Best Vacation Ideas And Destinations For Seniors
Travel tops the to-do lists of most people of retirement age and older, according to the AARPa group that ought to know. Research after research has shown that its the number-one aspiration for those 50 and older, says Maria Gillen, director of the AARPs travel website. Were big believers in the idea of travel and its benefits to relationships and health.
Medical studies have found that those benefits include healthier hearts and brains as well as a reduced risk of depression. Not to mention what a good vacation can do for your Facebook feed.
But where to go? While the circumstances of those 65 and older vary widely with regard to budget, interests, and physical abilities, we think youll find a few enticing options among the 10 senior-friendly spots that follow. And weve thrown in some expert tips along the way.
GOOD FOR: adventure, discounts, road trips, multigenerational fun
GOOD FOR: relaxation, low physical activity
And for some destination inspiration, our features on our favorite islands in the Bahamas, beaches on Antigua, and tourist-free experiences on Barbados should give you a good start.
GOOD FORadventure, easy pace, bucket lists
GOOD FOR: easy pace, low to high activity level
GOOD FOR: healthy climate, outdoor adventure, arts and culture
GOOD FOR: bucket lists, adventure, group tours
Pixabay
GOOD FOR: warm climate, history, getting around
Traverse California’s Pacific Coast Highway
A scenic road trip can be an excellent, budget-friendly way to explore stretches of the U.S. you’ve never seen before. From San Francisco to San Diego, California’s Pacific Coast Highway or California Highway 1 provides a glimpse of some of America’s most dramatic coastal vistas. Take in Bay views and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco before heading south to San Diego winding slowly through surf towns with fresh seafood, state parks touting a range of outdoor activities, the rugged coastal mountains and cliffs of Big Sur , vineyards, kitschy roadside attractions, and more.
Visit The Nation’s Capital
With its smorgasbord of cultural, architectural, and historical landmarks to see, every American should visit Washington at least once. Entrance to many noteworthy museums like the National Museum of Natural History and National Air and Space Museum is free, and visiting iconic memorials along the National Mall and many other free activities can give budget-conscious travelers a big bang for their buck. For an inexpensive, flexible, and relatively easy way to navigate the city’s multitude of attractions, go on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour even a night tour of the capital citys illuminated monuments and memorials. You might just meet a potential travel buddy or a new friend along the way.
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Go Down Under: Sydney Australia
After more than two years of isolating lockdowns, Oz has finally opened up to visitors again. Its time to see Sydney in all its glory. Situated on the eastern coast of New South Wales, Sydney is the largest city in Australia.
Gaze upon the architecturally stunning Opera House erupting from Sydneys awe-inspiring harbour. Work on your tan at one of its many sandy beaches, visit the world-renowned Sydney Zoo, scale the Harbour Bridge or tour the Museum of Contemporary Art. After the sun sets, partake in the citys uber-cosmopolitan dining and vibrant nightlife. Sydney has no shortage of things to see and do, so its rather hard to pack it all into one vacation, but you can try.
Top Tip: Hire a car and drive 3 hours up the coast to Hallidays Point. This tiny village sports one of the most beautiful stretches of beach anywhere, or use your wheels to take a day trip to the famous ‘Blue Mountains’ for more epic scenery.
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas
For a retreat that focuses on both spiritual and physical wellness, head to Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat. This is a wonderful all-inclusive resort located on New Providence Island in the Bahamas.
This all-inclusive resort offers a truly authentic experience. Instead of endless entertainment and restaurant options, Sivananda Ashram welcomes its guests to embrace the yoga lifestyle. And what makes it all the more relaxing is that its set within a majestic tropical garden right beside the beach.
There are many benefits to staying at this all-inclusive resort. Some of these are listed below:
- Daily schedule of meditation.
- Several yoga classes throughout the day.
- Uplifting talks from yogis, scientists, healers, and religious leaders.
- Two vegetarian meals daily.
- Various beach activities, including snorkelling, swimming, and sunbathing.
This is also an ideal space for singles who have experienced a life-changing event, such as divorce or the death of a loved one.
As a place of healing, Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat is an ideal accommodation for anyone looking to find peace and happiness.
If youre planning some solo travel dont miss my posts on the bestSingles Holidays over 40, 9 Best All-Inclusive Vacations for Over 50s, vacations for over 50 singles, the best singles ski holiday options, the30 bestsingles travel groups, Bali Retreats for Singles, 53 Fantastic Gifts for Travel Loversand some fantasticsolo spa breaks.
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Ideas For Male Travellers
South America are perfect for those fit for curiosity. You will do a good job meeting natives while travelling the broad continent that is South America, as their friendly faces can help guide you through streets which can often times become maze like.
The world famous natural landscapes of nations such as Brazil is one thing, but the outdoor activities offered are also great for the thrill seeker. Jet skiing, surfing, and other beach related fun are good for mature travelers looking to tan.
