The rise of ‘coolcationing’: Adventures in Europe you can’t miss this summer

For those bitten by the travel bug, there's a constant pull to explore every corner of the world. Key to these adventures is understanding what you can and can’t do with money in each destination. Let's talk about closed currencies—a term that might sound complex but is important for globetrotters to understand. This guide will break down what closed currencies are and list the countries using them, helping you better plan your travels. 

What’s a closed currency?

So, what are closed currencies? Simply put, they're currencies that you can't buy or sell freely on the international market. Countries use them to protect their economies from the ups and downs of global trading. For travellers, this means you'll need to exchange your money when you arrive and before you leave, and you might find there’s strict rules on bringing in and taking out cash. Understanding closed currencies can make your travels smoother, making sure you're always ready for the next adventure. 

A list of closed currencies by country

Here's a list of countries that are currently using closed currencies. Note that this list is not-exhaustive and is subject to change. 

1. India – Indian rupee (INR)
2. Ghana. Ghanaian cedi (GHS)
3. Ethiopia. Ethiopian birr (ETB)
4. Cuba. Cuban peso (CUP)
5. Albania. Albanian lek (ALL)
6. Tunisia. Tunisian dinar (TND)
7. Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL)
8. Venezuela. Venezuelan bolívar (VES)
9. Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
10. Sudan. Sudanese pound (SDG)
11. Samoa. Samoan tala (WST)
12. Nepal. Nepalese rupee (NPR)
13. North Korea. North Korean won (KPW)
14. Nigeria. Nigerian naira (NGN)
15. Myanmar. Myanmar kyat (MMK)
16. Libya. Libyan dinar (LYD)
17. Laos. Lao kip (LAK)
18. Iran. Iranian rial (IRR)
19. Georgia. Georgian lari (GEL)
20. Cameroon. Central African CFA franc (XAF)
21. Cambodia. Cambodian riel (KHR)
22. Bahamas. Bahamian dollar (BSD)
23. Armenia. Armenian dram (AMD)
24. Uzbekistan. Uzbekistani som (UZS)
25. Ukraine. Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH)
    
    

Each country has its only set of rules and regulations so make sure you research your destination before you set off. 

Before you plan your trip, make sure to check if the FCDO has given any travel advice for where you're going.  If they advise against all but essential travel, you might not be covered by travel insurance if something unexpected happens on your trip. 

Tips for travelling to countries with closed currencies 

Navigating foreign currency can be tough, but it doesn't have to be. Here are our top tips for managing closed currencies with ease.

1. Know the rules

   Before your trip, take a minute to check if your destination has any special currency regulations. A simple Google search can save you a lot of headaches. Found some rules? Make sure you know them inside out, especially when it comes to bringing cash into the country.
   
   

2. Smart money exchange

   Look up your currency exchange options before you go to snag the best deals. Once you land, swap a bit of cash at the airport to tide you over, avoiding any immediate hiccups. For the best rates, do a bit of homework on currency rates or ask your hosts for the go-to spots.
   
   

3. Payment know-how

   Double-check with your bank or card provider about using your cards abroad, especially in places with tight currency rules. A prepaid travel card could be useful, but make sure it's accepted where you're headed. Do you have some cash left over at the end of your trip? Spend or exchange it back while you're still in the country to avoid complications when you get home.
   
   

4. Budget smart

   Work out roughly how much you think you're going to spend so you can figure out how much money you'll need. To be extra prepared, exchange more than you think you'll need in case of an emergency.

Are you thinking about a trip abroad but worried about taking your medication? Travelling with medication can be especially tricky when there's regulations and cultural differences. Don't let those obstacles stop you from crossing borders - with the right preparation, travelling with your medication doesn't have to derail your getaway.

Here are our top tips for travelling with medication, and what you need to know to think about before you jet off. 

