structure of, I have thismany days off, or I'm only
allowed to take this many daysoff at a time.
So that length of trip and thatpacing and comfort can really be
different.
Julie, let's talk about some ofthe top destinations for this
type of trip.
And we're gonna begin withinternational, well I should say
non-US ones'cause I know wecertainly have listeners from
(08:21):
all around the world.
And this first internationaloption, has Julie written all
over it.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (08:27):
It does, and it is Italy.
I just really love this becauselike a lot of countries in
Europe, Italy is featured on somany shows and books we see
different versions of Italy,from south to north There's so
many places to explore.
It really lends itself to aretirement moon by, taking that
slower pace through Tuscany andthe Amalfi Coast and Lake Como.
(08:49):
Those destinations aren't superclose to each other.
So to really be able to spendmore time in each, you can have
a more relaxed pace experiencethat food and wine culture over
there, I, that just soundsamazing.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (09:02):
The next one is New Zealand, and I
put this on the list primarilybecause of the travel time that
it takes to get to someplacelike Australia and New Zealand.
most people can't juggle thatwhen it comes to a work
schedule.
So now's that time, You can takethat long trip and when you get
there, you can spend the timethat you need to see the
(09:23):
beautiful scenery.
To have that balance ofadventure and relaxation New
Zealand is ideal for an extendedtrip and most people couple that
with Australia as well.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (09:35):
Right, or even a cruise over in that area
would be
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (09:37):
Yep.
Yep.
Absolutely.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (09:40):
next up, I feel like this is the classic
retirement moon trip, eventhough Ryan is already taking
these trips because he thinkshe's retired.
this is a river cruise inEurope.
this is such a stress-free wayto travel, so much is taken care
of for you on these rivercruises you board and you just
show up where they tell you toshow up, right, Ryan?
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (10:03):
Yep.
Absolutely.
And it is a great way to see thedestination, to travel, to have
the pace that you want.
And you know, I can go on and onabout river cruising, so we will
just leave it at that.
Next is Japan.
Japan is on a lot of people's,I'm gonna travel there someday.
And it's because of thefascinating culture.
(10:26):
people seeking somethingdifferent, the food is
different, the culture isdifferent.
it's a trip like no other.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (10:31):
And last South Africa.
this might be something that youthink is Too far away to try to
do.
You know when you're working,there's so much to do over
there.
You really do need that lengthof time, right?
Like it takes a
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (10:45):
Yep.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (10:45):
there.
And then you really need time todo the safari portion of the
trip to see the wine countryportion.
And you may not know this, butthere's a lot of luxurious
lodges
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (10:56):
Yes,
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (10:57):
that you
ryan_1_05-21-2025_1 (10:57):
absolutely.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (10:58):
on these trips, and it truly makes it
that once in a lifetime wishlisttrip.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (11:04):
Yeah, I've got two safaris going later
this year.
groups of adults and one isthree weeks and one is over two
weeks.
I think it's just the idea ofneeding that space, to make that
work.
let's talk about some placescloser to home.
The first, and we're not gonnatalk too much about this'cause
(11:25):
we did a whole episode about itlast week, is.
Alaska, either land or cruise.
Next is the national parks.
the reason I put this on here isbecause of a road trip.
You know, just like you talkedabout with your in-laws, having
the time to drive.
To experience, to slow down atyour own pace, the national
(11:46):
parks and going out west orreally going to any region of
the United States that havemultiple parks just really lends
itself to this.
And I think a lot of peoplefeel, that urge to see those
parks in their country.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (12:01):
Yeah, absolutely.
I think this is a very popularretirement moon destination,
especially for like a couplegenerations past.
I know my grandparents did a bigthing like this, and
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (12:11):
Yeah.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (12:12):
friends used to do that too.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (12:13):
next is Napa and Sonoma Wine Country.
we've talked about thisdestination on the show before,
relaxation.
Maybe a little indulgence.
I can actually relax and spendtime the way that I want to, and
absolutely gorgeous scenery ifyou're wanting a little more
hotter weather.
