The Best Vacations For Your Just-Retired Loved Ones
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If you are reading this and happen to be recently retired (or your loved one is), congratulations! Welcome to the next chapter of your life, where your new 9 to 5 can be whatever you want. What should you do first with all the extra time on your hands? Go on the trip of a lifetime!
From scenic coastal retreats and vibrant cultural cities to thrilling wildlife safaris and serene nature escapes, there are countless destinations perfectly suited to celebrate this milestone. Here, I highlight some of the best vacations to consider, each offering a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Iceland
Here’s a secret—while Iceland is known for its Northern Lights, visiting the country is arguably even cooler (and literally warmer) during the midnight sun in the summertime. One of the major benefits of the sun not setting is that travelers can maximize their time exploring Mother Nature with the extra light.
While the most popular driving route to see Iceland is the Golden Circle, Lindblad National Geographic offers a unique 10-day expedition via icebreaker ship that covers the entire circumference of the country. The adventure begins in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital city best known for the Blue Lagoon as well as must-see spots including the Harpa Concert Hall and the historic Hallgrímskirkja church. The rest of the trip includes more remote locations like the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal wonders of Geysir, and the tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park. Throughout the expedition, guests are accompanied by a team of expert naturalists, photographers, and historians who provide in-depth insights into Iceland’s unique ecology, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
South Africa
What better way to celebrate retirement than with a bucket list African safari? Experiencing a safari in the Eastern Cape of South Africa allows travelers to make other stops on their itinerary from the lovely coastal Cape Town to the beautiful city of Johannesburg. Kariega Game Reserve offers four different properties within its grounds at various levels of luxury for wildlife enthusiasts.
It’s truly stunning to witness giraffes roaming the meadows freely, as well as elephants, zebras, and yes—guests could even possibly glimpse lions. Guests will head out on a morning and late afternoon game drive that starts with a morning coffee during sunrise and ends with a sundowner for sunset amidst the lush beauty of Mother Nature. The game drives are led by expert rangers, who not only bring guests close to the animals (but still at a safe, regulated distance), they also share facts about the area, animal behaviors, and more.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
This beach retreat is a welcome stop if you’re driving along Highway 1 or simply visiting Monterey, California. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming village, just south of Monterey, which was known as an artist’s refuge in the woods and beach, and its creative roots still thrive today.
While Monterey is known for golfing and is home to Pebble Beach Golf Links, arguably the nicest golf course in the country, there’s much more to do. Pro tip: the best way to see the area from the town to beaches to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is by bicycle. Mad Dogs & Englishmen, a thriving small business is located in the middle of Carmel-by-the-Sea (with a Monterey location right by Cannery Row as well) where visitors can take bike tours or ride on their own. Adorably, they even offer sidecars for dogs as well. If you've got a canine travel companion, Carmel-by-the-Sea is particularly dog-friendly, with some restaurants even offering doggy menus upon request.
Stay at the newly opened Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave, steps away from the center of town. The atmosphere of the rooms and property feel like you’re staying in someone’s airy and charming, upscale beach house.
AlUla
If you love Moab, Utah, and Petra, Jordan, AlUla is a hidden gem many travelers aren’t even aware of in Saudi Arabia. This ancient oasis city is home to a wealth of archaeological treasures, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, also known as Mada'in Saleh. Hegra boasts over 100 well-preserved Nabatean tombs, carved into the sandstone cliffs which can be explored with minimal crowds. Guests can book a jeep tour with a guide to learn about the rich history of these tombs from over 2,000 years ago.
Stay at Our Habitas AlUla, a sustainable luxury resort where the service is extremely personalized and makes guests feel at ease. Every corner of the resort seems like a photo opp from the main pool, the villas that blend in with the surrounding mountainous landscape, and the wellness spa.
