Biggest Travel Mistakes - How To Avoid Them

A coffee time chat with us about our biggest travel mistakes, we are sharing our mistakes to show you how to avoid them in the future.
The mistakes we made are obvious once you see them but so easy for anyone to make. The biggest travel mistakes can be avoided by paying attention to planning your trips.
We are sharing these mistakes from our 5 years of travel since we retired, they cover countries including Scotland, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand and The Azores Islands.
We hope you can learn something from our biggest travel mistakes and how to avoid them and add value to your future travels.
All Photographs and Video Clips are the copyright and owned by ©This Is Our Retirement and cannot be used without permission.
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[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We are trying a few new things in this video to try and improve the visuals. Hope you enjoy them.

[@patdennis2586]

We have to keep reminding ourselves that we saved all our working lives so we’d have money to SPEND in retirement. Now is our time to spend.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We couldn’t agree more have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@philannmocan6339]

Not travel "mistakes" but Retirement Travel "learning Experience" !! You're in good company for some of those you mentioned but we've nearly always felt we do better booking ourselves...AirBandB in Venice...Paris ...all wonderful and done by Us rather than a company. Same with air travel , car rentals...several cruises ...be brave. My favorite story was booking a Toyota Yaris (smallest car made?) for two weeks in Norway before we took our Baltic Cruise. Decided this was the way to go since gas was very expensive. in all of Scandinavia. Arrive to pick up the car...it had not been returned by the day of our pickup...had to put up with a lovely Jaguar XKE in place of the Yaris...no extra cost to us. So, we took one for the team !! Keep smiling ...and travelling. Cheers !!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Oh the Jaguar XKE wonderful can see it now what a great upgrade 🤩👍We are loving being retired but still learning everyday and sharing our stories so we can all learn have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺

[@scottprice4813]

I’m having earl grey tea. One of my biggest travel mistakes is not allowing a buffer day when part of my trip relies on a close or far flung connection ie- fly into your gateway the night before rather than getting a late day or evening start and having a cancellation☹️

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Good advice when we do cruises 🚢 we fly ✈️in the day before so much more relaxing have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@eigobike3929]

Information + resources + flexibility = extended pleasure within reasonable parameters.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Research is the key

[@broccolirob905]

I love that most of your mistakes were that you could have had even more fun than you had! What a positive and uplifting video :)

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@eyesontheprize6637]

I'm so glad, you name it, we travelled there well before retirement. Every year we saved and went somewhere. Then we got the bug and got deals so we travelled occasionally 3 times a year. Don't delay such things, especially travel. Now in a senior's condo and women were going to do all these things with their spouses but their husband's died just before they moved in, or just after they moved in. So sad. Travel when you can!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes that is so sad 🥲 when you don’t get that time to retire together , it is important not only to know that you have enough money 💰 but to retire while you still have the health to enjoy it Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@terryashley4674]

I'll retire in 494 days. I'll do my traveling then. 🤗

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Great countdown to have we wish you well, hopefully then all these Covid travel restrictions will have faded away and travelling will be the wonderful thing it is Cheers 🍷✈️🍺🚢

[@perthpete7906]

I would recommend that all big cities are attractive and often it is best to find a hotel in the centre close to rail and bus stations. No rental car required. Especially if you are a lone traveller. Capital cities are always expensive invest in a good hotel for the duration of your stay. DONT BE STINGY. think safety and convenience. When you are knackered you just need to pop back to your hotel for a siesta and a wee.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Great advice thanks for sharing enjoy your weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@Earlofmar1]

I have been booking my own flights for a while. But last year on an emergency trip back to the UK for a funeral, I got a travel agent involved. During my stay in the UK, Australia decided to close its borders and my return flight was cancelled. Over a six weeks period, (while I chuffed off to walk the Pennine Way), that agent earned her commission with phone calls to the airlines, reserving stand by flights, and always keeping me up to date. Eventually she got me on one of the first flights back into Oz and I am eternally grateful.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wow what a great agent! Norm walked the Pennine Way when he was 15 on a school expedition.

