15 Best Destinations That Seniors Are Traveling To in Their Free Time
If you’ve always wanted to have the time to travel at your leisure, becoming a senior is the perfect time to live out that dream, especially if you’re retired. Your time is your own to do as you please.
Where would you like to travel? Someplace close to home or far away? To a domestic location or an international spot?
No matter where you choose, you’ll want a place welcoming to mature travelers. If you’re ready to pack your bags and go, check out these fantastic destinations.
1. Alaska
Alaska is more than just a snowy paradise. It has a rich diversity of people, flora, and fauna. Get immersed in the state’s distinct Indigenous cultures or take an ecotour to view the Northern Lights up close.
If exploring on the water interests you, several day cruise options are available, including glacier, wildlife, private day, and river cruises. Alternatively, you can stay on the ground to see the unique Alaskan wildlife by going birding, bear watching, or visiting a wildlife conservation center.
2. California
When planning your visit to the Golden State, you might have difficulty deciding what to do because California has everything you want. You can ski, hike, and surf in places that are in relatively proximity to each other.
Several theme parks, like Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, and SeaWorld, await, in addition to an electrifying arts and cultural scene. California’s dining options are limitless and can meet everyone’s tastes, from food trucks to casual fare to Michelin-star restaurants.
3. Canada
Our neighbors to the north have a cultural and physical diversity that appeals to any traveler. You can relax at one or more of the nation’s luxurious spas or return to nature with a camping or glamping trip in the Canadian woods.
One of the best ways to experience the country is by taking a scenic drive. Quebec alone offers several scenic driving routes. You can traverse the countryside, the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, or in between towns with cobblestone streets.
4. England
Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and the Tower of London are some of the more popular attractions to see in England’s capital city. Yet the regions outside London also have their share of exciting sites to visit.
In Staffordshire, you can pay a call to Trentham Monkey Forest, and stroll amid the 140 Barbary macaques living there. Take a step back at the Calke Abbey estate in Derbyshire, which looks close to what it had a century ago.
5. Greece
Classical Greece is considered the cradle of Western civilization, and relics of that era can be found everywhere. The island of Crete is the site of the Minoan civilization, which is the home of the mythical Minotaur and the labyrinth it was kept in.
It’s amazing to see the ruins of the ancient world. Visit Athens to tour the Acropolis and walk in the footsteps of the worshippers of the Greek goddess Athena at the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to her, which is now an open-air museum.
6. Hawaii, USA
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Hawaii or a veteran traveler, you’ll never find enough time to do everything you want. While Oahu is the most popular destination, the other islands have much to offer.
Molokaʻi is the fifth largest of the Hawaiian islands and has a high population of residents who are of Native Hawaiian ancestry. You can tour the island’s sights, including Pāpōhaku Beach or the breathtaking sights of Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
7. Iceland
Some mature travelers want to experience the raw environment around them firsthand. They would probably enjoy a trip to Iceland, a country whose natural beauty is perfect for adventurers and explorers alike.
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal health spa that is a must-visit for everyone. Before you soak, get moving with excursions like riding a snowmobile across a glacier, taking a tour of an ice cave, or surface diving.
8. Ireland
Of all the places to visit in Ireland, Dublin might be your first stop. Its Viking history is intertwined with the modern world, and it’s evident in the architecture, including the pubs, cafes, and shops in the city.
Visitors can find some of the Emerald Isle’s famed mountains and coastlines at Dublin Bay. Friendly residents, quaint villages with local shops, and alleys and streets full of art can also be found. The capital city is a beautiful place to visit.
9. Louisiana, USA
Very few places in the world have as rich, diverse culture as the state of Louisiana. Naturally, it’s easy to associate it with Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but other regions of the state are equally worthy of consideration for a visit.
Shreveport-Bossier City is known for its food, festivals, and numerous gaming sites. The city of Opelousas is famous for its 19th-century buildings and brick sidewalks. Lake Charles has golf courses, amazing food, and the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road.
10. Maine, USA
All year round, there is something to see and do in Maine. In the fall, you can drive along any number of roads to view the glorious changing colors of the foliage. In summer, you’ll be delighted by the hot air balloons in the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest.
Come wintertime, you can go night skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, or even ice fishing if you can stand the cold. Spring is the perfect time to hike, bike, ride horses, and go spring fishing.
11. Michigan, USA
Lovers of the arts and culture will revel in some of the country’s most iconic museums, which happen to be located in Michigan. The city of Dearborn has the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, and Detroit has the Motown Museum, where the careers of many music legends started.
Have you ever heard of Mackinac Island’s famous fudge? If you haven’t, you should make a point of visiting there. Even if you’re not big on sweets, the island’s charm, with its car-free streets, eclectic shopping places, and awe-inspiring views, makes for a fulfilling stay.
12. Netherlands
Its famous tulips are understandably one of the biggest draws to the Netherlands. While seeing the colorful bulbs should be on your itinerary, don’t overlook what else the country has to offer. There’s quite a lot to see and experience.
The best way to see what’s going on in the Netherlands is to hop on a bicycle and start exploring. Its cities are extremely bike-friendly, so residents cycle nearly 680 miles a year. You won’t be expected to cycle that much, but you can still have a lot of fun seeing the sights.
13. New Mexico, USA
History buffs will find many signs from America’s past in New Mexico. From the ghost and mining towns where people sought their fortunes to the alien mysteries of Roswell, there are enough locations to satisfy your curiosity.
There’s also no shortage of national parks in New Mexico. Observe animals in their natural environs at the Valles Caldera National Preserve in Jemez Springs and trek through the old missions at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountain air.
14. New York City, NY, USA
In many respects, New York is the entertainment center of the world. You can always find something going on, no matter the time of day or night. You can buy tickets to watch The Lion King, Hamilton, or The Notebook on Broadway, or catch a recording of your favorite late-night show.
During the day, you can take a walking tour of Manhattan to discover the Underground Railroad and the work of the abolitionist movement. While exploring, walk through museums like MoMA, The Met, and the Guggenheim.
15. Wyoming, USA
One place that’s off the beaten path for travelers is Wyoming. It may not have the glitz and glam of California or New York, but that’s why it’s such a terrific place to visit. It has clean air and a peacefulness that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
As you might expect, strong Western and Indigenous cultures coexist in the state, and visitors have the opportunity to experience both. There are also plenty of outdoor activities on land, water, ice, and snow.
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