For more active mature travelers, why not try a class of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for multi activity adventures in this increasingly popular destination. Senior travellers can enjoy this youth hotspot just as much as any other demographic, making Brazil perfect for multigenerational travel.
Vacations For Singles Over 60
Many of us are looking to enjoy our newfound freedom in retirement, and we have some ideas to help you explore vacations for singles over 60! While there are many vacation options available for families and couples, sometimes it can be challenging to find a place you can enjoy and relax when theres so much hustle and bustle.
When youre traveling solo, you can do exactly what you want to do. Take a hike, sleep in, read on the beach, or explore historical sitesthe options are limitless. Get inspired to take a dream vacation for single seniors.
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Spot Wildlife On A South African Safari
Get up close and personal with incredible wildlife on a bucket-list-worthy safari adventure in South Africa. With most days spent in all-terrain vehicles observing the “Big Five” roaming the boundless landscapes, excursions are often low impact and popular with budget-conscious boomers. Book a fully guided safari package through Kruger National Park, one of Africas largest game reserves, or another affordable day or multi-day Cape Town safari adventure. Other attractions include vineyard tours, beach getaways, and a tram ride up Table Mountain.
Best Solo Vacation Destinations In The United States
More and more American tourists are choosing to travel solo today, eschewing schedule coordination and group consensus in favor of much-needed “me time.” Solo travelers cite increased opportunities for relaxation and freedom to explore cities and destinations at their own pace as top reasons to travel alone. These destinations across the United States rank as top solo vacation spots for their wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities and their convenient transportation, either boasting sophisticated public transit systems or high walkability scores to major attractions. For a more structured solo vacation experience, many cities offer guided cultural tours, from bike or Segway exploration of city centers to guided brewery or culinary tours.
We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.
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Pigeon Forge Mountains Tennessee Usa
At the pigeon forge mountains, a moment will last you a lifetime. Visitors have been constantly exploring this mountainous heaven for the last sixty years. Although this travel destination is considered a fabulous family getaway, singles over 60 will also enjoy its views.
You will find anything here, ranging from beautiful hotels in Pigeon Forge TN with indoor pool to a great shopping experience in the nearby mall or a great hike in the Smoky Mountains. And even if you cant hike, you can sink yourself in the fresh air around the hills.
Hotels House Parties And Dinner Dance Breaks
Friendship Travel has house parties at Fethiye and Olu Deniz in Turkey which are exclusively for singles a sociable way to enjoy the sun. There are no single supplements and most meals and drinks are included. Solos Holidays runs its own ClubSolos hotels in handpicked Mediterranean resorts close to beaches, bars and restaurants. It also has a new hotel in Antigua.
On the Greek island of Crete, the Mistral Hotel is for singles only, with plenty of guests aged over 60 but a wide age range if you prefer a mix of company. The hotel arranges some activities, and theres plenty of free time to explore or simply lounge by the pools and on the beach.
For a holiday that could change your life, the converted farmhouse of Cortijo Romero in Andalucia is popular with over-50s, making up around half the guests. There are themed trips from Pilates to poetry as well as personal development. See the whole list of courses.
Enjoy the food and gorgeous countryside of Italy on a cookery course run by Flavours Holidays. Based at a villa with a private pool, youll be in a small group, and have your own room with no single supplement. About 80% of guests arrive alone and theres a mix of ages and genders.
In the UK, Warner Leisure Hotels has 14 properties in rural and coastal locations, each with an indoor pool, spa, plenty of optional activities from Nordic walking to wine tasting and no children. See the deals for singles which include thousands of rooms with no single supplement.
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Singles Vacations Over 20s First Steps Upon Long Roads
Most people begin their first adventures in their 20s. Its a time of new journeys, fresh ideas and the first steps upon long roads. For some, this young energy is the best outlet through traveling. Searching for guidance and purpose after study or work, more and more young travelers are hitting the road alone.
Solo vacations can be pretty intimidating for younger travelers. Without experience, long roads can seem mysterious and exciting but also daunting and lonely. Looking for a personal adventure without the anxiety of traveling alone? Single vacations are a fantastic option for over 20s.
Taking a singles holidays, you meet people your age to inspire, support and enhance your traveling experience. Its also an excellent way to meet people in their late 20s, who can share experienced but relatable advice. You can make friends for life those who share the same passion and energy for seeing the world.
Singles Vacations Over 60s Precious Time To Travel In Style
Vacation for singles over 60 allows you to have the adventure of a lifetime. Without the discomfort, excessiveness, and uncertainty that often comes with younger travel, older travelers get all the adventure but in style. Through singles vacations, you receive the raw and immediate experience with all the management and practicalities done for you. Once its all booked, you just have to do is relax, embrace the activity and enjoy the best times of your life.
