The 5 Road Trips You Need To Take In Retirement

You are finally transitioning into retirement!

You have worked your whole life to get to this point and now is the time to celebrate! Many new retirees have been fantasizing about having the free time to take vacations as they wish. No more waiting for your once-a-year vacations or approval from a boss.


Your options are seemingly endless. With your job now being in the past and the rest of your life free to do whatever you want; your biggest concern should be where do you want to go? Let’s take a look at some of the most fulfilling road trips you can take as a new retiree.


A road trip may be appealing if you have been yearning for the freedom of getting in your car or RV and taking off without any schedule or time limitations. Here are some great road trips to kickstart your dream retirement.

1.  Route 66


Historic Route 66 is 2,400 miles long and crosses eight different states (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California). This historic and famous route starts in Chicago and ends at the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, California.


What makes Route 66 unique is you will mostly bypass Interstates and see small towns across America. In addition to its uniqueness, Route 66’s rich history allows you to follow American History. From its origin, many used this route to travel from the North East across the Rocky Mountain to the Pacific Ocean. From the Native Americans in the 1800s, families migrating to seek a better life in the 1930s, and many travelers enjoying the view and history now.


You can find many deserted ghost towns along the Route 66 that reflect the old days from the past. You will be able to at some of the most famous diners along the way and visit many eccentric roadside attractions that are the perfect break during your road trip.

2.  Pacific Coast Highway


The Pacific Coast Highway is more than 650 miles long and takes you along the California 1 highway. It is recognized as one of the most beautiful routes in the USA and is an ideal route to celebrate your retirement.


You can start in San Francisco and drive south to San Diego. Officially the Pacific Coast Highway begins in Southern California at Interstate 5 south of San Juan Capistrano, and it ends at US 101 in Leggett in Mendocino County. But most people describe it as the route between San Diego and San Francisco. The scenery is stunning, but you should still take time out to and stop and tour some of the areas you are driving by like San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Cruz.


3.  Blue Ridge Parkway


The Blue Ridge Parkway is 490 miles and is one of America’s favorite routes that runs through Virginia and North Carolina. It is most well-known for its beauty linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a great retirement road trip if you are looking for a slow and relaxed road trip.


If you prefer breathtaking landscapes and seeing green forests, misty mountains, blooming meadows, and blue horizons over beach views, then this is the route for you but do not forget to stop and see these beautiful views:


  • The Natural Bridge: Milepost 61.6 Virginia
  • Linville Falls: Milepost 316.3 North Carolina
  • Oconaluftee Indian Village Milepost 469.1 North Carolina.


4.  Miami To Key West, Florida


A frequent retirement destination is Florida. So why not make a road trip to celebrate your retirement and get a taste of Florida? With stunning white sandy beaches, remarkable blue oceans, and a seemingly infinite number of locations to relax, there is no reason you should not make a road trip out of the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West. The drive is about 160 miles long and will take you roughly 4 hours if you drive straight through.


You may want to take a few days to fully enjoy and appreciate all the best Florida has to offer. If you are looking for a more relaxing road trip you can visit the many beaches, go boating, or eat out and enjoy fresh seafood while enjoying the gorgeous view. Or, if you are looking for a more adventurous road trip then activities like sportfishing, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins and watersports are an incredible way to begin your retirement journey.


5.  US Highway 1 East Coast, Florida To Maine


Totally nearly 2,400 miles, this incredible road trip takes you from the beaches in Florida to the rocky coastline in Maine. This route proves to be quite dynamic because it has something for everyone to appreciate.


Between enjoying the beaches and views of Florida or visiting big cities like Miami, Boston and New York, this road trip is a great idea for your retirement. With roughly 2,400 miles to explore you could even make rest stops visiting old friends or loved ones.

You may want to drive to visit loved ones or drive a historic route like Route 66.

If you are more of a sightseer, you could map out a list of National Parks to visit. The options are seemingly endless.

What will your first road trip look like? Now is the time to do more of what you love with the people you love.

Are you unsure if you can have the retirement of your dreams? We believe that you deserve to have an incredible retirement filled with creating memories with your loved ones. Depending on how you prepare, retirement can be the most exhilarating or stressful time of your life. Do not leave your retirement to chance.


To learn about how The Retire Safety First Approach can lead you to an incredible retirement please contact us.

Or call us today at 860-757-3644 for your complimentary consultation!

 

At Retire Safety First we believe everyone has a right to a safe, secure and predictable retirement. Our goal is to remove the fear and uncertainty out of retirement, to provide peace of mind for retirement.

