The perfect time to get out and travel the world, going to places you’ve been dreaming of seeing in person, is after retirement. The question is, where should you go? The following destinations are the best vacation spots for the elderly and will undoubtedly spur you to get packing.
Sedona, Arizona
You can easily get to Sedona from several U.S. cities, and it is not more than a two-hour drive from Phoenix. It’s located in the center of a geological paradise, with multi-hued red rock formations that change color every minute as the weather fluctuates and light changes. The scenery is stunning, and the mild climate makes outdoor activities much more fun. Some of the opportunities include bird watching, jeep tours, and hiking. In town, you’ll find stunning resorts, a vibrant art scene, world-class spas, and a New Age vibe with different shops and services that offer alternative remedies for whatever might ail you.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
Going on a road trip can make for a wonderful vacation, especially when exploring a place you’ve never been to before. If you are yet to travel Highway One along the California coast, you must already, as it’s one of the most exquisite drives in the world. The stretch of highway between Carmel and San Simeon that’s sometimes called the “Big Sur Coast” is magical and features many resorts and inns where you can get your fill of the ocean views right from your room. If you still want to extend your drive, consider traveling further north to San Francisco or even to Mendocino and beyond.
South Beach Miami, Florida
If you’re craving beautiful stretches of sand, sunshine, warmth, and lots of culture, consider going to Miami Beach. It has plenty to offer retirees and all types of tourists. You can experience endless scenic beaches and exceptional beachfront resorts. Also, there’s an abundance of shopping opportunities in the city itself and many fantastic museums, like the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum. Just minutes away is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, one of Miami’s very best tropical oases. Appreciate the beauty of well-documented and taxonomically arranged tropical plants, mainly flowering trees and shrubs, vines, cycads, fruit trees, and palms. You can also check out the documented botanical specimens that were collected or cultivated since the late 1930s.
Nevis, Caribbean
The Caribbean is easy to access, and there are so many islands to flee to and enjoy the ultimate tropical vacation. But, if you’d prefer avoiding loud parties and noisy casinos, consider going to Nevis, as it’s beautiful, peaceful, and doesn’t come with the celebrations that can interrupt your sleep. Among the Caribbean’s greenest islands, you’ll also experience pleasant, uncrowded white-sand beaches and lush, breathtaking landscapes. Plus, Nevis is one of the best islands for cuisine with its fabulous dishes that are typically a fusion of European, American, and African, along with plenty of local fruits such as tamarind and mangoes. If you like golfing, you can stay at the Four Seasons Resort and enjoy one of the world’s most picturesque courses, featuring numerous oceanside holes and views of the Green Vervet monkeys from Nevis Peak and historic sugar mills.
Cruise Ship at Ketchikan, Alaska
If you still don’t have your passport but want a unique experience, you can go for an Alaskan cruise. It can be as active or as unwinding as you’d prefer. If you like getting out on an adventure, lots of lines offer land tours where you can paddle among the sea otters and whales or where you can hike while bald eagles soar above you. But of course, if you prefer to enjoy a relaxing meal while passing through grand glaciers and magnificent waterfalls, you can do that too from the warmth of the cozy ship.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
As the United States’ oldest state capital, Santa Fe has a pretty interesting history and a historic central plaza that will make you feel like you’ve walked into a completely different country. It’s famous for its wealth of extraordinary museums, unique attractions, and a wide array of art galleries. There’s a higher assembly of museums and galleries here than almost everywhere else globally, and each one is within acceptable walking distance from the town square. The adobe city is also renowned for its transformative qualities, attracting many to feel its healing energy. Plus, the climate is pleasant, the surrounding scenery awe-inspiring, there’s outstanding food, and there are various trails nearby to explore if you like hiking.
Douro River Cruise, Portugal
River cruises have become some of the hottest travel trends in the past years since it eliminates the time and hard work it takes to plan trips, and you’ll get to see a different daily view out your window. Among the perfect options for the elderly is Viking River Cruises’ “Portugal’s River of Gold,” an off-the-beaten-river cruising route that starts in Lisbon and ends in Porto, which is known for its historic center, elegant bridges, and world-famous port wine houses. You’ll have fun cruising between the terraced vineyards of the upper Douro River, with the long spells on the water without having to see other boats, and exploring spectacular baroque mansions, historic monasteries, and castles.