One thing to consider is the activity level of each trip. What do you like more relaxing on the beach or climbing mountains? Some people rest through sweet laziness, and others prefer to spend time actively, doing sports or practicing skills. Specify how much activity you can enjoy. Even an active trip can either be pretty mellow or very intense.
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Adventure Vacations For Single Seniors
If you love discovering new sites, exploring new scenery, and getting acquainted with the local flora and fauna, we recommend adventure-themed trips for seniors traveling alone. Depending on where you go, you can participate in guided tour optionsor you can take the trip into your own hands and explore at your leisure.
The best part about adventure vacations for senior singles is that you have loads of options, both state-side and worldwide.
Pure Solo And Solo Travel Tours
Take a combination approach. You think you may be OK with some time on your own, but youre not prepared to risk finding out if solo travel is for you on a big trip. Mix it up. Start out or end with a side trip, or a city break in your arrival destination adding on a few extra nights to an organised tour. In any case, if youve travelled a long way, its great to have a day or more to yourself, to refresh after a long flight, and switch into holiday mode .
You don’t need to have peak fitness to solo travel over 60.
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Kiawah Island Golf Resort South Carolina
If theres nothing you love more than golfing, consider a trip to Kiawah Island Golf Resort on a stunning barrier island off the coast of South Carolina. Youll probably remember Kiawah from the 2021 PGA Championship. The Resort features five spectacular courses, including Turtle Point designed by the one and only Jack Nicklaus.
Planning an entire vacation centered around golf is a wonderful vacation for single men. Plus, youll be close to Charleston so if you want to spend the day downtown shopping or taking in the local sights, its convenient and easy to access.
California’s Pacific Coast Highway
One of the best state-side adventure trips a single senior could take is exploring Californias Pacific Coast Highway. This trip is a splendid opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the West Coast from the comfort of your own car.
The most popular way to experience this trip is to start in San Francisco and end in San Diego. While you drive, youll take in breathtaking views of the Bay Area, local surf towns, rocky coastlines, vineyards, quirky roadside attractions, and so much more. As you make your way to San Diego, we highly recommend stopping to enjoy the fresh seafood in local restaurants, taking a break to watch the sunset, and even stopping for a few days to enjoy California wine country.
If youre looking to make your own agenda and move at your own pace, this trip will allow you to go when youre ready, slow down when you want to explore more, and provide you with some unforgettable scenery every step of the day. Sites like California Crossings have DIY itineraries or you can look to book a guided tour through companies like Off the Beaten Path.
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The Best Travel Tour Companies For Seniors
Most tours for older travelers do a good job meeting the needs of travelers in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and even 90s, but there are some travel tour companies for seniors that go above and beyond. And while age is just one of the many factors that defines your travel style, its still nice to know youre traveling with a company that puts in the extra effort to make their tours for seniors really work for everyone on the trip.
Here are the travel tour companies for seniors that shine especially bright when it comes to the offerings, amenities, and details that serve older travelers.
Our Suggestion For Over 30s: Detox Vacations
There are some myths and false expectations about detox retreats. They arent about staying inside all day, lounging around, or just drinking a smoothie and going back to bed . In reality, they are much more interesting and exciting than this. Instead, you learn how to face life, its challenges in rewards, with a boost of confidence, health, and self-love. Detox vacations are an excellent way to learn how to stay healthy in both life and while traveling.
Treat yourself to a vacation like the seven day Bali retreat. It includes a week-long organic diet, detox therapy sessions and workshops to help you change your mind and attitude towards a healthy lifestyle. Its about cleansing all the negative out of your life refreshing you to get back home and tackle everything with a fresh body, mind, and perspective.
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Bike Barge And Tulips: The Netherlands
Best known for its iconic tulips and twirling windmills, the Netherlands also boasts the highest number of cyclists per capita than anywhere else on the planet. Situated between Belgium to the south and Germany to the east, the low-lying country of Holland is etched with a vast network of bike paths and winding canals crisscrossed by a system of locks and draw bridges making it the perfect destination for biking and cruising, Dutch style.
Board a vintage barge at Amsterdams Oosterdocks where the two-wheeling jaunt begins. Each day pedal on terra firma through historic towns and beside watery byways that stretch across greener-than-green countryside. Stop along Instagrammable ribbons of colourful flower fields or take a coffee at a pavement-side café. Cycle at your own pace the pancake-flat terrain makes riding a breeze, even for those with mobility issues.
In fact, Greg Shank and his wife Diana, chose this particular trip because of a recent health crisis that left Gregs legs shaky and his balance compromised. Oddly enough, Im much more comfortable on a bike than on my own two feet, says Shank.
YuBike offers a wonderful four-day, five-night tour that begins and ends in the countrys storied capital. Rates include bike hire , accommodations, meals, and all the coffee and tea you can drink. Purchase bottles of wine onboard at the very reasonable price. Transfers and gratuities are extra.