Heading down to the Keys orCharleston and Savannah.
(12:36):
And I love these areas becauseit's just a laid back vibe.
There's that nice southern charmthe keys, is its own unique
universe.
And so I, I think it's, you lovefishing.
You want to see a, a unique partof the United States head down
to the keys.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (12:52):
I feel like that's a place you can go
to and get lost for a littlebit.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_1 (12:57):
Absolutely.
So Julie, before we go on withsome tips for planning a
retirement moon, I wanna talkabout where in the world is all
things travel.
And when I looked atdestinations this week, a new
one for us was Quincy,Massachusetts.
And as I looked at variousthings to doing Quincy,
obviously it's Part of thegreater Boston area.
(13:20):
So you have all of that.
But a unique place to see inQuincy is the United States
Naval Ship Building Museum.
And as I look at differentexhibits, there's obviously
various ships, there's a lot ofdifferent, displays and
demonstrations I just thoughtthat would be a unique place to
see our listener in Quincy So,hey Quincy, we are glad you're
(13:43):
listening.
Reach out to us.
You can do that on Wonder andbeyond travel.com'cause we would
love to send a little thank youto Quincy, Massachusetts for
being featured on today's show.
All right, Julie, we haveseveral tips for folks that
might want to be booking aretirement moon and to sound
(14:06):
like a broken record.
What's the very first one?
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (14:09):
To plan early.
This is, I feel like a brokenrecord sometimes when we say
this, but it's so true and Ithink especially for a trip like
this because it's somethingyou've probably been thinking
about.
when you retire you probablyhave a
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (14:23):
Yep.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (14:24):
I know
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (14:25):
Yep.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (14:25):
know has had one and I've got two years
left.
I've got one year left, sixmonths.
So you're also thinking aboutwhat you're gonna be doing when
you retire.
for those people that know thata big trip is coming, they are
thinking like, okay, let me getthat trip booked now that I've
got a year left.
that really gives you time to,sink your teeth into the
planning and make it the tripthat you want it to be.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (14:45):
I love it What's the second tip?
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (14:48):
Consider your trip with a travel advisor
like us because we make yourtrip seamless.
It's personalized to you, and weare here as your support system.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (14:59):
A couple other things to think
about is what are somemeaningful touches you could put
specifically on this tripbecause of it being a retirement
moon.
Maybe it's a special dinner at arestaurant that you want to go
to.
Maybe it's a photography sessionor a surprise upgrade for that
spouse.
Who is retiring?
I keep coming back to that tripthat your in-laws took and all
(15:21):
of the other teachers, puttingmoney together as a gift to pay
for that special meal at theresort in San Diego.
That to me, that's just aquintessential, example of this.
And then lastly, while we'resaying plan, plan, plan, plan,
don't over plan.
This trip should be theantithesis of putting in your
(15:41):
time at work, right?
You should have freedom, not achecklist.
So build that time into relaxand really appreciate taking the
trip that you have spent yourtime planning and thinking
about.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (15:56):
Right.
I think it's nice to have anidea of things that you could
do, but maybe not have them at aset day or time,
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (16:04):
Yeah.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (16:04):
trip.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (16:05):
So as we wrap up here, I think, it's
important to keep in mind that aretirement moon is more than
just taking a trip later inlife.
It's a way to honor everythingthat came before and really kick
off that next step, right?
with intention adventure andcuriosity.
So if somebody you love isapproaching retirement, let's
(16:25):
make this milestoneunforgettable.
Reach out to your favoritetravel advisors and I hope it's
us.
'cause we're here to help.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (16:34):
The world is full of wonder and your next
great adventure is waiting atWonder and Beyond Travel.
We work with you to create a oneof a kind journey, taking the
stress off your plate so you canfocus on the joy of exploring
and the memories that will staywith you forever.
If you're ready to startplanning or just want to dream a
little bigger, head over toWonder and beyond travel.com.
(16:57):
We'd love to help you getstarted.
You can reach out to us atWonder and beyond travel.com.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (17:03):
We look forward to talking to you
next week on All Things Travel.