1. Make sure you take enough medication on your holiday 

Before you set off, check you’re travelling with enough medication to last you for your whole trip. And in case of unexpected delays, it’s always safer to pack extra so you know you’re covered. If you don’t have any extra to spare, contact your GP or order a repeat prescription. 

2. Check your destination's regulations 

Different countries have different restrictions on medicine. Some need a letter from your doctor outlining your medication and dosages. Others have banned certain medicines altogether. Check the latest regulations of the country you’re travelling to, or passing through. 

3. If you can, keep your medication in your hand luggage

Where possible, always take your medication in hand luggage, in case your checked luggage gets lost. Taking medication on the plane is usually allowed, but check with the airline before you travel. Some airlines will let you bring more than your usual supply without needing to declare it.

4. Get a doctor's letter 

If you can’t take your medication in hand luggage, or it’s classed as a controlled drug, you’ll need to have a signed and dated letter from your GP outlining your medication and the amounts. You’ll also need this if you use a needle for your medication. 

5. Keep medicine in their original packaging 

It’s best to keep your medications in their original packaging so that the label and dose information are visible. That way if you’re asked about your medication, you have all the information at hand. 

6. Pack your medication in a clear sealed bag while clearing security

Security regulations for hand luggage say you can’t take liquids or gels over 100ml in hand luggage. But if your medication is in liquid form or a prescribed gel, you should be able to take it with you if it's in a clear sealed bag. But you’ll need to have proof that your medication has been prescribed, such as a doctor’s note or a copy of your prescription.

7. Double-check expiration dates

It can be tricky to get prescription medication abroad, so it’s important to make sure yours doesn’t expire before the end of your trip. 

8. Carry a copy of your prescription 

Always carry a copy of your prescription in case your medication gets lost or stolen. This will also make it easier if you need to get more medicine abroad. 

9. Check the storage conditions 

Make sure to check if the storage conditions for the medication must be refrigerated or kept somewhere cool and dry. If so, ask your doctor for advice on how to make sure it doesn’t spoil while you’re travelling. If your medication needs to be kept cold, check with the airline if it can still be carried in your hand luggage. Chances are, it’ll need to go in checked luggage. 

Some people use the following to keep their medicines cold while they're travelling:

• A thermos flask
• Ice packs
• Cool bags

10. Get travel insurance 

The right travel insurance can cover you if you lose or get your medication stolen during your travels. With the right insurance, you'll have peace of mind, knowing you're financially protected if you need to claim back the cost. 

11. Research local pharmacies 

When planning a trip, it's always a good idea to research local pharmacies in the area you're visiting. If your medication is lost or stolen, you can feel peace of mind knowing you can get more. 

12. Plan for changes in time zones 

If you're travelling across time zones, it's important to adjust your medication schedule to make sure you’re taking it at the right time. 

13. Explain your medication to whoever you’re travelling with

When you're travelling, it's important to explain your medication to the person you're travelling with, whether it's a friend, family member, or a partner. By sharing the details of your medication, such as the dosage, how often you take it, they can help you stay on schedule.

Travelling can be one of life's greatest pleasures, but when you have diabetes, you need to plan ahead to keep your health in check while away from your usual routine. Whether you're globetrotting or just going for a short holiday, managing your diabetes shouldn't stop you from enjoying your adventures to the fullest. 

Here’s what you can do to make travelling with diabetes as straightforward as possible. 

Preparation is key

Before embarking on your next adventure, it’s important to have a plan that works around you and your trip.

1. Talk to your doctor 

Let your healthcare professional know about your travel plans, especially if you're changing time zones which might affect your medication schedule. They can offer you a check-up and make sure you're fit to travel and how best to stick to your routine. 

2. Find the right travel insurance

Travel insurance is a must-have, but not all policies offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, finding diabetes travel insurance that’s right for your needs can give you peace of mind. Be sure to look for policies with travel insurance for type 1 diabetes or type 2 clearly outlined, so you know you know you won’t have to be out of pocket if you have a medical emergency. 

