Retirement holidays.....

cfw1994

A change from the usual thread: inspired by the once-only 50% off interrail offer (ends today!) - https://www.myinterrail.co.uk/interrail-pass-sale

Very tempting.....although I haven't inter-railed since 1987 😱
Wondering how hard they are to use - brief skim of Ts & Cs suggested some trains have extra costs, & whether pre-booking is needed.
Anyone done it in their older years here?   

My efforts back in the day involved MANY days travel and only 4 points of regular accommodation....not the way we would do it now!!

I haven't dug through https://www.myinterrail.co.uk/plan-your-trip, but I did see some tickets have extra costs (high speed trains etc).  

Thread title to allow it to wind off topic....with caring duties, we haven't done a 'big' holiday for some time, but do get to a few festivals & the IOW....

anonmoose

Oh my, I wish I could. 9-10yrs more same old, same old before I can pull the trigger on big travel plans.

Happy to live through other people's travel plans  for now so looking forward to reading this thread with interest!

Simes122

That interrail option has got my mind running!  3 months first class rail for an adult for £505!  That’s amazing - even if you didn’t hardcore travel and had some sensible stops en route, it’s still huge value.  A brilliant first retirement trip while young enough to do it.  Tickets are valid for first travel within 11 months, which covers me for when I retire next year, so am seriously tempted.  Three months accommodation for 2 is going to cost £9k-£10k I’d think averaged out, and for adults needing creature comforts, spending money would be of similar order I’d think.  What an amazing way to start retirement though!  

westv

Don't forget you may need to inform your house insurer if away for more than 60 (I think) days.

Brie

What a marvellous idea!!!  

We've just had our first holiday in 4 years due to being carer's for MiL.  And this was only possible due to her going into hospital. (working to get her back out as she's only almost 96 so not going anywhere too soon)

anonmoose

Shame it's not a year or more from purchase. I am thinking of doing a decent holiday with the kids next may/june when they finish gcse/a level. Not decided what to do yet and this would be great but I don't think the timing would work.

cfw1994

Simes122 said:

That interrail option has got my mind running!  3 months first class rail for an adult for £505!  That’s amazing - even if you didn’t hardcore travel and had some sensible stops en route, it’s still huge value.  A brilliant first retirement trip while young enough to do it.  Tickets are valid for first travel within 11 months, which covers me for when I retire next year, so am seriously tempted.  Three months accommodation for 2 is going to cost £9k-£10k I’d think averaged out, and for adults needing creature comforts, spending money would be of similar order I’d think.  What an amazing way to start retirement though!  

It is a phenomenal sounding offer, eh 🥳  
Sounds like you occasionally get 10-15% off, but this celebrates 50 years, so I doubt such a saving will be around again soon 🤷‍♂️

We would only perhaps pick the 30 day option (no need to let house insurers know, but a good point!). 

Our 'caring' circumstances might potentially make it tricky, but it feels to me like we may find a window sometime in autumn or even next Feb-Apr to try to head south for some warmth (or nordic north for some snow!), and train travel is always very relaxing (until you miss a connection, of course 😱🤣).

Accommodation can vary, of course.....some hostels have rooms for 2 people, some hotels might have discounts, then there is always the need to splurge occasionally.....for Paris, I highly recommend Le Train Bleu or Bouillon Chartier for an amazing amazing lunch experience!   Yin & yang!

9 hours to make a decision.  Key 'risk' for us is failing to be able to use it.....but even that is 'only' around £700 wasted......I've wasted more elsewhere  👀

westv

Am I reading it correctly that you have to decide today which dates you will be travelling even if it's 11 months away?

newretiree

westv said:

Am I reading it correctly that you have to decide today which dates you will be travelling even if it's 11 months away?

On this page

https://www.eurail.com/en/eurail-passes/global-pass

 it says:

The most flexible way to travel in 33 countries

Explore Europe with ease and enjoy more freedom than ever with a mobile Pass, delivered to your phone.

 

• Buy now, travel up to 11 months later
  

• No need to choose a start date until you travel
• Free, instant delivery – add it straight to the app
• Free replacement Pass if you lose your phone

hugheskevi

Simes122 said:

That interrail option has got my mind running!  3 months first class rail for an adult for £505!  That’s amazing - even if you didn’t hardcore travel and had some sensible stops en route, it’s still huge value.  A brilliant first retirement trip while young enough to do it.  Tickets are valid for first travel within 11 months, which covers me for when I retire next year, so am seriously tempted.  Three months accommodation for 2 is going to cost £9k-£10k I’d think averaged out, and for adults needing creature comforts, spending money would be of similar order I’d think.  What an amazing way to start retirement though!  

A budget of £20K for 3 months, or £80K annualised, would be generous. 

You could travel very well for that budget, using AirBnbs and modestly priced hotels I'd expect travel in Europe for 2 people to cost around £50,000 on an annualised basis (including everything, especially as travel costs would be low due to use of ticket), and £60,000 should be plenty. 

Personally I'd prefer to spend longer trips in more exotic places such as Central or South America or Africa, which also tend to be far cheaper than Europe but perhaps a bit harder to travel around.

westv

newretiree said:

westv said:

Am I reading it correctly that you have to decide today which dates you will be travelling even if it's 11 months away?

On this page

https://www.eurail.com/en/eurail-passes/global-pass

 it says:

The most flexible way to travel in 33 countries

Explore Europe with ease and enjoy more freedom than ever with a mobile Pass, delivered to your phone.

 

• Buy now, travel up to 11 months later
  

• No need to choose a start date until you travel
• Free, instant delivery – add it straight to the app
• Free replacement Pass if you lose your phone

Thanks for that. I'm happy with apps but my wife is not so maybe not practical for us.