Did you know that Aussies over 60 are now the fastest-growing group of international travellers? The average amount paid by a holidaying Boomer booking through Travel at 60 has increased to $6,450 in 2024.

While 2025 travel trends are still unclear, one thing is certain by seniors today. They are travelling more often and spending big money on high-quality experiences.

Are you one of those seniors? Are you considering your first overseas trip? Perfect! You have come to the right spot. This guide covers:

• The necessary Health prep before your trip
• Finding the best travel insurance
• Smart packing strategies
• Planning energetic trips
• Safety and connectivity while abroad

Trust me, by the end of this, you will know why Aussie retirees travel differently from Gen Z. Ready to turn those retirement dreams into reality, then keep reading this article.

Getting Your Body Trip-Ready

The biggest travel worry for most seniors isn’t money. It’s whether your body can handle the journey (I know, with my dad, over 65, always in panic mode before our trips).

The good news? A bit of planning can turn even the most nerve-racking trip into a memorable one. It all starts with smart prepping (ONLY for older travellers):

Essential Medical Check-ups

Begin by booking your GP (General Physician) for a general health check 6-8 weeks before your flight (the earlier you start your health prep, the less anxious you’ll be by D-day). Also, add any specialists you see regularly. We recommend starting this way because your regular doctor can spot potential issues early and adjust your medications accordingly.

Maybe add your dentist, too, because you don’t want a wisdom tooth poking out in the middle of your tour. Dental emergencies are both painful and expensive.

Prescription Planning Made Simple

Based on watching my dad’s medicine bag grow every year, I expect you’ll have medications to pack for your trip. Make sure to bring double the amount you need based on your trip length. Cautious travellers keep half in their carry-on and pack the other half in checked luggage because if their suitcase goes on its own adventure, they’re still covered.

Don’t forget to have your prescription with you, listing all medications, including generic names. Some countries have medication restrictions, so double-check the requirements for your destination well ahead.

Vaccination Requirements for Popular Destinations

Then comes the matter of vaccines. For instance, Japan requires no special shots for Aussies, but parts of Southeast Asia need hepatitis A and typhoid protection.

So, check out the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website before starting your journey. They provide up-to-date advice on health, safety and other risks in specific destinations for Australian travellers. With their intel, you can book your travel clinic appointment early. Keep in mind, some vaccines need multiple doses over several weeks.

We have sorted out your health prep. Next is protecting yourself financially. What if something goes wrong overseas? It’s always good to be prepared.

Smart Insurance Choices for Aussie Seniors Going Overseas

You are all Health prepared! Let’s tackle the next big thing that worries many seniors: protecting yourself financially if something goes wrong.

Calm your horse!

There is a solution to all problems. In this case, it’s the over-60s travel insurance. Good travel insurance protects your investment and keeps you covered if things go wrong. It’s normal to want solid protection, especially with the kind of money you’re investing in quality travel experiences.

Here’s what you are looking for:

• Pre-existing condition coverage: Most standard policies exclude health issues you already have. This can leave you exposed if your existing condition causes problems while travelling. Look for insurers who cover pre-existing conditions after a simple health assessment. This covers everything from diabetes to heart conditions, as long as they’re stable and well-managed.
• Medical evacuation benefits: Getting airlifted from a remote location or flown back to Australia for treatment can cost over $100,000. That’s why your policy should cover emergency evacuation plus a support person to travel with you if medically necessary.
• Trip cancellation protection: Life happens, especially at our age. Health scares, family emergencies, or natural disasters at your destination can all ruin travel plans, which is where trip cancellation cover reimburses your non-refundable expenses.

Now, you must be wondering what the key difference is with over-60s policies? They’re designed around REAL senior needs, not gap year backpacker adventures. Many include extras like coverage for mobility aids and higher benefit limits for medical treatment.

Once you’ve got your coverage figured out, the next step is making sure you can enjoy your trip without physical discomfort.

Packing Smart for Comfort

Once you’ve got your coverage sorted, the next step is making sure you can enjoy your trip without physical discomfort.

We want to share some must-follow smart travel guide tips: packing strategies that work for your body now, not the one you had 30 years ago. However, this is nothing to be embarrassed about. Packing smart for your age means you can travel comfortably and make the most of every day.

Try out these mobility aids that don’t look medical:

• Sturdy walking stick that folds into three pieces (easy to carry)
• Compression socks to prevent blood clots and reduce ankle swelling
• Lightweight seat cushion for uncomfortable chairs and benches

Long flights can be discomforting without the right tools. A quality neck pillow is a must-have for supporting your head. Maybe even pack a small lumbar cushion for lower back support. Don’t forget to bring slip-on shoes because your feet will swell after 14 hours in the air.

