These are confusing times for travelers. When out and about, masks or no masks? When inside, what’s required? Vaccinations and boosters? Just the initial 2 doses? No proof at all? Moreover, given the economic times we’re in, with inflation running high, stock market fluctuations, and possible recession looming, is this the right time to spend your money on travel that, while pleasurable, is not essential? For some of us, travel does feel essential, and deprived for 2 years during the pandemic, we are anxious to get back out there. But the question is, how to do so in a thoughtful, conscientious way?

It seems that despite continued Covid outbreaks and newly emerging variants, everyone, including the CDC, has relaxed Covid travel mandates. While this doesn’t mean you should abandon all precautions, especially if you are medically vulnerable, what it does mean is that mandates requiring certain Covid safety measures, such as masks, vaccines, and proactive testing, are now being dropped in many settings. So, for example,  several cruise lines are now dropping their requirements for proof of vaccination on many of their routes. If going on a cruise has been a long-desired journey for you, take a look at a recent list of the 7 best cruise lines for seniors and baby boomers. And if you think travel on the high seas should be more of a retirement lifestyle than a vacation get-away, you may want to consult this recent article in USA Today about how to retire on a cruise ship. Or even go further and check out the experience of this couple who describe what 1000 days at sea has been like during their retirement.

Recently released data show that baby boomers are back out traveling again. After a nearly 90% drop in travel during Covid, there’s been a strong return to travel for baby boomers, though those even older in the Silent Generation (born between 1925-1945) have not returned to travel in the same numbers. However, even enthusiastic baby boomers itching to get back out there (what is sometimes called “revenge travel”) are aware that there are trade-offs concerning safety as well as finances. As one traveler recently stated, “We’re trying to optimize our opportunities now…(but) I’m trying to make sure in 10 years we’re not thinking “I wish we didn’t spend that much money in 2022.’” The dilemma boils down to “Fear of missing out (FOMO) versus fear of running out of money.” Experts recommend you or your financial advisor run the calculations for various financial scenarios to make sure you’re not overspending money you may need down the road, given potential financial turmoil ahead. And if you are traveling, it would be a shame if health or other conditions meant the trip had to be canceled or shortened and you were out substantial sums. Just in case, check out this list of the best travel insurance companies for seniors in 2022.

Finally, there have been some recent articles suggesting a way for seniors to travel while minimizing their costs. One idea discussed in The New York Times was the option of obtaining a part-time position within the travel industry, less for the salary but more for the amazing travel perks some companies provide. A similar idea was recently described in a Next Avenue article that profiled a retired couple who combined travel to wonderful places with volunteerism and part-time overseas employment. This strategy gives them the flexibility to vacation in beautiful spots, stay for longer and learn about the cultures, and even share their skills and expertise with local residents, all while limiting their costs. They recommend the website Cool Works as a way to locate volunteer and paid job opportunities. The website has an “older and bolder” section specially geared toward older retirees who want to travel and combine that with more meaningful (and perhaps cost-saving) opportunities. So whether you’re cruising or contributing, splurging or simplifying, may your travels be soul-nourishing and safe this year.