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Whether you have your retirement date marked on your calendar with a big red dot or have just started this next chapter of your life, a getaway has probably crossed your mind.
After all, there’s no more waiting for your annual vacation and then filling it with endless activities until you drag yourself back to work more tired than when you left. You’re retired now!… And if you’re reading this article, you probably love to travel.
But how do you choose the best post-retirement vacation for you? There are many things to consider: activities, cost, language, transportation… the list goes on and on.
So whether you want to rest or need some excitement, crowds or solitude, budget-friendly or luxury, here are 4 fantastic ideas for your post-retirement vacation.
This magnificent island is located on the cusp of Italy, and it’s the perfect post-retirement vacation for those seeking ancestral towns. Sicily’s capital, Palermo, is lively, with spectacular cathedrals, colorful outdoor markets, and delicious street food.
While here, you MUST try the fried rice balls: arancini and the Sicilian wines from vineyards near Mount Etna, Sicily’s active volcano. You should also explore the charming and unique cities along the coastline and Sicily’s interior that offers something for everyone.
Visit the ancient ruins at Agrigento, Siracusa, Selinunte, and Taormina, a testament to the history of this island. And you’ve also got miles upon miles of stunning beaches, fresh seafood, ancient architecture, and friendly people.
Traveling between the cities in the area is also a breeze by car, train, bus, or private driver.
Scottsdale has many options for a post-retirement vacation where you’ll be spoiled in lavish surroundings. The Andaz, for instance, offers bungalows and suites, or for even more privacy, op for the retreat’s secluded cottages that have a private swimming pool.
On the other hand, The Hotel Valley Ho greets guests with retro furniture that will take you back in time to the 1950s.
You’ll find walkable Old Town boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and craft breweries when you’ve been sufficiently restored and ready to explore the surroundings.
Visit the Museum of the West to see an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, artifacts, and photography. Meanwhile, the captivating Museum of Contemporary Art offers a variety of installations, photography, paintings, and videos.
Architecture fans should visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, which was his winter home and architecture school.
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this stunning 469-mile route merges Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It’s the perfect scenic ride to kick off your post-retirement vacation.
And the best part about this post-retirement vacation is that you can go at whatever pace you want by relishing in the picturesque views from roadside pullover areas or hiking one of the 80-plus trails the region has to offer.
From campgrounds to upscale log homes, plenty of accommodations are also available. And you can enjoy traditional music, history, culture, biking, and nature, and even stop for a few rounds of golf.
While on this adventurous post-retirement vacation, be sure to stop by the majestic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, constructed in 1895 by George Vanderbilt.
Tours take guests through the 250-room house and garden, making you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
The saying: “Pura Vida” is a typical motto in this Central American country for a good reason. Various environments, including jungles, rainforests, volcanoes, coastlines, and hot springs, make it a fascinating place to explore.
Wildlife lovers get a chance to snap a few pics of monkeys, wildcats, sloths, whales, reptiles, and sea turtles in their natural habitats.
And after a day of diving, surfing, hiking, playing golf, or exploring Mother Nature, you can look sit back and relax on an unspoiled beach or in a rich rainforest.
Five-star hotels and resorts are scattered throughout the country, so you can choose whatever surroundings you’d like to find what “pura vida” truly means. In Guanacaste, the “Reserva Conchal” is surrounded by the sands of Playa Conchal.
On the other hand, in the center of Costa Rica’s rainforest, Playa Cativo Lodge is a deluxe beachfront property accessible exclusively by boat. And Nayara Gardens, on the rim of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park, boasts incredible views of the volcano.
Keep in mind that this country has two international airports, Juan Santamaria in San Jose and Daniel Oduber Quiros in Liberia. So make sure you choose the most convenient airport and ground transportation when booking your post-retirement vacation.
Be sure to let us know which of these post-retirement vacation ideas was your favorite in the comments section. And in the meantime, we also highly suggest reading: 5 Budget-Friendly Places Couples Will Love
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My wife and I have been retired for almost 15 years. We have visited Canada, Great Britain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, and all the "lower 48" states. It's hard to pick a favorite, but spending 8 days touring Italy with our kids and grandkids will be extremely hard to beat. Our "bucket list" still includes Norway or Finland during Midsummer in order to experience the "midnight sun" and a trip thru the Canadian Rockies on the "Rocky Mountaineer."