Bonni and Bob Gumport travel regularly in their retirement. Not beholden to one short holiday a year (they average seven big ones), their compounding experience has allowed them to develop a code of rules by which they abide – tips and tricks to use wherever they go. After one too many of the small rooms common in boutique hotels, for example, they’ve cut them out entirely.
Also out of the question are walking tours within two days of arrival in a new destination, as they prefer to settle in. Their daughter Lauren describes them as “pros on retiree travel,” but they are not the only ones with advice to give. Organising a stress-free holiday is nigh impossible.
Adherence to anyone’s rules will never ensure a vacation free of hiccups, where no flight is ever delayed , every tour is worth the hours put in, and every meal is sublime. There will always be things beyond your control; whether that be through no fault of your own or a small gap in your diligent planning. It's important to accept that before you travel – if you accept that not everything can be accounted for, you'll be able to respond to problems accordingly and not panic when something goes wrong.
There are former museum curators who have learned not to overbook themselves; solo travellers who always learn a little of the local language. But learning from others may improve your chances of a good time – even when things inevitably go sideways. We’ve spoken to over 20 retired travellers to hear how the.
