Travel for Retirees: The 17 Top Destinations Around the Globe

Travel for retirees is all about ticking off some of your dream destinations and exploring new cultures at your own pace. Whether you’re after relaxation on the beach, active adventure or around-the-world cruises, we’ve rounded up 17 of the top destinations around the globe to consider.

Getty Images / Alexander Spatari

Top cities: 

Popular attractions: 

Retirees seeking a blissful and affordable excursion will enjoy beautiful Portugal, full of picturesque landscapes and warm hospitality. The charming country offers sun-soaked beaches, vibrant cities and serene countryside, making it an ideal destination no matter what kind of trip you’re hoping to take. Visit the city of Porto, known for its port wine and architecture or the capital city of Libson, full of hilly streets and colorful neighborhoods.

istockphoto.com / JulieanneBirch

Top cities: 

Popular attractions: 

The vast and diverse country of Australia offers an adventurous getaway for retirees who want to explore the outdoors. The vibrant capital, Sydney, is known for its stunning harbor, iconic Opera House and Bondi Beach. To take in Australia’s natural wonder, visit Cairns, a tropical paradise filled with rainforests and wildlife and also the closest city to the Great Barrier Reef if you fancy a snorkel.

iStockphoto.com / starmaro

Top cities:

Popular attractions: 

Arguably one of the best places to visit in Europe and at least one of the most popular, the country of Italy is steeped in history, art and exquisite cuisine, making it a dream destination for retirees seeking a romantic and culturally rich experience. Explore the Colosseum or Vatican City in Rome or visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. From ancient ruins to incredible landscapes, this Mediterranean gem has much to offer. Find the best Italy vacation packages to make the most out of your trip.

iStockphoto.com / Martin Vlnas

Top cities: 

Popular attractions: 

Best known for its stunning natural beauty, New Zealand is an island nation nestled in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Here, you’ll find landscapes that include active volcanoes, glaciers, rainforests, beaches and deserts, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visit New Zealand’s largest city, Augland, for a bustling metropolis and plenty of museums. Or, head to the capital city, Wellington, to explore the vibrant waterfront district with harbor views.

istockphoto.com / StockByM

Top cities: 

Popular attractions: 

Immerse yourself in an entirely new culture in Japan. A fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern technology, Japan offers a unique experience for retirees. The most popular city is Tokyo, where you’ll find an energetic blend of culture, fashion and innovation. If you’re interested in more traditional Japanese culture and architecture, head to Kyoto, where you can admire ancient temples and shrines (like the Fushimi Inari Shrine) or partake in a traditional tea ceremony.

Getty Images / Walter Bibikow

Top cities: 

Popular attractions: 

With its rich history and culture, Ireland offers a warm welcome to retirees seeking a serene and scenic getaway. Here, you’ll witness rolling green hills, ancient castles and charming villages. Find plenty of things to do in Dublin, Ireland’s lively capital, whether you enjoy a pint at the Guinness Storehouse or stroll through Trinity College. For fresh seafood and traditional Irish music, head to Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city. Check out the best Ireland vacation packages to make the most out of your trip.

iStockphoto.com / Juergen Sack

Top cities: 

Popular attractions: 

Thanks to its affordability and well-kept infrastructure, Germany is a popular retirement location. The country is steeped in history and well-known for its efficiency and organization — it also has a diverse range of experiences to offer. Here, you’ll find everything from ancient castles to bustling cities. Berlin is a great place to start if you want to get a feel for the culture of Germany or you may fancy the world-class museums available in Munich.

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY

Top cities: 

Popular attractions: 

If all of your retirement trip ideas involve warm days by the beach, then look no further than sunny Florida. Here, you’ll find beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns and plenty of unique attractions to entertain you. Explore the natural beauty of the Everglades in Orlando or for a more cosmopolitan feel, head over to Miami, where you’ll find no shortage of exciting nightlife. For a quieter visit, Tampa offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the Tampa Museum of Art.

Getty Images / David W. Thompson

Top cities: 

Popular attractions: 

If jet-setting outside of the U.S. is on your retirement travel bucket list, then consider heading to Costa Rica, a Central American country renowned for its stunning natural beauty. If you’re a nature buff, you’ll enjoy everything from white-sand beaches and rainforests to volcanoes and waterfalls. If you want to spot wildlife, head to Manuel Antonio National Park. Don’t miss Arenal Volcano National Park, home to Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes for supreme views. Check out our top Costa Rica vacation packages to make the most of your visit.

Georgios Tsichlis / Brenda Urias

Top cities: 

Popular attractions: 

Retirement trips that offer both stunning landscapes and fascinating history are hard to beat, making Greece an excellent choice. Here, you’ll find captivating ancient ruins and idyllic islands to marvel at. In the vibrant capital of Athens, you can explore the Acropolis or wander through the Plaka district. Head to the picturesque Little Venice district in Mykonos for a touch of luxury. As for the best trips for the newly retired, you can’t miss Santorini, a volcanic island known for its dramatic cliffs and stunning sunsets. That said, you can’t go wrong with any of the Greek islands.

iStockphoto.com / Sean Pavone

Top cities:

Popular attractions:

In South Carolina, you will enjoy warm southern hospitality wherever you roam. Whether you are choosing to spend your days in an idyllic beach town or you want to explore the charming, historic cities that can be found throughout the state, you will be greeted with a welcoming smile from the locals. In addition to enjoying the white sands and rolling surf of Myrtle Beach, you will be able to make the most of the city's endless attractions, such as the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and the Hollywood Wax Museum Myrtle Beach. For a more relaxed pace, consider heading to Charleston, where you can take a step back in time on a horse-drawn carriage tour that showcases the magnificent architecture that the city is known for.