When we discuss the summeractivities at Walt Disney World.
Hello and welcome to All Things
Travel.
Today we're diving into agrowing travel trend that's all
about celebrating the nextchapter in life, the Retirement
Moon.
You've heard of honeymoons, babymoons?
Well now travelers are markingtheir retirement with
unforgettable adventures, andwe're totally here for it.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (00:20):
Listen in with travel advisors and
destination experts, Ryan andJulie.
He is your travel professorteaching you everything you need
to know to have a magicalvacation.
And I am a Disney lovingMaryland mom of three and a
specialist in family travel.
Whether we're discussingincredible destinations, top
vacation tips, or sharingpersonal stories, it's always
(00:41):
all things travel.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (00:44):
All right, Julie, so is this the
show where I get to officiallyannounce my retirement?
Is that why we're talking aboutretirement moons?
you're gonna gift me aretirement moon.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (00:55):
This is a continue working moon.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (00:57):
Oh, okay.
All right.
All right.
Sounds good.
speaking of that, what are youworking on?
you are busy, busy, busy, and Ilove it.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (01:04):
Yeah.
So this week, I've booked someuniversal trips.
Epic has people super excited,and at the time of recording it
opens tomorrow.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (01:14):
yes, yes.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (01:15):
by the time this comes out, it will
have been open and Ryan willhave been there.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (01:19):
son and I will have been there.
he chose Universal for his 16thbirthday trip and it just so
happens to line up with Epicopening.
his birthday's in January, but Isaid, let's hold on.
Let's not do it over Christmasbreak.
Let's not do it over springbreak.
Let's wait for Epic to open.
And man, I can't wait.
I'm sure by the time you'relistening to this we will have
(01:40):
had an amazing time
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (01:41):
I am so excited to hear about it because
the reviews coming out of Epic,like the previews they've been
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (01:47):
Yeah.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (01:47):
just been amazing.
I haven't heard negative aboutthe park,
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (01:52):
Yes.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (01:53):
hear what you think
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (01:53):
Yeah.
So in a co in a couple episodes,we're gonna do a recap of that.
Maybe we can even get Caleb on,and just kind of talk about it.
So,
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:01):
can give us his point of view.
That'd be great.
So, lot of universal trips, lotof Disney trips.
Halloween party
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (02:08):
Yep,
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:09):
I've done a couple Europe trips this
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (02:11):
I've got some Europe trips going on.
I've got folks looking atGreece.
I've got folks looking atSwitzerland.
I've got folks looking atIreland, so I've got some things
in the hopper that way.
going off of last week'sepisode, I had somebody reach
out.
to do a land tour of Alaska.
So we're gonna see what we cando there.
(02:31):
timeline's a little tight, butwe're gonna, we're gonna see if
we can make it work,
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:36):
Do they wanna go next month?
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (02:39):
kind of,
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:40):
Oh my gosh.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (02:42):
but that's okay.
We're gonna
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:45):
was it the first time they listened to
the podcast?
Because we do always say to bookearly.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_1942 (02:49):
Alright, Julie, so this idea of
Retirement Moon, before westarted talking about this, is
this something that you hadheard of before?
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (02:58):
I don't think I had heard that phrase.
I had seen it, but I hadn'theard that phrase we've all
heard of people, traveling a lotafter they retire, and that's a
big deal.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (03:10):
Yeah.
So basically when we're talkingabout this idea of retirement,
moon, that's not a term that wecame up with.
That's a term that's starting topop up in travel.
it's a celebratory trip thattakes place at the time, of
retirement.
Maybe it's a loan, maybe it's aspouse, maybe it's friends,
multi-generational, however youwant to do it.
one of the reasons it's growingin popularity is when people are
(03:31):
retiring, they tend to be moreactive and healthier, so they're
able to extend that travel time.
it's a reward for decades ofwork.
There can be more flexibility totake that quote unquote bucket
list trip.
And we'll talk about several ofthose today once you have, more
timeframe with a retirement.
