united states travel for seniors

Simply More Time

20 Unforgettable US Destinations for Senior Travelers

Posted: May 5, 2024 | Last updated: May 5, 2024

Retirement provides the gift of time to explore new places. Seniors have started getting out to travel post-pandemic. Here are 20 great vacation ideas for seniors to have memorable and easy travel within the United States.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s preserved antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and Southern hospitality make it a known destination. It enchants visitors with its vintage charm. The warm climate, ease of walking downtown, and  tasty low-country cuisine make it a perfect destination for seniors.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe offers Adobe-style buildings, Pueblo Native American culture, and vibrant art scenes. It gives the city a unique southwestern flair. The high elevation provides a moderate, dry climate that is easy on the lungs. Seniors can take relaxing strolls along the Santa Fe Plaza and the famous Canyon Road. As per Forbes, It is among the best places to live post-retirement for seniors.

San Diego, California

San Diego has pleasant weather, pristine beaches, and lively seaside attractions. It is perfect for seniors who love the outdoors. The Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park are walkable and offer heaps of sights. La Jolla impresses with upscale shops and coastal views.

Savannah, Georgia

Cobblestoned streets shaded by oak trees welcome seniors to historic Savannah. The city is famous for its Southern hospitality. It has 22 unique public squares . They are lovely spots to enjoy a stroll, rest on a bench, and watch the world go by.

Sedona, Arizona

Surrounded by stunning, rust-colored sandstone formations, Sedona stuns with its natural scenic beauty. The mild, dry climate and young-at-heart vibe create an uplifting setting. It’s excellent for meditative walks, yoga, or a rejuvenating retreat.

St. Augustine, Florida

The Spanish founded St. Augustine in the 16th century. It brims with Old World charm and historic sights. Seniors can take relaxing strolls through the historic district. They can enjoy scenic architecture tours or spend days lounging at nearby Atlantic beaches.

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson has a mix of natural beauty and city amenities. It draws seniors with its desert air, mountain views, and lots of sun. You must see the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park. They showcase giant cacti.

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara has an iconic coastal setting. It has high-end shopping and dining and immaculate architecture. It encapsulates the California dream. Mild weather year-round keeps patios bustling and makes the long white-sand beaches enticing.

Asheville, North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Mountains nestle Asheville. Seniors love the historic Biltmore Estate. It has a lively arts scene, gourmet restaurants, and funky galleries. The clean mountain air is therapeutic.

San Antonio, Texas

The Alamo and other colonial sites give San Antonio deep Texan roots. Seniors can walk along the festive RiverWalk downtown. They can also visit the nearby hill country wineries. The mild winters make it an excellent escape from colder climates.

Portland, Maine

The Portland area has iconic lighthouses, lobster shacks, and a New England harbor ambiance. Seniors can take narrated Casco Bay cruises. They can also visit the Portland Museum of Art or they can drive up the coast to see Acadia National Park.

Charleston, West Virginia

It sits between the Elk and Kanawha rivers. The city charms seniors with historic downtown architecture. The natural beauty of the Appalachian foothills surrounds it. The Riverwalk runs along the Kanawha andoffers a relaxing place to take an evening stroll. Then, you can dine at an award-winning restaurants.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod has classic New England seaside villages. It has sandy beaches and seafood shacks. For generations, families have loved it. The mild climate, scenic lighthouses, and beaches make it  an ideal choice for seniors.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its thousands of red rock hoodoos set against pine forests and blue skies. The park awes seniors with its natural grandeur. The high elevation provides pleasant summers for hiking and exploring this geologic wonder.

Naples, Florida

Naples is on Florida’s Paradise Coast. It has beautiful white sand beaches. They also have top-rated golf courses, fine dining, and a thriving arts scene. The walkable downtown offers excellent shopping and sightseeing. Nearby nature preserves provide opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale has 300 days of sunshine . It dazzles seniors with its beautiful Sonoran Desert setting, luxury resorts, spas, galleries, and restaurants. The McDowell Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for hiking. You can relax at an evening concert or event.

Palm Springs, California

People celebrate Palm Springs. They like it for its mid-century modern architecture, trendy shops, and restaurants. It attracts seniors with its stylish vibe and sunny skies before cocktails at sunset. You can spend days golfing, browsing galleries, or taking aerial tram rides.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

True to its name, Hot Springs has drawn travelers to its thermal mineral waters for centuries. Seniors can get spa treatments and baths or, they can tour the historic Fordyce Bathhouse. The mild climate encourages simple outdoor activities like a walk. You can also enjoy a Southern-inspired meal on a restaurant patio.

Park City, Utah

Park City is the host of the Sundance Film Festival. ome for its lively arts scene and gourmet food against a relaxed mountain setting. Easy access to Salt Lake City’s airport and mild, dry climate add to its appeal. Scenic gondola rides take you through mountain trails with refreshing views.

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City is on Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay. It is a charming base to explore Michigan’s wine country. You can also visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes and nearby orchards. The walkable downtown bustles with restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Sandy beaches and cherry festivals add to the area’s appeal.

More for You

Report: Former Bears quarterback died from cancer

Video shows full fury of tornado that struck Lincoln, Nebraska in late April

Mountain Dew has been banned in nearly 30 countries. Here's why, plus more American favorites that are illegal elsewhere.

The 11 Rudest Things You Can Do In Someone Else’s House, According To Etiquette Experts

Politico mocked for being surprised on who is funding anti-Israel protests: 'Surprising to who?'

10 College Majors With the Highest-Paying First Jobs

17 Traditions Gen Z Don’t Want to Continue Following

Retailers jacked up prices and squeezed consumers. They might have just blinked

7 Smells That Ants Absolutely Hate

The most popular TV host of all time isn't Johnny Carson or Dick Clark, according to fans. See the top 28.

Map reveals best places to live in the US if nuclear war breaks out

Top 10 Companies Looking for Remote Workers

What Food Product Came Out the Year You Were Born?

17 Phrases Confident People Use When They Want to Be Assertive But Not Rude

Russian Artillery Losses Just Hit All-Time High: Kyiv

This One-Pan Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Will Beat Take-Out Any Night Of The Week

Netflix viewers threaten to cancel memberships after ‘dumb’ price change

Employers Are Avoiding Hiring Gen Z Workers- Here's Why

How much the typical worker makes at 19 retailers, from Amazon to Walmart

‘I’m going to live like it’s my last’: This 60-year-old from Pennsylvania has $0 in savings and $26K in consumer debt — but he wants to retire at 65. Here’s his plan

20 Best Summer Destinations In USA For Retirees & Seniors (2024)

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Nicole

There are many wonderful summer holiday destinations in the United States for seniors. Whether you crave a beach escape, an exciting city getaway with incredible museums and restaurants, a stay in a charming town discovering its hidden gems, or a thrilling outdoor adventure in the mountains or countryside, summer is one of the best times older Americans to travel and explore. Even if you have “seen it and done it all”, you will find in this article amazing and interesting summer escapes all over the USA offering unique activities for every kind of traveler. Here are 20 of the best US vacations in summer for retirees.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you buy something through my site. This helps me run my website and produce the articles that I hope you find helpful.

Best US Holidays For Seniors During The Summer Months

Here are 20 of the best places in America to visit in summer for older adults. They are located all over the United States and include big and small cities, beautiful beaches, and destinations that immerse you in the beauty and thrill of the outdoors, like state and national parks, and beyond.

For each destination, I feature some of the best things to do, keeping in mind that sometimes you want to have a busy day full of adventure and wonder, and other days, you want to relax and keep things simple.

In addition, I include how best to reach a destination as well as a fantastic places to stay.

So, collect your partner, friends,  family  or even go solo and meet new friends, and spend your next summer making new incredible memories in the immense and magnificent United States.

Best Big City Destinations In Summer For Retirees

There is plenty of excitement, amazing restaurants, fantastic shows and incredible tours in major American cities in summertime for even the most well traveled person.

Seattle, Washington

With comfortable temperatures and sunny skies, Seattle is a fantastic destination in the northern US for retirees to visit in the summer. 

Explore the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass

The Space Needle is one of the most iconic structures in Seattle, and t his tour grants you access to not only soar to the top but to also explore the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum right next door that showcases the gorgeous glass sculptures created by Dale Chihuly.

Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market

The Pike Place Market is one of the most vibrant parts of Seattle, complete with hundreds of small independent businesses. This Chef guided food tour takes you through the heart of the market, sampling the best coffees, seafood, chocolate truffles, and more. 

Whale Watching Tour

This incredible whale watching tour gives visitors the amazing opportunity to spot Orca, Humpback, Minke, and Gray Whales enjoying their natural environment. They even guarantee that you’ll spot at least one whale. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is only 14 miles from the city center.

Best Place To Stay

Enjoy historic lodging in the heart of the city at  The Fairmont Olympic Hotel . The hotel was built in 1924 and retains a unique old-world charm while boasting many modern amenities. It offers easy access to the main attractions in Seattle.

Alternatively, take a look at the Mayflower Park Hotel . It is a lovely hotel steeped in history and charm. It also offers a magnificent location.

Denver, Colorado

Surrounded by the epic Rocky Mountains, the Mile High City is lively, beautiful, and one of the best places for older adults to vacation in the summer. 

See a Sporting Event

Home to 7 different professional sports teams, Denver is the perfect place to catch an exciting game, whether you’re a fan of football, baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, or rugby.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

No summer trip to Devnver is complete without exploring Red Rocks Amphitheater. Either catch a performance, or simply take a tour and check out the gorgeous outdoor theater and its surroundings. 

Whiskey Tasting at Stranahans

Stranahans offers several different unique whiskey tours , whether you’re a fan of single malt, cask-finished, or more intrigued by experimental whiskeys. 

There is one main airport, which is Denver International Airport, and that is located about 30 minutes outside the city. Public transportation is quite good in Denver and can get you throughout the majority of the city.

From the airport, take the  train  to Union Station and from there you can eat, drink, catch other trains and buses, as well as walk to your hotel or other attractions. There are shuttles and buses, as well, to get you to and from the mountains.

These range from budget to luxurious, with a few of favorites being Limelight Hotel,  The Ramble Hotel ,  Catbird , Vib Denver ,  Four Seasons ,  Grand Hyatt , and the  Sheraton .

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rich in American history, Philadelphia is a fantastic city for seniors to visit in the summer.

Walking Tour of Over 20 Historic Sites

This leisurely historic walking tour takes you through incredible historic landmarks of America’s birthplace, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and more. 

Visit Philadelphia’s Magic Garden

Philadelphia’s Magic Garden is an immersive mixed media outdoor work of art. It includes half a city block’s worth of mosaics made from almost every material you can imagine. The gardens are very whimsical, and unlike any other piece of art in the United States.

Afternoon Tea at The Rittenhouse

After exploring all the art and history Philly has to offer, you can enjoy a touch of the city’s sophisticated side by having afternoon tea at The Rittenhouse . Enjoy incredible teas, sandwiches, scones, and maybe even a glass of sparkling wine. 

Fly into Philadelphia International Airport and pick up a car or taxi. It is only 20 minutes to downtown.

Visitors should consider staying in the historic center of the city. The Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District  is close to all the sites and very convenient.

The Franklin on Rittenhouse is also a great choice. Tea, coffee and pastries are served daily as well as a nightly wine reception. It’s location is fantastic.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Surrounded by the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is one of the best big cities for older adults to visit in the summer. 

Explore the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory

Fondly known as the Mitchell Park Domes , this unique exhibit showcases three different plant landscapes: desert, floral, and tropical. You can explore thousands of plant species, and catch a glimpse of what forests and deserts across the world look like- without leaving the United States! 

Tour the Pabst Mansion and Harley Davidson Museum

Milwaukee is known for a lot of things, and Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) and motorcycles are two of them. The Flemish Renaissance Revival-style Pabst Mansion is the most famous historic house in Milwaukee, and it was home to Captain Frederick Pabst, founder of PBR. 

Milwaukee was the birthplace of Harley Davidson back in 1903, and you can explore the history of a hundred years worth of bikes at the Harley Davidson Museum . 

Sample Beer & Cheese Curds at Lakefront Brewery

No visit to Milwaukee is complete without sampling at least one of the city’s famous staples: curdled cheese and beer. Lakefront Brewery offers a fantastic selection of Wisconsin craft beers that pair perfectly with their delicious cheese curds. 

Milwaukee is located off the shores of Lake Michigan, neighboring  Chicago . The 90-minute commute between cities makes Milwaukee the perfect day trip destination for those visiting or flying into Chicago.

There is a direct Amtrak train that runs regularly between the two cities, allowing you to bypass any traffic jam that may occur on I-94.

Milwaukee is also home to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, so there is the option to fly directly into the city.

For those who enjoy a luxurious and unique hotel experience,  Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel  offers just that, and more. Even if you are not able to stay the night, stop at one of the hotel’s bars or restaurants to enjoy the vibe of downtown Milwaukee or take in the view of bustling Water Street.”

The Pfister Hotel offers a full-service spa, salon and Victorian art collection. It is a 4-star hotel located in downtown Milwaukee, only a 10-minute walk from the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is an enchanting southwestern city that offers the perfect blend of big city culture and rustic, outdoor charm for a laidback experience. Plus, Santa Fe sits at almost 7,000 feet of elevation, meaning it experiences much more mild summers than other cities in southwestern United States. 

Horseback Riding

The best way to embrace the spirit of the southwest is by taking a horseback riding tour with Vision Quest through the gorgeous New Mexico landscapes right outside of Santa Fe. 

Dive into the Art Scene

Santa Fe is famous for its artwork, and you can experience the best of it on a private tour of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and the 80 different art galleries all found in the Canyon Road Art District. 

See a Flamenco Dinner Show

This incredible cultural experience at El Farol includes a delicious three course pre-fixe dinner, and a vibrant Flamenco Show .  

Santa Fe Regional Airport is 10 miles southwest of the city. For an international airport, you will have to fly into Albuquerque International Sunport and drive for one hour.

