Why wait until full retirement to see the world? For many, the dream of traveling the globe is saved for those golden years, but what if you could start earlier?
Enter the phased retirement travel plan: a smart, flexible approach that lets you blend work and wanderlust before officially hanging up your hat.
Why You Should Consider Phased Retirement
With a phased retirement plan, you get to gradually reduce your workload and explore the world as well as your final retirement options.
So, why are more people considering phased retirement?
You Get to Explore Your Retirement Options
With a phased approach, you get to ease into retirement, while exploring the places you may want to settle down. For example, if you want to retire in Panama, it’s important to spend some time there first to make sure it’s right for you.
Enjoy a More Balanced Lifestyle
By retiring gradually, you can enjoy life a little more while the paychecks keep coming. With more time to focus on wellness, phased retirement promotes a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Opens the Door to Travel Now, Not Later
You don’t have to wait until full retirement to see the world. A flexible schedule makes it possible to take extended trips, work remotely from abroad, or enjoy slow travel experiences.
Tips for Planning for Extended Travel Periods
If a phased retirement sounds like something you want to do, here are some tips to help you better plan for those additional, extended trips:
- Coordinate your work schedule: If you’re still working part-time or remotely, plan your travel around your lighter workloads or negotiate flexible hours.
- Test the waters with shorter trips: Before you book a six-month global adventure, try a few extended stays to get used to the rhythm of combining work and travel.
- Budget with a global mindset: Plan for a mix of splurges and savings. Consider house swaps, slow travel, or visiting countries with a lower cost of living or real estate.
- Health insurance and medications: Make sure your insurance covers international travel or get a supplemental policy. Bring extra prescriptions and research healthcare options in the countries you’ll be visiting.
- Keep your tech travel-ready: Invest in lightweight, reliable tech to make working on the road smooth and stress-free.
Top Destinations and Trip Ideas for Phased Retirement Travelling
To help you put your phased retirement plans into action, here are a few ideas to inspire you.
Cruise Port Hopping
Cruises are a fantastic way to explore multiple countries without the stress of constant logistics. For example, there are some amazing cruise ports in Florida, the perfect launch pad for new adventures.
Mediterranean cruises give you easy access to destinations such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, while Caribbean cruises allow you to experience different cultures.
National Park Road Trips
If you love nature and flexibility, few things beat the open road. And thankfully, North America is home to some of the most scenic and accessible national parks.
Try routes like the Grand Circle, the Pacific Northwest, or Canada’s Rockies.
You can rent a campervan, stay in eco-lodges, or mix in cozy Airbnb cabins for variety.
Digital Nomad-Friendly Cities
For those continuing part-time or freelance work, base yourself in cities with solid infrastructure and a relaxed vibe. Places like Lisbon, Mexico City, and Chiang Mai offer coworking spaces, good Wi-Fi, and strong expat communities.
Seasonal Living
Why stick to one climate when you can follow the sunshine? Spend winters in warm destinations like southern Spain or Florida and summers exploring Scandinavia, the Canadian coast, or the Scottish Highlands.
Where Will You Go First?
Phased retirement can be a fantastic way to get into a slower pace of life while still feeling like you have purpose by continuing to work. The sooner you start planning, the more experiences you get to have!