(03:51):
And really for some it's a resetor kind of a kickoff to a new
lifestyle.
to give you kind of a, forinstance, this wasn't a
retirement, but it was certainlya transition.
When I ended my time at theuniversity to go into travel
full time, I was actually goingto hike the Camino Trail in
(04:11):
Spain with several friends, andthat was gonna be my reset now,
unfortunately, what was the yearthat I ended my time at the
university?
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (04:20):
2020.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (04:21):
It was 2020, so we had plane tickets
booked.
We were getting all ready to goand that obviously had to
change.
I liked that idea of a reset.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (04:32):
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (04:33):
Before we start talking about
retirement moons, if you havenot listened to last week's
episode, we dive into Alaska.
We talk cruising, we talk landtours, and We talk about where
you should visit and why it's alot of fun.
we also talk about the toptourist destination or excursion
(04:54):
in Alaska.
All right, so as we talk aboutretirement moon considerations,
Julie, what are some things weshould keep in mind?
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (05:02):
Okay, so first and most important is the
timing of when you want totravel.
Do you wanna go right after youretire, or you stopped working
on a Friday?
Are you leaving on Saturday?
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (05:12):
Ooh.
Wow.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (05:13):
the old fashioned.
Honeymoon idea
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (05:16):
huh.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (05:16):
you think you wanna plan it for a few
months later?
Most of the clients I work withthat plan a trip like this are
doing it a couple of monthslater.
because when you retire, there'sjust a lot to take care of and
you want a moment to decompress.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_19 (05:30):
Absolutely take that breath, clean out that
stuff, Get some of thoseprojects done around the house
and then after you've kind ofslowed down a little bit, then
take the trip.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (05:41):
And the next big one is budgeting.
do you think that you wannasplurge on this trip, or do you
wanna be, a little moresustainable in your travel
purchases?
you could also consider usingsome retirement gifts towards
the trip, any bonuses or.
Savings that you have ready togo.
if this is your retirement moon,chances are you've been thinking
(06:01):
about it for a while, so you'vegot a pretty good idea.
And I think one of the neatthings that can play into the
budgeting with this is thatyou've got more time to spend on
the trip.
sometimes that can help withyour budget, if you can drive
somewhere as opposed to havingto
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (06:15):
Yeah.
Yeah.
No, I really like that.
The next thing to consider istrip style.
Are you looking for anadventure?
Do you want to chill and relax?
Are you going by yourself?
Are you going as a couple?
is this a time for you to joinlike a tour or a group so you
can meet people and be social?
Or is this a time for yourfriends and family to go with
(06:37):
you?
I'm thinking back, episodesEarlier this year, talking about
your in-laws and the retirementmoon trip you created for them
driving down the Pacific Coast.
that was not only a time tocelebrate retirement, but really
a time to reconnect as a couple.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (06:55):
And experience a lot of adventure.
they're actually doing a reallysimilar trip again next year in
2026.
But instead of going south fromSeattle, they're going north.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (07:06):
Love it.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (07:06):
still driving.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (07:08):
The next consideration is health and
travel insurance.
we recommend travel insurancefor everybody, making sure that
you're covered, making sure thatyou have, what you need to feel
safe, especially forinternational trips.
And most folks who are retiring,maybe they have some different,
medical considerations or, orhealth considerations, making
(07:30):
sure that's all taken care ofwith your travel insurance and
trips to your doctor.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (07:34):
you definitely have a lot more
leeway when you think about thelength of your trip.
a lot of times these retirementmoons are much more of a relaxed
style of travel.
it's a two bigger, more type.
Trip, you're kind of like, oh,you know, I can, I can do what I
want.
And even if you are goingsomewhere that in the past
you've only been there for acouple of days, this is the trip
(07:56):
that you go and you spend a lotmore time and have a lot more
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (07:59):
Well, 'cause you don't, you don't have
that structure of, I have thismany days off, or I'm only
allowed to take this many daysoff at a time.
So that length of trip and thatpacing and comfort can really be
different.
