Life may “begin at 40”, but the real fun, it seems, starts after retirement. According to recent research, it’s thought that as much as two-thirds of people plan to use retirement to fulfil their long-held ambitions. The flip side of this, however, is that more than three-quarters of over-50s are yet to achieve all their lifetime goals.
The reality is that many people in retirement just don’t have the financial freedom to realise their goals and ambitions. If this sounds familiar, you might want to learn more about equity release. In a nutshell, this allows homeowners to unlock the value of their property by converting it into cash.
If you’re looking for some inspiration for how to spend the money tied up in your property, we’ve compiled some of the most popular activities that feature on bucket lists.
Take a hot air balloon ride
If watching the world go by without any distractions is your idea of relaxation, then a hot air balloon ride should feature on your bucket list. With balloon rides offered across the UK, this is an ideal choice for those who would prefer to stay closer to home.
Alternatively, why not tick-off some of those must-see destinations by hot air ballooning across the world’s most notable natural landscapes, such as the Grand Canyon and the North Pole?
See the Northern Lights
Witnessing this celestial ballet of light dancing across the night sky is a staple of many bucket lists. These beautiful hues of green and pink are best viewed in the colder months, but can also be seen during the warmer seasons.
As the aurora borealis can only be witnessed in areas around the North Pole, such as Scandinavia, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska, you will need to wrap up warm if you are to plump for this trip.
Go on a cruise
Time spent by the water has been proven to make us happier, so it is no wonder cruise trips are favoured most by the over-50s. Across the world’s four oceans and seven seas, you’ll find thousands of cruises to enjoy. Traditional luxury cruises provide the ultimate relaxing experience, while circumnavigation cruises, such as those around Australasia, suit retirees with an adventurous spirit.
Revisit your honeymoon location
Make the most of your retirement with a trip down memory lane. Walk down the same cobbled streets with your darling and kiss under the same night sky you remember fondly from your honeymoon.
See the Seven Wonders
Finally visit all the world-famous landmarks you’ve seen in travel brochures. From the majestic Taj Mahal to the undulating Great Wall of China, nothing celebrates our planet’s incredible landmarks quite like a Seven Wonders trip. A true delight to the senses, you can either book this as a single trip or multi-centre holiday, if you’re eager to see the world in one go.
Eat at the world’s best restaurants
If you are releasing equity this year, the destination to visit for the best gastronomic experience in the world is Modena, Italy. This city is home to Osteria Francescana, 2018’s “best restaurant in the world”, which serves experimental dishes hailing from the Emilia-Romagna region (‘The Crunchy Part of the Lasagna’ is apparently a must-try). If you’re planning to release equity in later life, look at who is topping this coveted list when the time comes.
Try skiing
If you are yet to hit the slopes but wish you could see what it’s like, then there is no time like the present. Peaceful ski resorts, such as Alpbach in Austria, are popular with retirees, while the exciting resorts in Meribel, France, are a good option if you’re looking to bring the grandchildren along. Trained professionals are also on hand at many of the quieter pistes to help if you’d like to learn to ski in your own time.
To find out more about releasing equity in retirement, please contact the Equity Release Supermarket team on Freephone 0800 802 1051, or email [email protected], for a free consultation.
