Best Vacations for the Elderly
For many people, retirement opens up a whole new world of possibilities. The kids are grown up and on their own, and you are no longer tied to your desk at work. This is your chance to get away, see the world, play lots of golf, and enjoy life to its fullest with family and friends. The world is your oyster, so why not spend your days out exploring! Here are some of the best vacations for the elderly to start your mind wandering.
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A river cruise is perfect for active seniors who will enjoy exploring charming little towns that dot the river’s banks, and historic cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. River cruises are also great for people who are less mobile, as they can enjoy the view from the deck as they drift down river. Pick a cruise that lasts a few days or a week, and then consider adding on a few days in a comfortable vacation condo in Vienna or Budapest, where there is so much more to explore.
Transportation inside and between Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, and the Disney Water Parks is a breeze. You can take air-conditioned buses, relaxing boat rides, or the famous Disney Monorail, and there are plenty of scooters available for anyone that doesn’t feel up to walking. With golf courses, spas, world class dining, shopping, and, of course, the theme parks, you’ll enjoy your visit here just as much as the grandkids will.
For those that want to chart their own itinerary, London’s public transportation system is one of the world's best. You can easily make your way around the city by bus, the Tube (as London's subway system is called), or even the Thames Clipper commuter boats. There are many excellent vacation apartments for rent all over London (Sloane Square is a chic neighborhood, and it's affordable if you negotiate a bit). Be sure to set aside an evening of theatre in London’s star-studded West End.
Why not consider spending a few weeks teaching English to schoolchildren in China? While you’re there, your volunteer vacation company will offer tours to some of the incredible sights, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing or the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Terracotta Army in Xi’an. Since it's a long (but worth it!) trip to the Far East, rent a beachside vacation cottage in Hawaii for a few days of relaxation on your way home.
There are also a dozen world-class golf courses around the area, including the Branson Creek Course at the Branson Creek Golf Club, named Missouri's best public golf course by Golfweek Magazine. Branson's downtown area is beautiful, with lots of shopping and restaurants everywhere. Spend an afternoon shopping in Branson Landing for some Ozark specialties such as woodcrafts and homemade candles.
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Go Cruising
- Trip/Destination: A European river cruise
- Best for: A romantic second honeymoon for couples
- Must see: The Castle District in ancient Budapest
A river cruise is perfect for active seniors who will enjoy exploring charming little towns that dot the river’s banks, and historic cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. River cruises are also great for people who are less mobile, as they can enjoy the view from the deck as they drift down river. Pick a cruise that lasts a few days or a week, and then consider adding on a few days in a comfortable vacation condo in Vienna or Budapest, where there is so much more to explore.
2. It’s a Small World After All
- Trip/Destination: Walt Disney World
- Best for: Getting the whole family together
- Must see: "It's a Small World" is a classic for children of every age.
Transportation inside and between Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, and the Disney Water Parks is a breeze. You can take air-conditioned buses, relaxing boat rides, or the famous Disney Monorail, and there are plenty of scooters available for anyone that doesn’t feel up to walking. With golf courses, spas, world class dining, shopping, and, of course, the theme parks, you’ll enjoy your visit here just as much as the grandkids will.
3. Explore a World Class City
- Trip/Destination: London
- Best for: Groups of seniors and tour groups
- Must see: The view from the London Eye
For those that want to chart their own itinerary, London’s public transportation system is one of the world's best. You can easily make your way around the city by bus, the Tube (as London's subway system is called), or even the Thames Clipper commuter boats. There are many excellent vacation apartments for rent all over London (Sloane Square is a chic neighborhood, and it's affordable if you negotiate a bit). Be sure to set aside an evening of theatre in London’s star-studded West End.
4. Rest and Relax
- Trip/Destination: Hawaii
- Best for: Seniors who want to kick back and relax
- Must see: The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
5. Get Away and Give Back
- Trip/Destination: A volunteer vacation
- Best for: Active seniors who want to see the world, and give back at the same time
- Must see: The Terracotta Army in Xi’an, China
Why not consider spending a few weeks teaching English to schoolchildren in China? While you’re there, your volunteer vacation company will offer tours to some of the incredible sights, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing or the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Terracotta Army in Xi’an. Since it's a long (but worth it!) trip to the Far East, rent a beachside vacation cottage in Hawaii for a few days of relaxation on your way home.
6. Take in a Show
- Trip/Destination: Branson, MO
- Best for: Seniors who love theater
- Must see: A country-western show
There are also a dozen world-class golf courses around the area, including the Branson Creek Course at the Branson Creek Golf Club, named Missouri's best public golf course by Golfweek Magazine. Branson's downtown area is beautiful, with lots of shopping and restaurants everywhere. Spend an afternoon shopping in Branson Landing for some Ozark specialties such as woodcrafts and homemade candles.
7. Soak in Southern Charm
- Trip/Destination: Charleston, SC
- Best for: Senior tour groups
- Must see: Charleston’s beautiful house museums