Julie, let's talk about some ofthe top destinations for this
type of trip.
And we're gonna begin withinternational, well I should say
non-US ones'cause I know wecertainly have listeners from
(08:21):
all around the world.
And this first internationaloption, has Julie written all
over it.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (08:27):
It does, and it is Italy.
I just really love this becauselike a lot of countries in
Europe, Italy is featured on somany shows and books we see
different versions of Italy,from south to north There's so
many places to explore.
It really lends itself to aretirement moon by, taking that
slower pace through Tuscany andthe Amalfi Coast and Lake Como.
(08:49):
Those destinations aren't superclose to each other.
So to really be able to spendmore time in each, you can have
a more relaxed pace experiencethat food and wine culture over
there, I, that just soundsamazing.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (09:02):
The next one is New Zealand, and I
put this on the list primarilybecause of the travel time that
it takes to get to someplacelike Australia and New Zealand.
most people can't juggle thatwhen it comes to a work
schedule.
So now's that time, You can takethat long trip and when you get
there, you can spend the timethat you need to see the
(09:23):
beautiful scenery.
To have that balance ofadventure and relaxation New
Zealand is ideal for an extendedtrip and most people couple that
with Australia as well.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (09:35):
Right, or even a cruise over in that area
would be
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (09:37):
Yep.
Yep.
Absolutely.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (09:40):
next up, I feel like this is the classic
retirement moon trip, eventhough Ryan is already taking
these trips because he thinkshe's retired.
this is a river cruise inEurope.
this is such a stress-free wayto travel, so much is taken care
of for you on these rivercruises you board and you just
show up where they tell you toshow up, right, Ryan?
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (10:03):
Yep.
Absolutely.
And it is a great way to see thedestination, to travel, to have
the pace that you want.
And you know, I can go on and onabout river cruising, so we will
just leave it at that.
Next is Japan.
Japan is on a lot of people's,I'm gonna travel there someday.
And it's because of thefascinating culture.
(10:26):
people seeking somethingdifferent, the food is
different, the culture isdifferent.
it's a trip like no other.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (10:31):
And last South Africa.
this might be something that youthink is Too far away to try to
do.
You know when you're working,there's so much to do over
there.
You really do need that lengthof time, right?
Like it takes a
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (10:45):
Yep.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (10:45):
there.
And then you really need time todo the safari portion of the
trip to see the wine countryportion.
And you may not know this, butthere's a lot of luxurious
lodges
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (10:56):
Yes,
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (10:57):
that you
ryan_1_05-21-2025_1 (10:57):
absolutely.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (10:58):
on these trips, and it truly makes it
that once in a lifetime wishlisttrip.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (11:04):
Yeah, I've got two safaris going later
this year.
groups of adults and one isthree weeks and one is over two
weeks.
I think it's just the idea ofneeding that space, to make that
work.
let's talk about some placescloser to home.
The first, and we're not gonnatalk too much about this'cause
(11:25):
we did a whole episode about itlast week, is.
Alaska, either land or cruise.
Next is the national parks.
the reason I put this on here isbecause of a road trip.
You know, just like you talkedabout with your in-laws, having
the time to drive.
To experience, to slow down atyour own pace, the national
(11:46):
parks and going out west orreally going to any region of
the United States that havemultiple parks just really lends
itself to this.
And I think a lot of peoplefeel, that urge to see those
parks in their country.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (12:01):
Yeah, absolutely.
I think this is a very popularretirement moon destination,
especially for like a couplegenerations past.
I know my grandparents did a bigthing like this, and
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (12:11):
Yeah.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (12:12):
friends used to do that too.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (12:13):
next is Napa and Sonoma Wine Country.
we've talked about thisdestination on the show before,
relaxation.
Maybe a little indulgence.
I can actually relax and spendtime the way that I want to, and
absolutely gorgeous scenery ifyou're wanting a little more
hotter weather.
Heading down to the Keys orCharleston and Savannah.
(12:36):
And I love these areas becauseit's just a laid back vibe.
There's that nice southern charmthe keys, is its own unique
universe.