Packing your diabetes kit

When you have diabetes, your packing list will include a few extra items to make sure you're prepared for any situation.

• Keep your medication in its original packaging, clearly labelled for easy identification. This will help avoid any delays at airports, ports or borders if your medication needs to be checked
  
  
• Get a letter from your doctor explaining your medical condition and what you need to manage it. You might be asked to show this when you check in, at the airport
  
  
• If you’re taking insulin to a warmer climate, a cooling pack could help keep your insulin cool and more effective while you’re travelling.
  
  
• Try and pack more medication than you need in case you experience delays or lose some doses. That way, you know you’ll have enough until you get home. 

On the Go

Travel can be unpredictable. But by thinking ahead, you can handle any hiccup on the road. If you have plans to explore, here’s what you need to think about before setting out on your day. 

• Keep a small supply of snacks on hand at all times in case of low blood sugar
• Stay hydrated, especially during flights
• Move around regularly to promote blood circulation 
• Wear a medical ID that details your condition – it can be a lifesaver in an emergency

At your destination

Wherever you land, taking your medication at the right time, in the right way is important. To keep your trip smooth sailing, here are some tips to help you keep on top of your routine when you arrive. 

• Plan your meals carefully, remembering that time zones will change meal times in your destination
• If you’re staying in a hotel, ask about fridges and microwaves to store and heat up insulin and any food items you might need 
• Check the local pharmacies for availability of insulin or other medication in case of emergency
• Keep all medication and supplies with you at all times during travel - you never know when you’ll need it

Navigating the world with diabetes certainly comes with its share of challenges, but it shouldn't hold you back from creating memorable experiences. With proper planning, the right holiday insurance for diabetes, and a sense of adventure, you're ready to tackle travel head-on.

To learn more about taking medication abroad and how to prepare, check out our blog. 

For some people, travelling abroad after retirement is one of the first times in their lives they get to explore the world without strict timelines.  Travelling later in life can be daunting, but choosing the right place to visit can make all the difference. With countless destinations to choose from, which cities are the best choices for you to embark on your next life adventure?

To help you decide on where to jet off to next, we’ve looked at 45 cities across the world, finding those which are best for travellers aged 60 and above. For each city, we looked at the cost of hotels rated three stars and above, the number of tours available in each destination, the quality of healthcare, the number of tourist activities to enjoy and the number of walking routes. If you’re keen to stay close to home, we also looked at the best cities for over 60s in the UK. 

Our experts have also given their top tips to help you prepare for your trip. From finding the right travel insurance to avoiding the crowds while on holiday.

The top 10 global destinations for a holiday during retirement 

Each city has its own special charm, whatever type of holiday you’re looking for. To help you decide where to travel next, we’ve looked at each metric for all global cities, ranking the top 10 overall. 

1. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, located in southeastern Australia, is crowned the top holiday spot for travellers aged 60 and over. With a significant 17% of its population being 65 and older, the city is likely to offer a welcoming atmosphere for people who enjoy similar pastimes. 

The city boasts the most hotels rated three stars and above in our study, totalling 1,389 overall, ranging from sea-view suites to modern rooms. Even better, these rooms are reasonably priced compared to the other cities in our study, with an average week-long stay costing just £860. A hotel stay here will cost you £2,000 less than a stay in Amsterdam, the third-best city in our ranking.

With 1,838 tourist attractions, including botanical gardens and lively food markets, you’re spoilt for choice with activities. The city circle tram offers free transportation around the central area, allowing you to hop on and off at your leisure. Whatever your interests are, the tram gives you easy access to attractions like the Melbourne Observation Deck, Docklands Park, and plenty of free museums and cultural buildings along its route. 

The city also offers 40 off-peak tours catered to those over 60, so there's always something exciting to explore. One of these tours offers an exploration of the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, as well as Phillip Island and the Grampians. 

2. Sydney, Australia

It seems that Australia is the place to be for retirees, as another city here makes the top two on our list. Sydney, Australia's gem on the east coast, ranks in second place as the top destination for retirees seeking a getaway. 

