Trips for Seniors Over 60

If you’re a recent retiree, you might suddenly find yourself with more time at your disposal, and what better way to spend it than by traveling? Traveling can be a fulfilling way to expand your horizons, allowing you to make new memories.

Bucket list trips can mean different things for everyone, whether it’s a place whose sights you’ve always wanted to see, a perfect spot for a milestone celebration or a location that offers meaningful experiences to give you a new perspective.

Let’s examine what makes a rewarding trip and some worthwhile locations you might want to visit.

What makes a great bucket list trip after 60?

Getting older means that you have refined your interests, and with more wisdom, you can plan enriching getaways that reflect the activities that make you happy at this stage of your life. That might mean you’re more interested in comfort, accessibility, safety or health as you travel.

Let’s take a look at how you might focus those priorities based on who you travel with and how you get around your destination.

Who to travel with

Depending on your preference, you might prefer to travel with a tour group, your friends or your family. You might even choose to go by yourself. Each option offers different benefits that you might value at this stage of your life.

For example, if you want to meet more people your age and learn from an experienced tour guide, you might want to consider booking a senior group tour on your next vacation. Alternatively, you may want to reconnect with family or friends that you haven’t seen in a while, which might also influence your destination and the activities you do there. Narrowing down who you travel with might be the first step in deciding your next travel experience.

How to travel

The logistics of where you stay and how you get from one point to the next might be exciting for some and overwhelming for others. If you’d prefer to skip ahead to the sightseeing and relaxing, hiring a travel agent might be a good choice. You can take a back seat in planning your trip and just follow the itinerary once it’s time to pack your bags.

For those who want to take a more hands-on approach, consider the different ways to reach your destination and how you prefer to get there. You may want to fly somewhere, stay at a resort on the beach and then fly home. Or perhaps you want to sightsee by rail or bus, traveling through multiple destinations on a storied railway or road. Whichever type of trip you book, you’ll need to think about reserving travel, accommodations and attractions that suit your interests.

Top 10 bucket list trips for seniors

Where you decide to travel could depend on your personal preferences — the sights you want to see, the climate you want to take in, the culture you want to learn from and other destination specifics. Here are ten vacation ideas that you might enjoy:

1. European river cruises

Explore the wonder of Budapest, Vienna, Amsterdam and other world-class cities when you book a European river cruise. A European river cruise can be a great option for those who want to take in new cultures in comfort without extensive logistical planning beforehand.

2. National parks of U.S. and Canada

National parks in North America offer cozy campsites and lodges, breathtaking views of the natural world and rustic charm that is hard to find anywhere else. With ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking and biking, national parks could be a great vacation destination for creating lasting memories with grandchildren or other family members.

3. Alaska

There’s nothing quite like the dramatic landscape of the northernmost state. Choose a cruise around the Alaskan coast and admire steep fjords surrounded by crystal clear water. Or opt for a train through the Alaskan wilderness, allowing the train route to uncover some of America’s most rugged scenery.

4. Iceland

A relatively quick flight from New York or London, Iceland is home to spectacular caves and volcanoes, quaint seafood restaurants and some of the best whale watching in the world. With so much packed into a small island country, Iceland is a great destination for solo travelers or for family get-togethers.

5. Japan

Between bustling cities, historic temples, beautiful beaches, one-of-a-kind skiing and unique culture, Japan offers something for everyone. Explore hole-in-the-wall sushi restaurants in Tokyo and take a bullet train to Kyoto to immerse yourself in historic districts with renowned teahouses. With so much to do, you’ll want to make a thorough itinerary.

6. Australia and New Zealand

Take a trip Down Under and see all that Australia and New Zealand have to offer. Whether you’re snorkeling around the Great Barrier Reef, catching a show at the Sydney Opera House or admiring otherworldly valleys in New Zealand, you can’t go wrong with their diverse cities and landscapes.

7. New York City

With seemingly endless opportunities to eat at famous restaurants, see Broadway shows and shop at some of the premier retailers in the world, the City that Never Sleeps is overflowing with activities for couples and solo travelers alike. You won’t regret taking a cruise around Manhattan to see the Statue of Liberty and then hopping on the subway to stroll through Central Park, relishing the unforgettable cityscape views.

8. The Mediterranean

Innovative architecture in Barcelona, idyllic beaches in Crete and some of the best pizza in the world in Naples — the Mediterranean has unrivaled opportunities for tourists to blend leisure with learning. Enjoy the region from the comfort of a guided cruise or visit a few places with short flights to different countries to take advantage of your time.

9. Scottish Highlands

Hear the bagpipes play as you discover historic castles and eat your weight in haggis. Take a train or a bus through expansive green slopes that house majestic highland cattle and sheep, spectacular cliffs and whiskey distilleries. Don’t forget to bring your golf clubs!

10. Montreal

Montreal offers a taste of Europe within North America. Its combination of history, culture and the French language makes it an unforgettable getaway for retirees. Walk down cobblestone streets lined with buildings from the 17th century, enjoy Montreal-style bagels and poutine and walk up Mount Royal for a spectacular view of the city.

Planning tips for senior travel

As you get older, you might find that your priorities for planning a trip change. Here are a few tips for planning a trip as a senior:

• Use booking tools: Use Citi Travel to find great deals and to explore different booking options that speak to your interests.
• Sign up for rewards programs: You might want to take advantage of loyalty and rewards programs from airlines or hotels to earn and redeem benefits as you travel.
• Pack wisely: Remember to bring essentials with you before you go. Your essentials might include toiletries, medications, batteries and travel documents.
• Arrive early: It’s generally a good idea to get to the airport, train station or bus terminal early to help ensure that you meet your departure time.

Solo senior travelers

Traveling alone can be rewarding for some, but it might be lonely for others. If you plan on traveling alone, you might want to consider joining a tour or finding group activities on your trip. For example, some cruises and resorts have senior groups that meet to play cards, do yoga or swim.

If you plan on traveling alone, bring a cell phone and keep it charged and in your possession at all times so you can call for help if necessary. You might also want to check with your phone provider that your SIM card will work abroad, as not all of them will function in other countries. Even if your phone works overseas, you might be charged additional fees for using it, so be sure to check your plan before you travel.

When you’re traveling abroad, you also might want to give someone you know your itinerary. Keeping your emergency contacts informed of your whereabouts might help quell concerns if someone needs to contact you at home.

Making your trip meaningful

Take advantage of your time away and combine your interests with the opportunities your trip presents. If you like to fish, go to the Snake River in Idaho and bring your fishing rod. If you love gyros and the Classics, you might want to take a trip to Athens and soak in the history.

Your trip might also be a chance to expand your horizons and try new things. If you have the opportunity to take a class or sample a new cuisine, don’t be afraid to give it a shot. Your trip will give you lasting memories that you can hold onto for years to come.

Planning your dream trip

Traveling can be an exciting way for seniors to make new memories, reconnect with friends and family and learn about other cultures and customs. You may be able to make your dream trip a reality by planning it with Citi Travel, which offers opportunities to book lodging, flights, rental cars and more. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or a tour through a world-class city, Citi Travel may help you make your next trip even more special.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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