[@rudymazar8666]

I have lived in Brisbane for 40 years so that is why I commented below.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We do our research before we post

[@celticrafter]

On our cruise to the Greek Islands, just before Covid, out of Venice, we extended our stay on either side to see more of Venice and Italy. Also on our day stop to the island of Santorini, there happened to be 4 other cruise ships docked at the port of Fira. The amount of tourists was crazy and it was 33C, first week of June. Waiting for the cable car to go up to the town was long and tiring with literally thousands of people at the port. Once there, I was not keen to go shopping elbowing my way through throngs of people, so husband decided to rent a car to explore the island. The rental car agency gave us a map and suggested the beach town of Perissa at the end of the island, a place the locals go. We spent the most glorious day swimming in the almost navy blue, crystal clear ocean (the water is dark as it is a black volcanic beach), sunbathing, enjoying a local beer, and having the most delicious authentic Greek meal in a little outdoor restaurant with a grape covered arbour to sit under for shade. The tomatoes in the salad were picked from the garden out back! The young waitress gave us a little bag of cherries for our drive back to the port. There were many special highlights of the cruise, but that day in Perissa stands out in our memory! Lesson, don't be afraid to rent a car! I came to your channel as we are planning a 3 week trip to Portugal later this Fall. Flying to Lisbon from Montreal staying 3 days, then driving to Lagos, Albufiera, Tavira, then back to Cascais, staying few days in each location. Our rental car will be GPS programmed for our locations. Looking forward to this trip as it will be first travel since 2019. Thanks so much for your videos with the helpful info!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for a lovely interesting comment we hope you have a lovely trip to Portugal 🇵🇹 sounds a great plan Cheers 🍷🇵🇹🇨🇦🌺

[@NewfieValerie]

That was informative esp. re the insurance top up. Thx so much! Happy travels! 🙂🍁🇨🇦

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We are so glad you found it helpful enjoy your weekend Cheers 🍺🌺🍷

[@Winterbiker333]

Not mistakes, but good learning experiences for future trips! 👍

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes it will be nice to get back to travelling 🧳 ✈️🙂

[@ftkinsella]

Thanks guys for great information. Cheers!!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! hope you are enjoying a great weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺🙂

[@Winterbiker333]

Thanks for sharing, always great to hear your advice. I wouldn’t think of those as mistakes, but rather good learning opportunities for future travel! 👍

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for your encouraging words have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🙂🍺

[@lyndabelknap8367]

I think the greatest vacation time and happiness is day to day living experiences and the joy that come from that. To work all year and have 2 weeks off is no life to me. I have basically been retired since I was 37 just doing part time jobs and living frugally. Living in the woods and being surrounded by nature is heaven on earth to us.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That is great you have found your joy we are happy for you.

[@madaboutmadigan2710]

Dearest Tina and Norm, loved the new opening to your video and the opportunity to share a cup of coffee with two of my favorite internet friends! What a pleasure, each time you appear! Thank you! ☺

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you so much! we just want to include you more into our videos that we can all share together, thanks for the feedback enjoy your weekend ☕️🌺🤗

[@dianparrotta2118]

Thank you so much for your video!!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You are so welcome! Dian have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🌻🍺

[@ellymunslow436]

Always enjoy your good advice, thank you 👍🏻🇨🇦

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

So nice of you

[@cindearbuckle6074]

Love you two thanks for sharing 😉

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for watching! We really appreciate your support. 😀😀

[@AlphaTraveler1]

This has to be one of your best advices. Thank you for doing this. LOVE IT.👍👍👍

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you we are glad you enjoyed it hope you are staying safe and keeping well have a wonderful week we appreciate you coming by Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🍺🇨🇦

[@yeollinnun]

Thank you for sharing your valuable information. Always be happy and healthy!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you

[@malcolmalexander5246]

Thanks again. A great video and very useful information. Happy sailing when you get back to it!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed it cruising 🚢 might be a few years off yet , hope you have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺🇬🇧

[@MONICAANICA]

Thank you so much. So informative😍🌷🌴🌻

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You are so welcome! 😀😀💕🌺💐

[@BeFree-BeFrugal]

Good tips especially the travel insurance 👍

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Must admit the top up travel insurance really surprised us too, once you know it’s great have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷✈️🌺🍺

[@margaritatrinidad2407]

I love watching you both. Learning a lot from you.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s wonderful to hear thanks so much have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺

[@beverlywalker4111]

Really appreciate all your retirement and travel tips, including what to do and what not to do.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! we are glad you find them helpful by us sharing our stories, have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺✈️

[@WanderLustMike]

Thanks for the tips! 🤩👏👏👏❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! hope you have a wonderful weekend thanks for watching Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@gerry2345]

I like this vid. Good insight..Nice to hear about the mistakes.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed!have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@Lambert7785]

good stuff, thanks

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@vjn2390]

Love this!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks so much we are glad you enjoyed it , kind words encourage us to do more videos Cheers 🍷✈️🇨🇦🍺

[@annakoncz9413]

ST Petersbourg one of nicest cities in world. I prefer this city over Venise ! I went to ballet every night. It helped I speak some russian. At age 50 with my backpack I went on 12 weeks trip around world. Solo. My husband stayed behind / his choice/ Now I'm a widow. Hopefully we can travel once again. Planning another trip around world this time at my early 70 !You are right: having good health and keeping this way is VERY IMPORTANT. Thanks for your channel. Wishing you Happy New Year .

