S.K.I

“I’m a S.K.I” said Hilda proudly. “You’re a what?” “I’m a S.K.I, I’m Spending the Kids Inheritance.” There’s a new term on the block and it’s perfect. As us younger ones still revel in “I’m a backpacker”, the over 40s are very contently owning “I’m a S.K.I.” Many people have put off travelling to raise a family and see the success of their children. Now, however, it’s their turn to explore this incredible planet. Join Hilda and Mick as they give us the S.K.I Report and provide insight into the finer side of travelling for S.K.I’s.

The S.K.I Report

Get married, have children, pay off the mortgage and work towards retirement. All good advice, and that was the plan.

My husband and I were in Tasmania, in the beautiful wine glass Bay Area. We were revisiting where we had our honeymoon 25 years earlier. Looking down over the bay we saw tour buses full of senior citizens. They got out, took photos of the mountain, got back in the bus and moved on. That was the moment. I didn’t want to wait until I could only take photos and was too old to climb the mountain.

Here we are 10 years later and we have explored 10 of the world’s most incredible countries. Future blogs will reveal where, but in the meantime let me give you a few handy hints on how.

The biggest expense that prevents people from travelling is children. I love my sons to bits but at some point they have to fend for themselves. Teach your kids, from an early age, to be independent. That means they need to learn the value of money, have jobs and move out of home. You will suddenly have more time and more money to play with.

Find yourself a GREAT travel agent. Go to several and interview them. I know in a digital age it’s easy to book online but you don’t always know what you’re looking for, these people are the experts. Find someone knowledgeable about travel and who is willing to listen to your needs. A travel agent is essential if you are going overseas. They are your back up, your safety blanket. Don’t leave home without one.

Book and plan your trip at least 12 months ahead. By the time you are ready to pack your bags the trip will be paid for, all you will need is spending money.

Don’t penny pinch on your travels. If you need to wait 6 months longer to get the trip you want, so be it. There are pros and cons of waiting for that special offer, you get what you pay for and there is always a catch. The timing may be wrong to suit your leave or the hotel is only 4 stars and not 5, (I will go without coffee for a year if it means the difference between 4 and 5 stars). Our first trip was the biggest and most expensive but it was worth every cent. It taught us a lot about value for money and we have never looked back.

I am guessing you can come up with a thousand and one reasons why you can’t travel. I bet I can come up with a thousand and one reasons why you can’t afford not to!

Follow the S.K.I Report Blogs and I will help you travel in style and comfort without having to sell the kids, (you will need them for house sitting while you are enjoying their inheritance).

Hilda & Michael

Send us any questions and we will answer them to the best of our ability