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It's a bit down the road yet for me, but I always fantasize about walking out the door and getting on a plane to some fabulous vacation on my last day.
Did anybody actually do that? Would you recommend something like this to kick off your retirement?
I can't even remember what I did during my first week of retirement almost 12 years ago, so it certainly must not have been very special. But there is nothing wrong with your idea. What difference does it make if we recommend it? If it works for you that's all that matters.
I guess I'm wondering if the collective wisdom suggests taking some time to acclimate at home first since it is such a big change.
Well, O.K. My "wisdom" is that if you don't think you're going to need time at home to acclimate, then go for the immediate trip. Or, if you're not sure, there would be no harm in spending some time at home first. The trip could be equally enjoyable either way, it seems to me.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Walked out the door and headed to UT National Parks, Didn't even bother to go home first.
For more adventure and to better understand you new found freedom...
Suggestion: consider a one way ticket to a favorite / preferred destination, and go from there. Maybe come home in a month or a few yrs. Worked well for our 1 yr RTW, free to stay as long as you want, or to head wherever you fancy. Come home when and if you please.
I didn't do anything special, because I'll be retired for almost 40 years if family history holds true. I have plenty of time to do special stuff, I'd rather pace myself. And there were so many other sensations and adjustments when I retired, I wouldn't have fully appreciated a trip that first week.
But do what you want to do, that's kinda the while point of (voluntary) retirement!
I was just surprised I didn't have to jump out of bed at 4:45a to exercise, shower, eat breakfast and drive to work for the first two months. I woke up at 4:45a without an alarm for years after retired, and after almost 6 years I still get up long before I need to.
We moved from east coast to west coast, picked up two pre-retirement Internet purchases (a new car and a 2 bedroom house). Then we went to Fred Meyer and bought towels, eating utensils, a pot and a pan, some kitchen stables and food. Next we went to a couple of furniture stores and bought a couch, a table and bed. And on the fifth, sixth and seventh day we rested.
We moved from east coast to west coast, picked up two pre-retirement Internet purchases (a new car and a 2 bedroom house). Then we went to Fred Meyer and bought towels, eating utensils, a pot and a pan, some kitchen stables and food. Next we went to a couple of furniture stores and bought a couch, a table and bed. And on the fifth, sixth and seventh day we rested.
That sounds like work!
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