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Sunday, November 30
The Lifestyle Edition
The Grey Gap Year: Why More Retirees Are Taking a Year Off Before Settling Down
Last month a friend told me she and her husband were doing something bold, instead of moving straight into a “permanent” retirement, they planned a full year of travel: slow mornings, new towns, different cuisines, and zero rush to pick a final home.
They called it their Grey Gap Year - and after listening, I couldn’t help but think this might be the smartest retirement trend yet.
Why now? Because when health, freedom, and curiosity overlap, it’s the perfect time to truly explore - without the pressure of work or the need to “settle” quickly. For many retirees, that year isn’t an expense so much as an investment in clarity, memories, and confidence.
Below: why the Grey Gap Year is catching on, what it costs, and my top 5 budget-friendly countries to consider this season. 👇
🌟 Today’s Highlights
Why retirees are choosing a gap year after retirement (data-backed)
Top 5 budget-friendly countries for retirees this season
Practical tips for making a long travel year affordable and peaceful
📊 The Trend - Quick Evidence
Travel is high on the 50+ list: the AARP 2025 Travel Trends Survey found that roughly 70% of travelers age 50+ plan to travel in 2025, showing travel remains a priority for older adults.
🔗 AARP Travel Trends 2025 - https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/travel-trends-survey/ AARP
Research also shows the first months and years post-retirement are pivotal for emotional adjustment - making the timing of a gap year potentially powerful for long-term wellbeing. (See the recent coverage on why the first year matters.)
🔗 Kiplinger: The ‘First Year of Retirement’ Rule - https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/the-first-year-of-retirement-rule Kiplinger
✈️ Top 5 Budget-Friendly Countries to Visit This Season
These picks balance affordability, healthcare access, safety, and expat/retiree friendliness. I checked cost-of-living and travel guides to pick them - links included so you can dig deeper.
1) Portugal - warm weather, good healthcare, and excellent value in many towns (Lisbon/Porto cheaper than comparable U.S. cities).
🔗 Cost snapshot: Numbeo - Portugal cost of living. https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Portugal Numbeo
2) Mexico (Mérida, San Miguel de Allende) - cheap, walkable towns with strong expat communities and easy U.S. flights. Start with Lonely Planet’s guide to San Miguel.
🔗 San Miguel guide - Lonely Planet. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/guide-to-san-miguel-de-allende Lonely Planet+1
3) Thailand - tropical climate, low costs, and widely praised healthcare options for mid-length stays. Official tourism details here.
🔗 Tourism Authority of Thailand - https://www.tourismthailand.org/ Tourism Authority of Thailand
4) Spain - Mediterranean lifestyle, strong healthcare, and many affordable towns outside tourist centers (see Numbeo comparisons for costs).
🔗 Spain cost snapshot - Numbeo. https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Spain Numbeo+1
5) Costa Rica - nature, stability, and a long-standing appeal for retirees who want an outdoorsy, affordable life. Official tourism info here.
🔗 Visit Costa Rica - https://www.visitcostarica.com/ Visit Costa Rica+1
Want a quick country-by-country budget? Use Expatistan’s cost-of-living comparison tool to model expenses based on your lifestyle.
🔗 Expatistan cost comparisons - https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living Expatistan, cost of living comparisons
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✨ Grey Gap Year Tips (Keep it affordable & peaceful)
Start with 3-month tests. Spend 90 days in a place before committing to long-term stays.
House-swap or long-stay rentals. They cut lodging costs dramatically.
Build a travel buffer. Aim for 3–6 months of living expenses in accessible cash.
Use local healthcare for routine needs. Many countries above have affordable private clinics, check local expat forums before you go.
Plan for taxes & healthcare coverage back home (talk to a tax pro if you plan long stays).
📬 Question for You
If you could take one “Grey Gap Year” destination on your list, where would you go and why? Reply and tell me, I’ll share a few favorites in next week’s issue.
Warmly,
Sarah