Many people dream of traveling the world once they reach retirement. For many who are currently at the age of retirement, or are approaching it, it is likely that the world looks far different than it did whenever the first thoughts of retirement travel entered their minds. Those who are getting ready to embark on the adventure need to consider many things before making their decision on where to go, and how to take care of themselves once they are there.1 Updating Your PassportBefore you head out of the country, you should make sure your passport is fully updated. Passports for adults are good for ten years, and it can be surprising how quickly that time goes by. You should be sure that your passport will stay valid for at least six months after you get back.2 Deciding Where to GoChances are, you've already begun to think of possible destinations that you would want to go. Some of these may be obvious, such as Paris or Rome, and these are indeed great places to visit outside of the U.S. and they are generally places that have a reputation of being hospitable to retirees. At the same time, don't forget to check out places that are a little less touristy, such as smaller villages, such as Cinque Terre in Italy that are picturesque, and accessible. Some places in Mexico feel like Europe in many ways, such as San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico, which impresses many retirees so much that some wind up actually buying property once they are there.3 Fitting Travel Into Your Budget In order to get the most out of travel, it's important to be smart about when to go. Try to choose a season that is not quite peak season, but where the weather will still be decent. You can also choose flights that leave during the earlier part of the week, when fewer people are traveling, and even consider small airlines and multiple one way tickets as a way of saving money.4 Knowing What to ExpectBefore you actually book a flight, it is a good idea to do a little research on your destination. Learn about the language, culture, currencies, exchange rates, and be sure to have contact information for the U.S. Embassy. 5 Staying Safe AbroadWith terrorist attacks occurring more and more in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia it is important to beware of any extra precautions that may be necessary. The U.S. Department of State issues both worldwide alerts, and country specific alerts that will help you make smart decisions on countries and places to avoid abroad. It's also a good idea to make sure you have any necessary vaccines and that someone from home has a copy of your passport information as well as your itinerary so they can contact you if needed.

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