If the warm weather and powdery beaches aren’t enough to sway you, its range of attractions may help. There are 1,598 things to see and do in the city, including the famous Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, both of which are free to visit. 

If you’re an avid walker, this city might be the one for you. From gentle strolls with accessible trails to more advanced hikes, there are 721 walking routes to choose from — the most of all cities analysed. The Glebe Foreshore walk is a relaxing 2.2km long walk with lovely views of the bays. Walkers seeking more of a challenge can take on the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, a 10km harbourside trail with beautiful scenery.  

Sydney has 766 hotels rated 3-stars and above to choose from, so there's no shortage of comfortable stays in the city. However, compared to Melbourne, the accommodation here is slightly more expensive, averaging around £1,089 per week. 

If you want to know that you’re in safe hands if you have a medical emergency, Sydney also has excellent medical services in the city, with a high healthcare quality rating of 71.3. 

3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The third city in the ranking, and the top European city in the list, is Amsterdam. 

With 404 hotels offering three stars and above, there are plenty of places to stay here. A week-long stay could cost you on average £2,986, slightly more expensive than Sydney and Melbourne. But being closer to the UK, you should benefit from cheaper flights that could balance out the total cost. Flying from the UK takes around an hour and fifteen minutes, making it a great option for travellers who would prefer a shorter flight and want to stay a little closer to home. Alternatively, a Ferry from the UK can take as little as seven hours from London, or around 17 hours from Newcastle. 

Amsterdam has an impressive 361 tours available catered to those over 60, the most on offer out of all cities in our study. Some of these include guided city walking tours, or a canal cruise, where you can see famous landmarks and fascinating architecture from the water. Plus, 20% of Amsterdam’s population is aged 65 and over, the third highest percentage of all cities.

Amsterdam offers lots to explore, with 401 things to see and do. You’ll find plenty of free attractions like the Amsterdam City Archives museum, or a free ferry ride crossing the IJ river. For food lovers, make sure to visit Albert Cuypmarkt, the largest food market in the Netherlands. 

If you love walking, Amsterdam has 68 scenic routes to enjoy the city's charm at a relaxing place. Just one of these is the Vondelpark walk, a picturesque stroll and a chance to see authentic Amsterdam up close.

The top 10 UK destinations for a holiday during retirement

We know that not everyone wants to stray far from home, so we’ve created a list of the top UK cities for over 60s to travel to. Along with the number of hotels rated three stars and above and their costs, the number of activities and the number of walking routes, we’ve also looked into the number of bus stops in each city to see how easy it is to get around.

1. Sheffield

Sheffield, in South Yorkshire, ranks as the top choice for holidaymakers aged 60 and above looking to explore the UK. The city has the most walking routes available, with 187 paths to choose from. A standout here is the Rivelin Valley Trail, a scenic walk for all ability levels. You’ll have no problems getting around in this city, as Sheffield has 5,647 bus stops, the most of all cities in our study.

In Sheffield, you'll find 138 hotels rated three stars or higher, with an average weekly price of £1,114. Plus, there are 166 activities to enjoy, including the Millennium Gallery, a free art gallery and museum in the centre of the city, and the Peace Gardens, a quaint square situated beside Sheffield’s town hall – which is also free to visit.

2. York

York takes second place as one of the top UK holiday destinations for retirees. This historical city has the most hotels to choose from, with 585 rated three stars and above. However, accommodation comes at a slightly higher price than in Sheffield, with a weekly rate of £1,387. 

 York offers 117 diverse activities to enjoy, whether it’s a stroll along the Shambles, one of York’s most famous medieval streets, or a sightseeing tour on the river Ouse. The city offers 82 walking routes, the fourth highest out of all cities, offering plenty of opportunities to take a leisurely stroll. In terms of transportation, York has 2,246 bus stops, so there’s easy access while you explore the city.

