The top travel destinations for seniors to Make Your Friends Jealous

A recent poll found 2,000 American retirees or soon-to-be retirees planning a big change. Over a quarter said their younger self would be jealous of their current life¹. About 40% are taking or planning a dream trip to celebrate retirement. Most (59%) plan to travel more in retirement than they did working¹.

The top places for these trips are in the U.S., Europe, and North America. Some brave retirees even dream of visiting Antarctica¹.

Key Takeaways

Retirees are planning more travel during their retirement years compared to their working lives.
Top destinations for retirement celebration trips include the U.S., Europe, and North America.
Some adventurous retirees are even planning trips to faraway destinations like Antarctica.
Seniors are seeking to make their friends envious with their travel experiences.
Selecting aesthetically pleasing and less mainstream destinations can result in envy-inducing travel posts.

Retire in Style: Exploring the World’s Best Destinations

Starting your retirement journey means the world is full of possibilities. AARP’s 2022 Travel Trends survey found 67% of people over 50 planned to travel in 2022, aiming for at least four trips². With 77% feeling safe to travel despite COVID-19, the door is wide open for senior-friendly adventures.

Inspiration from Seasoned Travelers

Retirees are eyeing places like Iceland, New Zealand, and Canada for their natural beauty². They’re also drawn to cultural hotspots in Myanmar, Morocco, Croatia, Peru, Cuba, and Bolivia². These spots offer stunning views, deep history, and unique cultures. Seasoned travelers share tips on the best sights and activities for memorable trips.

For luxury, Scottsdale, Arizona, is a top pick for relaxation². The Grand Egyptian Museum in Egypt, opening in early 2024, will be a highlight, showcasing over 100,000 artifacts².

Whether you love vibrant cities, peaceful rivers, or stunning landscapes, the world awaits². With many options for seniors and advice from experienced travelers, you’ll find the perfect spot to impress your friends.

Destination	Highlights
Iceland	Breathtaking natural landscapes, including glaciers, hot springs, and volcanic terrain
New Zealand	Stunning scenery, from snow-capped peaks to lush rainforests and pristine beaches
Canada	Diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage
Myanmar	Fascinating cultural experiences, including ancient temples and traditional villages
Morocco	Vibrant cities, stunning architecture, and unique culinary delights
Croatia	Stunning Adriatic coastline, historic cities, and breathtaking natural wonders
Peru	Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the rich Inca culture
Cuba	Colorful cities, classic cars, and a vibrant music and arts scene
Bolivia	Diverse landscapes, from the Andes to the Amazon, and unique indigenous cultures

When planning your retirement trips, look into senior-friendly options and choose what you love. With the right advice and an adventurous spirit, your retirement can be filled with amazing experiences that everyone will envy².

The Reinvention of Retirement: Embracing New Experiences

Retirement used to mean slowing down and enjoying a quiet life. But now, many seniors are feeling more vibrant and youthful than ever³. In fact, 60% of people are planning to reinvent their retirement, eager to start a new chapter³.

Retirees are keeping busy with old hobbies and new skills³. A big 43% are picking up old hobbies again³, and 33% want to learn something new³. Some are even starting side hustles for extra cash, with 78% planning to do so³.

Travel is a big part of this new chapter³. 40% of retirees have taken or plan to take a dream trip to celebrate³. And 59% aim to travel more in retirement than they did when working³. This is a big change from the 36% who wish they had worked less and traveled more³.

The “retirement reinvention” trend goes beyond just travel and hobbies⁴. Some retirees, like the woman who started the Women on the Road blog at 53, keep learning and exploring in their 70s⁴. They say “yes” to new chances and keep up with friends and health⁴.

Today’s retirees are redefining aging³. They’re planning big adventures, picking up old hobbies, or finding new loves³. Their enthusiasm and openness to change are inspiring. It shows that retirement can be full of possibilities.

top travel destinations for seniors

As retirement comes closer, many seniors are ready to start new adventures and see the world. Surveys show that top places for seniors include beautiful spots in the United States and rich cultural spots abroad⁵.

New Zealand is a favorite for its stunning nature, with a lot of national parks⁵. In the U.S., places like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are great for seniors⁵. Ireland is also popular for its history and charm⁵.

For those who love adventure, the Enchanted Islands and Machu Picchu are exciting⁵. Italy is known for its art, architecture, and food, drawing retirees who want a sophisticated experience⁵. Alaska is perfect for those who love the outdoors, with glaciers and boating⁵.

