After decades of hard work, raising families, navigating life’s curveballs (and probably sitting through more than your fair share of meetings that could’ve been emails), you’ve earned the freedom to put yourself first. If you’re 60 or older and itching to tick off those once-in-a-lifetime travel dreams, now’s the time.
But let’s be honest: even if your passport is ready for new stamps and your heart is screaming “safari!” or “Santorini!”, it can feel uncomfortable to dip into retirement savings or spend big on experiences. There’s always that little voice whispering: “Should I really be doing this?”
The answer? Yes. Absolutely yes – and especially if you’re doing it strategically.
“Travel shouldn’t come with guilt,” says Sue Garrett, GM Supply, Pricing & Marketing at Flight Centre South Africa. “Our Travel Experts have personally seen how today’s over-60s are living in the ‘now’ without forgetting about the importance of planning for the future.”
According to Flight Centre’s recent Global PR Survey (conducted across South Africa, Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand), one in three travellers aged 60+ say they’ll use a portion of their retirement savings to fund holidays in 2025, with South Africans closely matching that trend at 32%.
So, whether you’re plotting luxury escapes or slow-travel adventures closer to home, there’s no need for guilt – just good planning.
Let us show you how some clever number-crunching and forward-thinking can get you on your way sooner than you think…
Build your bucket list into your budget
Before you book flights, build a plan.
“If travel is a non-negotiable part of your retirement lifestyle, then treat it as such,” advises Garrett. “It belongs in the same conversation as healthcare and housing.”
Financial experts agree: travel fits into your ‘wants’ category, typically around 30% of your post-tax income. Many retirees are now earmarking 5–10% of their annual budget for travel alone.
Not sure where to start? Try this:
- Decide what kind of trips light you up.
- Set an annual travel goal.
- Break it up into monthly contributions.
Who needs an inheritance when you’ve got great stories?
Here’s a stat to raise eyebrows (and maybe a few glasses): nearly one in 10 over-60s say they’re considering using their children or grandchildren’s inheritance to tick off travel dreams. South Africans specifically? Just 3%. We’re far less likely to dip into Junior’s future fund.
That said, 25% of South African respondents say they’d be open to letting their kids or grandkids foot the bill for their next holiday! We do love a good multi-gen escape, after all – in fact, Saffers are the most likely to holiday alongside multiple generations of family.
The takeaway? Whether you’re funding your own trip or gratefully letting your family play tour sponsor, travel isn’t selfish – it’s connection, enrichment, and joy in real time.
Bundle up and save big
Smart travel is less about where you go and more about how (and when) you book. Bundling your holiday components (flights, tours or cruises, and insurance) can deliver serious savings without compromising on experience.
Flight Centre’s in-store “Bundle & Save” offer is one such hack: book a cruise or international tour (minimum five nights), return flights and travel insurance together, and you’ll save R5,000 off your total (exclusive to newsletter subscribers).
“Bundling simplifies planning, cuts out hidden costs, and guarantees better value across the board,” explains Garrett.
The bonus? “You’re covered from take-off to touchdown, with fewer moving parts to manage,” she adds.
Be flexible – not frugal
One of the simplest ways to stretch your travel budget? Shift your dates instead of your dreams.
Travelling during shoulder or off-peak seasons can cut costs dramatically. Flights are cheaper, accommodation rates drop, and you’ll avoid the crowds clogging up Europe’s cobbled streets or Kruger’s game drives.
Even shifting your departure by just a few days can reveal better deals, especially on international routes or long-haul cruises. According to Garrett:
“Flexibility is one of the biggest financial advantages retirees have. If you’re not tied to school holidays or office calendars anymore, be sure to leverage that freedom!”
Points are pension-friendly, too
Loyalty pays – literally. Frequent flyer miles and hotel rewards can turn everyday spending into free flights, upgrades, or extra nights abroad.
If you haven’t already, sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programmes (most are free). Link them to your credit card to earn points even when buying groceries or paying bills.
“Many of our older travellers have built up years’ worth of points without realising their value,” Garrett says. “Used wisely, they can unlock premium experiences without the premium price tag.”
Hot tip: Redeem during off-peak periods for maximum availability and value, especially on long-haul routes where savings really add up.
Trade square metres for air miles
Some over-60s are going all in on travel by letting go of what no longer serves them. Selling a large home, downsizing, or renting it out while abroad can free up serious capital (and reduce monthly expenses) to fund extended adventures.
Others offload unused assets like second cars, boats, and even collectables gathering dust, turning them into plane tickets and passport stamps.
Travel hacks that stretch every rand
You don’t need a luxury budget to have a first-class experience. Small savings add up fast, especially when you’re travelling for longer or further.
Here’s how savvy over-60s are squeezing more out of every trip:
- Pack light to dodge baggage fees and make airport transitions easier.
- Self-cater occasionally with local market finds – it’s cheaper and gives a glimpse into local life.
- Use public transport or walk where it’s safe and scenic.
- Book midweek flights, which are usually cheaper than weekend departures.
Being budget-conscious means being intentional. Spend smarter on the things that matter most to you.
Make money as you go
Who says retirement means retiring from earning? Many over-60s are finding creative ways to fund their travels while they’re on the road (or in the sky).
Think:
- House-sitting in exchange for free accommodation.
- Volunteering (like conservation work or teaching English) in return for meals and a bed.
- Freelancing or consulting remotely, especially if you’ve got decades of expertise to offer.
“These travellers are saving money while adding purpose and connection to their journeys,” says Garrett. “It’s a win-win.”
Not keen to work? No problem. Just joining global house-sitting networks can shave thousands off your accommodation costs each year… without having to lift more than a coffee cup!
It’s evident that with a bit of planning and a few savvy moves, over-60s can prove that travel can be both financially responsible and wildly rewarding. You’ve put in the work. Now it’s time for wonder.
“Retirement is about choosing what matters most. And for many South Africans right now, that means seeing more of the world while they’re healthy enough to enjoy every moment,” Garrett concludes.
