50% of London retirees seek relaxation as their main goal for retirement travel | London Daily News

Retirees Embrace Travel Dreams: Wanderlust in Later Life

As summer fades for many, a new season of adventure is just beginning for UK retirees. According to a recent survey conducted by Legal & General, retirees across the country are embracing their travel dreams, with a particular focus on relaxation and meaningful experiences.

The survey, which polled over 2,000 UK adults aged 55 and older, revealed the diverse travel aspirations of retirees. In London, 53% of respondents said their main goal in retirement is relaxation, followed closely by spending time with loved ones (50%) and creating lasting memories (45%).

Londoners and Their Travel Preferences

The survey offered a deeper look into the travel habits and plans of London’s retirees:

• Solo Travel: Confidence in traveling alone is moderate among Londoners, with 63% expressing that they would feel comfortable embarking on solo trips during retirement.
• Financial Planning: For many, retirement travel is a carefully planned financial goal. In fact, 63% of London retirees said they have set aside or plan to set aside money specifically for travel. However, 21% admitted they hadn’t or won’t financially prepare for their trips.
• Money Confidence: While 58% of retirees have carefully considered their finances for travel, 17% confessed that they didn’t give it much thought when it came to budgeting for their post-work adventures.

The Dream Destinations

So where are London’s retirees planning to go? Beach holidays top the list, with 25% of respondents eyeing sunny shores. Another 25% are excited about a European city break, while 23% plan to enjoy long weekends exploring the UK.

When it comes to travel style, Londoners largely prefer spontaneity. About 30% identified as ‘easy-going’ travellers who prefer to go with the flow, while 22% admitted to being ‘planners’ who like to book events, accommodation, and flights well in advance.

As the survey highlights, retirement is no longer about slowing down—it’s about making the most of newfound freedom, exploring the world, and creating lasting memories. With relaxation, adventure, and connection at the top of their priorities, UK retirees are proving that the best journeys in life often begin after retirement.

Lorna Shah, Managing Director, Legal & General Retail Retirement and CEO of Legal & General Home Finance: 

“Planning for retirement is crucial not only for maintaining financial stability but also for enabling a fulfilling and enjoyable post-work life.

“As people phase into retirement, having a well-thought-out financial plan can make a significant difference. It provides the freedom to pursue long-held dreams, such as travelling to new destinations or engaging in much loved hobbies.

“At Legal & General, we have a range of different planning tools to help you financially prepare for your retirement such as the Retirement and Pension Income Calculator and a downloadable budget planner to see if your retirement plans are on track.”

If you would like to read more about the travel dreams of retirees, please see here: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/retirement/pension-annuity/guides/wanderlust-in-retirement/