Retirement means freedom! What better way to spend your retirement than adventuring across the globe, taking in new sights, sounds and experiences and discovering a whole new world of alternative lifestyles? More people than ever are choosing a non-traditional path when it comes to retirement lifestyles, so why not you? Here at Quirky Campers, we’re all about doing things a little differently, and that includes retirement! So why settle for ordinary in your golden years? If you seek new adventures, experiences off the beaten track and a lifestyle that’s not ordinary but extraordinary, then read on! Our guide gives you the rundown on alternative retirement lifestyles, budgets, and discovering new ways of travelling from van life to living on a cruise ship. Spend your well-earned years of leisure with adventure every day!

Embrace Van Life with Quirky Campers

We might be biased, but we think that van life is the best alternative lifestyle out there. But don’t take our word for it, we’re here to outlay all the benefits and even the negatives to all these alternative lifestyles. Starting with the one that’s closest to our hearts – campervans! 

Quirky Campers offers over 250 unique handcrafted campervans for hire at unique locations across the UK. Whether you’re looking for campervans for sale for a longer adventure or just dipping your toe in to try out the van life lifestyle, we’ve got a camper to suit you. From campervans with full-sized luxury mattresses, vans with heating and air-con, and even campervans with fully-equipped bathrooms including toilets and showers! There’s no end to the magic of our converted campervans. 

Benefits of Travelling in a Campervan 

Flexibility 

With a campervan you have the freedom and versatility to travel where you want, when you want. There are no set agendas or plans you need to follow, you don’t have to worry about timetables or schedules and best of all if the weather isn’t to your taste – you can simply move on! 

Immersion in Nature 

Campervans are homes with a thousand views. Each morning when you wake up you step straight into nature, whether you’ve chosen to park up at an idyllic campsite by the side of a glistening lake in the Lake District, or you’ve stayed overnight by the side of a beach on the Costa Del Sol the warm sand waiting to greet you – you get to choose your backdrop. 

Off The Beaten Track Travel 

Without the need to get back to a fixed location like a hotel or BNB, or the need to follow train or bus timetables, a campervan allows you to move off the traditional tourist track and explore more remote and unconventional destinations. Taking advantage not only of the lesser-known beauty spots but also of fewer crowds and quiet park ups! 

Why Hire A Campervan From Quirky Campers? 

Quirky Campers vans offer not just gorgeous, character-rich campers, we also offer you award-winning customer service and a team of travel and campervan lovers who are happy to help with advice or support. We’re a small team and a family-owned business with a passion for adventure and the outdoors just like you! 

How to Buy A Campervan

Buying a campervan can be a great investment, you have the freedom to travel when and where you like. However, they can be an expensive initial investment, if you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide to buying a campervan or browse our campervan sales pages where campervan enthusiasts from across the UK sell their hand-crafted campervans.

If you’re on a budget and buying a campervan is a big investment, why not consider some handy business ideas to make it pay its way? You can choose to rent out your own campervan on Quirky Campers, or check out our top tips for business ideas for making money from your unused van!

Retirement Travel Guide 

Whether you’re looking to take on a whole new adventure and travel-based lifestyle, or are just seeking some exciting new plans to change up your holidays in style, this guide will give practical advice for retirees considering campervan travel or other alternative retirement lifestyles! Everything from planning routes, and preparing for extended trips, to budgeting for van rentals and travel expenses.

Retirement Trip Ideas – Where to Start? 

Your 6-step Guide To Stress-Free Retirement Travel!

The world is wide and full of possibilities, but where to start? No problem, our step-by-step solutions offer you an easy breakdown of where to begin planning your ultimate retirement getaway.

Step 1 – Creating a Retirement Travel Bucket List

Sit down, grab a cuppa, and jot down all the places you’ve always wanted to visit and the experiences you’ve been itching to try. Maybe it’s sipping wine in Tuscany, seeing the Northern Lights, learning to salsa in Cuba, or even skydiving! A bucket list isn’t just a wish list; it’s a roadmap to adventure, excitement, and discovering the world on your own terms. This is your time, so dream big and start ticking things off! 

Step 2 – Narrow Down Your List

Now you’ve created your full list it’s time to narrow it down, go through and choose your top ten destinations or experiences. From there you can start to work out logistics and plan! 

Step 3 – Logistics and Planning 

Some people’s favourite part, some people’s worst nightmare! It’s time for planning. Take a look at your list and group experiences or destinations together. You can do this either by location or dates some experiences and locations are only available or easy to travel to at certain times of year for example avoiding the hotter seasons and wet seasons. 