3. Liverpool 

Liverpool comes third as the best city for retirees to visit. This northwestern city follows closely behind York with the second-highest number of three star and above hotels, totalling 249. However, staying here will cost you an average of £1,672 per week, ranking as the second most expensive option of all UK cities. 

 Although it’s slightly more costly, the city has a lot to offer with 178 activities for visitors to enjoy, the most of any city. The Museum of Liverpool is the largest museum in any UK city and is free to visit. You can also take a look at the city’s incredible street art, particularly in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, a creative district located by Royal Albert Dock. Once you’ve seen it all on the mainland, you can enjoy the city from the water with an explorer cruise on the River Mersey. 

 When it comes to transportation, Liverpool ranks in third place, with 2,873 bus stops, so there’s easy access to all corners of the city whenever you need it. 

Top tips for travelling during retirement 

Our expert here at PayingTooMuch, Darren Saunders, offers some tips on how over 60s can make the most out of travelling:

1. Plan carefully before your trip

Researching as much as you can before you set off can ease any travel anxieties, as you’re more likely to know what to expect.

Before you go, check things like the climate and weather at your destination. If you’re planning on walking around a lot, somewhere with a cooler temperature might be a better option to help you stay comfortable. 

Similarly, make sure to plan out the best method of transportation for your travels. Decide whether you'll mostly be walking, using public transport, taking taxis, or renting a car. If you plan to travel mainly on foot, consider comfortable walking shoes and a map of the area. If you plan on using public transport, research routes and schedules in advance. If renting a car, make sure you understand local driving laws and have the necessary documents like a valid driver's licence and insurance.

Before you set off, it's also important to make sure you have all your prescriptions or medications with you. It might be difficult to find the medication you need while you’re away, or you might face unexpected costs if you have to buy them abroad. To avoid any disruptions to your healthcare routine, make sure you have enough medication to last for the entire duration of your trip. Packing a bit extra could also help if you face any delays on your way home. 

2. Take out travel insurance

Think about taking out travel insurance early on to make the most of benefits, like cover for pre-existing medical conditions and trip cancellations. That way if you have a medical emergency or your holiday is cancelled, you won’t be out of pocket. It’s also important to make sure your policy covers trip delays or interruptions that can be caused by events like airline strikes. By planning, you’ll minimise stress and maximise your enjoyment.  

Here at PayingTooMuch, you can compare specialist cover for all ages, with no upper age limit. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, we can help you find the right medical insurance for your needs to give you full peace of mind while you’re away.

3. Avoid the crowds 

Thinking carefully about how and when you travel can not only give you confidence in your trip, but save you money too. To avoid busier crowds, think about travelling off-peak. It might be more relaxing and should make your trip cheaper. While away, think about exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, or hidden gems where there will be fewer crowds. That way, you can relax and enjoy the trip at your own pace.

Methodology and Sources 

To find the top holiday destinations for 60+ year-olds in the world, PayingTooMuch pulled together a seed list of 45 cities, based on a list of the happiest cities in the world. Off-peak is determined as three months after the 'most popular' month, as mentioned in the description of the page. When "The most popular month to go is May", August is used.

 The cities were then ranked based on the following metrics:

• Number of three stars and above hotels available - selected dates between 10-16th June 2024
• Average cost of three stars and above hotel in off-peak season - selected dates between 10-16th June 2024
• The number of tours available in off-peak season 
• Quality of healthcare
• Number of things to do in the area
• Number of walking routes

To find the top holiday destinations for 60+ year olds in the UK, PayingTooMuch pulled together a seedlist of the top 30 cities in the UK based on personal wellbeing.

 The cities were then ranked based on the following metrics:

• Number of three stars and above hotels available - selected dates between 10-16th June 2024
• Average hotel cost of three stars and above hotels in off-peak - selected dates between 10-16th June 2024
• Number of things to do in the area
• Number of walking routes
• Number of bus stops