After years of hard work, you have finally clocked in your last workday and are officially retired. What to do now? Retirement is a wonderful time to explore the places you have always dreamed of visiting.
Are you planning your dream retirement travel? In this article, we have compiled a list of the 10 best vacation spots in the world for you.
Now that you have more time and savings, you will be able to relax and enjoy all your retirement travels. If you are worried about your budget, keep in mind that traveling, once you are retired, does not have to be expensive.
Explore the UK, visit the African continent, learn the rich cultures of the Middle East and Asia, and see the beautiful wonders of the Americas. Wherever it is you want to go, you will find both budget destinations and deluxe experiences right here. Check out our list of the top 10 places to go on vacation in the world for retirees.
Planning your Dream Retirement Travel
1. Choose a Destination.
The destination is the first thing you must plan. You probably have a bucket list of places to visit once you are retired. Now is the perfect time to tick those destinations off the list! If you still have no idea where you want to go on your first retirement travel, our list will guide you through some of the best options.
2. Set a Budget.
It is important to set your budget before planning the details of your trip. Do you plan on going on a budget trip or a luxurious vacation? Do you want to stay in luxury hotels or are affordable accommodation options okay with you? How much do you want to spend on food, transportation, and souvenirs? Setting a budget will help you plan your whole trip.
>> Bring the medications and supplements you need in all your travels with a pill organizer.
3. Get the Best Deals.
One of the best things about being retired is the perks that come with being a senior citizen. There are a lot of tourist spots that offer senior discounts. You can get good deals on flights, entrance tickets, activity passes, and even hotels. Scheduling your vacation on weekdays and during the off-peak season will also get you more affordable options. These deals are perfect for retirees to enjoy a vacation without breaking the bank.
Best Spots for Retirees: UK
The UK is a retiree-friendly place to visit. Famous for its grand castles, historic landmarks, and beautiful architecture, the UK is a laidback destination that you should add to your list.
Pros:
- Many laidback destinations for retirees
- Several historical landmarks to learn about
- Beautiful beaches and natural vacation spots
Cons:
- Expensive cost of living, especially in the city
- Unpredictable weather conditions
- Tourist destinations are crowded during the peak season
Best Value: Devon and Cornwall, England
Located in Southwest England, Devon and Cornwall are beautiful tourist destinations for retirees. You can choose to have a relaxing vacation by the beautiful beaches or have a bit more adventure with a quick hiking trip on the Southwest Coast path.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Tintagel Castle, the Birthplace of King Arthur
- Land’s End Landmark
- Powderham Castle
Important Details
For the best value, you will get to explore the beautiful fishing villages and coastal paths on this 5-day tour of Devon and Cornwall. Don’t forget to take pictures of the breathtaking scenery at Land’s End and have a quick bite at the Apple Tree Café. This tour starts at $860 per person.
Deluxe Travel Destination: London, England
London will cost a bit more than Southwest UK, but it is a prime destination especially for retirees. Explore the gardens, towers, castles, and more in this beautiful city.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace
- Westminster Abbey
- Churchill War Rooms
Important Details
An excellent option for retirees is to take a private tour. Private tours allow you to walk at your own pace and ask many questions to your tour guide. Try this Private Tour of Westminster and Buckingham for $31 per person. Another private tour that you will love is the Home of Anne Boleyn for $280 per person, including transportation. When going around on your own, don’t miss the Churchill War Rooms at a discounted rate of £17.60 ($24.41) for persons over 60 years old.
Best Spots for Retirees: Asia
Asia is a large continent that has a destination for everyone. Whether you are looking for adventures on your travel or are just hoping for a relaxing vacation, you will be sure to find a destination for you.
Pros:
- Numerous historical sites to visit.
- Mouthwatering and exotic food scene
- Modern cities and technological innovations
Cons:
- Extra care is necessary to combat insect bites and sunburn, especially in tropical climates
- Language barrier can hinder the travel experience
- Petty thefts and tour scams may be encountered
Best Value: Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a top destination for retirees. From its historic temples to its mouthwatering food scene, you will find a lot of activities to do in the capital of Thailand.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Grand Palace
- Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Bangkok Food Scene
Important Details
Schedule your trip to Bangkok from November to January, as these are the coolest months. A truly budget destination, a flight bundle with a 3-night stay at a 4+ star hotel in Bangkok can cost as low as $800 per person.
Be sure to explore the temples of Bangkok. Try this amazing local tour of Bangkok’s Highlights & Hidden Gems for just $27 per person. Explore the wonderful Bangkok food scene with this private Chef’s Food Tour for only $60 per person.
Deluxe Travel Destination: Tokyo, Japan
Japan is a beautiful country that seamlessly mixes its historic culture and modern technology. What better place to start than to visit Tokyo, the country’s capital? Book your vacation during the cherry blossom season from the last week of March to the first week of April to have an unforgettable trip.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Meiji Shrine
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Asakusa District
- Tokyo National Museum
- Samurai Museum
Important Details
Take the time to stroll around one of the many beautiful gardens of Tokyo during the cherry blossom season, like the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Visit the Asakusa District to see the Senso-ji Temple and shop at the local Japanese stores.
Marvel at the Japanese artifacts in the Tokyo National Museum. Admission costs ¥1,000 ($9.18) for adults but is free for persons aged 70 and above. Alternately, you can explore the history of the samurais at the Samurai Museum in Shinjuku. You can even get to watch a live demonstration of how samurais draw their swords for battle from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. Museum tickets cost ¥1,800 for adults.