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for your comment Anna and Happy New Year to you too let’s hope it’s a great one Cheers 🥳🥂🌍✈️🌺

[@ATJHTRAVELS]

Great advice sledgehammered that like button stay safe awesome and blessed enjoyed and shared

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for the visit have an awesome weekend 🍷🇺🇸🇨🇦🍺

[@kevintaylor8432]

Great video Tina and Norm! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us all. I’m not sure is you have covered this item off in previous videos but I would like to know you have learned about how to pack for a 2 month holiday

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We have edited our luggage down to carry on only, it’s surprising how little you need. We do laundry while there but have our clothes that can mix and match. We do buy toiletries when we are there, so only arrive with travel size toiletries and buy larger sizes when we run out. We sound like we are nuts but we wear or carry two jackets. Thanks for your question.

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

As usual very good advice.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you think so! we hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺🙂

[@edubermudez]

Very good job my friend, big like and happy weekend👍

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you! You too! stay safe and well Cheers 🍷🇪🇸 🍺🇨🇦

[@cyclingonplants7444]

This was a great video Norm and Tina! I agree with all of these tips especially in staying longer when you're going so far. We did a trip in Ireland for a month back in 2011, stayed a few days in Dublin and then drove off in a rental car and stayed in B&B's most of the time, had a two night stay in a castle(Lough Eske in Donegal) and also rented a house on Valentia island for a week - at the end we came back to Dublin for a few days so I feel we really got to see the island in different ways and it was a fabulous experience. It did take me two years to plan this trip though LOL and we are not retired but I figured if we went for a month I wanted to maximize as much of the experience as possible. The car rental experience was awesome too! I like your new close up shots!! and the lighting looks improved in your video as well. Thanks for all you do - I really enjoy our videos

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wow your trip sounded great , we have only visited Ireland 🇮🇪 for a couple of days on a cruise ship 🚢, we had spent time improving our audio and now thought we would improve our video quality with lighting and location thanks for noticing, have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🇨🇦🍷

[@terriw4989]

Thanks!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks so much Terri, that is very sweet of you💕

[@richardpodnar5039]

"I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. Demille...!" Great closeups of both of you on this episode, real star quality AND very timely, sound tips as always!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We are going for visual disruption lol, we keep learning and trying to make your viewing interesting 🧐 Thanks so much for watching, have an awesome weekend.

[@jeffewing8475]

I enjoy watching your videos every week. Please keep it going Please........

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for watching glad you enjoy them have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@hoveltohaven]

Love this....so true... take much more time in Australia.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Next time we will stay longer LOL 😂Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Nice couple. Honest and sincere.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you so much we hope you have an awesome day Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@carolmichael1813]

Hi , so good to see you. We have had so much rain i could just do with a holiday to boost me up for the winter. Its hot chocolate time and hot meals instead of a cold drink 🍸 with the AC on looking out to the sea ! Have a good weekend. See you next week. Keep cosy ☕💖🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sorry to hear that you have had lots of ☔️ rain , this week has been lovely with us we have been going for long walks each day temps around 12-14° degrees. We hear you wish we were walking on the beach and enjoying those blue skies 🌌 dreaming 💭 of travelling soon Take Care 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🍷🇨🇦🍺🤗

[@BoninBrighton]

Loved this video so honest and genuine. We’ve made so many mistakes! Some were ridiculous! We stayed 4 nights in Singapore- we’d arrived still on hubby’s gold status (from his working days) … but as we left we’d dropped to silver status. The problem was the luggage allowance had dropped in between so we were charged for the extra weight £160!

[@terryaudla7895]

Love you videos Norm and Tina! My wife and I are planning for retirement and wait in anticipation every Saturday :) An interesting video idea would be packing tips or what to avoid packing for your travels. Keep it up and see you next Saturday !

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds great! Thank you and thanks for your support we really appreciate it.

[@kathrynmcmeekin9931]

We so enjoyed this video so much. We just found your videos, and enjoy sitting and listening to your down to earth advice. I agree with staying a few extra days if you can. We have been doing a lot of research on Portugal after listening to your videos. We did do the Baltic’s on a cruise, before the pandemic. We did spend extra money that we couldn’t believe we were doing on a 2 day, 10 hour day extensive look at St. Petersburg. At the time, the trip included your visa into Russia, so we thought price was quite fair. So glad we had that trip, and I am sure, when the time is right you two will get it done!!!! You have encouraged us to do more walking. We are binging on Norm and Tina videos. Have a good day, from Goderich, Ontario.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Hi Kathryn we are so glad you got to enjoy the Baltic 🚢 cruise , glad you are finding our Portugal 🇵🇹 videos helpful Goderich is a lovely place we visited last year and had a great fish and chip lunch. This last week has been so warm we have been walking everyday even when it’s a bit colder providing you are dressed well it’s still great to do . Have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺🌺

