Everybody talks about retirement in a general way, but if you ask for specifics, you'll find a lot of people are really anxious about it ... What will I do all day? Who will play with me? Where should I live? Do I have to move out of my house? How will I know which volunteer job or class is right for me?

Retirement is both a challenge and an opportunity. You can do all those things you have put off until you had time ... or you can look at the time as something you have no idea how to fill. Let's start with "Play."

Use your time to travel.
Many newly retired people find they need some time to figure out what's next, a transition period taking them from a life full of work to one without it. Lots of people use this time to travel, taking a major trip to places they have always dreamed about. This travel time gives one the chance to see what it is like to be away from the familiarity of the old office or business while still providing the opportunity to think, meet new people, and see new things. For others, an extended weekend is as much travel as they want to do.

Figure out which kind of travel is best for you.
Did you have a support staff at your job which made your reservations and then handed you the tickets—or do you actually enjoy the process of planning and booking a trip? This could help you decide whether an organized tour is right for you, or if you prefer to design your own itinerary. Do you want to hike or cruise, eat at the finest restaurants or prefer street food? Do you have a partner who wants to do the same things you do or would you be better off traveling separately? Have you considered a home exchange, a trip to your ancestral roots or a meditative retreat?

Know what you want. Then start planning.
Whether you want to travel alone, as a couple, or with family or friends, there are many options available. So don't automatically reject a certain type of trip until you look at traveling in a new way. Consider these options:

● Trips designed for retired travelers are often longer than those for people still working and limited to two weeks vacation. So look at those advertised specifically for seniors if you have more time.

● Senior trips can be just as active and adventure-filled as you want—hiking, rafting, sailing. If you want it, there is a group offering it. ‘Senior' doesn't necessarily mean the other travelers will be slowing you down or unable to keep up with the daily distances. Most of the established companies require medical release forms and are pretty clear about the altitudes to be visited and degree of difficulty involved.

● Vacations in warmer climates are a good way to 'try out' a possible move to a new place.

● Dozens of tour companies offer classes and educational opportunities along with travel, which is appealing to many retirees.

● If you want to travel and combine the time with volunteer work, there are organizations offering ways to use your skills and interests to benefit others. Help build homes for the homeless, teach skills in developing countries, or join educational, medical or social projects in over a dozen countries or in the US. These groups often charge a small fee, but it is usually tax deductible.

- Miriam Goodman is the author of the just-published book, Reinventing Retirement, available on Amazon.com now and in bookstores in April.

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