Inn On The Alameda  offers a luxurious stay with rooms blending traditional Santa Fe decor. It is extremely central yet very quiet, and offers an outdoor fireplace to cozy up to at night. Complimentary shuttle service and mouth watering complimentary breakfasts are also provided.

Other Resources

If after reviewing this article you are still looking for summer travel inspiration, consider these other suggestions.

•   21 Beautiful US Islands To Visit In Summer ;
• 28 Best US Destinations To Escape The Sizzling Summer Heat ; and
•   25 Amazing Summer Weekend Getaways in the USA .

Best Beach Destinations In USA For Seniors In June, July And August

There is never a bad time to seek out the heat of the sun or the warm gentle breezes from the ocean. If you love nothing more than sand between your toes, spending time on the water, or simply gazing out to the deep blue sea, then summer in the USA is the best time for your getaway.

Kauai, Hawaii

This lush and wild island is full of grand waterfalls, sparkling beaches, and rich culture. Kauai is one of the best beach destinations for seniors to visit in the summer. 

Snorkeling at Makua Beach

Makua Beach, also known as Tunnels Beach, offers some of the best snorkeling on Kauai right from shore. While snorkeling at Makua, you’ll spot fish with all different hues of the rainbow, sea turtles, and maybe even a monk seal or two.

Helicopter Tour over the Na Pali Coast

Want a closer look at the rugged, prehistoric landscapes that inspired Jurassic Park? This helicopter tour takes visitors soaring above the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and the waterfalls in Waipuna for breathtaking sights. 

Attend a Luau

One of the best experiences you can have on a visit to Hawaii is to attend a luau. The Luau Ka Hikina includes an amazing feast, dancing, and remarkable views.

In order to get to Kauai, you will need to fly into the Lihue Airport. From there, rent a vehicle so that you can explore all that the island has to offer.

For the best place to stay on the island, be sure to check out the  Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa  with countless phenomenal amenities including its awesome spa. This hotel is roughly 25 to 30 minutes from the airport and right by great restaurants, beaches, and golf courses.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

With its beautiful beaches, quaint seaside towns, and delightful New England charm, Cape Cod is by far one of the best summer beach getaways for mature adults. 

Bike or Walk the Cape Cod Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 25 mile long trail that meanders past 7 Cape Cod towns, several beaches, marshlands, forests, and more! While a 25 mile journey might be rather ambitious for most, you can walk or bike as much of the trail as you’d like to really take in and enjoy the scenery. 

Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore

The best part of a trip to Cape Cod in the summer is exploring the beaches, and the Cape Cod National Seashore does not disappoint. The seashore includes 40 miles of stunning protected beaches, perfect for beachcombing, birdwatching, and sunbathing.

Take a light hiking tour to explore the area. Alternatively, head to Herring Cove Beach and Coast Guard Beach for lounging and relaxing. 

Enjoy Traditional New England Style Seafood

It’s hard to imagine Cape Cod without picturing delicious New England style seafood- and there’s a reason for that! Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar and Sesuit Harbor Cafe are two can’t-miss seafood joints in Cape Cod.

The least expensive option would be to fly to Boston Logan Airport at 70 miles away, and rent a car and drive.

Queen Anne Inn is a historic hotel, a 5-minute walk to Oyster Saltwater Inlet and just over a mile from the Chatham Lighthouse. The hotel offers massage services, an outdoor pool and rooms with bathrobes.

Harris Beach, Oregon

Harris Beach offers sweeping views of incredible rugged beaches and untouched coastlines, along with sunny yet crisp summer temps. It’s one of the most tranquil summer beach vacations for older Americans. 

Walk the Harris Beach State Park Sunset Point Trail

This easy 0.3 mile trail leads to Sunset Point, a gorgeous overlook of the beach. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset and waves rolling in. 

Tidepooling

Hit the beach at low tide to explore all the unique tide pool animals. The tide pools are full of colorful sea stars, anemones, fish, and all sorts of other animals. 

Dinner at Catalyst Seafood

It’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest has some of the best seafood in the states, and Catalyst Seafood delivers. Named for their family-owned vessel Catalyst, this local restaurant serves up mouthwatering fresh seafood for you to enjoy while taking in the peaceful harbor views. 

To get to Harris Beach, Oregon by plane, you’ll likely want to fly into Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH), also known as North Bend Airport, rent a car and drive between 2 – 2.5 hours.

Mermaid’s Muse is a Bed and Breakfast. The beach house is on a cliff with relaxing ocean views to the south and the harbor area. It is a quiet neighbourhood and close to town.

Folly Beach, South Carolina

Dubbed the Edge of America by the locals, Folly Beach is a laid-back surf town that’s more reminiscent of California’s beaches than the south. With its gorgeous sand and vibrant coastal ecosystems, it’s hard to beat Folly when it comes to the best beaches for retirees to visit in the summer. 

Birding at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve is home to hundreds of different species of birds, from Mourning Doves to Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons! Be sure to bring along your binoculars to observe all these birds and their beautiful natural surroundings. 

Fishing Charter

The waters off the coasts of Folly are teeming with fish, and Tall Tide Fishing Adventures knows exactly where the fish are biting, whether you’re out at sea or fishing the inshore waters. 

Relax on the Beach

With plenty of amenities like umbrellas, bathrooms, and beach chairs for rent, Folly Beach County Park is perfect for relaxing on the beach. The ocean water in the summer is nice and warm, and you can swim freely in the warm water.

Fly into Charleston International Airport, rent a car and drive 45 minutes to Folly Beach.

Water’s Edge Inn is an adult’s only hotel with lovely appointed rooms, a big delicious breakfast, and a wonderful happy hour.

Capitola, California

Just south of the busier California surf town of Santa Cruz lies Capitola, a charming little beach town that’s simply perfect for older adults to visit in the summertime.

See Redwoods in the Forest of Nisene Marks

You don’t have to venture far from the coast to see spectacular, towering redwood trees. The Forest of Nisene Marks is just a 12 minute drive from Capitola, where you can hike the easy 2 mile Old Growth Loop Trail to see ancient redwoods, or walk the quick 0.5 mile Buggy Trail for a shorter jaunt into the redwood forest. 

Enjoy the Beaches

Capitola State Beach is fun, sunny, and backed by several sweet little shops and restaurants. It’s a great beach for sunbathing and taking a dip. Just a tad further south, you’ll find China Beach and New Brighton State Beach, which are both less busy.

If you would like to get an overview of some of the best beaches around, take a private tour .

Wine Tasting

Surrounded by the Santa Rosa Mountains, Capitola is right next to wine country and has some pretty excellent wine to sample. Capitola Wine Bar and Merchants , and the Armida Winery & Tasting Room both offer wine tasting available of their fine northern California wines. 

Fly into San Jose Mineta or San Francisco International Airports. Capitola is 42 minutes by car from San Jose or just over an hour from San Francisco.

Inn at Depot Hill offers spacious and comfortable rooms, with amazing breakfasts, and an evening wine reception with appetizers. This adults only bed and breakfast is only 10 minutes walk to Capitola Beach and Wharf.

Best Small Town Experiences In USA In Summer For Mature Adults

Some cities offer small town appeal and experiences. If you are looking for the perfect balance between a relaxed summer getaway but with superb restaurants, attractions and hotels, then these choices are for you.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

When it comes to lovely small towns to visit in the summer, Eau Claire takes the cake. This vibrant Wisconsin town is famous for its amazing craft beer scene, art and music, and fun summer water sports, making it an ideal US destination for seniors.

Canoeing the Chippewa River Trail

One of the best things to do in Eau Claire is to canoe or float down the Chippewa River Trail . There are no rapids or tricky sections – just let the easy flowing river carry you down.

Explore Eau Claire’s Historic Downtown and Waterfront

The historic downtown of Eau Claire is located right on the water, and it’s the perfect place to get a feel for the town. You can shop locally at the farmer’s markets , enjoy a beer on the river from the Brewing Projekt , walk along the waterfront, shop, and even embark on the town sculpture walking tour .

Enjoy Live Music

Eau Claire is a very musical small city, and you can listen to live music almost every night of the week! During the summer, there is live music in River Prairie Park or Owen Park, from Monday-Thursday. You can also listen to live music at local venues Stones Throw , The Lakely , and many more.

Fly into Minneapolis (MSP) Airport, rent a car, and drive the 84.2 miles to Eau Claire.

The Oxbow Hotel is centrally located and easy to walk into town. It offered free bicycles to use. You can also expect very comfortable beds and a delicious breakfast.

Camden, Maine

The jewel of the Maine Coast, Camden, is a lovely small town that’s perfect for retirees to visit in the summer. Over the years, several different movies have been filmed here as well, including Casper , Captains Courageous , and Carousel . 

Hike up to Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park

One of the most fun and active things to do in Camden is to hike up Mount Battie. The trail is only 1.1 miles long, and from the top, offers insane views of gorgeous rolling hills and pine trees. 

Sightseeing

Camden is full of amazing historic sites to explore, including the Curtis Island Lighthouse. The best place to see the Curtis Island Lighthouse is from the Curtis Island Overlook on Bayview Street.

Other great things to see in Camden include the Camden Opera House, the Camden Rockport Historical Society , the National Oz Museum, and the Farnsworth Art Museum .

Embark on a Lobster Boat Tour

This unique lobster boat tour experience will teach you all about lobsters and the trapping and catching process. In addition, it will give you a chance to spot seal pups on the islands and several amazing different species of birds.

Fly into Bangor International Airport, rent a car, and drive 43 miles to Camden.

The Norumbega Inn is an immaculate Bed and Breakfast with excellent rooms and service. The breakfast is outstanding and downtown is only a short walk away.

Taos, New Mexico

Taos, New Mexico is famous for its art, culture, and incredible high desert landscape. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the US, and one of the best small town experiences for older adults to visit in summer. 

Visit the Ancient Taos Pueblo

The Ancient Taos Pueblo is a living community that has been inhabited for over 1,000 years. A visit to the pueblo offers unique insights into the lives of the Puebloan people, and a look at the incredible architecture of the pueblo itself. 

Take an Art Class

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Taos is to take an art class. Taos Art School offers a variety of unique art workshops, including classes like painting northern New Mexico with pastels, equine painting, and even eco-tourism classes. 

Enjoy the Taos Hot Springs

Taos is home to several incredible natural hot springs. For a rustic experience in nature, you can visit the Manby or Black Rock Hot Springs. For a more luxe experience, you can head just out of town to the Ojo Caliente Hot Springs Resort . 

Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport Airport, rent a car and drive 2 1/2 hours to Taos.

El Monte Sagrado Resort & Spa offers a salt water pool, hot tub and botanical garden. The rooms are large, comfortable and serene.

Ojai, California

Just a short drive from Highway One and the California coast lies Ojai Valley, some of California’s most pristine wine country. With perfect sunny weather and the grapes are almost ready for harvest, Ojai is an idyllic summer getaway for mature adults. 

Biking through Ojai Valley

The Ojai-Ventura Bike path is a captivating biking trail that runs 15 miles all the way from Ojai to Ventura. While the whole trail might be a bit much, biking or walking the portion right around Ojai is the perfect way to enjoy the rustic charm of the Ojai Valley. Alternatively, book a bike tour and have your ride personalized with a guide.

Olive Oil Tasting

Wine isn’t the only tasty item that you can enjoy from Ojai- the valley is also famous for its olives. At Ojai Olive Oil Company , you can sample delicious olive oils at their tranquil two hundred year old olive grove.

It’s tough to beat being pampered in wine country, and Ojai certainly delivers when it comes to spas. Ojai Valley Inn has an amazing spa with tons of other great amenities if you stay there as a guest.

The Day Spa of Ojai is excellent as well. 

Fly into Santa Barbara (SBA) Airport, rent a car and drive 34.1 miles to Ojai.

The Capri Hotel is a beautifully decorated hotel with a mid-century vibe. There are rooms with views of the Topa Topa Mountains. A golf course is located across the street and Los padres National Forest is only a couple miles away.

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian town tucked away in Washington’s Cascade Mountains. It’s the perfect small down getaway for seniors who want to explore a small town with a European flair- without having to leave the US! 

Float down the Wenatchee River

The best way to soak up the sun and enjoy the water is to take a leisurely float down the Wenatchee River . 

Sample German Beer and Food

Jump right into the Bavarian culture by sampling delicious German biers over at Doghaus Brewery and Icicle Brewing Co . For food, you can’t go wrong over at Andreas Keller , Ludwig’s , and Baren Haus .

Carriage Ride

The most fun and festive way to take in the views of unique Bavarian architecture in downtown Leavenworth and Front Street is to go on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town.

Hotel Recommendation: The Suites on Maine

Leavenworth is an easy road trip from Seattle only taking 2 hours by car. From Spokane, it is 3 hours, and from Portland, it is 4 hours. So if you are flying, Seattle International Airport will be the most convenient.

All rooms at Alpine Rivers Inn  have a balcony overlooking the Wenatchee. Spend evenings on the balcony listening to the river. It’s the perfect way to relax after a long day of play

Alternatively, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort  is a hotel with resort-style facilities including a restaurant, bar and a beautiful garden with incredible mountain views.

If you are interested in traveling during other seasons, please check out these other amazing suggestions:

• 20 Best Spring Vacations In USA For Seniors & Retirees ; and
• 20 Best Winter Vacations In USA For Retirees & Seniors .

Best Summer Outdoor Adventure Destinations In USA For Older Adults

Spending time in nature is nurturing and revitalizing. In these spots, you can challenge yourself with heart pumping outdoor activities or relax and admire the spectacular landscapes, viewpoints, and wildlife. These national parks and other hidden gems offer it all, especially in summer.

Sequoia National Park, California

With towering Sequoia Trees and crisp mountain air, Sequoia National Park is one of the most incredible outdoor destinations for seniors to visit in the summer.

Hike to Tokopah Falls

Tokopah Falls is an easy 1.7 mile hike that starts in the forest and ends with a view of a beautiful glacial waterfall. 