Step 4 – Budget 

Planning a budget for retirement travel is key to making your adventures stress-free and enjoyable, whether you’re dreaming of a long-term getaway or a few shorter trips. Start by deciding where you’d like to go and what kind of travel suits your style—luxury, budget, or somewhere in between. Factor in costs like transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities, and don’t forget to account for travel insurance and a little extra for surprises. Setting a clear budget helps you prioritise experiences while keeping your finances on track, so you can explore the world with peace of mind.

Step 5 – Transport 

Choose your transport! Whether you’re keen to keep your freedom and flexibility by hiring a campervan, motorhome or car, are looking for a coach trip, or cruise or prefer the ease of train travel, picking your transport is a great point for starting to organise your journey. It will narrow down your destinations as transport links between certain areas will be more affordable and easy than others. For cheaper options book ahead! 

Step 5 – Retirement Travel Admin

Get your ducks in a row! Before you set off on your well-deserved retirement travels, take some time to sort out your life admin for a stress-free journey. Ensure your home is secure, update any necessary travel documents, and notify your bank of your plans to avoid unexpected hiccups. Consider setting up direct debits for bills, forwarding your mail, and sharing your travel itinerary with loved ones. With the practicalities taken care of, you’ll be free to fully relax and enjoy the adventure ahead!

Step 6 – Enjoy! 

All that’s left to do is enjoy your travels! Take your time, embrace the present, live in the moment and make the most of new experiences, destinations and the road less travelled. 

Best Ways To Retire – Alternative Retirement Lifestyles

Retirement is your chance to reimagine how you want to live. From embracing van life on the open road to starting a hobby farm or even relocating to a picturesque new country, there are countless ways to take on the adventure of a lifetime. 

Voluntourism and Purposeful Travel – Giving Back 

Retirement is the perfect time to embrace new adventures, and what better way to spend it than by combining travel with volunteering? Charities like The British Wildlife Trust and RSPB and other community-focused initiatives offer retirees a chance to embrace nature while making a real difference. Purpose-driven travel lets you dive into local cultures, meet incredible people, and create lasting memories all while giving back. It’s a fulfilling way to stay active, engaged, and connected, proving that retirement isn’t just the end of one chapter, but the start of a truly meaningful journey!

Pros – 

• Giving back is good for the world 
• Organisation and admin is often done for you 
• New experiences 
• You can put your skills to good use 
• Meet new people 

Cons – 

• Can be expensive 
• Beware of unethical voluntourism – research your chosen organisation thoroughly beforehand 
• Can be hard work 

Long-Term Cruising – A Unique Retirement Lifestyle

If you crave adventure with a side of luxury, long-term cruising offers a unique twist on retirement living. Imagine travelling the world without any hassle – no cooking, cleaning, or packing and unpacking – just endless new destinations to explore and a ship full of amenities like pools, fine dining, and live entertainment. It’s convenience and exploration rolled into one! While costs can add up, savvy cruisers use loyalty perks and discounts to keep it manageable. Just keep in mind the set schedules and itineraries might not suit those who prefer a more spontaneous pace. Bon voyage to stress-free living!

Pros –

• All-inclusive experience 
• Travel organised for you 
• No changing accommodation 
• Varied destinations
• Meet new people 
• Stress-free

Cons – 

• Highly scheduled 
• Can be expensive 
• Living with the same people for extended periods 
• Less spontaneity and flexibility 

Retire in a Campervan or Motorhome

We may be biased, but hiring or buying a campervan or motorhome for long-term travel seems like the dream life to us! Flexibility, freedom and the open road are just a few of the benefits of retiring to van life. 

Embracing the Open Road: Extended Road Trips in Retirement

The perfect lifestyle for those who love travel and exploration. Extended road trips offer the opportunity to discover nearby and far-off destinations at a relaxed, pace marching to your own drum. Whether it’s meandering through scenic vineyards in Italy or traversing iconic highways of the USA, the freedom of the open road allows you to tailor your journey to your preferences. Unlike structured tours, a road trip gives you the flexibility to linger in favourite spots, detour to hidden gems, or simply drive on when it rains. 

Campervan Vs Motorhome 

Many find that embracing motorhome or campervan life offers a sense of freedom while providing all the comforts of a home on wheels. Compared to a standard campervan, motorhomes or caravans can offer more space and amenities. However, some larger vehicles to require special licenses and can be harder to drive. Campervans often fit in a regular parking space. Consider the practicalities of both before choosing your vehicle. If you’re not sure – try before you buy! You can hire campervans and motorhomes for short or long trips to experience life on the road without having to commit to buying an expensive vehicle. 

