Retirement Travel: Top 10 Trips for Seniors – NerdWallet

The world is full of wondrous places to visit, but the average American worker gets just 15 days of vacation a year after they’ve been on the job for five years. Even worse, only 48% of workers use all of the paid time off they do get.

When you retire, you have unlimited free time and can travel when and where you want without having to ask for time off.

As you think about retirement travel, here are 10 trips for seniors you should add to your bucket list.

One of the best trips for seniors is visiting the U.S. National Park System. There are more than 400 national park sites for retirement travelers to explore. While some are free to visit, others charge an entrance fee (though there are a few fee-free days every year). Seniors 62 and older can buy an annual pass for $20 or a lifetime pass for just $80. Some older adults turn the national parks into a road trip opportunity to visit numerous parks along the way.

For retirees with mobility concerns, there might be more to do than you think at national parks. Some offer free all-terrain wheelchairs and accessible trails or learning centers.

According to an AARP 2024 retirement travel survey, Europe is one of the most sought-after destinations. On a Danube riverboat tour, you could cruise through up to eight countries in Central Europe as you make your way to the Black Sea. With these cruises, you’ll experience the culture, history and cuisine of incredible destinations, including Germany, Austria and Hungary.

Barcelona is an incredible choice for traveling during retirement. With the city’s location on the Balearic Sea, the coastal breezes keep the temperatures cool in the fall and spring. There’s also fresh seafood to tantalize your taste buds.

Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region of Spain, and it is known for its art and architecture. It was the home of the famous designer Antoni Gaudí, whose astonishing buildings dot the city, including the stunning Sagrada Familia, a light-filled, soaring cathedral (that’s still a work in progress more than 100 years later).

4. Paso Robles, California

Wine lovers can sample local wine varietals throughout the Paso Robles region of central California. Paso Robles is roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it an easy journey for visitors from either city. This area is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style wines, but most wineries offer multiple types of wine for visitors to enjoy.

Nearby Hearst Castle is one of America’s best-known “castles” from the early 20th century. This hilltop wonder is an experience to behold as you tour the estate and enjoy the views of the valley below. The castle offers multiple tours of different lengths and abilities, including an option for a private tour for up to six people.

5. Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg is well known as the home of Nelson Mandela, and travelers here can learn more about his impact on South Africa and the world. You can visit the Apartheid Museum and the former prison complex at Constitution Hill.

For thrill-seekers, an African safari is one of the most sought-after retirement travel experiences, and Johannesburg is a launching point for partial and full-day safaris. On safari, you’ll have the opportunity to see lions, rhinos, cheetahs and other wildlife that will create memories to share with family and friends back home.

Ireland offers incredible character at a reasonable price if you plan ahead. Dublin is the capital of Ireland, and it features numerous historical experiences, like the Dublin Castle, the Book of Kells and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Of course, beer lovers will also fancy taking a tour at the Guinness Storehouse to learn more about one of the most popular stouts in the world.

While London is typically atop travelers’ list when visiting the U.K., a stop in Bath gets you away from the crowds and into the history of the country. Bath is a historical city founded during the first century A.D. during the Roman Empire as a thermal spa. The city features Neoclassical architecture, including its famous Circus and Royal Crescent buildings.

Bath is also a short drive from Stonehenge, where people traveling during retirement can stop to indulge in the mysteries of the prehistoric structure and its cultural significance. Travelers who want to avoid driving can also sign up for one of the many tours that visit both attractions.

Key West is a retiree travel destination that doesn’t require a passport yet feels a world away from city life. It is the last of the many islands connected by a bridge along the southernmost tip of Florida. Key West is just 90 miles from Cuba, and it is famous for its pastel homes. It is known for its coral reefs and stellar snorkeling. There are also land-based activities like its Butterfly & Nature Conservatory and the somewhat controversial Fantasy Fest.

9. Around-the-world cruise

If you’re having a hard time picking one destination for retirement travel, how about a cruise that visits them all? OK, around-the-world cruises don’t literally visit every destination, but they do take you on an expansive journey around the globe.

These curated cruises visit dozens of cities in different countries as you traverse multiple continents, seas and oceans. An around-the-world cruise is one of the best vacations for retirees who have free time since they typically last over 100 nights.

Not only is Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital, but it is also a place of history with an abundance of activities. Here, you can see our nation’s leaders in action by attending a session of Congress, touring the White House or visiting the Supreme Court.

There are numerous monuments to our historic presidents, including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. D.C. is also home to the Smithsonian Institution, which offers free admission to more than 20 museums in the D.C. area.

Retirement travel ideas recapped

Retirement travel has a different meaning for everyone. While many want to relax on the beach or spend time with family, other retirees want to stay active, experience new cultures and meet new friends. The 10 destinations on this list offer a variety of trips for seniors within the U.S. and abroad.