Retirement is a perfect time to travel. Now that your working days are behind you, you are free to explore the World’s best offerings – from Alaskan waterfalls to discovering what it was like to live in Colonial America. Here are 9 of the best holiday destinations for seniors and retirees. It’s time to pack your bags, seniors!
1. Miami Beach, Florida
If you’d like to ditch your coat and scarf in favor of a warmer climate, Miami Beach could be the destination for you. Even though Irma happened just a few months back, Miami is calling for its tourists to make a comeback. It’s back to business all over town.
Miami offers beautiful stretches of beaches, lots of cultures and plenty of things for seniors to do. If you want to venture from the beach, there are lots of museums to visit in the city such as the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum which is located in the colorful Art-Deco district. And, just a short walk from there, you can visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – one of America’s most beautiful.
For hotels, you can stay at the luxurious Loews South Beach which is situated right on the beach front. Or if you’re more in love with the Art-Deco side of things, stay at the Park Central which is seconds about from the vibrant Ocean Drive.
2. California’s Highway One Road Trip
A road trip that has as beautiful views as California’s Highway One, is something you don’t want to miss out on. Explore the picturesque 750-mile highway, across a number of days or make it a week-long road trip with many stops along the way.
Highway One starts in the town of Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Then, it leads onto Santa Monica and through Malibu heading further north to San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Mendocino and beyond. This stretch of road has one of the most breath-taking views in the world, particularly between San Simeon and Carmel – sometimes called the Big Sur Coast. There are many inns and resorts you can stop at along the way to takes in the amazing views and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
3. Nevis, Caribbean
If you’d like to broaden your horizons by exploring a different country, Nevis is one of the most beautiful and peaceful islands that the Caribbean has to offer. It’s easily accessible, and the ultimate get-away to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
It comes without the noisy casinos and loud parties of other islands, so it’s very attractive to seniors. Nevis is one of the Caribbean’s greenest islands which boasts incredible scenery and uncrowded white sand beaches. Nevis also has some great cuisine, there are African, European and American dishes all on offer as well as ripe and juicy fruit like mangoes and tamarind.
Love golf? You should stay at the Four Seasons Resort and tee-off on one of the world’s most attractive scenic golf courses. There are many oceanside holes, as well as stunning views of the 200-year old sugar cane mills intertwined with palm trees and flowers. You might get to spy some Green Vervet monkeys while you are there too.
4. Douro River Cruise, Portugal, and Spain
A river cruise proves to be a more intimate and picturesque alternative to giant ocean cruise liners. A great river cruise for seniors is from Viking River Cruises, called ‘Portugal’s River of Gold’. You get to see a different view through your window every single day and visit places that you’d never otherwise get to.
The river cruise begins in the beautiful city of Porto, where you’ll get to see elegant bridges, visit famous port-side wine houses and various historic centers. This cruise is unique as you’ll go days without seeing another boat while you travel through the narrow waterways of the Douro River. Along the way, you’ll glimpse beautiful vineyards and stop to explore grand castles, baroque mansions, and monasteries of old.
5. Sedona, Arizona
The backdrop to all of your favorite Western movies is Sedona, Arizona. This colorful place is easy to get to from many U.S cities, too. And, it’s less than a two-hour drive from Phoenix. Enjoy stunning scenery in the form of red rock formations that switch color right before your eyes as the weather and light changes.
Sedona has a milder climate which makes it perfect for seniors who want to take part in outdoor activities as well as enjoying those fantastic views. Some amazing outdoor activities include jeep tours, hiking, and bird watching. If you’d like to relax, you can find incredible spas, resorts, and a vibrant art scene in the town. It’s also got a New-Age vibe with all kind of interesting shops offering up alternative cures for any ailments you might have.
6. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is a very friendly place for retirees to visit. And considering that it’s the oldest state capital in the U.S it has a very colorful history and many stories to tell. One foot inside the historic main plaza and you’ll feel like you were transported to another country.
In Santa Fe, you’ll be able to discover a whole host of attractions, art galleries, and unique museums. It’s home to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the Santa Fe Opera House and the iconic Canyon Road. It’s easy to get around to, as everything you’ll want to visit is within walking distance or you can take a free shuttle bus.
Santa Fe is also famous for its healing abilities. The city is known for its transformative qualities, with many tourists visiting to feel the healing energy. It’s also got some great places to eat, a perfect climate and endless trails for exploring the incredible scenery.
7. Williamsburg, Virginia
Excited by all things America? If so, take a vacation to Williamsburg and experience how life was for the first settlers. You can stay at one of the 26 Colonial Houses, and get comfortable in a tavern-style room. You can also visit Historic Jamestowne, the Governor’s Palace or go on one of the popular ghost tours.
If that’s not enough to make you want to visit, you can take a walking to tour to visit the blacksmith, saddle maker, the apothecary, and wig maker. You can also meet many of the Founding Fathers along the way and the First Lady Martha Washington. It’s like a Disneyland version of American History, filled with actors to make your time there memorable and a learning experience. The area is also home to many shops, museums and all kinds of other activities – why not take a ride on a horse and cart?
8. Key West, Florida
If you don’t want to visit Miami Beach, the Florida Keys might be a quieter alternative. The Keys stretch from Biscayne National Park all the way to Key West which is 125 miles north. Here, you can take advantage of some amazing water sports, sailing and fishing activities. There are also hundreds of restaurants of cafes littered across the island’s gorgeous beach front.
Key West is also known for its slower pace of living which can be perfect for retirees. It’s also a place where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets, one that you don’t want to miss is viewing it from the dock in Mallory Square. You can also take a day-trip to Dry Tortugas National Park where you can snorkel, and feast on some amazing Cuban cuisine.
9. Alaska Cruise
Even if you don’t have a passport, you can still experience the beauty of Alaska from onboard a ship. Cruises can be as relaxing or adventurous as you’d like, which is perfect for seniors. Most cruise lines offer some fantastic excursions where you can visit Alaskan towns or hike in the vast and stunning nature. There’s also an abundance of wildlife, so expect to see bald eagles flying above your head, whales swimming and sea otters frolicking about.
But, if you want to relax you can enjoy a meal from the cozy and warm ships while you sail past glaciers and huge waterfalls. This a great holiday destination if you want to get away from it all and spend some time in nature – Alaska will not disappoint.
This article is provided by ImproveBudget. ImproveBudget is a SeniorDiscountsClub content partner offering advice and tips on how to save and make extra money. Read the original article on ImproveBudget. Copyright 2018.