Explore the Crystal Cave

Only open in the summertime, the Crystal Cave is a fantastic cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. 

See the General Sherman Tree

Measured by volume, the General Sherman Tree is the largest tree in the entire world. The massive tree is 275 feet tall, and 11 feet wide in diameter. 

Fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport and drive 1.5 hours to Sequoia National Park.

Come stay at the upscale Wuksachi Lodge , a striking stone-and-cedar mountain lodge situated in the heart of the park and surrounded by a mighty sequoia forest and soaring Sierra peaks.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Bounded by the spectacular Lake Superior, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is known for its lush forests, epic lake, and incredible painted rocks. It’s easily one of the best places in the US for retirees to visit in the summer.

Ride Across Kitch-iti-kipi

Kitch-iti-kipi is the largest freshwater spring in Michigan, and it’s famous for its crystal clear waters that perfectly reflect the surrounding skies and forests. The best way to experience it is to ride a raft across the spring, and you can watch the fish swimming below you. 

See the Pictured Rocks

The Pictured Rocks are colorful rock formations formed from sandstone that sit right above the water of Lake Superior. The best and easiest access to see the Pictured Rocks is from Miner’s Castle. 

Fish Tacos from Cap’N Ron’s

Before the Upper Peninsula became famous for its gorgeous Pictured Rocks, it was a quaint little fishing town. Cap’N Ron’s is an incredible fish taco truck in Munising that keeps that spirit alive while serving up some of the best fish tacos ever. 

Fly into Sawyer Regional Airport, pick up a rental car and drive 20 minutes to Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Roam Inn is a super comfortable inn with very friendly staff. It offers gorgeous views of the lake from lovely well designed suites.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The jagged rock formations of Badlands National Park are otherworldly. You can almost feel the dinosaurs that used to roam here! Full of wildlife and spectacular scenery, the Badlands are one of the most incredible places in America to visit in the summer. 

Explore Roberts Prairie Dog Town

Roberts Prairie Dog Town is a several mile long expanse of fields that are teeming with adorable prairie dogs. You can drive or walk alongside this portion of the Park to see hundreds of prairie dogs roaming around and bobbing in and out of their holes. 

Sunset and Nighttime Stargazing

The Badlands offers some of the most incredible stargazing in the United States. This private sunset and nighttime stargazing tour includes a skilled guide who will not only help you spot celestial bodies but also the local wildlife. 

Drive the Badlands Scenic Loop

The Badlands Scenic Loop is a 39 mile loop through the Park with 16 designated stops where you can pull over at an overlook with amazing views. Driving the loop is the best and easiest way to get a feel for the entire National Park. 

Rapid City, South Dakota, is the closest major city with an airport at just over an hour away. It’s served by United, American, and Delta with International flights from Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Denver.

If you’re not a camper, then Cedar Pass Lodge next to the Visitor’s Center will be your most convenient place to stay during your visit to Badlands NP. It also offers a seasonal on-site restaurant for all Park visitors.

If you are a camper, you’ve got options: Cedar Pass Campground, which has RV sites with electrical hookups, and Sage Creek Campground, which is a primitive spot on the other side of the Park.”

Badlands Frontier Cabins offers cabins that are immaculate and well organized, with super comfortable beds. The staff is very friendly and the location is amazing.

Sitka, Alaska

Sitka is famous for its incredible mountains, copious amounts of wildlife, and incredibly rich history. The final frontier is one of the most wonderful places for retired Americans to visit in the summer. 

Explore Tongass National Forest

The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, and home to wild Pacific salmon, black bears, brown bears, bald eagles, and tons of other animals. 

On this guided nature walk , you’ll pass meadows, waterfalls, and groves, all while keeping an eye out for wildlife. 

Visit the Alaska Raptor Center

At the Alaska Raptor Center , visitors can get a close up look at these incredible animals while they are being treated and rehabilitated. You’ll also get to see owls, hawks, and falcons.

Whale Watching

On this intimate whale watching tour , you’ll get a chance to spot Humpback, Minke, and Gray Whales in their natural Alaskan habitat. 

Fly into Sitka Airport which is located within minutes of downtown.

Longliner Lodge and Suites offers spectacular views of wildlife right off your own deck. It has very clean rooms with comfortable beds and great staff. For those who enjoy fishing, the lodge offers fishing charter packages as well. Laundry facilities are available free of charge.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Full of geysers, forests, and other unique geothermal features, Yellowstone National Park is truly magnificent. With warm pleasant weather, summer is an amazing time for older adults to visit the Park.

Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake

It’s hard to imagine a better way to kick off your day in Yellowstone than with a serene morning paddle around Yellowstone Lake. You might even spot bears and elk on the lakeshore from your kayak! 

Wildlife Photography Tour

This guided wildlife photography tour will take you to the perfect places in the park to photograph bison, grizzlies, coyotes, and many other types of animals. With the help of your guide, you’ll also stand the best chances of finding wolves in the Park. 

Watch Old Faithful Erupt

As famous as it is, seeing Old Faithful erupt is well worth the hype. About every 90 minutes, the geyser explodes well over a hundred feet into the air, and it’s one of the most magical natural sights to see.

The closest airport to Yellowstone National Park is a tie between Jackson Hole Airport located in Jackson, WY (about a 2.5-hour drive from the South Entrance of Yellowstone) and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (approximately a 1.5-hour drive to the North Entrance of Yellowstone).

The best place to stay in Yellowstone National Park is  Old Faithful Inn . Overlooking the iconic Old Faithful geyser and just a 20-minute drive to Grand Prismatic Spring, the hotel offers visitors an ideal location for sightseeing. If you can, select a room facing the geyser so you can experience the best views.

There are many amazing places to visit in the United States for a vacation in summer for retirees and seniors. Each American destination listed in this article offers fantastic things to do, often providing unique experiences unlike anywhere else that you may have been. Whether you crave excitement or relaxation, the city, beaches or nature, there is somewhere for everyone.

Similar Posts

23 Best Places To Visit In The UK In July (2024 Review)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole The United Kingdom is a wonderful place for a summer holiday. The…

15 Best Waterfalls To Visit In The USA (2024 Review)

Last Updated on July 10, 2023 by Nicole Visiting waterfalls makes you happier – a bold statement, but there is…

24 Best Places In Europe For Mild Summer Weather (2024)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole Most of us look forward to long warm summer days, especially if…

25 Best Places To Visit In Europe In April (2024)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole April is one of the best times to take a European vacation….

Universal Studios Orlando: Unlock Hundreds Of Dollars Of Savings!

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole Universal Studios Orlando is expensive. Unfortunately, there is absolutely no other way…

24 Best Places To Visit In Europe In November (2024 Review)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole Visiting Europe in November is the best time of year. It is…

When is your trip in the summer to NYC and Weirs Beach

We are heading to NYC in November but not Weirs Beach.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

DOWNLOAD THE ITINERARY

• Email Address *

Silver Travel: The 7 Best US Travel Destinations For Seniors

So, you’re on the hunt for the best US travel destinations for seniors. You’ve come to the right place. This guide hops from coast to coast, mountain to beach, state park to city, all on the search for the very finest hotspots for vacations in those later years.

It offers a pretty tempting mix of places. We’ve got tried-and-tested holiday mainstays like Hawaii and the Florida Keys, but also lesser-known escapes in less-trodden parts of the country, from the sylvan mountains of Maine in New England to the hippy communes of the Arizonan deserts.

The idea here is that these destinations offer something for a range of different senior travelers. Some are great for simply enjoying the hotels and relaxing. Others tempt with more adventure in the wilds. Let’s begin…

Table of Contents

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is one of those places you simply have to see in your lifetime. Spread between Montana , Idaho, and Wyoming on the cusp of the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide, it’s a mecca for wildlife viewing and nature lovers, encompassing tracts of bison-studded meadows and smoke-belching hot springs alike.

But don’t go thinking that this wild, wild corner of the stars and stripes is impossible to explore. It’s not, really. The whole place is crisscrossed by a neat grid of routes that make for some of the most scenic driving this side of Appalachia. The best of them is the Grand Loop Road, which takes seven hours to complete but whisks you through all the highlights and hidden sites in the park. For something shorter, check the Upper Loop, a 2.5-hour romp through the Mammoth Hot Springs and the iconic Tower Falls.

The other great thing about choosing Yellowstone in older age is that you can benefit from the reduced cost of an America the Beautiful Pass (it’s just $20 for a senior and includes access to ALL US national wildlife refuges and parks). You also shouldn’t be tied to school vacations, when Yellowstone is at its busiest.

It should hardly come as a surprise that Florida figures on our list of the best US travel destinations for seniors. The fabled Sunshine State has long been seen as retiree hotspot numero uno in North America, largely thanks to its clement sub-tropical climate, welcoming senior communities, and array of sparkling beaches. Sounds good, eh?

There are a few spots in Florida that are worth an extra special mention. The most southerly point of the state is the Florida Keys. They’re as close to vacationing in the Caribbean as the contiguous USA gets really, with turtle-filled coral gardens rubbing up to shores speckled with palm trees.

Closer to the heart of the state is The Villages, a collection of retirement communities that comes with freshwater lakes for boating and fishing, and more golf courses than you can shake your seven iron at. Finally, out west, is the beach-threaded town of Sarasota. Grab yourself a week in a villa there to be treated to visions of oat-topped dunes and quartz sands. Lovely.

It’s not hard to see why Sedona is hailed like the Uluru of North America. The town is wedged between such a jaw-dropping medley of soaring hoodoos and table-top mountains that many have come to think of it as a spiritual mecca and meeting point of magnetic fields. But whether that New Age stuff is your scene or not, there’s no doubt that there’s plenty to draw the more active seniors out there…

For one, the hiking is fantastic. Short and manageable trails can take you to see the gleaming red bluffs of Snoopy Rock, while more challenging romps whisk you over the peaks to the Devil’s Bridge and Bear Mountain if you’re feeling up to it. If not, the driving in this corner of AZ is spectacular, taking you through scented pine forests to hidden canyons and fishing spots and hot springs.

On top of all that, Sedona has some of the most luxurious lodge stays in the southwest. Check into one of the fancy, five-star places here and you’ll have hot tubs under the stars, wellness facilities, and plush Western-styled rooms warmed by crackling log fires.

Hawaii is often hailed as the best of all the best US travel destinations for seniors. Why? Well…it’s one of the USA’s rare tropical hotspots. That means sun and plenty of it. You have the location to thank for that – the Aloha State sits a mega 2,300 miles out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean from the edge of southern California.

But it’s not just the sunshine and the warmth that keep the older crowd jetting over. Resort areas like Princeville (on Kauai) and Wailea-Makena (on Maui) have risen to become all-in-one vacation hotspots in the last 50 years. Head to those to find sleek condo hotels with pools and views of the beaches, not to mention access to some of the most celebrated golf courses in the country!

More adventure-hungry seniors also have loads to get stuck into in Hawaii. Leave behind Honolulu and the hotels of Waikiki and you can scale Diamond Head or unravel the dark WWII history at the Arizona Memorial . Back on Kauai and there are unforgettable boat trips to the Na Pali coast or hiking in the Koke’e State Park to get through.

Asheville is the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. But that doesn’t mean you have to come with the walking boots in tow and the drive to complete long sections of the Appalachian Trail. No sir – the culture-brimming town is also a corker of a destination for seniors these days.

The first thing to mention is the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. That’s the scenic byway to cap all scenic byways. It wiggles for 470 miles through a massive dash of North Carolina and neighboring Virginia. It’s riddled with lookout points and pretty picnic stops, but also enthralling historical sites like the pioneer-era Mabry Mill.

Once you’ve whizzed on back to Asheville itself, you can look forward to a vibrant mountain city that’s got everything from organic farmer’s markets to theatre houses on the menu. For older visitors, we can especially recommend the craft stalls at the Grovewood Village shopping center and the 434-acre North Carolina Arboretum.

Maine – the Pine Tree State, Vacationland – is one of the jewels of New England. It spills into the Atlantic on the northeastern edge of the USA to offer one of the most glorious runs of coastline pretty much anywhere in the country. Back inland, and you have ski slopes in Bethel and quiet state parks with untrodden peaks to explore.

The real highlight here has to be the Acadia National Park. A fragmented mass of islands covered in oak woods and pines, it’s anchored on the salt-washed village of Bar Harbor. From there, you can launch whale watching trips to strike a line from the bucket list. Or simply settle in one of the elegant coast hotels and enjoy endless bouts of New England seafood.

The fall months are especially wonderful up in Maine. People flock from all over to see the changing of the forests, from emerald-green to ochre and orange. The lake region around Limerick and the forested areas of Farmington and Skowhegan are especially fantastic parts of the state for seeing that.

There’s an undeniable romance about central Savannah, a town gilded with Antebellum grandeur and framed by monstrous old oaks draped in moss. They call this one the Hostess City of the South, and it’s the dame of all hostesses if you ask us. The downtown core is a symphony of beautiful parks and babbling fountains, handsome 1800s mansions, and elegant streets lined with BBQ and grits outlets.

The town’s cultural calendar is positively booming. Catch a show at the Savannah Theatre or drop into the Savannah Music Festival to jig to Dixie jazz in the early spring. Hit the vintage shops and vinyl stores of River Street Market. Take a whistlestop tour of the many haunted locations – they say this is the most haunted city in the whole USA!

And when you’re done with the urban enjoyments? Go for the coast. Savannah is plonked just a stone’s throw up the bends of its eponymous river from well-to-do Tybee Island and the Atlantic barrier isles on the GA coast. They’re home to bayous and beaches and old-school piers, along with some of the best seafood buffets this side of Monterey.

The best US travel destinations for seniors – our conclusion

There are stacks and stacks of places out there that could make it onto a list of the best US travel destinations for seniors. We’ve had to whittle all those down to just seven picks. What we’re left with is a pretty darn tempting array of places for older-age adventurers. Of course, the beaches of Florida and the tropical reaches of Hawaii are in the mix. But so are less-known parts of New England and historical cities in the south.

