Travel Ideas for Adults 50 And Up In 2025
If you’ve crossed the 50-yard line in life, chances are your sense of adventure hasn’t slowed down – it’s just gotten smarter. You know what you like; you’ve got the confidence to skip the gimmicks; and you want experiences that are both enriching and easygoing.
We’re right there with you. So, we have a few ideas in mind to help you travel in comfort and style. Whether you’d like to fly off to explore a historic city or set sail on board a luxurious cruise line, any one of these destinations can provide you with the experience you’ve been looking for.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
One classic that never goes out of style is Italy’s Amalfi Coast. This sun-soaked stretch of pastel-colored villages, cliffside lemon groves, and sparkling Mediterranean waters is as relaxed as it is photogenic.
The pace here is tailor-made for folks who loves long, scenic drives, leisurely lunches, and easy exploration. You can fly into Naples. Then, you can spend your days wandering through Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Be sure to take a day trip to Pompeii for a glimpse into ancient life frozen in time, as well.
The hotels along the coast are charming, with places like Hotel Santa Caterina offering old-world elegance and unbeatable sea views. When hunger strikes, nothing beats a long, lingering lunch at Da Adolfo, a simple beachside restaurant where fresh seafood and chilled white wine are served right on the sand.
Douro River, Portugal
If you prefer to let the scenery come to you, Portugal’s Douro River is perfect for a leisurely cruise. River cruises are especially charming if you like the idea of unpacking once and waking up each morning in a new, picturesque village.
The Douro Valley is chock-full of rolling vineyards, charming stone towns, and, of course, delicious port wine. You can sip and swirl at historic wineries, take easy walking tours through Porto’s colorful streets, and let the onboard experience take care of all the logistics.
If, at any point, you choose to extend your stay on land, The Yeatman Hotel in Porto offers comfort, wine expertise, and some of the best views in the city, while the riverside restaurant DOC is an ideal spot for a refined meal overlooking the water.
Charleston, South Carolina
If you live in the States, this one is closer to home, but still rich in charm. Charleston, South Carolina, is the perfect destination if you love history, food, and that easy Southern rhythm. It practically begs you to slow down, whether you’re wandering the cobblestone streets of the historic district, taking a sunset harbor cruise, or touring the grand plantations that surround the area.
Stay at The Vendue, a boutique hotel that blends art and hospitality right in the heart of the French Quarter. As for food, Charleston’s dining scene is top-notch. You could walk into virtually any restaurant and leave happy. Still, if we had to highlight one, Husk is the place to go for modern Southern cooking served in an old historic home that simply oozes charm.
Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
For a nature-filled journey that doesn’t sacrifice creature comforts, few trips compare to an Alaska Inside Passage cruise. This route offers stunning views of glaciers, whales, and pine-lined fjords – all from the cozy comfort of your ship’s deck or private balcony.
The excursions you’ll experience strike a great balance of adventure and sightseeing, from floatplane rides over misty fjords in Ketchikan to meanders along the colorful streets of Skagway.
If you’re overnighting it in Seattle before or after the cruise, the Edgewater Hotel offers the perfect Pacific Northwest experience with rooms that practically float over Puget Sound.
On board the ship, your dining options will abound but, if you happen to stop in Juneau, be sure to seek out Tracy’s King Crab Shack for some of the freshest crab legs this side of heaven.