Best Spots for Retirees: Africa
At least once in your lifetime, you must visit the African continent and experience the safari. This continent is a wonderful destination for retirees to marvel at the diverse culture and landscape.
Pros:
- Many options for both adventure travel and laidback travel experiences
- The Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
- Beautiful beaches and exquisite scenery
Cons:
- Weather takes some time to adjust to
- Expensive during migration season
- Many destinations will require walking and hiking
Best Value: Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a bustling city with a diverse art and food scene. It has wonderful mountains and beautiful beaches, making it a perfect destination for relaxation.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Table Mountain
- Hout Bay
- African Vineyards
Important Details
You will be able to find quaint hotels in Cape Town for as low as $70 per night. Be sure to have a meal at Mzansi, one of the best restaurants in Cape Town for African cuisine.
To reach the summit of Table Mountain, hop on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for some of the best views of Cape Town. Another wonderful experience for retirees is this African Story Wine Tour that will take you through four vineyards and allow you to sample local wines and cheeses.
Deluxe Travel Destination: Maasai Mara, Kenya
Maasai Mara is best known for the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and impalas move from Tanzania to Maasai Mara. Watch these species cross the Mara River and the battle for survival against crocodiles and lions. Book a trip from July to September to experience the thrill and excitement of this natural occurrence.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Lake Nakuru
- Lake Naivasha
- Hell’s Gate National Park
Important Details
You will need to book a tour of the Maasai Mara from Nairobi. Try this 3-day Private Safari which includes meals, accommodation, and park fees for $840 per person. For a longer stay, you can opt for this 5-day tour of Maasai Mara and Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha for $950 per person.
Best Spots for Retirees: Middle East
The Middle East is a pot of rich culture, tradition, and modern innovation. It is both a budget and luxurious destination, depending on where you plan to go. Learning about the culture and history of the place will surely make a trip to this region worthwhile.
Pros:
- Historical sites and ruins are among the best in the world
- Modern innovation at its finest
- Luxurious shopping experiences
Cons:
- Language barriers can hinder the travel experience
- Political unrest in some countries can discourage tourists
- Food restrictions can be a turn-off for some tourists
Best Value: Amman, Jordan
Amman is another city that merges historical sites with modern influences. With ancient ruins, a thriving art scene, and incredible nightlife, you will find many reasons to visit the capital city of Jordan.
Must-Visit Spots:
- The Citadel
- King Abdullah Mosque
- Roman Amphitheater
- Royal Automobile Museum
Important Details
Visit the historical ruins and get the best views of the city at The Citadel and Roman Amphitheater. For car enthusiasts, be sure to check out the classic cars on display at the Royal Automobile Museum for 3 JD ($4.3).
Finding accommodations in Amman is relatively easy. You’ll be able to find a 5-star hotel like the Movenpick Hotel Amman for as low as $85 per night. Don’t leave Jordan without trying the delicious local delicacies or shopping for souvenirs at Rainbow Street.
Deluxe Travel Destination: Dubai, UAE
Dubai is one of the richest cities in the Middle East. For a deluxe vacation complete with a luxurious shopping experience and a visit to the world’s tallest building, Dubai is the place to be.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Mall
- Dubai Museum
- Desert Safari
Important Details
For a stress-free vacation, you can opt for this Arabian Dream Holiday tour that includes a Dubai city tour, Abu Dhabi city tour, Dhow Cruise, and Desert Safari. This 7-day tour package includes private transportation and hotel transfers for only $1,323 per person.
Best Spots for Retirees: Americas
The American continent has some of the best vacation locations in the world. From world heritage sites to natural wonders, this continent has many tourist spots to explore.
Pros:
- Majestic historical landmarks
- Rich culture and history
- Amazing local markets and food scene
Cons:
- A lot of activities may require long walking or hiking
- Language barriers can be experienced
- Cases of petty thefts against tourists
Best Value: Pacific Coast, USA
The Pacific Coast in the USA is home to some of the best national parks that feature amazing geological formations. Seeing all these natural wonders and amazing sunset views will surely take your breath away.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Grand Canyon
- Yellowstone National Park
- Yosemite National Park
Important Details
Don’t miss the amazing views of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. Try this 11-day tour of the Pacific Coast that starts in San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles. You will get to visit the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and more urban destinations on this tour. The package starts at $1,288 per person.
Deluxe Travel Destination: Machu Picchu, Peru
Spend some time marveling at the amazing architecture made of carved limestone at the ancient Incan citadel, Machu Picchu. This site is a must-visit for all ages. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu (Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu)
- Mariposario de Machupicchu
- Mandor
- Sacred Valley
Important Details
You can opt to go on a private tour through the Inca Trail or hop on the train to travel to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. An adult ticket to visit this historic site costs $65.
Check out this Day Tour of Machu Picchu which includes a ride on the Vistadome train for $401 per person. For a more complete experience in Peru, you can opt for this 7-day Peru Tour which includes hotel accommodations and visits to Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. The tour starts at $2,475 per person.
To Wrap It Up
Retirement is not the end of an era, but a wonderful beginning for your next adventure. The best way to enjoy all your retirement travels is to plan for it even before you reach the legal retirement age in your country. Make a bucket-list of all the destinations you want to visit and be sure to include these 10 best vacation spots in the world.
What’s Next?
If you enjoy this family vacation getaway, find out more about family friendly outdoor vacations here.