Shutterstock.com / Ryan DeBeradinis

Top cities:

Popular Attractions:

For guaranteed sunshine, Arizona is the perfect destination for your next getaway. Featuring sweeping desert vistas, colorful sunsets and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, Arizona is a favorite among retirees who want to stay active as they travel. In the vibrant city of Phoenix, you can start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride before you head out to check out the sights and sounds of the city. For a dose of art and culture, head to Sedona, where you will find art galleries, wineries and endless views of the famous red rocks. In the evening, gaze into the heavens on a stargazing tour. With very little light pollution, you will see the night sky like never before.

Getty Images / Andrew Merry

Top cities:

Popular attractions:

Retiree travel opportunities can take you farther than you ever thought possible — which is why you should set your sights on Scotland. It's the land of whisky, bagpipes and those adorable Highland coos and it's the perfect place to explore when you have more time on your hands. The capital city of Edinburgh is a must-visit destination in Scotland and you won't want to pass up the opportunity to climb Arthur's Seat for the best view of this Medieval city. During your extended stay in Scotland, be sure to take a tour of the Highlands, where you will be able to fully absorb the magical culture that this country has long been known for.

Getty Images / DenisTangneyJr

Top cities:

Popular attractions:

Maine may not be at the top of your bucket list travel destinations during retirement, but it should be. Tucked away in the upper corner of New England, Maine has rugged coastlines, pristine beaches and more lobster than you could ever imagine. Spend a day in historic Kennebunkport, where you can enjoy riverfront dining, shop the boutiques or grab a fresh lobster roll from a local lobster hut. Further north, you will find beach towns, sailboat excursions and winding hiking trails that allow you to witness the local wildlife.

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Mathieu Duchier

Top cities:

Popular attractions:

Retirement is supposed to feel like reaching paradise — which is why you should actually travel to paradise once you have reached your golden years. The swaying palm trees and soft sounds of the surf will immediately relax you. You could easily spend all of your days in Hawaii on the beach, but you wouldn't want to pass up on the opportunity to soak up the local culture. Be sure to enjoy an authentic Hawaiian luau during your trip.

istockphoto.com / wichianduangsri

Top cities:

Popular attractions:

Thailand is not your average vacation destination, which is why it is so appealing to those who are looking into travel for retirees. From five-star resorts with an emphasis on wellness to cultural attractions that allow you to expand your horizons, Thailand truly has something for every type of traveler. A Temples Tour in Thailand will take you to some of the most inspiring and incredible temples in this country.

iStockphoto.com / pixelfit

Top cities:

Popular attractions:

Imagine walking along the banks of the Seine as you soak up the most romantic view of the Eiffel Tower. That exact experience could be yours if France was one of your bucket list travel destinations. France is a country where you can sip wine, savor incredible food and experience a cosmopolitan culture. From private wine tastings to learning the art of textile printing and dyeing in Paris, there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the sophisticated lifestyle that France is known for.

The tips below can help you bring your retirement vacation ideas to life without a hitch.

Getty Images / Daniel Grill

Planning and preparation are key to the best retirement trips. Whether you’re interested in the best cruises for seniors or an adventure-packed trip, taking some time to plan will ensure your trip is well-organized, stress-free and tailored to your ideal getaway.

Carefully assess your finances to determine how much you can comfortably afford to allocate toward your trip. Consider various factors, such as:

To help you save on your travel, consider using a AAA travel membership. This gives you access to exclusive discounts on hotels, tours, attractions and more. These savings can help you stretch your budget further and enjoy more of your retirement trip.

When it comes to planning trips for retirees, traveling during the off-season (also known as shoulder season) can offer significant benefits, such as lower prices, fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. Avoiding peak travel times can also help you find better deals on flights and accommodations. If you prefer to avoid the busyness of tourist crowds, off-season travel might be for you.

Joining a travel tour group can be a great way to meet new people and explore new destinations. Tour groups often include amenities like transportation, accommodations and guided tours — essentially handling all of the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your trip. The best tour companies for seniors offer opportunities to connect with fellow traveling retirees and create a more memorable experience.

Before taking any retirement trip, remember to connect with your doctor to ensure you’re cleared to travel and obtain any necessary vaccinations or medications. Pack essential medications on your carry-on luggage to avoid any potential delays. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout your trip will help you stay energized and maximize your time exploring new places.

Getty Images / Kyle Monk

There’s no better way to embrace the freedom and flexibility of retirement than with an exciting trip. Remember to plan ahead with travel insurance and research the best destinations based on the type of trip you’re looking for. Take advantage of AAA Travel to find all the best travel guides, vacation packages and more.