- Why Extended Travel is the Secret to a More Fulfilling Retirement
- Why Extended Travel is the Secret to a More Rich and Rewarding Retirement
- So, What Is Extended Travel?
- Why Europe Is the Perfect Playground for a Soul-stirring getaway
- Okay, But Is Extended Travel Really For Me?
- How to Start Planning Your First Long Stay
- Final Thoughts: Your Next Chapter Could Be the Best One Yet
No time to read the full article here are my favourite picks..
- Extended travel gives you the freedom to live like a local, not just visit. Think farmers markets, hidden gems, and daily routines that actually bring you joy.
- It’s not just about escaping your old life, it’s about reinventing your future and writing the next soul-nourishing chapter.
- You don’t have to sell everything and become a nomad. Even one long stay a year can completely shift how you experience retirement.
Why Extended Travel is the Secret to a More Rich and Rewarding Retirement
Remember when that new chapter in your life meant slippers, sudoku, and maybe a Wednesday trip to the garden center? Yeah, no thanks. These days, retirement isn’t the end of something, it’s the start of everything you never had time for. And if you ask me, the real secret to squeezing the juice out of your golden years? Extended travel. Slow, soul filling, “we’re staying long enough to find our favorite bakery” kind of travel.
Let’s dig into why spending 1 to 3 months (or heck, longer) exploring the world beats the pants off a two-week vacation, and why now is the perfect time to turn your dreams into departure dates.
So, What Is Extended Travel?
Dare to dream, extended escape means staying in one place (or slowly moving between a few) for several weeks to several months. Think renting a cozy flat in the south of France for six weeks instead of zipping through Europe with a suitcase and a checklist. It’s the kind of travel where you unpack once, find your rhythm, and maybe even start greeting the local butcher by name.
This isn’t about ticking off sights. It’s about actually living somewhere new, even if it’s just temporary. It’s a life-changing experience with depth, not just distance.
5 Surprising Perks of Long Term Travel in Retirement
- You Become a Temporary Local You’re not just visiting, you’re experiencing. Shopping at markets, sipping coffee in the same café, figuring out the recycling schedule (it’s weirdly satisfying).
- It Can Be Cheaper Than You Think Longer stays often mean discounts on accommodation, fewer restaurant meals, and less transportation hopping. A month in a Lisbon apartment might cost less than two weeks bouncing between hotels.
- It’s Good for Your Brain (and Your Soul) Learning a few words in Italian, navigating public transport in Budapest, or cooking with unfamiliar ingredients keeps the neurons firing and the spirit lifted.
- You Rediscover Your Curiosity You’re not just seeing museums, you’re taking that local watercolor class or joining the neighborhood walking group.
- You Deepen Your Relationships Traveling with your partner (or even solo) gives you time to connect without distractions. You might just find yourselves laughing like you did decades ago.
Why Europe Is the Perfect Playground for a Soul-stirring getaway
Let me introduce you to the magic of the Schengen 90 day rule: you can spend up to 90 days within most of Europe without needing a visa. That alone makes it the ultimate extended travel destination. Here a great app to help you keep track of your day in the Schengen Countries.
Plus, Europe’s built for slow exploration. Trains are efficient, cities are walkable, and the cultures? A delicious mix of history, food, and charm. Picture yourself:
- Living in a sun drenched village in southern Spain
- Wandering through Tuscan markets and cooking pasta at home
- Taking weekend train jaunts to nearby towns just because you can
Okay, But Is Extended Travel Really For Me?
Let’s be honest: it’s not for everyone. If you need to be near grandkids 24/7 or you get twitchy without your home comforts, you might need to ease in. But if you’ve got the time, the health, and the curiosity? There’s never been a better moment.
You don’t have to be a seasoned backpacker or fluent in five languages. You just need a bit of planning and an openness to discovering what slow travel can offer.
How to Start Planning Your First Long Stay
Start small: choose just one destination and plan to stay for 4–6 weeks. Our destinations pages dive deep into different European countries and are a great starting point for finding the best places to settle in for a longer stay. They’ll also help you scout out long-stay apartments on sites like Airbnb or Booking.com ( tip: look for those juicy monthly discounts). While you’re at it, don’t forget the practical stuff, travel insurance, local SIM cards, and how you’ll keep in touch with your people back home.
And please, download my [Ultimate 90-Day Europe Travel Prep Checklist], it’s got everything you need to think about (and a few things you didn’t).
Final Thoughts: Your Next Chapter Could Be the Best One Yet
You’ve spent decades showing up for your job, your family, your responsibilities. You’ve checked the boxes, met the deadlines, and likely put a lot of your own dreams on the back burner. But now? Now it’s time to turn the page and start writing a few chapters just for you.
Extended Travel Is About More Than Just a Holiday
Before heading off on your grand European adventure, I know it common sense but secure your home like the seasoned globetrotter you are. Lock all doors and windows, set your alarm, and give your security company and a trusted neighbour a heads-up. Another option is to get a house sitter or rent your place out to help finance your trip. Remember to unplug appliances, adjust your thermostat, and set a few light timers to make it look like someone’s still around binge-watching Netflix.
Feel That Spark? You’re Not Alone
And if that idea makes your heart beat a little faster, whether from excitement, nerves, or both, then you’re in exactly the right place. I hope you’ll stick around. There’s so much more to explore together.
Tell Me: Where’s Your Dream Long Stay?
I’d love to hear from you, tell me in the comments or shoot me an email: Where would your dream long stay be?
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