For more than 11 years, Joe has worked as a freelance travel writer. His writing and explorations have brought him to various locations, including the colonial towns of Mexico, the bustling chowks of Mumbai, and the majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand. When he's not crafting his next epic blog post on the top Greek islands or French ski resorts, he can often be found engaging in his top two hobbies of surfing and hiking.

Related posts

11 Common Snakes in Michigan

Is Miami Expensive To Visit? A Magic City Budget Guide

Texas or Utah: Which US State Should You Visit?

APRIL SALE Extended:   Book now for   up to 60% off!

North America Tours for Seniors

Explore North America with other Seniors. These 250+ tours include popular destinations like Las Vegas and Grand Canyon National Park.

250+ trips for 'over 50s' in North America with 26,536 reviews

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

7 Day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Camping Tour

This was an amazing package! It covered everywhere I wanted to see in the South West area and our guide (John) was very good and familiar with what he was doing, he took us to places that we would not have known at all if not in the tour. The only thing that was off putting as a non-American, not to blame the tour but more a cultural shock, was that everywhere we went (including this tour itself) at the end we were supposed to tip which I had never seen in my entire life in Europe. But overall a very nice and memorable trip.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Canadian Rockies

The tour was absolutely amazing. Took me well out of my comfort zone with camping but I loved it all the Andrew was awesome. He was so knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure we gained the utmost out of our tour. He knew so many little places to take us to and helped out so much in advising us on the best hikes and places to go to. Tents were roomy and easy to put up. All the camping grounds were clean and welcoming. I just love Canada and was so grateful to see it in a different way and not on a tour bus. Thoroughly recommend this tour.

7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Tour

Fantastic tour ,good pace,daily great hikes,seen a lot without feeling pressed,knowledgeable,attentive guide,highly recommand.

Wild Western USA

The tour was amazing. Everything was just how it should be, this was only possible because of our amazing tour guide Chris Patric! Our campgrounds and hotels were just fine. Special Greetings from Berlin. I had the time of my life.

• In-depth Cultural

Vancouver Island & Northern Rockies

Great tour leader! Energetic and friendly. Didn’t take into account varying abilities. Great participants but the energy level of the tour was a bit much for me. Didn’t like racing down the trail. Approaching 70, maybe tour wasn’t right for me. Itinerary was lousy except for two days: inside passage and Icefields highway. Good time overall. Thanks, Storm!

• Coach / Bus

Wonders of the Canadian Rockies (10 Days) (7 destinations)

Great trip Thank you Dave and Jeremy

Heart of the Canadian Rockies

The guide was very thoughtful knowledgeable and attentive. I loved what I saw. only complaints would be with some of the accommodations. Im very glad we had someone to handle our bags. the best one was Royal Scot. the one in Banff was too remote and didn’t include decent dining options. the same iin Lake Jasper, although they overcharged for a simple breakfast because there were few options. 18 Cad for breakfast and they wouldn’t spring for real Maple syrup? anyway the tour was awesome. many thx to our guide and driver

Ultimate Active Alaska

Rockies Premium Tour from Vancouver (34 Seats)

Was a good experience with great tour guide Kara and driver Chris. The long drives were broken down with strategic stops to use wash rooms, view amazing scenery and experience Alberta’s outdoors.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Majestic Alaska (10 Days)

This was an excellent experience

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Mighty 5 From Las Vegas

Excellent tour of the Mighty 5 in Utah. Our guide Robin was knowledgeable and accommodating throughout the tour. Just enough time was allocated for hiking the trails, viewing the sites in the distance and even visiting the Visitor Centers in each park. Hotel/motel accommodations were good and chosen for access to restaurants. Lunch stops with corresponding places to eat were well planned and the food and service was good. We thoroughly enjoyed our time.

Newfoundland & Labrador

Tour Radar arranged the perfect trip. The tour guide was outstanding and the bus driver excellent. The only negative was the bunch at Globus. Our trip was scheduled in 2020, 2021, and 2022, but cancelled several times due to Covid. My husband uses an electric wheelchair and I filled out the forms FOUR times and submitted those in 2020, 2021, and twice in 2022. Each time I included copies of a product brochure showing weight, dimensions, how it came apart, and so on. The day before our trip the people at Globus were still reviewing those forms. That is total incompetence and a complete failure at customer service.

Essence of Eastern Canada (End Montreal, 8 Days)

I enjoyed the over all experience, there were a few things I was not happy with.

Rockies Western Canada Iconic Sites: 7-Day Tour

By far the best tour I have ever done! Our guide (Meghan) was amazing! We always had a good laugh, enjoyed the company of the other guest and guide and got to stay in lovely accommodation. The tour was extremely well organised and the drives were very scenic and enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour !

Golden West Adventure

Great Tour Leader and Driver, Jake and Allan. Great bunch of fellow travellers. Scenery and itinerary was perfect, loved every minute of my tour

What people love about North America Tours for Seniors

We did the 7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Camping Tour with Adriann as our guide and it was outstanding! We drove through beautiful landscapes, had the opportunity to hike in all the national parks and were able to take great photos. Adriann is very accommodating, knows a lot about the individual places and manages to make the trip an unforgettable experience for everyone. We chose the camping option and didn't regret it. The sunrise over the Moment Valley was particularly unique! We can highly recommend Bindlestiff and especially Adriann Narciso :)

I have great time. Dusty is the best tour manager. I have very good first camping trip.

What a lifetime experience everyone needs Jun 2023 • Solo Within 7 days, we drove in 3 states, visited 5 national parks / 2 state parks, hiked 60 miles, made friends from 7 different states/nations, and eventually traveled through the iconic Route 66 back to Las Vegas. What a lifetime experience everyone needs Day 1 - Zion National Park Day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park Day 3 - Canyonlands National Park Day 4 - Arches National Park Day 5 - Monument Valley Navajo Nation Day 6 - Grand Canyon National Park / Antelope State Day 7- Grand Canyon back to Las Vegas via Historic Route 66 AMAZING!

More Tours in North America for Seniors

• USA tours (560)
• Canada tours (188)
• Greenland tours (11)
• Solo/Single tours (1052)
• For Couples (733)
• Budget tours (145)
• Luxury tours (123)

Spring Escapes: Top USA Travel Spots for Seniors

If you’re a senior looking for a well-deserved vacation this spring, you’re not alone. In fact, over 50 million Americans aged 65 and older travel within the United States each year . So why not join the ranks and embark on an unforgettable adventure? From picturesque mountain retreats to tropical beach getaways, there are numerous senior-friendly destinations across the country that offer the perfect balance of relaxation, outdoor activities, and quality time with loved ones. Discover the top travel spots for seniors in the USA this spring and start planning your much-deserved escape!

Key Takeaways:

• Over 50 million Americans aged 65 and older travel within the United States each year
• Senior-friendly destinations offer a mix of relaxation, outdoor activities, and quality time with loved ones
• There are numerous travel spots across the USA that cater to the needs of senior travelers
• From mountain retreats to beach getaways, there’s something for everyone this spring
• Start planning your spring escape and enjoy the beauty of the season in a top travel spot for seniors

Suncadia Resort – Washington’s Cascade Mountains

Situated in Washington’s Cascade Mountains and the Wenatchee National Forest, Suncadia Resort offers stunning mountain views, outdoor activities, and a range of amenities tailored to adults. From golfing and archery to guided meditation and spa treatments, there’s plenty to keep seniors entertained. The resort also features family-friendly activities, making it an ideal spot for multi-generational trips.

Big Cedar Lodge – Missouri’s Ozark Mountains

Nestled in the stunning Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge is the perfect destination for senior travelers seeking an unforgettable wilderness retreat. This resort offers a wide range of accommodation options and a multitude of outdoor activities to suit every interest. Whether you’re an avid golfer, an enthusiastic hiker, or an adventurous soul looking to try your hand at axe throwing, Big Cedar Lodge has it all.

The lodge features top-quality amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for seniors and their families. And while Big Cedar Lodge offers plenty for older travelers, it also boasts family-friendly amenities such as a kids’ adventure club and a nature discovery center, making it an excellent choice for multi-generational vacations.

Set in the midst of the serene Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge provides a truly immersive experience with its spectacular scenery and abundance of outdoor activities. From hiking trails that traverse the lush forests to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore.

If you’re a nature enthusiast looking for a peaceful escape this spring, Big Cedar Lodge should be at the top of your list. Here, you can reconnect with nature, create lasting memories with loved ones, and enjoy a wide range of amenities tailored to senior travelers.

Outdoor Activities at Big Cedar Lodge

• Golfing: Tee off on the resort’s championship golf courses, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains.
• Hiking: Explore the lodge’s extensive trail system and discover the beauty of the surrounding nature.
• Axe Throwing: Unleash your inner lumberjack and try your hand at this exciting and unique outdoor activity.

Family-Friendly Amenities

• Kids’ Adventure Club: Keep the younger members of your family entertained with a variety of supervised activities.
• Nature Discovery Center: Learn about the local wildlife and natural history through interactive exhibits and educational programs.

“Big Cedar Lodge offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and family fun. The scenic beauty and range of activities make it an ideal destination for senior travelers seeking a memorable spring getaway.” – Happy Traveler

Lone Mountain Ranch – Montana Rockies

Located just a short distance from Yellowstone National Park, Lone Mountain Ranch offers seniors a charming and rustic ranch experience in the breathtaking Montana Rockies. This serene and picturesque destination is truly a hidden gem for older adults seeking a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature’s beauty.

The ranch provides a range of accommodations, including cozy log cabins that exude warmth and comfort. Each cabin is appointed with modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant stay for seniors. Whether you prefer a private cabin nestled in the woods or one with stunning mountain views, there’s an option to suit your preferences.

One of the main highlights of Lone Mountain Ranch is the abundance of outdoor activities available. Seniors can embark on horseback riding adventures, exploring the scenic trails and immersing themselves in the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness. Guided hikes are also offered, providing an opportunity to discover hidden natural wonders and witness the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

Fly fishing enthusiasts will find joy in the ranch’s well-stocked streams and rivers. Casting a line and trying to catch the elusive trout is not only an enjoyable activity but also a chance to connect with nature and experience the rush of adrenaline.

“Lone Mountain Ranch is a true oasis for seniors who appreciate the serenity and beauty of the great outdoors. From exploring the untamed wilderness on horseback to casting a line in pristine rivers, there’s no shortage of activities to keep older adults engaged and energized during their stay.”

In addition to outdoor adventures, Lone Mountain Ranch offers activities catered to relaxation and holistic wellness. Outdoor yoga sessions allow seniors to rejuvenate their minds and bodies while enjoying the fresh mountain air. The ranch also provides archery lessons for those seeking a unique and engaging experience.

For seniors traveling with grandchildren or young relatives, Lone Mountain Ranch offers adventure programs tailored to youth. These programs foster a sense of exploration and curiosity, creating unforgettable memories for both seniors and the younger generation.

Lone Mountain Ranch is truly one of the top travel spots for older adults seeking an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of the Montana Rockies. The combination of rustic charm, outdoor activities, and family-friendly amenities makes it an ideal choice for seniors looking to create lasting memories in a serene and picturesque setting.

Mission Point – Mackinac Island, Michigan

Located on Mackinac Island , Mission Point is a waterfront resort with a historic charm. Situated amidst the breathtaking beauty of Northern Michigan, this destination offers a picturesque retreat for senior travelers.

At Mission Point, seniors can relax and rejuvenate on the expansive lawn overlooking Lake Huron, taking in the tranquil views and soothing sounds of the water. The resort’s serene atmosphere provides the perfect setting for a peaceful getaway.

One of the highlights of visiting Mackinac Island is experiencing the timeless charm of horse-drawn carriage rides. Seniors can embark on a leisurely carriage tour of the island, exploring its rich history and natural beauty at a leisurely pace.

For those seeking ultimate relaxation, Mission Point offers a range of spa treatments. From massages to facials, seniors can indulge in self-care and pampering sessions that enhance their physical and mental well-being.

In addition to the resort’s amenities, Mackinac Island itself is a must-see destination for seniors in the United States. Known for its ban on motor vehicles, the island’s peaceful atmosphere takes visitors back to a simpler time. Seniors can stroll along the charming streets lined with historic homes and unique shops, creating unforgettable memories.

If you’re a senior looking for a travel destination that combines natural beauty, historic charm, and a peaceful ambiance, Mission Point on Mackinac Island is the perfect choice.

Montage Palmetto Bluff – South Carolina

Situated on a 20,000-acre community in South Carolina, Montage Palmetto Bluff is a senior-friendly travel destination that offers an array of activities and accommodations for a perfect spring getaway. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, this resort has something for every senior traveler.

At Montage Palmetto Bluff, you can enjoy a round of golf on the picturesque May River Golf Course or indulge in kayaking along the tranquil waterways. For those seeking outdoor thrills, the resort offers sporting clay stations for a fun and challenging experience. Seniors can also take advantage of the resort’s adventure programs, where families can come together and create unforgettable memories.

Are you dreaming of spending the night in a treehouse? Montage Palmetto Bluff makes it possible with their unique treehouse accommodations, providing a one-of-a-kind experience amidst the stunning surroundings. These elevated havens offer comfort and seclusion, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Whether you prefer a luxurious cottage, a spacious suite, or a charming inn room, Montage Palmetto Bluff offers a range of accommodation options to suit your preferences. Each room is beautifully decorated and designed with your comfort in mind, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

With its stunning natural surroundings, abundance of activities, and top-notch amenities, Montage Palmetto Bluff is undoubtedly one of the best USA travel spots for seniors seeking a memorable spring getaway.

Included Activities:

• Golfing on the May River Golf Course
• Kayaking along the waterways
• Sporting clay stations for outdoor fun
• Adventure programs for families
• Unique treehouse accommodations

Testimonial:

“Montage Palmetto Bluff is the perfect destination for seniors looking for a peaceful and adventurous getaway. The natural beauty of the surroundings combined with the variety of activities makes for a truly unforgettable experience. I loved staying in one of their treehouse accommodations – it was like being in a fairy tale!” Jane Adams

Cavallo Point – San Francisco, California

Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point offers stunning views of San Francisco Bay and a variety of experiences. Seniors can indulge in spa treatments, join guided hikes and yoga classes, and explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. There’s something for everyone at this senior-friendly travel destination in America.