And so I, I think it's, you lovefishing.
You want to see a, a unique partof the United States head down
to the keys.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (12:52):
I feel like that's a place you can go
to and get lost for a littlebit.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_1 (12:57):
Absolutely.
So Julie, before we go on withsome tips for planning a
retirement moon, I wanna talkabout where in the world is all
things travel.
And when I looked atdestinations this week, a new
one for us was Quincy,Massachusetts.
And as I looked at variousthings to doing Quincy,
obviously it's Part of thegreater Boston area.
(13:20):
So you have all of that.
But a unique place to see inQuincy is the United States
Naval Ship Building Museum.
And as I look at differentexhibits, there's obviously
various ships, there's a lot ofdifferent, displays and
demonstrations I just thoughtthat would be a unique place to
see our listener in Quincy So,hey Quincy, we are glad you're
(13:43):
listening.
Reach out to us.
You can do that on Wonder andbeyond travel.com'cause we would
love to send a little thank youto Quincy, Massachusetts for
being featured on today's show.
All right, Julie, we haveseveral tips for folks that
might want to be booking aretirement moon and to sound
(14:06):
like a broken record.
What's the very first one?
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (14:09):
To plan early.
This is, I feel like a brokenrecord sometimes when we say
this, but it's so true and Ithink especially for a trip like
this because it's somethingyou've probably been thinking
about.
when you retire you probablyhave a
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (14:23):
Yep.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (14:24):
I know
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (14:25):
Yep.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (14:25):
know has had one and I've got two years
left.
I've got one year left, sixmonths.
So you're also thinking aboutwhat you're gonna be doing when
you retire.
for those people that know thata big trip is coming, they are
thinking like, okay, let me getthat trip booked now that I've
got a year left.
that really gives you time to,sink your teeth into the
planning and make it the tripthat you want it to be.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (14:45):
I love it What's the second tip?
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (14:48):
Consider your trip with a travel advisor
like us because we make yourtrip seamless.
It's personalized to you, and weare here as your support system.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (14:59):
A couple other things to think
about is what are somemeaningful touches you could put
specifically on this tripbecause of it being a retirement
moon.
Maybe it's a special dinner at arestaurant that you want to go
to.
Maybe it's a photography sessionor a surprise upgrade for that
spouse.
Who is retiring?
I keep coming back to that tripthat your in-laws took and all
(15:21):
of the other teachers, puttingmoney together as a gift to pay
for that special meal at theresort in San Diego.
That to me, that's just aquintessential, example of this.
And then lastly, while we'resaying plan, plan, plan, plan,
don't over plan.
This trip should be theantithesis of putting in your
(15:41):
time at work, right?
You should have freedom, not achecklist.
So build that time into relaxand really appreciate taking the
trip that you have spent yourtime planning and thinking
about.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (15:56):
Right.
I think it's nice to have anidea of things that you could
do, but maybe not have them at aset day or time,
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (16:04):
Yeah.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (16:04):
trip.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (16:05):
So as we wrap up here, I think, it's
important to keep in mind that aretirement moon is more than
just taking a trip later inlife.
It's a way to honor everythingthat came before and really kick
off that next step, right?
with intention adventure andcuriosity.
So if somebody you love isapproaching retirement, let's
(16:25):
make this milestoneunforgettable.
Reach out to your favoritetravel advisors and I hope it's
us.
'cause we're here to help.
j_1_05-21-2025_194246 (16:34):
The world is full of wonder and your next
great adventure is waiting atWonder and Beyond Travel.
We work with you to create a oneof a kind journey, taking the
stress off your plate so you canfocus on the joy of exploring
and the memories that will staywith you forever.
If you're ready to startplanning or just want to dream a
little bigger, head over toWonder and beyond travel.com.
(16:57):
We'd love to help you getstarted.
You can reach out to us atWonder and beyond travel.com.
ryan_1_05-21-2025_194247 (17:03):
We look forward to talking to you
next week on All Things Travel.
When we discuss the summeractivities at Walt Disney World.
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