According to research by Royal London, the key to a happy retirement is filling your life with experiences, not increasing material wealth. The pension provider found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of those aged 55 or more are experience-focused, favouring holidays or days out over possessions such as cars and expensive art.
With this in mind, you might be on the lookout for experiences with a difference. If so, read on to discover 10 that you might want to consider.
1. Have a go at coasteering
Coasteering is a highly popular activity that involves exploring rocky coastline either in the UK or further afield. What makes coasteering such an adventure is that it involves climbing, swimming and jumping into the sea – sometimes from vertigo-inducing heights!
The activity is guaranteed to provide plenty of thrills and fun and could be something you find yourself going back to do again.
2. See the Northern Lights
The spectacular natural phenomena provide stunning patterns as brilliant lights appear as curtains, rays and spirals that cover the entire sky. Seeing the lights is often included in people’s “bucket list”, and can be done in countries including Iceland, northern parts of Sweden, Norway, Alaska or Scotland.
3. Zoom down a zip line
While this is not for the faint hearted, zooming down a zip line is an adrenalin-fuelled experience that you’ll never forget. Once you have put on a helmet, harness and clipped yourself to the wire, you launch yourself off to experience the nearest thing to flying as you speed through the air.
If you want to have a go on Europe’s longest zip line and reach speeds of more than 100mph while on it, you could head to Zip World, which is set in Penryn Slate mine, North Wales.
4. Drive a classic car
If you’re a fan of cars from yesteryear, the chance to drive a vehicle from the golden age of motoring could be something you’d really enjoy. If so, there are plenty of driving experiences to choose from, and hundreds of cars to indulge yourself with.
Whether you fancy driving an iconic E-Type Jaguar, a rare Lotus Cortina or stylish Aston Martin, you could turn your dreams of driving one of these much-loved motors into a reality.
5. Go scuba diving
Scuba diving provides an extraordinary chance to feel as though you are part of the marine environment. This means you can explore a habitat that many people don’t get to see, while feeling as though you’re “flying” underwater.
Whether you dive in UK waters or overseas, there are plenty of fascinating wrecks and a wide diversity of marine life to provide you with an amazing adventure.
6. Travel on a luxury train
Whether you want to enjoy the luxury of the Orient Express as it weaves through Europe, or the awe-inspiring scenery of the Canadian Rockies aboard a comfortable overnight train, taking a luxury rail journey could be a truly unforgettable experience.
With luxury trains also crossing South America and South Africa, there are plenty of destinations to choose from. Best of all, you can journey to your chosen destination in sumptuous comfort while enjoying excellent cuisine and breathtaking views.
7. Visit one of the 7 wonders of the world
Whether it’s the stunning Taj Mahal in India, the awe-inspiring Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt or the amazing Great Wall in China, seeing one or more of the seven wonders of the world will be something you won’t forget.
8. Go on a safari
Going on a safari can be a life-changing experience, as it provides the opportunity to marvel at the sight of lions, rhinoceroses, elephants and other amazing wildlife. Furthermore, you can visit some of the planet’s most natural and untouched environments, with destinations including Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania.
You do not need to leave your creature comforts behind either, as most safaris provide luxury accommodation and excellent cuisine.
9. Drive Route 66
If you want to see America and have an adventure, you could travel Route 66. Stretching across eight states, the road is nearly 2,500 miles long and provides the opportunity to stay in vintage motels, eat at iconic restaurants or marvel at the many roadside attractions.
The route, which stretches from Chicago in Illinois to Santa Monica, California, remains popular with those looking for a classic American road trip.
10. Ride in a hot-air balloon
If you’re looking for some peace and tranquillity while enjoying stunning views, a balloon ride could be just the ticket.
With nothing more than the wind to guide you, you can enjoy the vistas below as you drift gently along. As balloon rides are available across the UK and abroad, you can enjoy it as a day’s event or include it in your holiday. Either way, it’s likely to be an airborne adventure you’ll never forget.
Get in touch
According to Royal London’s research, 71% of over-55s said that money was the biggest barrier to enjoying the experiences. This is something a financial planner may be able to help with, as they could create a strategy that allows you to enjoy one or more of these fantastic experiences.
If you would like to discuss ways we may be able to help you enjoy one or more of the experiences listed in this blog, please contact us on info@janesmithfinancial.com or call 01234 713131.
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