Alaska
In the spirit of bucket list trips, you can’t fully take in the beauty of Alaska without seeing a grizzly bear! Natural Habitat Adventures Grizzly Bear Camp in Lake Clark, Alaska, offers a wonderfully unique and unforgettable experience for retirees seeking an up-close encounter with wild brown bears. The campground sits on the shoreline of Lake Clark National Park, where guests will take a small bush plane from Homer.
Expert naturalist guides lead daily excursions, offering insights into the behavior, biology, and conservation of these magnificent creatures. Small group sizes ensure a personalized experience and enhance the chances of witnessing intimate bear interactions. It feels like an adult camp in the best way, where there’s no cell service which means there's no chance of distracting messages coming through. Nights are spent discussing the day’s adventure paired with a local brew.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
While this might be one of the most domestic spots on the list, the “City of Brotherly Love” is a historic oasis for retirees that’s truly a bucket list stop. As the birthplace of American democracy, Philadelphia is home to landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Travelers need to try a Philly cheesesteak to see if Pat’s or Gino’s reigns supreme and of course run the famous Rocky Balboa steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Stay at the W Hotel, where this contemporary and stylish retreat gives a nod to local culture. The suites offer stunning views of the city, with uniquely shaped bathtubs and more space than you’d ever expect for a city hotel. The property makes a strong effort to infuse local artists into the details of the hotel from the light fixtures, blankets, artwork in the lobby as well as local music on the weekends. There is a wellness spa and for those brave enough to try something new, venture into a cold plunge at your own risk!
Switzerland
Switzerland, known for its jaw-dropping landscapes, is a country where visiting in the Winter or Summer months are two completely different experiences. Before heading to the Alps, travelers can experience the city of Zurich, known for its sophisticated culture and arts scene, where travelers can get lost in the cobblestone streets amongst shops and local eateries. Baur Au Lac is a luxury property that sits across from Lake Zurich where the hospitality is unmatched. Guests are truly living a European dream waking up and sipping espresso on their balcony overseeing the city street.
Most Americans don’t find their way to Arosa, about a two-hour train ride outside of Zurich. The landscapes of Arosa look like a desktop background, with perfect mountains and rolling green hills in the summertime with lots of hiking, biking, and the Arosa Bear Sanctuary. Stay at Faern Arosa Altein, steps away from the charming village. The comfortable property is built for a mountainous getaway, with a restaurant on the top floor overlooking the mountains.
The Galápagos Islands
Many can only dream of taking a trip to the remote archipelago in the Pacific Ocean known as the Galápagos Islands. A short flight from the mainland of Ecuador, these islands are known for their pivotal role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. It’s a living museum of biological diversity, where visitors can see animals that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.
Aboard the weeklong Ecoventura yacht expedition, guests will spend days snorkeling with sea lions and marine iguanas, hiking, bird watching and more. There’s no more than 17 passengers onboard so the experience is extremely intimate and convenient because the yacht is your home base for the week as it moves around the different islands. Each island boasts its own distinct ecosystem, from the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz to the blue-footed boobies of Española, ensuring a new and exciting discovery at every turn. Ecoventura is the only Ecuadorian-owned expedition company in the Galapagos and the service is unmatched from its gourmet meals onboard to expert local guides.
Walt Disney World
Let’s make this clear—Disney World isn’t just for kids! Tapping into a world of imagination with whimsy and nostalgia can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. Using your imagination doesn’t have an age restriction.
Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida, is a magical destination that appeals to visitors of all ages, including retirees looking for a whimsical and nostalgic vacation. If you’re looking for a magical alcoholic cocktail, you won’t find it in Magic Kingdom, but you can drink around the world at Epcot including a spiked Dole Whip concoction in Canada. If you bring your grandchildren along for the ride, you’ll be the grandparent of the year and create lasting memories with your family.
No matter where you choose to go, the adventure awaits. These trips offer more than just a break from routine—they provide a chance to explore newfound hobbies, reconnect with nature, and most importantly, enjoy the freedom of retirement.
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