For those looking for relaxation, the resort offers a range of spa treatments to rejuvenate the mind and body. With beautiful views of the bay and serene surroundings, seniors can truly unwind and pamper themselves.

Guided Hikes and Yoga Classes

If you’re a senior who loves the outdoors, Cavallo Point offers guided hikes through the stunning landscape of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Discover the beauty of the surrounding nature while enjoying a leisurely walk with experienced guides.

For those looking to balance their mind, body, and soul, yoga classes are also available. Join a group class or opt for a private session to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and find inner peace.

Exploring Golden Gate National Recreation Area

With the Golden Gate National Recreation Area right at your doorstep, you’ll have endless opportunities for exploration. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Presidio. Take in the breathtaking views, snap some photos, and immerse yourself in the rich history of San Francisco.

Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, the recreation area offers various trails suited for different fitness levels. Enjoy the fresh air, scenic landscapes, and the chance to spot local wildlife along the way.

After a day of adventures, seniors can return to the comfort of Cavallo Point and relax in their luxurious accommodations. The resort offers a range of room options to suit different preferences, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating stay.

With its prime location, serene atmosphere, and a wide range of activities, Cavallo Point is a top choice for short trips for seniors in the USA . Plan your spring getaway to this senior travel destination and create lasting memories in the heart of San Francisco.

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Phoenix, Arizona

If you’re looking for classic luxury, the Arizona Biltmore is the perfect choice for your affordable senior travel destination. This renowned Waldorf Astoria resort is located in the vibrant city of Phoenix, Arizona. With its newly renovated accommodations, day spa, and multiple pools, the Arizona Biltmore offers a truly indulgent experience for retirees seeking a relaxing getaway.

The resort’s newly refurbished rooms and suites provide a haven of comfort and style, ensuring a rejuvenating stay. Whether you prefer a spacious suite with panoramic views or a cozy room with elegant decor, there’s an option to suit every preference.

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience at the resort’s luxurious day spa. From revitalizing facials to invigorating body treatments, there’s a wide range of services to choose from. Unwind and let the skilled therapists pamper you, leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed.

One of the highlights of the Arizona Biltmore is its multiple pools. Immerse yourself in the sparkling waters, bask in the warm Arizona sun, or enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the poolside bar. With comfortable lounge chairs, umbrellas, and attentive service, you’ll have everything you need for a perfect day by the pool.

Concierge Arrangements and Exciting Activities

The Arizona Biltmore offers personalized concierge services to ensure that your stay is tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re interested in exploring the natural beauty of the desert, embarking on thrilling adventures, or indulging in culinary delights, the resort’s dedicated concierge team is there to assist you.

For those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, the concierge can arrange exciting activities such as hot air balloon rides, guided hiking tours, or scenic biking adventures. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Sonoran Desert from above, hike picturesque trails, or cycle through the vibrant city of Phoenix.

Escape to Classic Luxury

With its world-class facilities, attentive service, and convenient location, the Arizona Biltmore is a senior-friendly destination that offers an unforgettable retreat. Indulge in timeless elegance, immerse yourself in relaxation, and create lasting memories at this iconic resort.

Bungalows Key Largo – Key Largo, Florida

A tropical oasis for adults, Bungalows Key Largo is one of the best spring travel destinations for elderly seeking quick getaways. Located in Key Largo, Florida, this resort offers a serene waterfront setting that caters perfectly to the needs of older adults.

At Bungalows Key Largo, seniors can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and indulge in a peaceful retreat. The resort features luxurious waterfront bungalows that provide a comfortable and relaxing stay.

In addition to the tranquil surroundings, Bungalows Key Largo offers a wide range of amenities and activities tailored specifically for older adults. Seniors can unwind in poolside cabanas, take part in beachfront yoga classes to rejuvenate their minds and bodies, and enjoy a variety of spa treatments for ultimate relaxation.

For those seeking adventure, the resort provides an array of water sports activities. From paddleboarding and kayaking to snorkeling and fishing, there is something for every older adult to enjoy.

When it comes to dining options, Bungalows Key Largo delivers a culinary experience that caters to all tastes. Whether seniors desire a fine dining experience or prefer to savor casual cuisine, the resort’s diverse restaurants and bars offer a wide range of delicious options.

And for a truly unforgettable experience, Bungalows Key Largo offers sunset cruises that allow elderly travelers to marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Florida Keys while enjoying a pleasant boat ride.

With its ideal location, luxurious accommodations, and a myriad of activities, Bungalows Key Largo is an easy vacation choice for older adults seeking a memorable spring getaway.

Rancho Bernardo Inn – San Diego, California

Located on 250 acres of breathtaking land in San Diego, California, Rancho Bernardo Inn is an ideal destination for seniors seeking a rejuvenating and memorable spring getaway. With its serene ambiance and range of accommodations, the inn offers a tranquil escape surrounded by lush gardens and picturesque landscapes.

Seniors visiting Rancho Bernardo Inn can indulge in a variety of activities tailored to their interests and preferences. Golf enthusiasts can tee off on the championship golf course, boasting stunning views of the surrounding hills. Alternatively, seniors can relax by the poolside, basking in the warm California sun and taking in the peaceful atmosphere.

If exploring nearby attractions is more to your liking, Rancho Bernardo Inn is conveniently located close to iconic San Diego museums. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the city, discovering art, science, and interactive exhibits that are sure to captivate and inspire.

To accommodate multi-generational trips, Rancho Bernardo Inn also features family-friendly amenities, including a game room where guests of all ages can engage in friendly competition and create lasting memories together.

With its stunning natural surroundings, array of activities, and family-friendly offerings, Rancho Bernardo Inn is among the top senior travel destinations in the USA. Experience the beauty of spring and create cherished moments with your loved ones at this senior-friendly resort.

Testimonial: A Memorable Stay at Rancho Bernardo Inn

“Our stay at Rancho Bernardo Inn was truly remarkable. The tranquil setting, beautiful gardens, and peaceful atmosphere allowed us to unwind and create unforgettable memories. The golf course was impeccable, and the proximity to San Diego’s museums added an extra layer of excitement. We highly recommend this senior-friendly resort to anyone looking for a rejuvenating spring getaway!” – William and Margaret Alvarez

Best Cities to Retire in the U.S

For seniors considering retirement destinations, we have compiled a list of the best cities in the U.S. to retire. These cities offer a range of amenities, including cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and comfortable living options. Whether you’re looking for a coastal retreat or a mountain getaway, there’s a city on this list for you.

Retirement is an exciting chapter in life, and choosing the right city to spend your golden years is an important decision. We’ve carefully curated a list of cities that cater to the needs and desires of seniors, providing a mix of entertainment, relaxation, and convenience. Let’s explore these top destinations for seniors in the USA :

1. Sarasota, Florida

“Sarasota offers a perfect blend of white sandy beaches, cultural attractions, and a thriving retirement community. With its warm climate and vibrant arts scene, it’s no wonder Sarasota is a top choice for retirees.” – Jane Thompson, Travel Enthusiast

2. Asheville, North Carolina

“Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville combines natural beauty with a rich cultural scene. From hiking trails to art galleries, there’s always something to explore in this charming city.” – Mark Johnson, Outdoor Enthusiast

3. Scottsdale, Arizona

“With its dry climate and stunning desert landscapes, Scottsdale is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Golf courses, hiking trails, and spas create the perfect backdrop for an active and relaxing retirement.” – Sarah Williams, Health and Wellness Blogger

4. Charleston, South Carolina

“Charleston’s historic charm and southern hospitality make it an ideal place to retire. From cobblestone streets to antebellum mansions, this city is steeped in history and offers a wide range of cultural experiences.” – David Rodriguez, History Enthusiast

5. Portland, Oregon

“For seniors who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty, Portland is the perfect choice. With its lush parks, thriving food scene, and proximity to stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder Portland is a popular retirement destination.” – Emily Thompson, Nature Lover

6. Austin, Texas

“Austin’s vibrant music scene, outdoor recreation options, and warm climate make it a hotspot for retirees. The city’s friendly atmosphere and booming culinary scene create a lively environment for seniors.” – Michael Johnson, Music Enthusiast

These are just a few examples of the top destinations for seniors in the USA . Each city offers its own unique blend of attractions and amenities, ensuring that retirees can find a place that suits their lifestyle and interests. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful coastal town or an exciting urban environment, there’s a retirement destination for you.

So start planning your retirement and consider these top cities as your spring travel locations for seniors . The possibilities are endless, and your golden years are meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.

When it comes to planning a spring escape, seniors are spoiled for choice with a variety of ideal travel destinations in the USA. Whether you prefer the tranquility of a resort, the adventure of a wilderness retreat, or the excitement of an urban getaway, there are options that cater to the needs and interests of older adults. From the breathtaking mountains of Washington to the idyllic beaches of Florida, these senior-friendly destinations offer the perfect balance of comfort, relaxation, and exploration.

Imagine waking up to majestic mountain views at Suncadia Resort or enjoying the rustic charm of a ranch experience at Lone Mountain Ranch. If you’re longing for historic charm and a car-free island escape, Mission Point on Mackinac Island is the place to be. And for those seeking luxury and sophistication, the Arizona Biltmore and Montage Palmetto Bluff provide an unparalleled experience.

Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, these destinations offer the perfect spring escape for older adults. So start planning your ideal short vacation and embrace the beauty of the season in one of these senior-friendly travel spots in the USA. It’s time to make lasting memories and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

What are some senior-friendly travel destinations in the USA this spring?

Some senior-friendly travel destinations in the USA this spring include Suncadia Resort in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, and Lone Mountain Ranch in Montana Rockies.

Are there any recommended travel spots for elderly tourists in the USA?

Yes, recommended travel spots for elderly tourists in the USA include Mission Point on Mackinac Island, Michigan, Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, and Cavallo Point in San Francisco, California.

What are some affordable and accessible vacation spots for older travelers?

The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona, Bungalows Key Largo in Key Largo, Florida, and Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California are some affordable and accessible vacation spots for older travelers .

Which are the best cities to retire in the U.S?

Some of the best cities to retire in the U.S include Washington’s Cascade Mountains, Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, and Montana Rockies.

Source Links

• https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/senior-travel/best-resorts-for-retirees
• https://www.aaa.com/tripcanvas/article/top-vacations-spots-in-the-us-CM817
• https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-spring-vacations/

Share your love

About the author, related posts, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Senior Travel United States Tours & Trips

3,990 senior travel trips. tours from 190 tour companies. 13,786 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating..

Filter by trip style:

Private Guided

Small Group

River Cruise

Self-Guided

Small Ship Cruise

Large Ship Cruise

Best of Alaska

Alaska, Anchorage, Chugach Mountains, Denali, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Valdez

• Head out on an Alaskan safari for a unique chance to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves in their natural habitat in Denali National Park.
• Take a boat cruise on Resurrection Bay to Kenai Fjords and look out for orca whales, porpoises and puffins before enjoying some free time to hike or relax.
• Discover Seward, one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities, then take a short hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Sit back and take in stunning views along the dramatic coastlines of the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Homer, then from Seward to Denali National Park, while someone else does the driving.
• On the way to charming Talkeetna, take a breath in Girdwood, where you’ll hop on the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt Alyeska and see some incredible views of seven glaciers and the valley below.

50 plus, Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Health Safety +

Enchanting Canyonlands (Summer 2023 2024, Classic)

"Fabulous tour I would highly recommend. Our tour director Lorena Schiavon was great. Very informative & knowledgeable about all the towns & sights. Loved all the surprises she had mostly at the beginning of trip. Tasted different Italian cookies. Stopped to view gorgeous San Giminamo with wine & cheese. We wish Collesium tour in Rome included inside tour, and Fountain tour was included. We had a smaller group which I loved but optional fountain tour didn’t make. Wish in Venice tour included Dogge’s palace. So many beautiful cities & views. Enough free time. Loved going to family homes. Roman dinner at Machiavelli’s was outstanding! Loved the music. * Our last dinner was full of surprises with a band playing outside a church. I believe a holiday. Super fun. All the local tour guides were great with exception of one. Fabulous time. We will tour again with this company. Loved our driver Mauricio! Always felt safe & comfortable. Lots of walking…"

Hawaii Four Island Adventure (Moderate)

50 plus, Cultural

"They catered for all. It was a happy group."

All Senior Travel , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Senior Travel

Journey Along the Civil Rights Trail

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

Hawaii Four Island Adventure (First Class)

Utah's Mighty Five National Parks

Unlock community benefits, travel better together.

• Save favorite trips and itineraries
• Get insider insights
• Receive personalized recommendations
• ... and much more

Wonders of the American West (Summer, Classic)

• Grand Canyon National Park: Join your Local Expert, Canyon Tim, for an informative talk about the wonders of the Grand Canyon. With over seven years of experience in geology, you'll learn about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formation and its current impact. You'll also discover the local flora and fauna, and find out where you might be able to spot elk, mule deer, coyotes, grey foxes, bobcats and mountain lions.
• Cameron: Stop at the historic Trading Post, established in the early 1900s as a place where Native Americans traded wool and livestock.
• Grand Canyon National Park: Arrive at one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the second most visited national park in the United States, the Grand Canyon. Encompassing 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world and offers unmatched vistas along its rim.
• Monument Valley: Meet your Navajo Local Experts and board all-terrain vehicles with open sides for a private, off-the-beaten path exploration of this magical valley. Learn about Navajo history, culture and heritage from your expert as you travel deeper in the natural wonders of this unique landscape.
• Monument Valley: View the iconic backdrop of Forrest Gump's last run.

Historic Highlights

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Best Senior Travel Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Senior Travel Tours by Price

Related Tours

Senior travel reviews & ratings, this is an amazing trip..

