Are you free as a bird with travel time on your side? Being more mature than most travellers doesn’t mean your trip can’t be an adventure. Safe and accessible, sure, but certainly not tame!
If you’re anything like us, you’re already planning your next trip. We’ve narrowed down 7 spectacular travel ideas to bookmark for your trip search. Whether you’re traversing the world, orchestrating a last-minute road trip, or mapping your migration south before those autumn frosts hit — we’ve got you covered. Check out these 7 fun destinations we’ve put together so you and your loved ones can have a fun yet relaxing time together.
1. A breath of fresh air in the US with a National Park loop
Seasoned road trip travellers will be no strangers to a US national park or two, but have you ticked off all of the parks in the Pacific Northwest? On top of discovering new gems, you might be surprised by how many free camping sites are available between state and national parks. Since 2012, a National Park Service task force has made increased park accessibility a top priority; and Rocky Mountain and Congaree National Parks are already fairly accessible, even for those in wheelchairs.
Need a little more direction? Let the National Geographic’s National Park page be your guide.
2. Sit back and relax on a European river cruise
If you’re in the mood to trade roadways for riverways, Europe has it all, allowing you to explore as merchants once did. France is a superb option, but if you’re looking for something a little more unique, we highly recommend a Rhine River tour. Not only can you relax and let the sights come to you — starting with the canals of Amsterdam — but you can also see how magical Germany’s Black Forest is.
3. Catch a train ride through Norway’s unique scenery
The land of ice and snow isn’t always so frosty. Discover places that inspired your favourite Disney movies, as well as some sustainable travel spots. Relax on the Bergen line or the Flåm line and see Norway’s majestic fjords firsthand. After all, Norway has an award-winning network of scenic railway lines, from Kristiansand in the south to Bodø, above the Arctic Circle.
4. Experience the city of trees, Singapore
If you’re fine with long-haul flights, check out Singapore, the city of trees, both natural and manmade. Singapore is an extremely safe option to explore another world right here on Earth. Vibrant in culture and progressive in terms of accessibility and walkability, you’ll find opportunities to explore for days on end. Singapore will open your eyes and mind. Be sure not to miss the solar-powered ‘supertrees.’
If you’re worried about losing your luggage on long flights, check out this blog post on the value of Baggage Insurance.
5. Enjoy life like Hemingway did in Cuba
No travel list would be complete without a Caribbean getaway filled with tropical escapism. Cuba is always a great choice for those looking for value — both financially and culturally. There, you can travel like Hemingway. Step back into the past with a tour of Havana in the morning, then crack open your novel du jour by the beach in the afternoon. Or, channel Ernest and learn to fish with the locals or write a line or two at his favourite watering hole.
Before you embark, you’ll want to review these clever tips for travelling to Cuba, as well as some insurance insights.
Sip wine by the sea in Portugal
If you’re in the mood for something warm and exciting, Portugal will have something special for you. . The country is considered safe and affordable for those looking to travel for several weeks or more. Plus, you’re only a short flight from the rest of Europe.
Of course, Portugal’s the perfect place to sit by the sea and sip some deliciously sweet port wine. Did you know that the port wine-making process was accidentally invented when brandy was used to fortify wine held in oak caskets during import from Portugal to England?
For more inspiration, explore these castles in southern Portugal and learn about the Algarve region.
7. Ride through the Canadian Rocky Mountains
Last but certainly not least – the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Arguably, the best way to see Canada is by train. Sip tea while you roll through the Rockies one day, see a haunted hotel or two, and tuck into a delicious French-fusion lunch in Montreal only days later. You’ll find jaw-dropping views are a-plenty on this ride, from quaint alpine towns to the busy metropolis of Toronto. Finally, you’ll set foot into the postcard scenes of the Maritimes, like Halifax’s Mahone Bay. While this is one of the more expensive ways to see the Great White North, it’s more than worth the ticket to ride. Sit back and let the adventure come to you.
That wraps up the seven destinations we recommend for senior travellers! We hope this post gave you some inspiration for your next travel adventure. Remember to stay safe out there! Always protect yourself from unpredictable medical emergencies. Learn about travel insurance for mature travellers.
Happy travels,
Suki
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2020, and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.