Consumer Prices Remain High In October

By Bret Laporte • November 11, 2022
The consumer price index increased 0.4% for the month and is up 7.7 percent from a year ago according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While price increases are still rapid and painful for many households, they are finally beginning to show signs of progress. The inflation index picked up by 7.7 percent in the year through October*, less than the 7.9 percent that some analysts had expected. Even with this positive news, inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2% target and several areas of the report show that the cost of living remains high. Shelter costs, which make up about one-third of the CPI, rose 0.8% for the month, the largest monthly increase since 1990, and up 6.9% from a year ago, their highest annual level since 1982*. Also, fuel oil prices jumped 19.8% higher for the month and are up 68.5% over the past 12 months*. “One month of data does not a victory make, and I think it’s really important to be thoughtful that this is just one piece of positive information, but we’re looking at a whole set of information,” San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said in response to the CPI data. _ Depending on how you prepare, retirement can be the most rewarding or stressful time of your life. To answer some of your questions about inflation and retire on your terms, Contact us or Call 860-757-3644 for a complimentary consultation. At Retire Safety First we believe you have a right to a safe, secure and predictable retirement. Our goal is to remove the fear and uncertainty out of retirement, to provide peace of mind for retirement. *All Statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Consumer Prices Rise In September

October 14, 2022
New inflation data released on Thursday showed that consumer prices climbed far more quickly than expected with a rise of .4% in September (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) as inflation pressures continue to weigh on retirees and the economy at large. The food index alone rose 0.8% for the month and is up 11.2% from a year ago. That increase helped offset a 2.1% decline in energy prices that included a 4.9% drop in gasoline. Energy prices have moved higher in October, with the price of regular gasoline at the pump nearly 20 cents higher than a month ago, according to AAA.

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will be 8.7% in 2023

October 14, 2022
The Social Security Administration announced that cost-of-living adjustment will be 8.7% in 2023, the highest increase in 40 years. The average Social Security retiree benefit will increase $146 per month from $1,681 in to $1,827 in 2023. However, with inflation continuing to rise at dangerous levels, it is important to be aware of the possibility that these cost-of-living adjustments may not be enough to maintain your lifestyle throughout retirement. 

2023 Medicare Premium Changes

By Bret Laporte • October 5, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that 2023 monthly Part B premiums will decrease to $164.90 from $170.10. This change represents the second time in the past two decades that Part B premiums will decrease from the prior year. Pair that decrease with the expected 8.7% increase in Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), many retirees could see a substantial increase in their monthly Social Security checks in 2023.

The Incredible Benefits Of Spending Time With Your Grandchildren

January 13, 2022
Now that you are transitioning into retirement, you are free to do more of what you love with the people you love. Creating memories with your grandchildren will be something each of you cherish and hold on to. Did you know two out of three grandparents think being a grandparent is the most important and satisfying thing in their lives? Here are some of the incredible benefits of spending time with your grandchildren: 1. Increase Happiness For Everyone A close relationship between grandparents and grandchildren has shown to decrease symptoms of depression for both generations. Grandparents in the study were found to be less depressed when they received or gave tangible help to their grandchildren. Anything from rides to school, advice on life, or helping financially were contributors to lessened depressive symptoms found in older adults. Children with a high level of positive grandparental involvement have shown fewer emotional and behavioral problems and are seen to be more secure and significantly happier. 2. Sharing Family History Grandparents have incredible insight to family history. Teaching your grandchildren about where they come from, and the struggles and successes of the family helps grandchildren better understand their unique history. Grandparents may have family heirlooms to pass down, like photo albums and family recipes that grandchildren would greatly value. Grandparents who share their fondest stories can keep their memories alive. Every family is unique in its makeup and journey. Grandparents can unlock their history and make it a part of the present for younger generations. 3. Keeps You Socially And Physically Active Playing with grandchildren can be a fun and rewarding way to remain physically active. Whether you’re playing a game of catch, walking around the shopping mall, or taking a relaxing walk around the park, the exercise and memories created are great for each of you. Taking your grandchild out could provide opportunities for meeting other adults, and grandparents. This social interaction can help you find and grow your social circle throughout retirement. 4. Becoming A Role Model As retiree’s age, they can struggle to find purpose. Becoming a role model to your grandchildren is one of the most fulfilling and loving things you can do. You’ll be able to share all your life experiences to help teach a new generation. Afterall, now is the time to do more of what you love with the people you love.

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