[@dennispabonita8633]

I love theses couple after watching a couple videos, with their wonderful information. Keep it up 👍. Thanks and God Blessed you both

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! glad you enjoy them Dennis have a wonderful weekend Cheers ☕️🍁🙂

[@timcampbell6008]

I stopped using travel agents in 2000 when I moved to BC and asked a travel agent to check a route to Roatan Honduras. The just out-of-high-school agent did not even know where that was and quoted me a 36-hour journey. I went to Seattle and was there in under 10 hours for much less money. I stopped using Expedia and the like for flights when I was unable to pick a Seattle to Bangkok from Seattle because I did not book directly. I always book flights with airlines that have agreements for baggage and if your flight is delayed they will get you booked on another. Back in 2018 some friends and I booked a Cuba resort trip. They all booked through an agent but I booked on the WEB. My price drop insurance saved me 300 dollars and their travel agency pocketed the savings.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We don’t use travel agents other than Expedia Cruise Ship Centres for cruise ship bookings.

[@tanyam3090]

This start of this video is hilarious…..was this one of your first videos? Love you guys. Great advice.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed it Tanya have a great week Cheers 🍷😎🌺

[@freddieqmercury5961]

Thanks for all of the tips, we all make mistakes, the secret is to learn from them, keep up the good work, thank you.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You bet! great advice have a lovely evening Cheers 🍷🌺🤗

[@eyesontheprize6637]

We rented a car because we had about 5 or 6 hours to kill in Oahu on our last day. It was the best thing, got to see a few things we had missed, up along the coast, a beautiful waterfall, drive through the center of the island. It's a great idea.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounded really nice 🚗thing to do 🌺

[@MA-cy7su]

Thank you so much. Very informing and important, especially the insurance issue. I wish you a long life and best health. So there will definitely be an opportunity to visit the Ermitage in St. Petersburg and all the other fascinating places.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you found the insurance information helpful we were also surprised when we found out , hopefully we will get to St Petersburg soon have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇷🇺 🍷🇨🇦🍺

[@hivolco151]

I have done LOTS of solo travel, as well as traveling as a single parent... I had to decide if it was going to be a pleasant experience or not, and I must say taking my kids to Hawaii and Europe were the trips we all enjoyed the most! While I was a little concerned about renting a car, I just DID it! I drove the Autobahn !! It was great!! one time I took my sister and my daughter to Hawaii, and rented an SUV... Usually I do a walk around to make sure there were No big scratches... this particular time, my sister and daughter were already putting luggage in with the back hatch door UP when I did a very quick walk around.... Everyone was tired and hungry so we went straight for a restaurant to get food, it was THEN, I noticed a huge dent in the back hatch!! I thought my vacation was ruined!! However they assured me the dent was there when we picked up the SUV and we never had a problem. My credit card also has special insurance for rental cars that takes a lot of stress away from that once I knew about it... SO YES... Rent a car! see more enjoy more!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

What a wonderful story thanks for sharing this. Hawaii is on our list to visit, haven't been so far. Have a great weekend and thanks for watching.

[@rosanac.m.grillogoncalves2010]

You are doing a wonderful job. Thank you very much. I'm 57 and almost retired. Greetings from Brazil!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks and welcome to our channel have a great weekend Cheers 🇧🇷 🍷🍺🌺🇨🇦

[@ukymon]

Not retired yet but still appreciate and enjoy your videos. Cheers!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Awesome! Thank you! have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@mirellavogel5861]

Thanks for this interesting video as usual. Your videos are very inspiring. I just came back from Faro 2 weeks ago. Sunny and warm weather (25 C). I saw Canadians and Americans travelling there as well. I hope you will be able to travel as you wish in the future. Have a nice weekend.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wonderful! we hope you had a great time in Faro , we all have different comfort levels on travelling with Covid at the moment we hope to be back next year have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🇵🇹🇨🇦🍺

[@donbelec]

Great information on insurance.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks

[@web3tel]

Thank you for the video. Maybe you can make another video about your stay planning while travelling and how you manage to keep yourself busy and not get bored?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for the idea! A lot of how to keep busy is a mindset, living as if you were at home. We enjoy visiting new places and have an interest in historic buildings. We will add your idea to our to do list. Thanks for watching.

