7 Travel Mistakes Retirees Make—and How to Avoid Them

Phil had always wanted to see a Broadway show in New York City, but he assumed the trip would be too expensive. After attending an NCRO webinar on artificial intelligence, he decided to try something new. He asked an AI tool to help him find the least expensive flights from Detroit to New York, compare nearby hotels, and suggest affordable Broadway tickets. Within minutes, Phil had several options he had never considered. A few weeks later, he was sitting in a Broadway theater enjoying a show he had dreamed of seeing for years—all while staying within his retirement budget.

Technology is making travel easier than ever, but retirees can still encounter challenges when planning a trip. Here are seven common travel mistakes and how to avoid them.

Waiting Too Long to Book Flights: Airfares often increase as departure dates approach. Start researching flights several months in advance and

• • use AI tools or travel websites to compare prices and set fare alerts.

Ignoring Travel Insurance: Many retirees assume nothing will go wrong. Unfortunately, illness, weather delays, or unexpected emergencies can disrupt travel plans.

• • Avoid It: Consider travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost baggage.

Forgetting Medication Planning: Running out of medication away from home can quickly turn a great vacation into a stressful experience.

• • Avoid It: Pack medications in your carry-on bag and bring extra supplies in case of delays.

Using Unsecured Public: Wi-Fi Airport and hotel Wi-Fi networks can expose personal information.

• • Avoid It: Avoid accessing banking or sensitive accounts on public networks. Consider using your mobile data connection when possible.

Overpacking: Heavy luggage can create unnecessary stress and physical strain.

• • Avoid It: Pack versatile clothing and focus on essentials. Most travelers use far less than they pack.

Not Researching Transportation Options: Many travelers discover too late that transportation costs can add significantly to a trip budget.

• • Avoid It: Before leaving, research airport transfers, rideshares, public transportation, and local shuttle services.

Trying to Do Too Much: One of the most common retirement travel mistakes is creating an exhausting schedule.

• • Avoid It: Leave room for relaxation. Allow extra time to enjoy attractions, meals, and unexpected discoveries.Retirement offers the freedom to explore new places and create lasting memories.

And like Phil discovered, today’s technology—including AI—can make the journey even easier.Happy Trails!