For a lot of people, life begins for real only after they retire. When kids are all grown up and work is not a concern anymore, they find that they finally have time for themselves. Once they are no longer limited by time and practical concerns, they can truly enjoy life and appreciate all its possibilities. But what are some of the best places to visit for Senior travelers? Take a look at our top choices.
Seductive Provence and the Loire Valley, France
Have you truly traveled, if you haven’t seen France? Forgo the tourist traps of Paris, and instead relax among the vineyards and lavender fields France is known for all over the planet. The fertile valley of the Loire river is full of medieval castles, towns and valleys, and the whole region is a World Heritage site. Head south to the hills of Provence to see the Roman ruins, or even further, to the Cote d’Azur, where the world’s elite lounges on yachts and bathes in the dazzlingly Blue waters of the Mediterranean.
Tranquil Bali
Bali is, without a shred of doubt, the crown jewel of the Indian Ocean. The island is a heaven for surfers, yogis, and anyone else who is looking for serenity, world class coffee, and perfect beaches. Whether you are looking for a luxury resort, or a shack on the beach, Bali has it all, and it surely deserves a spot on your list of places to visit.. The local cuisine is based on delicious, fresh local produce, and their luwak coffee is probably the most famous kind of coffee (and certainly the most expensive) in the world.
Lively Sydney
The bustling metropolis might not be Australia’s capital, but it is its most populous, cultured, dynamic and arguably most beautiful city. The city itself boasts some world famous golden-sand beaches, like Bondi and Manly. It has also become a veritable foodie heaven in recent years, with amazing choices for both fine dining and cheap eats. If you get tired of beach life and numerous events – a lot of them free – that are organized throughout the entire year, head to Hunter Valley for Australia’s finest wines, or to the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains where you can cool off and enjoy spectacular natural wonders. In fact, some senior travelers enjoy Sydney so much, they decide to stay for good and invest in comfortable luxury retirement homes.
Mythical Iceland
Although Iceland does not exactly top many travelers’ lists when it comes to European trips, it should. This island country in Scandinavia is surreal in its beauty. It is, in fact so beautiful, the landscape so mystical, and its culture so steeped in legends and myths, it feels otherworldly. This relatively sparsely populated country lies on shaky ground: it lies on 130 volcanoes, 30 of which are active. However, they are exactly the source of one of Iceland’s biggest attractions – the numerous geysers. Bathing in the mineral-rich Blue Lagoon, an open-air geothermal lagoon with warm milky blue water is an unmissable experience. Depending on the season, you can also see the midnight sun (in June) or the polar lights (August to April). Iceland is also an extremely well organized country with friendly locals.
Breathtaking Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is hailed the world over as the most heavenly landscape on the planet, and the reputation is well-earned. No description can come close to depicting the reality of the golden hills, the proud and solemn cypresses reaching to touch the brilliant blue sky, the sound of crickets in olive groves, and the charming medieval towns that seem to be perched on every hilltop. With mouthwatering food, fascinating culture and architecture, fashionable stores, excellent wines and laidback locals, there’s no better destination for a vacation than Tuscany.
It’s never too late to discover the wonders of the world. Choose your destination and opt for the shoulder season to avoid throngs of tourists. And don’t forget to take advantage of your age: you will find that most locations have numerous discounts for senior travelers.
