After decades of meetings, milestones, and making sure everyone else was taken care of, many South Africans over 60 are finally placing themselves at the top of the priority list.
Whether it’s sipping espresso in Italy, spotting the Big Five on a midweek Kruger escape, or joining the grandkids on a cruise, retirement is less about slowing down and more about showing up for the life you’ve dreamed of.
And the best part? You don’t need to feel guilty or go broke to make it happen. South Africans are finding smarter ways to fund their bucket-list travel.
Travel is the new retirement reward
According to a recent survey, 32% of South Africans aged 60 and up are planning to dip into their retirement savings to fund a holiday in 2025.
Financial advisors say that allocating 5–10% of your annual post-tax income to travel is both responsible and realistic.
Let the inheritance wait
3% of South African over 60 admit they’re willing to use some of their children or grandchildren’s inheritance to make travel happen now.
25% say they’d gladly let their offspring foot the bill for their next trip. After all, what’s more valuable – another heirloom, or the experience of sharing a sunrise on safari together?
South Africans are also leading the charge in multi-generational travel, using holidays as a way to bridge gaps, pass down stories, and strengthen family ties.
Travel expert, Sue Garrett from Flight Centre says retirees should rethink how they view travel in retirement: “If travel is a non-negotiable part of your lifestyle, then treat it as such. It belongs in the same conversation as healthcare and housing.”
The smartest way to travel
Forget flash sales or last-minute deals. The smartest way to travel now? Bundle it. Booking your flights, accommodation, cruises, tours, and insurance in one package can save thousands.
Being flexible also goes a long way. Travel outside school holidays and peak periods -those shoulder seasons in April/May and September/October can offer lower fares and fewer
Turn loyalty points into flights
If you haven’t already joined a frequent flyer programme, now’s the time. Many South African airlines, hotels, and credit cards offer loyalty rewards that convert everyday spending from groceries, fuel and bills into travel perks like free flights or hotel upgrades.
Scaling down to travelling up
Some over-60s are downsizing from large homes to more manageable spaces, or renting out property while abroad. Others are cashing in on unused assets: second cars, boats, even collectables that are gathering dust.
Being money-savvy doesn’t mean being stingy.
Here’s how seasoned South African travellers are making every rand count
Earning while exploring
Not ready to hang up your work boots? Many retirees are funding their travels by house-sitting in exchange for free accommodation, volunteering, or even freelancing remotely.
Whether it’s a quiet Karoo road trip, a Mediterranean cruise, or a rail journey across Japan, South Africa’s retirees are proving that life doesn’t end at 60. In fact, for many, it’s only just beginning.
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