Tours for retired seniors who travel seek adventures
In the United States, decisions to retire are largely based on age, occupation, income levels and access to retirement benefits, per The Annuity Expert. Though retirement ages vary per country, in the U.S. the average age of retirement falls between 62 and 65. Most people who are retiring are generally active and look forward to using their senior years to take time for themselves and their families. They also seek to travel and pursue their favorite interests. No longer incumbered by workplace demands, most have free time for fun. For many seniors, this translates into experiencing new postretirement adventures.
Walking tours are available in many countries and they provide an intimate way to explore new places.
Enjoying postretirement travel – Maria and Joe are a newly retired couple who recently attended several walking tours in Montreal, Canada. Their favorite experience included a visit to Montreal’s most famous church, Notre-Dame Basilica, described as the jewel of Quebec’s religious history.
The walking tour experience from a personal perspective – Maria and Joe spent several hours exploring the Gothic-style cathedral. Via a narrated tour, the senior couple learned the history of the famed 1829-built structure. They also witnessed special features of the cathedral up close and personal to include soaring bell towers on the exterior and a stunning interior bathed in natural light. Inside, they observed intricate wood carvings, sacred religious statues, the stunning Casavant Frères pipe organ, magnificent stained-glass windows, and more.
Why walking tours? Walking tours provide affordable ways for retired seniors who travel to explore new places. They give individuals, couples, and families the ability to:
- be safely escorted in an unfamiliar city
- spend time in select special locations
- see main points of interest
- absorb ambiances and see beauty firsthand
- learn simple or intricate history
- experience another person’s perspective
- get inspired
How long are walking tours? Walking tours typically last from about 2 to 4 hours. Seniors who travel and attend walking tours can choose those featuring a comfortable length of time to be on one’s feet. Tours should also match the interest of the participants. (Note that while most walking tours are guided, some offer free time for visitors to explore on their own before meeting up again.)
Examples of types of walking tours. Note that there are many types of walking tours. Here are some examples:
- Garden tours
- Historical structures tours
- Special monument tours
- Religious structure tours
- Food tours
- Street & neighborhood architectural tours
- Bridge tours
- Art mural tours
- Sports bar tours or pub crawls
- Shopping tours
- Museum tours
- Literary tours
- Historical or political figure tours
- Ghost or cemetery tours
Main reasons why retired seniors who travel should consider walking tours:
- Seniors who travel can experience local culture and get the true vibe of a place by seeing things up close and personal. For a more intimate experience, seniors who travel can get to know the locals.
- Walking tours guide people through safe neighborhoods and avoid areas that are unsafe. This is especially helpful to seniors who are exploring new cities or are inexperienced travelers.
- Walking tours are fun for seniors who travel solo. It’s a great way to meet new people and enjoy the company of others when traveling alone.
- There is safety in numbers. Walking together provides a sense of security that comes from being in a group.
- Guides are often locals who are experts at storytelling and sharing interesting facts that are not widely known to the public. Often, they are fluent in the local language. This gives seniors who travel unique access to insider knowledge.
- Guides have access to special places of interest that travelers might not ordinarily know about or have permission to enter on their own.
Best walking tour tips for retired seniors who travel:
- Bring a fully charged cell phone
- Sport sunscreen
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Wear sunglasses
- Dress for the weather
- Bring snacks and bottled water to stay hydrated
- Carry a small backpack for jackets/umbrellas/souvenirs
- Pack a mini first aid kit
Conclusion:
Walking tours are ideal for seniors who travel postretirement. These walking adventures offer folks the opportunity to see things up close, engage with the locals, and gain unique perspectives of the places they visit. Travelers may select tours based on personal interests, length of tour, cost, and time required on foot. Be sure to tip your tour guide for a job well done.