Always make smart luggage choices such as these:

• Four-wheeled suitcases that roll upright beside you (not dragged behind)
• Keep carry-on bags under 10kg if possible
• Pack in cubes to organise everything logically
• Heavy items go in wheeled luggage, light essentials in carry-on

Done packing for comfort? Great! How about we shift our focus to the fun bit: planning a schedule that energises rather than exhausts you.

Creating Your Senior-Friendly Itinerary

Smart packing leads naturally to smart planning, and this is where senior travel gets exciting.

Psst…you know what the best part of being a retiree and old is? You have time flexibility, life experience, and hopefully a budget that allows for quality choices over rock-bottom prices.

Fasten your seat belts because we are about to start planning the trip of your life:

Carefully select your destination for a senior-friendly travel:

• Choose countries with excellent healthcare systems (think Japan, Germany, New Zealand)
• Look for destinations with good public transport and walkable city centres
• Consider the climate carefully because extreme weather can be harder to handle now
• Pick places with English-speaking populations or strong tourist infrastructure

After picking your destination, pacing becomes your most important planning tool. But first. Have you heard of the golden rule for senior travel? Well, it is called the “two-night minimum.” Because your body at this stage in life needs time to adjust to new beds, time zones, and surroundings.

Pacing strategies (picked these up last summer vacation with my dad)

Sorry, not sorry, but your old age needs rest days between big sightseeing days. So, plan no more than one major activity per day, and always have a backup plan for low-energy moments. Slowing down helps you appreciate each destination rather than racing through everything tired.

Accommodation selection and budget considerations

Pick hotels based on location first, luxury second. For example, a mid-range hotel near public transport beats a five-star resort requiring hour-long commutes. Consider booking ground-floor rooms or hotels with lifts because it will give you some extra comfort. Also, we recommend you rent an apartment if you plan on staying longer because having a kitchen and a washing machine reduces daily decisions and costs.

You must always have a separate budget for hidden senior costs

They include:

• seat selection fees for aisle seats
• taxi rides when walking becomes too much
• higher-quality restaurants when your stomach can’t handle street food anymore.

Your itinerary is all planned. BUT there’s one final piece of the puzzle left. I have to make sure you stay safe and connected while you’re living your dream.

Staying Safe and Connected Overseas

Safety worries keep more seniors home than budget constraints ever will.

But here’s a reality check. Most travel safety comes down to preparation and common sense. Not luck! You’ve spent decades of life successfully, so overseas travel just requires adapting those same skills to new environments.

Note that your phone becomes your lifeline when you’re away from home. So, you have to download WhatsApp before you leave because it works everywhere and lets you message home for free on WiFi.

Another must-have is Google Translate. It helps with basic conversations in any language. Make sure you pack a portable power bank to keep your phone charged at all times. Lastly, don’t forget to buy a local SIM card so you’re never cut off from help.

These are some simple safety habits we recommend. Always carry copies of your passport and important documents in separate bags. It’s best if you register with Smartraveller so the Australian government knows where you are.

Another precautionary measure would be sharing your daily plans with someone at home. Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation immediately.

When emergencies happen, preparation saves precious time.

One very important tip: Program local emergency numbers into your phone as soon as you arrive. Memorise where the nearest Australian embassy is located, just in case. Always keep your travel insurance emergency contact details easy to find.

Am I forgetting anything? Oh, and have a backup plan for getting money if your cards disappear.

Now that you’ve got all the practical elements covered, it’s time to take that final step and turn your travel dreams into booked flights.

Your Golden Years Adventure Starts Here

We have covered all the practical elements. It’s time to take action! Don’t give space to guilt. Remember, you’ve earned this adventure through decades of hard work.

As I have said before, the beauty of senior travel lies in your freedom to choose quality over quantity. There is no rush. You don’t need to see 12 countries in 14 days. Take your time and stay longer in places you love to create lasting memories.

Still bothered and anxious? Okay! You can start small. A week in New Zealand should do it, as it will give you international experience without complexity. Once you are confident enough, you will find the world at your feet.

At Monkey House Music, we understand that Aussie travellers over 60 have unique needs. Our travel insurance policies cover pre-existing medical conditions and provide the peace of mind you need to fully enjoy your golden years adventures.

We can set you up 80% of the way; the rest is on you.

Your retirement dreams are waiting. It’s time to make them happen.