For many, retirement marks the beginning of a slower, quieter life.
But for Colleen, it was just the start of an adventurous chapter. And she’s not alone; new research reveals that older generations have a growing interest in serious travel following retirement, a trend referred to as the “golden gap year”.
More than two-fifths of over-55s claim to be adventurous, according to a recent poll by boutique cruise company Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.
Nearly a quarter of those surveyed say they’ve become more adventurous with age, and three in ten travel more now than they ever did before retirement. In fact, over a third say they’ve never taken the same trip twice, and 38 percent plan to visit multiple countries in 2024.
Now, with 53 countries under her belt, Colleen and her husband have managed to travel the world extensively without spending a fortune.
In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, the globetrotter revealed her top tips for anyone looking to discover new countries at an affordable budget.
Save smart, spend wisely
Colleen and her husband began saving for their dream lifestyle long before they retired.
“We stopped buying each other gifts for birthdays and Christmas, and we asked family to do the same,” she explained. “It really adds up.”
But the savings didn’t stop at home. When they travel, they cut costs by choosing more affordable options, like staying in hostels or home-swapping.
“We’ve done home swaps for 20 years. It’s an amazing way to travel for less and experience life like a local,” Colleen says. They’ve home-swapped in countries like Canada, enjoying unique, authentic stays at little to no cost.
Travel slowly, spend less
A key to making their budget stretch is travelling slowly. Instead of quick, high-cost trips, they take their time in each destination.
“It’s always cheaper to travel slowly,” Colleen notes.
Staying longer means they can find better deals on accommodations and use public transportation, like buses and trains, to get around affordably.
Prioritise budget-friendly destinations
Choosing the right destinations has also been crucial for Colleen. She focuses on places where their money can go further.
“We pick budget-friendly countries or travel during the shoulder season when things are cheaper,” she explained.
For example, November in Malta offered great weather without the steep prices of peak tourist season.
Flexibility is key
Being flexible with plans has saved them money on flights and accommodations.
“We often use sites like Secret Flying to find deals,” Colleen shared.
But she also knows the importance of balancing cost with convenience.
“A cheap flight isn’t worth it if you’re paying for an expensive transfer or hotel because of bad timing.”
Travel like a local
To cut costs even further, Colleen opts for local living.
“We love staying in apartments so we can cook our own meals,” she said. In addition to being cheaper, it’s also safer for Colleen, who has dietary restrictions.
“I’m gluten-free, so cooking at home is a lot easier.”
Plus, they often meet other travellers or locals by staying in hostels or apartments, enriching their travel experiences even more.
Keep a budget—and stick to it
While they love to explore, Colleen and her husband always keep a strict budget.
“There are places we’ve missed because they weren’t part of the plan, but that’s okay,” she says.
She also points to the importance of setting a budget and sticking to it, even when tempting splurges pop up.
Travel confidence for retirees
For retirees dreaming of travel but concerned about the costs, Colleen’s advice is simple: plan, research, and take your time.
“Start small and build your confidence,” she suggests. “Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Sometimes, amazing adventures are just an hour from your front door.”
Her final tip? “Stop buying stuff and start saving for experiences instead. You don’t need more things—you need more memories.”