[@kris4066]

Great info. Thank you. Playback speed at x1.5 👍🏻

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You're welcome! have a great week Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@maryrosed8475]

We get yearly Multi-Travel Insurance with our Health Insurance here in Ireland. It goes up a bit over 65 but we find it good. You also pay a bit more for adventure holidays!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds like a good plan seems they all go up 💰 when you turn 65 , hope you have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷 🇮🇪 🍺🇨🇦

[@stevewilson5292]

Another useful video - there's usually some pithy remark that one of you makes that stays with me...this time at 9:04 it was " think long and hard about maximising your opportunity" which in this particular case referred to the somewhat increased risk of car rental in order to see more in an area, but which I guess could be extended to anything while travelling.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We are glad you enjoyed it, and like your interesting comment, guess we didn’t maximize our Australian trip especially after it took us so long to get there LOL 😂😂have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@thierrymunseugandachildren802]

Thank you so much for sharing always great to hear your advice I pray for you one day to come visit us in Africa Uganda God bless you

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Africa sounds like a great place to visit.

[@louiseperry6920]

Wonderful tips. I would call them learning opportunities as well, not mistakes. Sensible advice as usual. Long flights wherever you go from here in NZ South Island so if we ever do get to go again, we will go for longer. Australia is an amazing country, we can’t even go there at the moment, a 3 hour flight and 2 weeks in quarantine on arrival home. Competing with 20,000 other Kiwis to get a place.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes we too have crazy travel restrictions if we leave Canada 🇨🇦 even though you are fully vaccinated we have to have a PCR negative test to return home 🤔 that two week quarantine you mention means your vacation is a lot longer than you wanted it to be LOL 😂 have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🇳🇿 🇨🇦🍺

[@davidmaclachlan]

Thanks again. Love your videos. If your credit card covers car rentals usually it's for 30 days as well. So if you rent a car for longer you can top the car insurance up to to save on exorbitant rental car charges. We go to California for 2-3 months and this has helped us save. Just need to make sure you dont rent a vehicle with a value that exceeds the maximum coverage on your credit card. Hope we are travelling again soon!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for the info David have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🙂🍺

[@viktoriapettypiece5953]

Great video. Glad you enjoyed Iceland !!!! Renting a car is a must here. Even for a day . . Take care

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes we learned our lesson, next time we will have a car. We loved visiting Iceland! Thanks for watching.

[@rondela7341]

i had an awesome experience with NZ Air.... Uber/Grab is the best to come along for travel. No need to rent a car or get scammed by taxi drivers.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We loved NZ air how they poured the wine 🍷 from the bottle as much as you wanted and the food and we were in Economy seats 💺 it was the first airline we have been on where the cabin staff were all male and very attentive LOL 😂😂 the plane ✈️ was less than half full and they had to get rid of the wine🤔 , New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is now Tinas favourite 🍷wine Cheers 🍷🇦🇺🍺🇳🇿🇨🇦✈️

[@lyndawilliams1821]

My husband and I were super nervous about renting a car in France. We were also worried about any extra charges as well as finding parking. Other than a few harrowing minutes trying to get out of Orly airport, it was the best experience ever. We found so many small towns that are not accessible by train and the spontaneity made for a wonderful vacation. Next time I want to bike everywhere! Thanks for sharing your learning experiences!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks Lynda for sharing your experience in France, so many times it's the fear of doing something that is overwhelming but usually if you push yourself forward it turns out great! Now cycling is another story lol 🚲🚳

[@billyb5057]

yes travel mistakes can easily make particularly if you are travelling somewhere for the first time *left a like👍Au👍full view always*

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Hi Billy yes the first time you go to a new place it’s all new and exciting and you learn things to make the second trip better LOL 😂 Cheers 🍷 🇦🇺 🍺🇨🇦🌺

[@laurencepatmore4134]

Great video. You are both so lovely. I grabbed my coffee

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks so much 😊 ☕️hope you have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@markbajek2541]

coffee scene is terrific. Made me get up to get a cup and then I remembered I'd just ran out of cream.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Oh what a shame ☕️Norm has his black but Tina has cream sorry you had run out , have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@hollyjordan1307]

Love you channel ! I'm 51 and my hubby is 57 and we are trying to make some travel plans and your channel is super helpful. Been on one cruise (Alaskan inside passage) but I got very motion sick and wondered if you've already spoken on tips for this. Hopefully someday we can do this again!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sorry to hear that as we have done the inside passage and it was really smooth, maybe different time of year or size of 🚢 ship. We do carry Gravol and having Lifesavers or mints to suck can help, also the ships carry patches that you can wear we haven’t used them but lots of people have .Hope you try again in the future , a nice cruise is from Montreal to Boston , we are thinking of doing a video on cruises 🚢 that we have done so stay tuned LOL 😂have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🍺

[@hollyjordan1307]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement thanks a million! It was generally good. Just one was off. Will look into that one from Montreal! Ease my way into them perhaps....