This is an amazing trip. There is a lot of traveling but it is very much worth it, to get the opportunity to see the very best of Alaska. The scenery is spectacular,...

Tour:   Best of Alaska

Alaska was an amazing experience and was one of the loveliest places we have seen

Alaska was an amazing experience and was one of the loveliest places we have seen so far. It was made all the better by our fellow travellers and our guide. Travelli...

Greek Island Cruise

Although the trip is not luxury by any means, it is most enjoyable, peaceful and relaxing. If you don't mind simple accomodations and like camping you will enjoy th...

Tour:   Greek Island Cruise

See all Senior Travel reviews

Senior Travel Tour Selection Trips

Physical Requirements For Senior Tours 

Additional details

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 3990 trips to Senior Travel and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

• Home Care Finder

Best Senior Travel Destinations in 2024

With COVID-19 vaccination rates on the rise, it looks like this summer will be safer for travel than the last one. Especially if you and your loved ones are vaccinated, there’s no reason you can’t get out of the house and explore what the country has to offer.

No matter what your budget or style preference, there’s a vacation destination for you. The following senior travel destinations are some of my personal favorites, in addition to those of our staff writers.

1. US National Parks

There’s more than one reason for preserving natural beauty, and one of those is so people can continue to view it, savor it, and, ideally, go back home with a keener, and broader, appreciation of the value of the world around them. The U.S. currently has 59 protected areas. Having taken Amtrak up to Montana’s East Glacier National Park, as well as having driven to the Grand Canyon, this writer can honestly state that, not only was the cost of these comfortable trips surprisingly low but the memories also remain indelible.

From California’s Death Valley to Alaska’s Denali, from Florida’s Everglades to Utah’s Canyonlands –– nature’s offerings are infinite, awe-inspiring, and deeply inspirational. For more details on what any of these parks can offer in the way of accommodations, tours, classes, and other recreational activities, check out the National Park Service website. Also, be sure to look into the national park pass for seniors .

2. Disney World, Florida

It’s forgivable if the first thing that comes to mind after reading “Disney World” are the sights and sounds of lots of excited children and long lines. With new COVID restrictions in place, however, park attendance is limited, and rigorous safety measures have been put in place, ensuring that guests will have a socially distanced and pleasant experience. True, Disney World does not offer senior discounts on tickets or accommodations, but you may find discounts at other sites like AAA or AARP.

My personal favorite park would have to be Epcot. Older adults, especially, can appreciate the park’s world showcase, which takes you on a culinary and visual journey through 11 different countries, including Mexico, Japan, and Italy. Even if you can’t currently travel the world, Epcot creates as entertaining of a simulation as possible.

3. Sedona, Arizona

When most people think of Arizona, their mind tends to conjure up images of cacti, rattlesnakes, and scorching hot temperatures. Departing from this image is the beautiful town of Sedona, Arizona. Less than a two-hour drive from the Phoenix airport, Sedona is a sightseer’s dream with its beautiful red rock cliffs and rock formations. Oh yeah, and unlike other parts of the state, Sedona’s average summer temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees.

Some of my favorite activities in Sedona include hiking, bird watching, and Jeep Tours of the geological wonders. Especially for those into yoga and New Age medicine, Sedona has plenty of offerings. Additionally, if you simply want to kick back and relax, Sedona offers many hotels and resorts, and nothing beats taking in the stunning sunset at Cathedral Rock.

Although Alaska is one of the least frequently visited states in the country (possibly due to its distance), there’s no beating the natural wonders of this state. For those inclined towards outdoor activities, Alaska contains 17 national parks. For those who want a more relaxing trip, Anchorage and Juneau offer all the creature comforts you’d expect.

With COVID rates trending downwards, it’s also a great time to book one of the fabulous cruises along the Alaskan coast. They’re a great way to take in the natural wonders while staying in resort-style amenities, not to mention you’ll be enjoying this all in average temperatures around 70 degrees.

5. Pacific Coast Highway, California

If you’ve ever considered hitting the road with your loved ones and exploring the country via RV , then there’s one route I can’t recommend enough: the Pacific Coast Highway. People often call California its own country in and of itself, and if you travel even part of this 600 mile stretch of coastal road, it’s easy to see why.

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH for short), spans all the way from San Francisco to San Diego, and it’s considered one of the most scenic and beautiful roads in the world. From the glistening fields of wine country down to the surfing villages of southern California, there’s something along this road for everyone.

6. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Long popular with tourists, this senior-friendly city only becomes more so as time goes on. Culturally, there are few cities of this size that could offer more and, thanks to technological advances, the ways to appreciate it also continue to grow. If you want to see the city and the surrounding area from a fresh perspective, then why not engage in the two-and-a-half-hour scavenger hunt from Tour Beaver.

While covering about one-and-three-quarters miles, and using smartphones or tablets, the players are fed clues and puzzles which they solve, while simultaneously exploring the city. If the scavenger hunt idea appeals to you, Santa Fe is only one of many cities that offer them. Keep in mind that there are those who say the best time to visit this lovely, sunny city is from September to November when the temperatures are most comfortable for the majority of folks. No matter when you go, though, take your sunscreen.

The Best Months to Travel in the Best Years of Your Life

Are you thinking about a late summer vacation? You should be! There are so many wonderful reasons to take a vacation in August, September, or October. As a senior living out your retirement, you are no longer burdened with a work rigid schedule or the challenges that come with back-to-school activities. Take advantage of your freedom and read about the perks of taking a late summer vacation!

August: The World Is Calling

A cost-effective way to check off “exotic world travel” from your bucket list is to book your dream vacation for mid-to-late August. Prices start to drop as tourists head home.

While the Mediterranean countries are still basking in the hot sun, the Scandinavian countries, with their comfortable temperatures and Northern Lights, make memorable travel destinations.

August is the vacation month for many Europeans, so crowds on the streets of Paris and London start thinning. Europe offers a wealth of urban delights such as Prague in the Czech Republic, Budapest in Hungary, or Vienna in Austria. Since you have the luxury of leisure, instead of a hectic tour of 10 cities in 10 days, pick one spectacular location and savor the sights. Linger in the outdoor cafes. Enjoy a less demanding itinerary.

Closer to home, golfers and anglers will find the mountains of Pennsylvania, New York, and New England abound with the top-rated greens, fast-moving streams, and quaint little towns.

Splurge with an overnight at a local B&B or a couple’s day at a spa. The latest trend in B&B hospitality includes fresh-from-the-garden meals.

With no school groups to crowd your view, enjoy the exhibits at local museums, historic homes, or gardens. Some of the best reasons to retire to Pennsylvania are also the best reasons to visit! Imagine exploring your nation’s birthplace without fighting traffic and waiting in line with other summertime tourists.

Check out end-of-the-season group rentals. Beaches and lakes make an inviting girls-only trip.

Travel Tip #1: Be sure to wear flats on cobblestone streets. Use the hotel safe for your valuables, passport, etc.

September: Water Temperatures Are Ideal, Crowds Have Checked Out

September may be the perfect month to head to the beach, as temperatures, crowds, and lodging prices all tend to start dropping around this time of year. Your only company on the sand may be a flock of seagulls and a few treasure hunters. There will be no long waits at restaurants. Don’t forget to schedule a boat trip, fishing trip, or for the more adventurous, an evening kayak paddle on the ocean.

If you find that you like off-season vacation-style living, you may want to check out Acts Retirement’s 10 Reasons to Retire to South Carolina. Here’s a hint, southern-style hospitality combined with coastal views tends to make people very happy.

Take a drive or bus ride through the countryside before the leaf peepers jam the roads. Don’t miss the antique stores and roadside produce stands along the way. Local apple orchards often include a taste of fresh-made cider, slices of apple pie, and bags of your favorite Macs (not the computer!).

Bring back childhood memories with a trip to a country fair. Take a selfie with a prize-winning sheep, thrill to the roar of tractor pulls, or enjoy a nostalgic ride on a merry-go-round. Of course, you’ll ruin your diet with the pleasure of sampling funnel cakes, sausage smothered in onions and peppers, and cotton candy. But what are vacations for if not letting loose and enjoying life?

Organize your own bus trip. Limousine rental companies welcome mini-bus or six-passenger town car rentals during the week. Gather a group of history buffs, art lovers, or other like-minded day-trippers and split the rental. You are the masters of your travel itinerary and can stop along the way at cute stores and eateries.

Travel Tip #2: Leave your expensive jewelry at home.

October: Harvest Celebrations Abound

October brings harvest season, Octoberfest merriment, and dozens of other reasons to get out of the recliner. Check your local newspaper for all the Fall events in your area or enjoy a vacation filled with crisp autumn sights, sounds, and smells.

All nature lovers must experience the beauty of the northeast’s changing seasons. The vibrant colors of the leaves mixed with a slight chill and warm cider are enough to make anyone giddy to pull out their plaid and travel to Pennsylvania, New York, or Connecticut. Rent a cabin and make a week or weekend of it!

Combine a visit with grandkids and a weekday tour. While the kids are in school, explore the local area. Make a family visit an opportunity to expand your horizons.

Senior Safety Travel Tip: Don’t hesitate to tell your innkeeper or hotel concierge your itinerary. Tell them where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Keep a cell phone on you at all times, along with your hotel and family contact information.

Retirement should be some of the best years of your life! Open yourself up to new experiences and new possibilities. You’ve worked to build the world we live in, now it’s time to pick your head up and experience it.

Amie has been writing about senior care products and services for the last decade. She is particularly passionate about new technologies that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. Seeing her parents and grandparents age made Amie ask herself, “Would this be good enough for my loved ones?” In her spare time, Amie enjoys outdoor adventures and spontaneous road trips. Learn more about Amie here

12 Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

What would you like to share with us?

Join for Free

Members get updates like best products for seniors and senior discounts delivered right to their inbox for free.

• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Tours for Seniors to the USA

Are you a senior eager to discover the wonders of the USA? We've carefully handpicked the best tours that cater to the needs and interests of seniors, ensuring an unforgettable travel experience. Don't worry, as our analysis of tours from highly reviewed companies covers all the essentials: competitive prices, convenience, safety, exceptional service, captivating destinations, and engaging activities. Get ready to explore the USA like never before and embrace the joy of discovery, making new friends along the way.

• New England and the Hudson Valley 10 Days, $4479.00
• Historic Highlights (8 Days) 8 Days, $3255.00
• America's Musical Heritage with Extended Stay in New Orleans 12 Days, $3969.00

What are tours for seniors like in the USA?

Here are the important factors:

• 278 trip options analyzed
• $352 average price per day (USD)
• 1 to 22 days in length
• 4.72 of 5 average rating
• 40 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of tours for seniors in the USA, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.72 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 40 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 9 days, with tours ranging from 1 to 22 days long. For physical activity , the tours are marked as easy, moderate, and relaxing, with a prevalent number on easy tours. When it comes to transportation , tour options are organized as coach / bus, ocean cruise, train & rail, and self drive, with a majority being coach / bus tours. With our thorough analysis of 278 tours for seniors, we've found the best. So rest assured that the USA has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Tours for Seniors in the USA

New england and the hudson valley.

• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

This 10-day voyage is ideal for guests from 5 to 80 years old. And priced at only $448 per day, it's a great value, too. You'll love the emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities, too. Experience a trip that takes you to 9 remarkable destinations, including Salem, MA, Portland, Freeport, and Jackson, NH. Begin your trip in Boston and complete it with a memorable finale in New York City. It's offered by Globus , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

• Coach / Bus
• In-depth Cultural

Historic Highlights (8 Days)

• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours for seniors.

Priced at just $346 per day, this terrific 8-day journey is ideal for guests from 5 and up. Explore 8 incredible locations on this trip, including Charlottesville, Shenandoah National Park, Gettysburg, and Yorktown. Washington DC kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. Organized by the reputable Trafalgar , this is one of the best tours on this list.

America's Musical Heritage with Extended Stay in New Orleans

Check out this incredible trip that has received a 5 out of 5 rating from previous guests. And since the priority is on local culture and family-friendly activities, this tour is a great choice. With a duration of 12 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 46 people, and is good for guests from 5 to 80 years old. Discover a journey that spans 9 destinations, with notable stops in Greenwood, Indianola, Natchez, and Lafayette. Your journey will begin in Nashville and end in New Orleans. This fantastic option, organized by Globus , presents an unbeatable value at just $331 per day.

Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Calgary Stampede & Alaska Cruise

Spanning over 19 days, this trip, visiting Canada and USA, has a maximum size of 50 individuals. Welcoming guests from 5 and up, it is organized by Cosmos , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. This trip takes you on an adventure to 11 destinations, including Glacier Bay National Park, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Mount Robson Provincial Park. Begin your trip in Calgary and complete it with a memorable finale in Vancouver. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Available at an unbeatable price of only $272 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

• Ocean Cruise

America's Greatest Treasures with Rapid City Start

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional journey that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 9 days, this jouney will have 50 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests from 5 and up. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture and family-friendly activities. Expertly organized by Cosmos , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $258 per day.

• Sightseeing
• Walking Tour

Colours of New England

This memorable trip is offered by Omega Tours which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $243 per day. Along the way, this journey encompasses 11 destinations, including Kennebunkport, Portland, Acadia National Park, and Bar Harbor. Boston will be the beginning and end of your trip. The maximum group size is 35 people, welcoming guests from 21 and up.

Deep South & Delta Blues

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 5 out of 5 stars by previous guests. With a duration of 12 days, this voyage offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 16 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to guests from 16 to 80 years old. This itinerary covers 7 captivating destinations, with stops in Lynchburg, Nashville, Memphis, and Natchez, among others. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Atlanta. Brought to you by Exodus Travels , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $560 per day.

• Local Living

California Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite & Napa (Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA) (2025)

With this option you can experience an unparalleled trip for 8 unforgettable days. It ensures an intimate group setting with 44 participants at most. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 7 destinations, featuring Yosemite National Park, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, and Napa. Your journey starts off in Monterey and finishes in San Francisco. Collette , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests guests from 5 and up. You'll love the emphasis on wine tasting and family-friendly activities, too. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $412 per day.

