While health and finances may present some concerns, the majority of people hope to spend plenty of time traveling in their 60s. There are many destinations and experiences out there for people of all budgets and levels of fitness. Even if you aren’t fully retired yet, there are options for shorter trips too. Let’s take a look at some of the best trips you can take in your 60s.
A River Cruise
River cruises are the ideal blend of exploration and relaxation for many people in their 60s. Float along the serene setting of the Northwest through vineyards, canyons, and cascading waterfalls. Explore the historic Hudson River in luxury. Ride on an authentic paddle-wheeler down the picturesque Ohio River. The options for seniors looking for a riverboat trip are unique and quite diverse.
A Mid-Size Cruise
Mid-sized cruise ships are ideal for seniors who want all of the amenities without so much walking. Mid-size cruise ships often focus heavily on luxury and experience due to their more intimate size. Just because the ship is smaller, though, doesn’t mean your destination choices are at all limited.
Cruise on an Ocean Liner
American Cruise Lines, Viking, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and many others have great deals on senior cruises. These types of senior-designed cruises give you everything you would expect from a cruise but feature accessibility and an itinerary more in tune with mature travelers.
See Canada By Train
Take in all of the wonder and beauty of the Canadian Rockies and countryside in a cross-country sleeper-train journey. There are side trips to Lake Louise, and Jasper and Banff National Parks. Best of all, you will be onboard one of the world’s top luxury trains, in a private cabin that features great amenities and fine dining.
Stay in a Fairytale Village
Along the upper River Thames, in central South West England, The Cotswolds are a series of towns and villages defined by homes and cottages built from golden-colored Cotswold stone. They look like something out of a fairytale and hearken to slower, bucolic times past. All of the towns and villages have plenty of lovely cafes, pubs, and opportunities for shopping.
Ride the Orient Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers an exquisite journey through Europe in restored 1920s carriages. The Classic Route between Paris and Venice showcases picturesque landscapes, with elegant dining and bar cars complementing private cabins and suites. Passengers are encouraged to dress up, enhancing the nostalgic experience of this iconic train ride.
See Wine Country By Balloon
They call it a “nature walk in the sky” for a reason. Going for a hot air balloon ride would be fun all by itself, but seeing California’s wine country by air really elevates the experience! Flown by commercial FAA Certified Flight Instructors, Wine Country Balloons takes you over the Pacific Coast for a spectacular view of the Russian River, Geyser Mountain, the San Francisco skyline, and much more.
View the Northern Lights
From glamping that couldn’t get any further from camping to wonderful wildlife Alaska trips, there are lots of ways and places to see the Northern Lights. Observers will tell you this natural light show in the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! You can opt for more rustic settings or check out the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort which offers upscale lodges with a sauna and restaurant.
Learn About Ancient Egypt
Egypt’s ancient wonders captivate visitors with the Great Sphinx, pyramids, and pharaohs’ tombs. Near Cairo, explore the Egyptian Museum and Giza pyramids. In Luxor, discover Karnak’s temples and the Luxor Temple. Complete your journey with a Nile boat excursion for an unforgettable Egyptian experience.
Take a Midwestern Foliage Tour
Nature puts on a show in the Midwest every autumn when the trees all begin to change colors and don shades of yellow, orange, red, and gold. Get a great view of local landscapes adorned in color with a sightseeing tour by bus or down the Ohio River on a steamboat. Tours are short, only one to three days, but give you many opportunities to explore local culture and take fantastic photos.
All American Amtrak
You can still see the United States by train. Amtrak runs The California Zephyr from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay area, which takes passengers through the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. For a shorter trip, you can head down the Pacific coast from Seattle to Los Angeles and still get amazing views of the American landscape.
Visit The Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands are one of the most secluded places on earth and still support a large amount of scientific study. The plants and animals there are unique from the rest of the world and a sight to behold. You can visit by small boat and enjoy itineraries that include diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. You can also take a slower pace and stay at a nearby hotel and take guided more curated tours.
Go On An African Safari
An African safari is a popular retirement adventure. Options abound, from luxury glamping to rustic lodges. Consider your interests: sporting, birdwatching, or cultural experiences. Small group hikes or jeep rides offer intimate encounters. Do your research though, to ensure the perfect safari, tailored to your preferences and comfort level.
Ride to Machu Picchu
The Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Train, offers a luxurious journey from Cuzco to Machu Picchu. Named after the explorer who revealed Machu Picchu in 1911, it features elegant Pullman-style carriages with plush armchairs and polished wood. This opulent ride fulfills bucket-list dreams for many travelers visiting Peru’s ancient wonders.
From Moscow to Beijing
The Tsar’s Gold Trans-Siberian train offers a luxurious journey from Moscow to Beijing along the Trans-Mongolian route. This five-star experience showcases Russia, Mongolia, and China with regular stops for sightseeing, including Lake Baikal and the Gobi Desert. On board, you will enjoy opulent Russian hospitality while traversing three continents. This is a great way to see a rather unforgiving landscape in style.
Vegas for Seniors
Don’t let the “Sin City” reputation fool you! Las Vegas can be an ideal destination for seniors! Extraordinary luxury hotels, star-studded shows, and some of the best golf courses in America make Vegas a perfect place to vacation for people over 60. Don’t forget to check out tours like the Red Rock Scooter Tour and helicopter tours while you are there.
Big Sky Country
Sometimes vacations are best when you are getting away from it all and nothing provides that better than Big Sky Country. Montana gives you a chance to get away from everyday life and enjoy nature at its finest. No matter what your speed, from rustic cabins to 5-star resorts, there is a perfect way for everyone to get out in nature here.
Experience Southern Hospitality
Hospitality is on display at bed and breakfasts across the South in the United States. There are many to choose from, but most come with a lovely historic charm, comfortable rooms, and good food. You can use your bed and breakfast as a launching point for going to the beach, seeing historic sites, or getting out to golf or fish.
Stay at the Arizona Biltmore
Perfect weather and perfect accommodations, what more could you ask for? The Arizona Biltmore, a 1929 estate near Phoenix, offers classic luxury with Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design. It features 705 rooms, multiple dining options, a spa, seven pools, and various activities. The resort caters to diverse interests, from golf to hot-air balloon rides. Don’t miss the iconic Tequila Sunrise at the Wright Bar, where it originated.
The Perfect Staycation
Sometimes we forget all of the reasons we chose to move to where we live. Don’t forget your hometown and all of the local fun you can have. Explore the new restaurant down the street, and go to your favorite spot you haven’t been to in a while. To kick things up a notch, rent a local Air B&B or hotel room and see your hometown like a tourist would!
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