By Paul Mitchell | Financial and Retirement Planning Coach
Find him here at: Your Smart Retirement Coach
Introduction
If you’re in your 50s or 60s and starting to think seriously about retirement, there’s a good chance you’ve run into a worrying realisation: your pension savings may not be enough to fund the lifestyle you really want.
This isn’t just your issue — it’s a national one. The average UK private pension pot at age 55 is estimated to be just £107,000. Spread over 20+ years of retirement, that equates to roughly £5,350 a year — before tax. Factor in rising costs of living, longer life expectancy, and later access to the state pension (age 67 by 2028), and the problem becomes crystal clear.
So what can you do if your numbers don’t stack up?
One increasingly popular solution: starting a flexible, low-cost online travel business that can generate real income — even in retirement.
Understanding the Pension Income Gap in the UK
The pension income gap is the shortfall between what you’ll need to live comfortably in retirement and what your pensions and savings are likely to provide.
According to recent data:
- The average person aged 55–64 has around £107,000 in their pension pot (ONS).
- The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association suggests a moderate retirement lifestyle requires £23,300/year for a single person.
- Many people will have a 10–12 year gap between accessing personal pensions (from age 55/57) and the state pension (age 67).
Traditional advice might suggest working longer or scaling back your lifestyle — but there’s a Plan B that more and more people are exploring…
Prefer a quick overview?
In this short video, I explain how this travel business opportunity works and why it could be a smart move if you’re looking to supplement your pension income.
A Smarter Plan B: Building a Travel Business in Retirement
What if, instead of tightening your belt, you could:
- Work part-time, from home or anywhere in the world.
- Make commission on bookings made by friends, family, or contacts.
- Earn affiliate income by helping others start their own travel businesses.
- Keep your brain engaged and your lifestyle flexible.
And all this with low start-up costs (under £200) and minimal overhead (around £42/month).
That’s the promise behind my travel business opportunity, where I help people — especially over 50s — launch their own online travel agency using a simple system that anyone can follow.
Why Travel? Why Now?
Travel is back in full force, and demand continues to soar:
- The UK travel industry is projected to exceed £45 billion in 2025.
- River cruises, escorted tours, and long-haul trips are booming with retirees and affluent over-50s.
- People trust recommendations — especially from someone who has “been there, done that.”
If you’re already known in your circle as someone who travels, this is a natural extension. If not, you can still learn — full support and training are provided.
What Makes This Different from a Traditional Franchise?
Many franchises require tens of thousands in upfront costs. This isn’t that.
Here’s what sets this travel business apart:
| Feature | Travel Business Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Under £200 |
| Ongoing Cost | Just £42/month |
| Training | Full digital and personal onboarding |
| Location | 100% online and remote |
| Earnings | Commission + affiliate income |
| Experience Needed | None — just interest and reliability |
You’re not selling “get rich quick” schemes. You’re helping people travel better — and you earn as they do.
Is It Right for You?
This won’t suit everyone.
✅ It’s perfect if you:
- Want to supplement pension income
- Like travel or helping others
- Can spare a few hours each week
- Want to build something flexible that fits your life
🚫 It’s not for you if:
- You need immediate income this month
- You’re unwilling to learn new things
- You’re not comfortable communicating online
But for many, this offers purpose, income, and fun — all in one.
How to Get Started
To help you explore whether this could work for you, I’ve created a free downloadable guide that explains how the business works, the income model, and how to get started.
🎁 Download the FREE Travel Business Guide here:
👉 https://yoursmartretirementcoach.co.uk/free-travel-business-guide/
If it speaks to you, there’s a short form you can use to request a call — no pressure, no hard sell.
Also please feel free to email any questions or queries to me at: [email protected]
Or you can Whatsapp me on +44 7887 7887 59
Or set up a FREE no cost no obligation 15 minute discovery call over Zoom here:
https://yoursmartretirementcoach.co.uk/contact
Whatever you decide to do I wish you all the best for a healthy and prosperous well-deserved retirement
Related Reading
To help you explore your retirement options further, here are three other articles you may find useful:
- ✅ When Can I Retire in the UK? – Understand the rules and thresholds around pension access and timing.
- ✅ Bridging the Gap to State Pension Age – Learn strategies to cover the years before your state pension kicks in.
- ✅ Plan B for Retirement: Why a Travel Franchise Might Be the Smartest Move – A related article focused on the affiliate model.