• Wine tasting

Tournament of Roses with San Diego

This fantastic journey has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Your journey will begin in Los Angeles and end in San Diego. With an emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities, you know you'll have an amazing adventure. Lasting 8 days, the maximum group size is 30 people, and it's good for guests from 5 to 80 years old. Organized by Globus , this is a great deal because it's only $399 per day.

Spotlight on Boston

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary voyage is the perfect choice. And since the priority is on local culture and family-friendly activities, this tour is a great choice. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Boston. Spanning across 5 days, the voyage accommodates 44 individuals, and is suitable for guests from 5 and up. Offered by Collette , this remarkable voyage is priced at just $380 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to the USA , The Best Wildlife Tours to the USA , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in the USA , The Best Historical Tours in the USA , The Best 10-Day Tours in the USA , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in the USA , The Best 3-Day Tours in the USA , The Best 2-Week Tours in the USA , The Best 3-Week Tours in the USA , The Best Bicycle Tours in the USA , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in the USA , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in the USA , The Best Coach Bus Tours in the USA , The Best Adventure Tours to the USA , The Best Eco Tours in the USA , The Best Train & Rail Tours in the USA , The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in the USA , The Best Sightseeing Tours in the USA , The Best Cultural Tours in the USA , The Best Photography Tours in the USA , The Best Camping Tours in the USA , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in the USA , The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in the USA , The Best Walking Tours in the USA , The Best Tours Under $1000 in the USA , The Best Luxury Tours to the USA , The Best Contiki Tours to the USA , or The Best G Adventures Tours to the USA for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Las Vegas , The Best 3-Day Tours from Asheville , The Best 3-Day Tours from Los Angeles , The Best 3-Day Tours from New York City , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Jackson , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Boston , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Nashville , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from San Francisco , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seattle , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phoenix , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Washington DC , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Honolulu , The Best 10-Day Tours from Las Vegas , The Best 10-Day Tours from Anchorage , The Best 10-Day Tours from Nashville , The Best 10-Day Tours from Boston , The Best 2-Week Tours from Las Vegas , The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles , The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage , The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City , The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco , The Best 2-Week Tours from Atlanta , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Nashville for more package tour options.

How much do tours for seniors cost in the USA?

Travelers to the USA will have a large number of terrific options for tours for seniors at a variety of great prices. The price of tours for seniors here can vary by type, destinations, length, and travel style. Based on thorough data from 278 tours for seniors, their average daily price is a very reasonable $352 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in the USA .

And for more information on United States of America, see United States of America Travel Costs and United States of America Hotel Costs .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

Budget Your Trip

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Travel with us

Guided tours are a great way for senior travelers to explore the world together. Enjoy the ease of having all the trip planning details handled, so all you have to do is enjoy your journey.

4.7 out of 5 stars

4.6 out of 5 stars

Explore all our destinations

Why go guided as a senior traveler.

While we welcome people of all ages on tour, our trips are a good fit for those interested in senior travel. When you travel with us, you'll experience:

A few of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

Helpful phone staff to help plan your trip

Easy monthly payments & travel coverage

Easy airfare package options

Included meals, handpicked hotels & well-balanced itineraries

Friendly Tour Directors to help you uncover the best of your destination

What's included on our senior bus tours

The comfiest hotels.

We think that where you stay is as big a part of your tour experience as the historical sites, cultural attractions, and stunning natural scenery you’ll encounter along the way. (Plus, we want to make sure you’re plenty rested for each day’s new adventure.) Throughout your tour, you’ll rest your head in some seriously stylish, impeccably clean hotels—many with stories of their own to tell.

Full-service flights to and from your tour

When you travel with us, you can book your own flights to and from tour or enjoy the perks that come with letting our pros take the reins. We partner with top airlines to secure your flights at competitive rates, and we arrange airport transfers for your on-tour arrival and departure. If your Go Ahead-booked flight is canceled, we’ll help get you on a new one.

When it comes to retirement planning, financial considerations are usually at the top of the agenda. For most future retirees, income is relatively quantifiable, with social security, pensions, investments, and savings. Anticipating expenses may be less precise, with unknowns like inflation, health care costs, and unexpected payments. Once the finances are established, a question for a number of retirees is where to live.

Many are content to stay put, especially if their mortgage is paid off and their house and neighborhood are still ideal. For some, though, the nest is empty and there's too much unnecessary space to maintain. Children and grandchildren may have moved away. Daily needs like shopping, health care, socializing, and staying active might not be sufficiently convenient. Are weather-related necessities like snow shoveling, home heating, and landscape care becoming a burden? These are all considerations that come into play when planning for retirement.

A variety of organizations periodically analyze the myriad of cities in the U.S. and around the world for their suitability as retirement destinations. Naturally, tastes as well as needs and interests vary, but basic criteria like affordability, weather, tax structure, health care availability, social activities, and safety are considerations in naming the best places to retire.

With input from several sources, we've compiled a list of 11 cities in the U.S. that are considered to be among the best places to retire.

Cities in Florida almost always top the list for where to retire in the U.S. The state's year-round warm weather is a definite draw, as is the lack of a state income tax, so let's start with the Sunshine State.

Sarasota, Florida

In addition to warm weather, this Gulf Coast city boasts white-sand beaches and a picturesque, walkable downtown area. Museums, art galleries, and performing arts centers provide a strong cultural element. Tourism is a major industry, and luxury hotels, restaurants, and shops serve residents as well as visitors. Both property and violent crime rates are lower than comparable metro areas, and health care is easily accessible. Plus, there is a vibrant retiree community in Sarasota.

Fort Myers, Florida

Also on Florida's Gulf Coast, Fort Myers offers a range of housing prices. Unemployment is low — a plus for seniors who might want to supplement their income with part-time work. Like most Florida resort cities, Fort Myers sees an annual influx of snowbirds, and the Boston Red Sox spring training games attract even more. Art and science museums, restaurants, and a large retiree community put Fort Myers on the list of best destinations.

Listen to Travel + Leisure's "Let's Go Together" podcast for more inspiring stories and adventures celebrating inclusivity in travel!

Port St. Lucie, Florida

Located on Florida's southeast coast, this fast-growing city still maintains its relaxed style and range of affordable homes. There's much to do outdoors, with the St. Lucie River, Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve, and nearby Hutchinson Island, a barrier island just 12 miles off the coast. Golfers love the PGA Golf Club, and for baseball fans, there's the New York Mets spring training season.

Naples, Florida

This Gulf of Mexico city is known for its beautiful neighborhoods, elegant atmosphere, art galleries, and upscale shopping, as well as its miles of white-sand beaches. Nature lovers have easy access to the Ten Thousand Islands in Everglades National Park, which boasts more than 35,000 acres of mangroves and wilderness for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. Golf, tennis, museums, and strolling along the pier at sunset also keep residents busy and happy.

Nashville, Tennessee

Entertainment might come to mind first, with the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and an abundance of live music venues, but Nashville also offers moderate weather with four seasons and plenty of outdoor activities. More than a 100 parks, dozens of museums, two professional sports teams, and great restaurants are big pluses as well. A range of affordable housing and no state income tax might be attractive to some retirees.

Asheville, North Carolina

The spectacular scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains is enough to attract many retirees to Asheville, but it also has a lively cultural and creative scene, with art galleries, museums, studios, and the River Arts District. Outdoorsy types will find many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, and simply enjoying the clean mountain air. Craft breweries, restaurants, and a range of places to live are draws, and North Carolina does not tax social security income.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

A rural atmosphere with a lively downtown, plus the fact that it's a short drive or Amtrak ride to major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York, make Lancaster ideal for many retirees. A small-town vibe, art and music festivals, restaurants, galleries, and the Lancaster Central Market provide plenty to do, in addition to exploring the outdoors or visiting a local Amish community. Another bonus: Affordable housing and no tax on social security income.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Home to the University of Michigan, this city enjoys college town perks like restaurants, bookstores, taverns, craft breweries, and shops along its historic main street. The range of weather presents a variety of outdoor activities, from snowshoeing and ice skating in the winter to mountain biking and kayaking along the Huron River come summer. Summer is festival season, with the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, as well as public events in the city's many parks.

Manchester, New Hampshire

Another destination for lovers of seasonal weather, this town is surrounded by mountains, forests, and stunning views. The area receives more than five feet of snow each year, so winter sports fans will have plenty to do. The fall foliage here is spectacular, and come summer, beaches are less than an hour away. Shopping at the farmers market and cheering for local high school football teams and professional sports clubs create a sense of community.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

This vacation spot is home to about 30,000 permanent residents who enjoy the perks of living in a popular resort area, including golf courses, restaurants, hotels, festivals, and entertainment. One of the most tax-friendly states for retirees, South Carolina exempts social security benefits, and taxpayers ages 65 and older can exclude up to $10,000 of retirement income, along with other tax benefits. Property taxes are low, too, and there's a homeowners exemption for residents over 65.

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

This fast-growing destination offers both a suburban and big-city lifestyle, giving retirees the option to choose a small-town feel with city conveniences nearby. Restaurants, shopping, and entertainment are readily available, plus sports fans have professional teams in football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer. A range of housing is available, with property taxes considered high, even with exemptions for seniors. Texas has no state income tax.

Related Articles

Watch our videos

252,000 subscribers

Join the conversation

134,000 followers

Pin our posts

25,000 followers

Get our newsletter

85,640 subscribers

• Hearing-Aids
• Healthy Aging
• Losing Weight
• Medical Issues
• Reducing Stress
• Brain Health
• Solo Travel
• Travel Tips
• Small Business
• Part-time Jobs
• Encore Careers
• Managing Money
• End of Life Planning
• Retirement Tips
• Senior Living
• Journal Writing
• Entertainment
• Inspiration
• Empowerment
• Getting Older
• Reinvention
• Giving Back
• Dating Advice
• Online Dating
• Adult Children
• Grandchildren
• Estrangement
• Arts and Crafts
• Piano Lessons
• Photography

6 Slow-Paced Tours for Seniors

As the world continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, there’s an emerging trend that beckons people (not only seniors) to savor the journey rather than race through it – slow-paced tours.

In a society that often glorifies fast-paced adventures and adrenaline-fueled escapades, these tailored tours offer a refreshing alternative.

• New Orleans at a Slower Pace: A City of History, Culture and Celebration – Road Scholar’s New Orleans at a Slower Pace tour offers seniors an enriching and leisurely exploration of the city’s history, culture, and celebration, promising an unforgettable voyage through the heart and soul of the Big Easy.
• Paris at a Slower Pace: Art & Culture in the City of Light – This Road Scholar tour offers an immersive and leisurely exploration of Parisian cultural treasures, from masterpieces at the Louvre to strolls through the Latin Quarter and experiences at street-side cafes and open-air markets.
• Easy Pace Italy – Experience Italy’s top highlights from the Vatican to Venice on Insight Vacations’ 10-day Easy Pace Italy tour, indulging in VIP experiences, Renaissance masterpieces, Tuscan flavors, and the enchanting beauty of Venice’s canals.
• Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague – Embark on a 10-day guided tour with Insight Vacations, exploring the fascinating cities of Budapest, Vienna, and Prague at your own pace, discovering historical treasures, indulging in local cuisine, and immersing yourself in the cultural beauty of Central Europe.
• Living in France: A Three-Week Stay in Provence – Experience the enchanting beauty and artistic legacy of Provence during a three-week immersive stay in Aix-en-Provence with Smithsonian Journeys’ Living in France: A Three-Week Stay in Provence tour.
• A Stay in Holland: An Art History Journey from Vermeer to Van Gogh – Discover the rich legacy of Dutch art and immerse yourself in the world of iconic masterpieces from Vermeer to Van Gogh on Smithsonian Journeys’ A Stay in Holland: An Art History Journey tour, exploring museums, historic towns, and photogenic landscapes.

From captivating cultural encounters to picturesque landscapes that soothe the soul, these trips are thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs and desires of a variety of travelers.

Let’s delve into the transformative power of unhurried travel, where the emphasis lies not on ticking off landmarks on a checklist but on relishing each intricate moment of life. Slow-paced tours can rekindle the sense of wonder, create lasting memories, and open doors to unforeseen adventures for seniors seeking a new chapter in their travel story.

Why Choose a Slow-Paced Tour

While fast-paced travel might suit some, unhurried trips offer a host of unique advantages that make them an increasingly popular choice among those that enjoy stopping and smelling the roses.

Appreciate the Journey

Slow-paced tours encourage you to savor the experience fully. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, you have the time to absorb the culture, history, and beauty of each destination. This unhurried approach allows you to develop a deeper connection with the places you visit, fostering a profound sense of appreciation for the voyage itself.

Enjoy Relaxed Itineraries

Slow-paced tours are thoughtfully designed with leisurely itineraries that prioritize comfort and enjoyment over rushed sightseeing. Ample free time allows you to explore destinations at your own pace, take breaks when needed, and even indulge in spontaneous moments of discovery.

Embrace Accessibility and Inclusivity

These tours often consider the accessibility needs of seniors, ensuring that the destinations and activities are senior-friendly. They take into account mobility concerns and offer accommodations that cater to varying physical abilities, making the trip more enjoyable for all participants.

Forge Meaningful Connections

With a more relaxed pace, you have the chance to interact with locals and fellow travelers in a more meaningful way. The unhurried environment fosters camaraderie and allows for deeper conversations, creating opportunities for friendships and lasting memories.

Experience Authentic Culture

Slow-paced tours often veer away from the crowded tourist traps, providing a chance to experience the authentic culture of a place. You can indulge in local cuisines, witness traditional customs, and partake in unique activities that might not be possible on fast-paced tours.

