Retirement is that phase of life when you can finally do the things you have always wanted to do. You no longer have to tire yourself out at work or worry about your kids because they now have careers of their own and busy living their own lives. It is time for you to sit back, relax, and just enjoy life.
Those nearing retirement dream of the day when they can finally travel to see the world. Travel is one of the most fulfilling activities you can do in your life. Those who travel a lot say that when senior citizens travel, the mind and body is kept active, promoting healthy aging and minimizing the risk for health issues. It also presents opportunities to learn new things, meet new people, and develop new perspectives in life, leading to a life of wellbeing.
Ask frequent travellers and you will find out that some travel destinations attract a lot of seniors. A destination brimming with cultural attractions or one that has a long and rich history is more likely to appeal to seniors travellers. If you’re a senior traveller still choosing the first destinations to visit after you retire, you would most probably want a city with a lot of museums, local markets, iconic landmarks, one that’s easy to get around in either by foot or local transport, and where good food and clean rooms are affordable.
If you’re been meaning to explore the world now that you have retired but can’t seem to decide where to go, below are some of the best travel destinations for senior citizens.
London
A world-class city, London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and should be in every senior traveller’s bucket list. In London, there are many tours and day trips available letting you explore clustered attractions and interesting places. Tour companies offer guided tours to major sites in the city as well as nearby attractions like Bath, Stonehenge, the Salisbury Cathedral and university towns like Cambridge and Oxford. By joining these tours, you will be able to cover more ground in a short time, plus it brings the convenience about not having to worry about long drives or getting lost while exploring the city.
But for those who want to do a DIY tour of London, its public transport system is one of the best in the world. You can easily travel from one point to another by bus, train, or taxi. Take advantage of the Hop On Hop Off Bus to get a unique perspective of London’s major sights and attractions, and of course, to save on transportation costs.
Oahu
If you’ve been dreaming about a relaxing getaway for years, you should head to Hawaii. Whether your idea of relaxation involves basking in the sun, following forest trails, joining volcanic park tours, visiting filming locations, going on a cruise, admiring rock formations and sea cliffs, or participating in a luau, the islands in the Hawaiian archipelago have something for you.
The islands of Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai, and Lana’i are tropical havens waiting to be explored and offer senior-friendly attractions to keep you entertained. But if you just have to choose one island to spend your vacation in, pick Oahu. The island abounds in interesting places to visit and fun things to do.
Aside from spending time in Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, you can visit Pearl Harbor, the USS Missouri, and the Arizona Memorial. For seniors wishing to experience Hawaii’s other islands, there are day trips and excursions from Oahu to Kauai, Big Island, and Maui offering fun-filled island and eco adventure tours.
Bangkok
For seniors who wish to learn and experience exotic cultures, a trip to Thailand is a must. One of the major tourist destinations in the world, Thailand should be one of the first few places you should visit during your retirement.
For your first trip to Thailand, head to Bangkok, the capital city, where you’ll spend days of even weeks enjoying the warm climate, fascinating culture, delectable local food, and endless shopping options. Join a tour that will take you to Bangkok’s highlights such as temples, museums, floating markets, and historic landmarks and you will end longing for more. If you wish to venture beyond the Bangkok’s boundaries, day trips to world-famous attractions in Ayutthaya and Pattaya are available from the city.
What’s great about Bangkok is that everything is so cheap that you can book a room in a five-star hotel for cheaper than what you’d normally pay when vacationing in more expensive destinations like Paris or Las Vegas. Plus, Thais are very hospitable people so you can expect to experience excellent customer service.
Barcelona
Spain is a beautiful country to visit and a highly popular travel destination among senior citizens. The wonderful Mediterranean climate, complemented by a rich cultural heritage, makes Spain a favourite among senior travellers.
One of the Spanish cities that rank high among seniors is Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. A combination of natural beauty, historic and cultural attractions, and modern conveniences and comforts, Barcelona is a tourist destination that makes elderly tourists feel at home. Additionally, Barcelona boasts a spectacular cuisine and a vibrant café culture.
To make the most out of your vacation in Barcelona, join guided tours that will take you to the city’s main attractions, particularly Antoni Gaudi’s creations like the La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Pedrera, and Casa Batillo. Gaudi is an illustrious Catalan architect famous for popularizing Modernism as an architectural style in Spain.
Rome
Seniors have a deep fascination for history so it’s no surprise that Rome attracts huge numbers of older tourists annually. Senior travellers flock to Rome to experience the ethereal beauty of the place’s ancient treasures like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Spanish Steps, to name a few.
To have a more enjoyable exploration of Rome’s top attractions, consider booking guided skip-the-line tours. You’ll learn more about the attractions and admire them up close without having to compete with an overwhelming tourist crowd.
For those who want to see more of Italy while travelling Rome, you can take day trips and excursions to Assisi, Positano, Assisi, Capri Island, and Amalfi Coast.
Singapore
Another world-class destination that’s perfect for senior citizens to travel in is Singapore. The wonderful city-state is clean, green, safe, and has a public transport system that’s envied by other counties. Singapore makes for a great starting point for those who want have a uniquely enriching experience because its culture is one of the most diverse, not only in Asia, but in the world as well.
Singaporean cuisine is influenced by different cuisines – Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Thai, and Indonesian. Migrants belonging to different ethic groups brought with them their culinary traditions giving Singapore a vibrant and culturally rich food scene. The local food in Singapore, especially those you’ll find at hawker centres, are a combination of different ethnic elements, and each bite is a burst of different flavours and textures.
For senior citizens wanting to travel the world, planning for that ultimate vacation need not be complicated. Need more vacation ideas for the elderly? Check out the top destinations and attractions on Travezl.com.
By: Brendelyn Balaga