[@hollyjordan1307]

Sorry one day* was off for me.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

@@hollyjordan1307 it shouldn’t put you off future cruises, glad it was just one day.

[@edwardlautsch8539]

Well, Jack Daniels and I enjoyed your video, less the coffee. Lol. The bus to Daytona sounds relaxing. How did you find that? Thanks for your video, very good advice. Cheers!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We found out about the bus trip from others living in our building (they are older and wiser ) LOL 😂😂 and we thought it would be a blast 💥 and it included Happy Hour 🍷🍺what could go wrong . Have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇺🇸🍷🍺🇨🇦

[@eigobike3929]

Great information about handing ad hoc car rental via hotel desk operator.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for watching

[@mervynrebello6517]

Hi I and my partner enjoy your videos, never heard of top up insurance until today so thanks

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Your very welcome have a wonderful week Cheers 🍷🌺🙂

[@sct4040]

You are right about procrastination, we didn't travel in 2019. Then 3/2020 lockdown came around, and we haven't traveled since. 😣 such regrets.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We did travel in February 2020 our last trip to Portugal 🇵🇹 , yes we are hoping that 2022 will be goodbye 👋 to Covid and we all get travelling again have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@Dutchy-1168]

Do it while you can !

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We couldn’t agree more thanks for dropping by have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@normibu4204]

i love your coffee mugs like mine...

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

The best! have a great weekend Cheers ☕️🌺

[@joan5631]

Got a new topic for you! Your best vegetarian dishes in a real time👍

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for the idea! hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🙂🍺🌺

[@desiv1170]

Totally agree with your second one. Our first big trip ever (to South Africa from the US) we decided to use a travel agent to make things "easier" on ourselves. Well, apparently that travel agent is really mostly a cruise package guy. He messed up every single leg of our flights. We had to actually run thru one of the airports following an Air France agent who was clearing our path. On the way back, one of our tickets was so messed up still that it took them over two hours to fix it. Luckily that flight heading out was late. It was a terrible experience. The good news is that all of our trips since then have been much better. (And we do all our own flights now)

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wow that sounds terrible but we have had this happen to us to in Brisbane and Zurich, we don’t like running 😂😂 Like you we do all our own planning and are conservative with the connection times. Thanks so much for watching.

[@edesouza2279]

My biggest travel mistake was putting off my travel plans for another time. Now when I reflect back on my reasoning, I now see them as frivolous excuses. Also, like you guys, I have made the mistake of not extending a few of the trips I have taken to explore more places when I had the opportunity. In 2018 and 2019 I travelled to Prague and Vienna for balloon dance competitions and only spent one week in both places. My reasoning was that my dance costumes were too much of a burden. Now I can only fantasize about the experience I missed out on. I pray that things would improve and hopefully, I would get the opportunity to spend a winter in Portugal or take a number of trips across Western Europe via the Eurostar train or even a trip on the Orient Express🤩 😴 💭

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds like you had a wonderful excuse to travel for ballroom dancing. We have been to both Prague and Vienna and really enjoyed being there. We would recommend if you get back to that area to see Budapest in Hungary, we really liked being there. Thanks so much for watching our video and we hope you get to travel on the Eurostar train.

[@JP-tq7ni]

When a tourist visa is almost expired often you have the option of going 12 hrs to another country and renew and then come back. For example in Thailand at Chiang Mai or Chang Rai you cross to Burma a couple of hours and then re enter Thailand. There you get re-issued another visa. That was available a few years back.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for the helpful info have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@iandermott6558]

It is a fantastic world out there i enjoyed England and Belgium France nice people there i don't know myself i love the drive to Florida so I can see myself there alot

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Couldn't agree more! we have done many driving trips to Florida 🇺🇸 and really enjoyed them being able to stop whenever you want , enjoy your weekend Cheers 🍷🇺🇸🇨🇦🍺

[@PeterLariviere1]

Really appreciate the advice you are giving..plus being Canadians it is easier to relate when you quote prices in CDN dollars. My wife retired this past summer and I retire at the end of summer 2022 and we just can't wait to get into longer stay vacations.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You are so welcome! we wish you both a wonderful retirement the longer stay vacations are great that’s what we do in Portugal 🇵🇹 Cheers 🍷🇨🇦🇵🇹🍺