Destination	Highlights
New Zealand	Nearly one-third of the country dedicated to national parks, offering stunning scenery⁵
United States	Popular national parks like Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and the Grand Canyon⁵
Ireland	Ancient relics and historic charm⁵
Enchanted Islands	Associated with the iconic Machu Picchu⁵
Italy	Rich in art, architecture, and cuisine⁵
Alaska	Opportunities to explore glaciers, go boating, and immerse in the great outdoors⁵

These destinations offer a wide range of experiences for seniors. Whether you want to see nature, learn about culture, or have an adventure, there’s something for everyone. Retirees can pick from many options as they start their next journey of discovery.

Turning Travel Envy into Inspiration

While looking at social media might make you feel left out, retirees are finding ways to beat that feeling⁶. They plan their own trips, explore close to home, and share their stories. This helps them stop comparing themselves to others and start making their own adventures.

Practical Tips for Dealing with Travel Envy

It’s tough to beat travel envy, but retirees can take steps to manage it⁶. Setting goals, traveling alone, and staying busy can turn envy into inspiration⁶.

Plan your own trips for older adults and look for senior travel deals to get excited.
Discover hidden spots near you and share them with friends and family, showing off your adventures.
Stay off social media to avoid seeing things that make you feel envious⁶.
Change your focus from envy to curiosity by asking for advice from friends on their travels⁶.
Focus on your own growth and journey, not on comparing your trips to others’⁶.

By using these tips, retirees can make travel envy a positive force. It can inspire them to explore the world in their own way⁶.

“It’s never too late to start your travel adventures. I started my first big trip at 62 and have been traveling for 10 years. My advice to seniors is to research and plan, and don’t be afraid to try new things.”⁷

Travel Inspiration Source	Percentage
Pinterest boards	25%
Travel magazines	30%
Pop culture references (e.g., Game of Thrones)	15%
Online courses for travel photography	20%
Selling crafts, clothes, or services	10%

Retirees are finding new ways to use travel envy as inspiration. They’re exploring local spots, learning new skills, and starting businesses to feed their love for travel⁸.

By using these tips and being creative, retirees can turn envy into a positive force. It pushes them to go on their own amazing journeys⁶⁷⁸.

Senior-Friendly Adventures Around the Globe

Today’s retirees love the freedom of their golden years and seek unforgettable adventures worldwide. Top travel destinations for seniors include diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. You can find natural beauty in Iceland, New Zealand, and Canada, or explore rich heritage in Myanmar, Morocco, Croatia, Peru, Cuba, and Bolivia.

Looking for a senior-friendly vacation? You have many options. Enjoy relaxation on coastal retreats, go on scenic road trips like Route 66 and Blue Ridge Parkway, or dive into Europe’s cultural hubs in Paris, Rome, and Barcelona⁹.

Many best places to retire abroad offer unique experiences for mature travelers. Try hot springs in Iron Mountain, Colorado, or Burgdorf, Idaho, for a peaceful escape. Or explore small towns in America for a slower pace of life, perfect for outdoor adventures and cultural discovery⁹.

For cruises for retirees, the sea calls with luxury and relaxation. The Canadian Rockies offer age-friendly getaways with breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities⁹.

Whether you want relaxation, cultural experiences, or thrilling adventures, the world welcomes you as a senior traveler. With so many senior-friendly vacations and top travel destinations for seniors to pick from, your next adventure is just beginning⁹¹⁰.

“Retirement is not the end of the road. It’s the beginning of the open highway.” – Unknown

Conclusion

This journey showed us that top travel spots for seniors are more than just places to visit. They’re about making retirement exciting and full of new experiences¹¹. Places like Orlando, Florida, and Yellowstone National Park offer endless fun for seniors¹¹.

Seasoned travelers shared how travel can help us grow, learn new skills, and even start new businesses¹². AARP has opened doors to amazing places, from tropical islands to e-biking in the Finger Lakes¹². You can explore the Caribbean, see the Northern Lights, or enjoy state fairs, with so many choices¹³.

As you plan your trips, let travel inspire you and make retirement exciting. With the right attitude and tools, you can live the dream retirement, one adventure at a time¹¹¹²¹³.

FAQ

What are the top travel destinations for seniors?

A recent survey shows the top spots for retirement trips are in the U.S., Europe, and North America. Some adventurous retirees dream of visiting places like Iceland, New Zealand, Canada, and more.

What types of experiences are retirees looking for in their travels?

Retirees want to see beautiful landscapes and learn about different cultures. They’re drawn to places with stunning nature and rich history.

How are retirees approaching their retirement years?

Many retirees are starting a new chapter, with 60% planning to do so. They’re picking up hobbies, learning new things, and even finding love again. They aim to make their retirement fulfilling through travel.

How are retirees managing travel envy?

Retirees are fighting off the urge to compare themselves to others on social media. They set goals, travel alone, and stay busy to turn envy into motivation.

What are some practical tips for retirees to plan their dream vacations?

Setting goals and trying solo travel are key tips. Retirees should focus on their own adventures and share their stories to inspire others.