7 Best Senior-Friendly Travel Destinations

After years of hard work, you’re finally ready to retire. This is the perfect time to get out and see the world! There are probably many places that you’ve dreamt about visiting, delicious meals to try, and wonderful adventures to encounter. But how to choose the right place to go? And which considerations should you keep in mind when it comes to the places you want to visit? These destinations will probably increase your motivation even more, and you might want to start packing as soon as you learn more about them!

Important Considerations for Senior Travel

There are some things you should keep in mind when it comes to traveling, especially as a senior. Here’s a summary of the most important things you should consider before and during your exciting trip.

1. Do some research: It’s always important to know the conditions of the country you’re going to as well as how much money you should carry. If you don’t want to take directly from your savings, you can always get personal loans for fair credit to finance your trip.
2. Get health insurance: More likely than not, your regular health insurance won’t offer coverage outside the country. Therefore, you can get travel insurance to make sure you are covered in case anything happens. Similarly, you should make sure you’re bringing with you all the medication you regularly need.
3. Accessibility: In case you have reduced mobility or you use a wheelchair, it’s always good to know if the places you’re visiting have ramps and are adapted to your needs. This way you won’t face any disappointment about not being able to visit once you make it there.
4. Stay in touch: Whether you’re going alone, with your partner or with friends, someone else should know your itinerary. Let someone at home know how to contact you or get a cell phone line abroad to stay in touch with the people back at home.

Great places to go:

Europe

This is one of the most visited continents by senior travelers. If you’re a history lover, and you want to immerse yourself in a different culture, this might be the place for you. Try to check an online travel agency MustGO to make your trip easy and stress-free.

Some of the places that stand out are:

1. Great Britain: This is a great destination, especially if you’re an English-speaker. However, it’s also one of the most expensive destinations in Europe. Despite this, the beauty of London and other cities might make it worth it.
2. Italy: This is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Even the capital, Rome, has competitive prices when it comes to its neighbors. There are numerous senior-friendly destinations, including Rome and Milan. That said, cities like Venice can be less accessible.
3. Spain: Barcelona is known as one of the favorite places for senior travelers. This is because of the spectacular weather and the rich culture that can be experienced at every turn. It’s not the most accessible city for people in a wheelchair and prices are slightly above average. However, you can always enjoy a day on the beach.
4. Greece: The Greek islands are famous worldwide for their beauty. Mykonos is an interesting place, where both young people and the elderly find a place where they can explore and enjoy delicious food. Furthermore, some tours are specifically designed for people with reduced mobility.

The United States

There are a great number of options in the United States. Some of the ones to highlight are:

1. US National Parks: When it comes to national parks, you have the opportunity of getting a senior pass for $20 a year, which allows you to visit over 2,000 US destinations for free! Some of the places you can visit are the Great Canyon National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and many more.

All of these parks have friendly trails, which are perfect for people of all ages, as well as wheelchair accessible areas. However, the Rocky Mountain National Park is at a very high altitude, so it won’t be ideal for people with respiratory issues.

2. Arizona: One of the things people love about Arizona is the dryness of the weather, which makes it perfect for seniors who are looking to escape humid environments. Furthermore, the Scottsdale area is well-known as a destination for seniors, with resorts especially designed to tend to your needs and wheelchair accessibility. Also, there are numerous activities in which you might be interested in, from golfing to exploring the beautiful lakes in this state. There’s something for everyone here!

3. California: This is usually a more luxurious destination for seniors who love the sun and being close to the beach. The area of Palm Springs offers great stays, and there are gourmet restaurants as well as other luxury activities to get involved with. You can also head to Malibu or Santa Monica, and enjoy a day on the beach. With the great number of seniors residing in the area, most buildings are wheelchair accessible.

Cruises

Last but not least, you have what many consider the vacations of their dreams. A cruise is a place where absolutely everything is taken care of for you from the minute you make your payment. There will be excellent food 24 hours a day, activities directly aimed at senior citizens, and you’ll get to know different places without having to take an uncomfortable trip. Most cruises –if not all- are designed to be senior-friendly, and you can visit anywhere from the Greek islands, to Alaska, as well as the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Whatever you choose, remember to be safe and enjoy yourself!

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.