[@PeterLariviere1]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement it was that very subject we first found your channel on. We spent 3 weeks in Portugal (Silves, Evora, Coimbra and Lisbon) in 2018 and fell in love with the people and the country. Our Fall 2022 trip will be Porto, Lindoso (penes de geres national park area) Madera and Lisbon over a 4 or 5 week period. So so looking forward to being back in Portugal!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That sounds like a wonderful trip we have visited Silves, Lisbon and had a great week in Porto we are sure that fall will be nice weather too , we also can’t wait till we feel safe enough to return we miss Portugal 🇵🇹 Cheers 🍷🇵🇹🌺🍺🇨🇦

[@berglindhallgrimsdottir6124]

Regards from Iceland.❤️

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for watching Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@richardbrophy4120]

I just thought about something, my wife and I have lock horn issues all the time. especially in the kitchen ---for example she thinks throwing a rag over some forks and spoons will prevent flies from frolicking all over the tines b'y! Maybe we should have a sort of alternate relationship to you guys ha ha. Really love watching your relationship and videos.Super, just splendid .

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds wonderful thanks for watching glad you enjoy our videos enjoy your weekend , we are just having snow showers ☃️🎄so it’s feeling a lot like Christmas LOL 😂Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@roxanneonthemove4187]

My husband and I cruise at least once a year, I always look at each trip as a once in a lifetime trip, so I better make the most of it. I will research our destination starting point and ending point of each cruise and determine what we want to see and how much time it will it take so that we have the time allotted to visit those places as if this may be the only time I will get to see it. As you said about procrastinating about planning a trip, while we did not procrastinate, We talked about going to Antarctica in 1999 with our kids, one did not want to go but one did but couldn’t go until 2020, so we planned and booked a good deal but the Covid hit, cruise lines were cancelling and rebooking. Now the prices are up so that same trip will cost 30% more. We have learnt to travel insurance not just for the cost of our trip but for the health insurance. Our US health insurance will not cover us outside the country. We have utilized it when my husband fell ill during our New Zealand cruise, was hospitalized in Sydney, our final destination. It was nice having someone to help with arrangements, not only for him but for me as well.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sorry to hear that your trip was cancelled and yes we are hearing that costs all over in ✈️ flights, 🚢 cruises and accommodation have all gone up due to the pandemic 😷. We never travel without travel insurance either not only for cancellations but for health glad you had it when your husband got ill hope he fully recovered. Hope you have a wonderful week Cheers 🇺🇸 🍷🇨🇦🍺🌺

[@ellybea68]

With regards to booking your own flights, it’s worth being aware that with the pandemic many flights are being cancelled. We know several people who have been affected by this and I think it would be easier to get a travel agent to make all the bookings for you at this time. My husband and I usually do our own bookings too but at the moment I think it’s much easier to book through a travel agent.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks Elly, for making this point, however we have chosen not to travel at this time. Thanks for watching.

[@sharif3462]

Avoid this mistake: don't wait until you retire to travel! Even if you only have a week or two...go! We just got back from a 10 day bus trip in Morocco- even with Covid restrictions, it was fantastic! Just be safe and careful!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds like a wonderful trip we have been to Casablanca and Rabat wonderful to see , thanks for your comment Cheers 🇲🇦 🍷🍺🇨🇦

[@elterrifico9522]

Nooohm, I told you to never fly with Platypus Airlines in Australia. Oh, and that intro was something to remember. Next stop - The Stratford Festival 🎭 😁

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our top airline so far is Air NZ they are awesome, we will get you tickets for the festival 🎭 LOL 😂 Cheers 🍷🌺🍺

[@lw1405]

Wow- what a horrible experience with a travel agent. Those would be the reasons why you DO book with an agent, to eliminate those situations. I never use a travel agent. You both have me seriously looking at spending a month or so in Portugal when I retire (10 years) You have created a lovely channel.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Generally now we don’t use travel agents except maybe for cruises 🚢, Portugal 🇵🇹 is wonderful over Winter thanks for liking our channel Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@stephenjarzombek2903]

I didn't drink coffee, but I finished off my PG Tips with a spot of milk while watching the video. I hope that wasn't a mistake. LOL

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Oh no that’s awesome 🍵PGTips was always our number one tea , but it’s a bit harder to get in Canada 🇨🇦 so Tetley is a great second have a great weekend Cheers 🍷🍵🍺🌺

[@MA-cy7su]

I have PG Tips as well here in Germany = English style = milk and sugar. 😉

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

@@MA-cy7su Awesome but we don’t have sugar , too sweet for us ! Just milk enjoy 🍵

[@Terry.W]

Yes so easy to make mistakes ...I have lots so much luggage over the years..

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It’s so easy to take too much with you on holiday.