Pros – 

• Flexibility 
• Freedom 
• Not limited to an itinerary or schedule 
• You can bring pets with you! 
• Option to choose a style that suits you 

Cons – 

• Less space 
• Some physical requirements as lots of driving involved 
• Can be a high initial cost if buying 
• All organisation is down to you 

Budget Considerations for Road-Tripping Retirees

No matter where you’re planning to travel, budget is a huge part of making extended road trips financially sustainable. While buying can be a significant initial investment, you can offset the costs by living full-time on the road, or renting out your campervan when you’re not using it – especially if you are giving up a permanent residence. Fuel, campground fees, and maintenance are the main expenses, but these can vary greatly depending on your personal travel habits. 

Budget-friendly options like public park ups and joining discount programs for campsites like the Caravan and Campervan Club can help reduce costs. Alternatively, many holiday parks cater to retirees with affordable long-term stay rates that rival the cost of traditional retirement communities.

Retirement Abroad and Slow Travel

Retirement is a brand new chance to break free from your routine and embrace a new way of life. That could mean relocating or spending extended periods in a whole new country. By choosing to settle temporarily or permanently in a new country, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself completely in a new culture, explore unfamiliar traditions, and form meaningful connections with local communities. Rather than skimming the surface on a two-week holiday as a tourist, why not slow down and truly experience a place? 

Popular retirement spots are Spain, Portugal, and Mexico great for those seeking warmer climates, welcoming communities, and a lower cost of living. In Spain, you can enjoy vibrant cities, historic architecture, and Mediterranean beaches. Portugal offers picturesque towns, world-class wine, and one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. Mexico combines affordability with rich cultural heritage, from its bustling markets to its stunning coastal retreats. These destinations often have established expat communities, making the transition smoother for newcomers.

Retire Abroad – Budget 

Relocating abroad does require careful financial planning. Many popular retirement destinations are more affordable than living in the UK, but costs can vary depending on the location and lifestyle. Housing is usually the biggest expense, so do your research for renting vs buying in advance. Long-term rentals in smaller towns are typically much cheaper than in tourist hotspots.

Retire Abroad – Healthcare & Visas

If you’re considering moving short term or long term checking out the healthcare options ahead is a must. Some countries like Spain and Portugal have robust public healthcare systems but they may not apply to UK residents. You may need private insurance if you don’t qualify for local coverage immediately. You will also need to consider residency requirements for any country you’re planning on moving to. 

Pros – 

• Cheaper cost of living 
• New experiences, destinations and communities 
• Warmer climates 
• Meet new people 

Cons – 

• Can be far from friends and family 
• May need private healthcare 
• May need to pay for visas 
• Language barriers could be an issue 

Organised Retirement Travel Tours 

Travelling on an organised tour is a very popular option for retirement. Many companies specialise in tours that offer support and are built especially for retirees. You can choose from tours all over the globe, buying package deals that take in your bucket list destinations and leave all the planning to your travel team. These can be an expensive option but many companies offer package deals, discounts for booking ahead or loyalty schemes that you can take advantage of. 

Pros – 

• Everything organised and taken care of for you 
• No stress travel 
• Dip your toe into travel without having to commit to anything long-term 
• Support of staff while you travel 

Cons – 

• Itineraries and schedules mean you don’t have a lot of flexibility
• Can be expensive
• Travelling as a group can be busy
• Mostly offers short-term travel only 

Top Tips for Retirement Travel

• Avoid crowds and peak times for budget-friendly travel 
• Set clear goals for what you want to get from your travel experiences
• Make use of Senior travel discounts
• Plan ahead, but stay flexible 
• Get your life admin sorted before you travel 
• Budget wisely 
• Be open to new experiences
• Prioritise health and wellbeing 
• Consider Group Tours or Meet-Ups
• Have fun! 

Retirement is your ticket to adventure, so make it count! Plan ahead and travel slowly to enjoy this new pace of life. Leave room for those happy detours and head off the beaten track to dodge the crowds (and score the best deals). Pack smart and light and get your travel insurance sorted for peace of mind. Try quirky options like house swaps or group tours to save money and make new friends – solo travel can seem daunting and lonely so reach out to the community where you can. Stay connected with friends and family, snap loads of photos, and soak up every moment—this is your time to explore the world, your way!

Ready to start your next adventure? Check out our range of campervans to hire today!

Laura Hammond

Laura is a professional copywriter and is the in-house writer at Quirky Campers, where she combines her love of campervans, travel and writing! When not writing she loves to find new adventures surfing, hiking and cycling.