[@CowboyJojosAdventures]

😂Well you will have to come back and stay in Down Under longer. Mistake Number 2. Don't do cruisers....Boring! But then thats only my opinion and some people love them. There can be ups and downs booking your own flights. Shame on the Travel agent for not taking in all of the accounts, of timing and international and domestic areas at the airports. Good tips about travel insurance, very important. I know we had over covered our insurance when we traveled to Ireland 😱😂Our Credit card insurance covered us on Car insurance and we paid the rentals insurance not realising we were already covered. Great tips Norman and Tina, loved this episode. ❤️🤗👍🏽🍻

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Guess we are all learning all the time LOL 😂if we get back to Australia 🇦🇺 maybe we can meet up 🤔at the moment we are all just thinking of travel 🧳 and how great it would be so hope things improve with all this Covid stuff so life can go on in relatively normalcy Cheers 🇦🇺 🍷🍺🇨🇦

[@CowboyJojosAdventures]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement that would be awesome to meet up with when we all get travelling again. 😘👍🏽🙏🏽♥️🤗

[@RetiredLovingIt]

Australia is in our bucket list! Good things to consider 👍

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It’s a great place to visit and makes sense to add New Zealand and Tasmania while you are there. 🇦🇺

[@macdaddymgiarc]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement How much time would be ideal to spend in this part of the world, money not being a concern? I know Australia is huge, but what would you think is a good amount of time? And New Zealand too - for a leisurely trek top to bottom?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

@@macdaddymgiarc From Canada 🇨🇦 we are governed by the visa being 90 days , but that would be awesome if you split in into two lots of exploring in that time in both places . Cheers 🍷🇦🇺🍺🇳🇿🇨🇦🌺

[@macdaddymgiarc]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement Thank you! I am also Canada (Hamilton) so I will plan to Maximize the 90 days between the two. Stay warm and dry and enjoy the weekend you two :-)

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

@@macdaddymgiarc That would be a great trip, looks like rain is coming for this evening ☔️

[@PlanetImo]

I’m sure you’ll still get back to St Petersburg. X

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We would hope so 😀😀

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

Well, a new 'opening scene' and 'zoom in' moments. Very creative. Like everything in life, it's a learning curve. My dad used to say that life is one big school and one progresses from classroom to classroom. Retirement is such a room. New and time to gain new skills. Loved the 'up-skilling' moments. When all else fails, take another approach. I'm pretty sure others will pick up tips here and there and that's what makes these videos fun and valuable. We have an annual travel insurance - which covers internal and international travel. So even a weekend away is covered. Just for the record: The Netherlands is 41.543 sq km, when visiting you will need at least 3-4 weeks and a 🚗 occasionally would be useful 😂! Have a great weekend. 🍷 💖🇳🇱🙋‍♀️🇳🇿

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for your nice comments we are trying different things the same way you are on your channel. The annual travel policy is the way to go, we do need travel insurance for inter provincial travel in Canada as each province runs their own healthcare system. We thought traveling in the Netherlands a bicycle 🚲 was mandatory 😂😂 have a great Sunday 🍻🍷💐💕🇳🇱🇨🇦

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement love the new technics. I too am still very much in a developmental and try out stage. 😂 Oh yes, 🚲 is mandatory. They are allowed on the trein too. Our public transport system is pretty good ( we all have our own flaws in systems ) there are some pearls to visit which will need a car. Yes, always good to be well covered insurance wise. Specially in todays world. Hic 🍷 happy weekend. 🤩👍🎶🥰

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Enjoy your Sunday too ☕️🌺🍷

[@helenboudreau7360]

Hey guys be careful when driving alot of countries you drive on opposite side.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We spent half our life in the UK so are pretty well versed in driving bboth ways

[@geraldmilligan493]

Hi folks. As we watch you today, are you saying that most credit card “give” you 31 days of travel insurance? Any age or other restrictions? Love your show, love you folks and look forward to our Saturday afternoon visits. Carol & Gerry Milligan, Tamworth

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Hi thanks for spending time with us we appreciate it. The credit card travel insurance we have to buy it from MasterCard and yes it goes up with age. The 31 days is still available with BMO MasterCard $129 for under 65 years old. Have a nice weekend.

[@shirleykaye9693]

I recommend finding a travel insurance broker if you are over 65. They can find you a policy that suits your individual needs especially if you have medical conditions.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

@@shirleykaye9693 Thanks that’s a great idea we are going to do that before our next big trip to Portugal 🇵🇹 to make sure we have full Covid coverage , we will still keep our other plan as it works travelling through provinces in Canada 🇨🇦 Cheers 🍷🌺🙂

[@rudymazar8666]

Brisbane airports are 1.8 km apart and not 4 km apart , you can't not walk but there are close.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Brisbane Airport website states the International and Domestic terminals are 4 kilometres apart and a 10 minute journey.