Reduce Stress and Fatigue

Traveling at a slower pace can significantly reduce the stress and fatigue commonly associated with rushed trips. This approach is especially beneficial as it allows you to maintain your energy levels and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Immerse in Nature’s Beauty

These tours often include visits to serene natural landscapes, where you can bask in the tranquility of breathtaking scenery. Whether it’s a scenic countryside, a peaceful coastal town, or a majestic mountain range, slow-paced tours provide ample time to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Accommodate Special Interests

Slow-paced tours can be tailored to cater to specific interests, such as art, history, wildlife, or wellness. You can choose tours that align with your passions.

Finding the Right Balance

Margaret Manning, the founder of Sixty & Me and an avid traveler, reflects on the differences between slow-paced and fast-paced traveling. 

Years ago, I had the opportunity to join Road Scholar on a trip to Prague. On this adventure, I learned just how fun group travel can be. Every day had a theme, which I loved. At the same time, the formal activities weren’t overwhelming. I had time to walk alone. I discovered secret parks. I wandered through tiny shops and expansive gardens. And, of course, I made plenty of new friends.

Shortly after my Road Scholar trip, I completed a one-month train journey around Northern Europe. This second trip was much more fast-paced. In 10 days, I traveled 6,000 kilometers and visited 12 cities. I traveled by train, car, boat, and bike. I stayed in a new hotel every 2 days. It was an amazing experience… if a little tiring.

My goal on both of these trips was to inspire the women in our community to step out of their comfort zones and consider alternative travel options. 

One of the questions that I asked myself over and over again, as I worked my way around Europe, was whether I was pushing too hard. Was I trying to see too much? Would it have been better if I had taken it easy and “stopped to smell the roses” more often?

Obviously, there is no “right” or “wrong” answer to this question. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages.

On the one hand, like many women over 60, I feel a great deal of pressure to see as much as I can in the time that I have left. On the other hand, if I am honest, sprinting from place to place is harder on my body and mind than it used to be.

Read 7 BUCKET LIST TRAIN VOYAGES IN THE WORLD

Does Road Scholar Offer the Best Blend of Fast and Slow-Paced Travel?

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that Road Scholar is actually an amazing blend of fast and slow-paced travel. On the one hand, all of their programs offer intellectually stimulating activities. They keep your mind buzzing (sometimes spinning) with new ideas.

On the other hand, they don’t force you to go beyond a comfortable pace. If you want to take part in the optional activities, you can. If you want to use your free time to sit at a local café and watch the people passing by, this is also completely fine.

Perhaps this was the main lesson that I learned on my most recent trips.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to travel. There is no “too fast” or “too slow. There is only the pace that we need at a certain time in our lives.

Sometimes we need intensity. Other times, we need intimacy. The trick is to take the time to evaluate where we are in our lives and to choose our travel adventures consciously.

Slow-Paced Tours for Seniors

Slow-paced tours provide a refreshing opportunity to truly explore the beauty of destinations, forge meaningful connections, and embrace the joy of traveling at your own pace.

New Orleans at a Slower Pace: A City of History, Culture and Celebration

This tour is designed for people seeking an enriching and leisurely exploration of the Big Easy, promising an unforgettable trip through the heart and soul of New Orleans.

Delve into the intriguing history of the city with historical walking tours led by experienced local guides, who will take you through the iconic French Quarter and beyond, sharing stories of its colonial past and diverse architecture. Engage in the vibrant tapestry of New Orleans’ culture with authentic experiences, engaging with local artists, musicians, and culinary experts to gain insights into the essence of Creole traditions.

Enrich your understanding of New Orleans’ heritage with exclusive lectures and hands-on workshops, where you’ll learn about jazz music’s roots, the significance of Mardi Gras, and the city’s unique folklore. Savor the delectable flavors of New Orleans during guided culinary excursions, enjoy a gumbo cooking demonstration, and indulge in sumptuous meals that showcase the city’s signature dishes. Relax on a delightful riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River, taking in the city’s storied waterfront and majestic skyline.

This tour respects the need for personal exploration, offering ample free time to wander the streets at your own pace, visit art galleries, browse local boutiques, or simply sit back and soak in the city’s vibrant ambiance.

Your knowledgeable Road Scholar Program leader will be your trusted companion throughout the journey, offering insights, assistance, and facilitating engaging group dynamics.

Tour Operator: Road Scholar

Days: 6 days, 5 nights

Paris at a Slower Pace: Art & Culture in the City of Light

This meticulously crafted tour invites you to experience the grandeur and allure of Paris at a leisurely pace, providing ample time to savor the city’s cultural treasures. From the awe-inspiring spires of Notre Dame to the world-renowned masterpieces of the Louvre, this trip promises a truly immersive and enriching exploration of the “City of Light.”

Enthrall yourself in the art and culture of Paris as you view the works of the masters at some of the world’s most prestigious museums. Wander through the Louvre’s hallowed halls, gazing upon iconic paintings and sculptures that have shaped the course of artistic history.

Your travel through Paris’ cultural heritage extends beyond the museum walls as you stroll the historic streets of the Latin Quarter, where you’ll find yourself in the company of students from the nearby Sorbonne, breathing in the intellectual ambiance that has inspired countless luminaries throughout the ages.

Embrace the quintessential Parisian experience as you savor life at a relaxed pace, indulging in the city’s authentic charm. Pause at street-side cafes, just like the locals, and savor delectable French pastries while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of everyday Parisian life. Discover the enchanting world of Parisian markets, where vibrant colors and enticing aromas beckon you to explore the array of fresh produce, cheeses, and artisanal goods.

Throughout your trip, you will be accompanied by local experts who will unveil the hidden gems and cultural nuances that make Paris truly special. Engage in in-depth lectures that provide a deeper understanding of the city’s history, art, and culture, enhancing your appreciation for the city.

Go on extraordinary full-day explorations via motorcoach, where you will witness Paris’ iconic landmarks, graceful boulevards, and famous monuments. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the magnificent Champs-Élysées, each a testament to the city’s timeless allure.

Unhurried and with ample opportunities for personal exploration, this voyage through the “City of Light” promises an unforgettable and soul-enriching experience, creating cherished memories that will stay with you forever.

Days: 9 days, 8 nights

Easy Pace Italy

Travel on an extraordinary 10-day guided journey through Italy’s most captivating destinations with Insight Vacations’ Easy Pace Italy tour. As you traverse the country from the Vatican to Venice, a tapestry of Italy’s top highlights unfolds, promising a truly immersive and indelible experience.

Your adventure commences in Rome, where the ancient and modern intertwine seamlessly. Begin with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, an awe-inspiring marvel of antiquity that echoes the gladiatorial battles of a bygone era. Next, prepare for an exclusive experience as you head to the Vatican Museums for a VIP dinner, surrounded by the world’s most renowned art collections.

In Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, the artistic wonders of Piazza della Signoria await. This open-air art gallery showcases masterpieces that have shaped the course of art history, offering a glimpse into the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and other artistic luminaries.

Journey to Pisa, where you’ll meet a local expert for an informative tour of the city’s most iconic landmark – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Learn about its intriguing history and architectural marvel, a true testament to human ingenuity.

The adventure continues to the idyllic Tuscan hills, where an organic farm welcomes you with open arms. Amidst fields of vibrant vegetables and lines of olive trees, indulge in an authentic Italian meal, savoring the essence of traditional Tuscan cuisine and hospitality.

Finally, arrive in the charming city of Venice, where life unfolds in a mesmerizing aquatic dance. Board a private boat, and allow yourself to be whisked away on a magical journey through the city’s winding canals. Admire the ornate palaces that stand tall along the water’s edge and pass beneath elegant bridges, ultimately arriving at the renowned Piazza San Marco with its marble arcades and stunning basilica.

Throughout the tour, experienced guides and local experts will share their wealth of knowledge, ensuring you gain a deep appreciation for Italy’s art, culture, and history. Insight Vacations’ Easy Pace Italy tour promises an authentic and leisurely exploration of Italy’s best, leaving you with great memories of this compelling country and a newfound love for its beauty and charm.

Tour Operator: Insight Vacations

Days:10 days, 9 nights

Special feature: Choose between a classic size group (max 40) or a small group (max 24)

Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague

Join the 10-day guided tour with Insight Vacations, the Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague, where you’ll explore the enchanting capitals of Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic at your own pace.

Your adventure starts in Budapest, Hungary’s iconic capital city, where your local travel director will lead you on a sightseeing trip through its historical and cultural treasures. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Castle district, taking in the captivating views from the Fisherman’s Bastion. To indulge in the flavors of Hungary, savor a delightful strudel tasting paired with rich, aromatic coffee, capturing the essence of Hungarian hospitality.

Continuing along the majestic Danube, you’ll arrive in Vienna, the imperial home of the Habsburg royals. Marvel at the regal grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece that transports you back in time. In Vienna, indulge in an abundance of local dining, where you’ll have the chance to taste Austria’s most delectable dishes, discovering the culinary offerings that have delighted palates for generations.

Next, venture into the Czech Republic, where the fairytale town of Český Krumlov awaits with its ageless charm and picturesque beauty. Stroll through its quaint streets, adorned with historic buildings, and immerse yourself in the magic of this charming town.

Finally, arrive in Prague, the “city of a hundred spires,” where a knowledgeable local expert will guide you through its rich history and cultural heritage. Explore the intricate architecture, discover hidden gems, and bask in the timeless allure of this remarkable city.

Throughout the tour, you’ll have the freedom to explore each city at your own pace, embracing the enchanting atmosphere and cultural wonders that each destination has to offer.

Days: 10 days, 9 nights

Living in France: A Three-Week Stay in Provence

Indulge in the allure of Provence, a region that conjures visions of picturesque olive groves, rolling vineyards, and radiant sunlight, which once captivated artists like Cézanne, Chagall, and van Gogh. Embark on a remarkable cultural voyage with Smithsonian Journeys’ Living in France: A Three-Week Stay in Provence tour, immersing yourself in the charming city of Aix-en-Provence for an unforgettable three-week stay.

Aix-en-Provence, a city of timeless charm, will become your home during this immersive cultural experience. Nestled amidst elegant cobblestone streets, this small city boasts a 600-year-old university and numerous art and cooking schools, creating an atmosphere brimming with creativity and inspiration. As you stroll through the quaint alleys on your way to class or the bustling outdoor markets, you’ll be enveloped in the artistic spirit that has enchanted generations of artists.

Immerse yourself in the richness of the region’s history and natural beauty as you explore medieval hilltop villages, uncover fascinating Roman ruins, and venture into the captivating countryside. Each day brings new discoveries, revealing the layers of Provence’s storied past and its enduring beauty.

Escape the tourist crowds and savor authentic local experiences as you linger over a glass of wine at a neighborhood café, soaking in the ambiance of a place that feels like home. Delight your taste buds as you dine in restaurants tucked away from the tourist path, where you can savor exquisite culinary delights that reveal the essence of Provence’s gastronomic heritage.

Throughout your stay, enjoy the comfort and convenience of your apartment at the Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre, ideally located on a peaceful street near the charming shops along the Cours Mirabeau. Embrace the rhythm of Provence’s daily life, relishing the opportunity to live like a local and forge connections with the warm and welcoming community.

This slow-paced tour from Smithsonian Journeys promises an extraordinary adventure, allowing you to fully absorb the essence of this beautiful region.

Tour Operator: Smithsonian Journeys

Days: 23 days

A Stay in Holland: An Art History Journey from Vermeer to Van Gogh

Go on a captivating art history trip with Smithsonian Journeys’ A Stay in Holland: An Art History Journey from Vermeer to Van Gogh tour. Throughout the Netherlands, the rich legacy of famous Dutch artists resonates deeply within contemporary culture.

World-class museums, including the Mauritshuis and the Rijksmuseum, proudly showcase spectacular collections of the Old Masters of the Dutch Golden Age, while the works of renowned painters like Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer remain integral to the identity of their hometowns.

Settle into the picturesque city center of Hals’s native Haarlem, where you’ll immerse yourself in the unique world of Dutch fine arts, beholding iconic masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, and van Gogh’s Sunflowers, alongside an array of lesser-known artistic gems.

On full-day excursions and guided tours led by local experts, explore the arts and culture of the Hague and Delft, marvel at the architectural wonders of Rotterdam, indulge in the tradition of cheesemaking in Gouda, and venture deep inside a national park to discover an extensive collection of van Gogh’s magnificent works.

This art-filled voyage promises an enriching and immersive exploration of Holland’s artistic heritage, unveiling the enduring beauty and significance of Dutch fine arts in the heart of the Netherlands.

Days: 9 days

Read TOP 10 SMALL MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS IN ITALY .

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you enjoy slow-paced traveling? Are you tempted by one of these slow-paced tours for seniors? If you have a different slow-paced tour destination in mind, please share it with the community!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

I just returned from a two week group travel tour of Ireland and Scotland. Although it was wonderful, I found the fast pace and constantly being on the go stressful and tiring. I am a 70 yo female in good health and fit! Plus, I caught Covid for the first time ever and although fairly mild, it still took its toll and I spent the majority of the trip wearing a mask. As a result of my experience, I had decided over the course of the trip that any future trips I take will be slower paced and immersive. This article is spot on!

Hi Gmarie, I’m so sorry Covid put a damper on your trip to Ireland and Scotland. Slow paced tours are definitely an excellent way to discover new places without feeling rushed and pressured. They are great for getting an authentic feel of a destination and especially for getting an immersive experience. Keep us posted on your future travels!

Tags Solo Travel

Sandra Roussy

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

You Might Also Like

14 USA & Canada Ski Resorts for Women Over 50

How My Love for Travel Became the Story of My Life

print this page Print this page

By visiting our site, you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc.  Read more

Working Together for a Safer Senior Experience

24 Best Vacations And Ideas For Seniors With Limited Mobility

For many older adults who are wheelchair users or need mobility devices such as a cane or walker, the idea of taking a vacation can be daunting. Even if it’s with family members.

But the good news is that there are many destinations for senior citizens with mobility issues that offer accessible travel ( with family members or without). It just takes a little bit more planning. For example, you always want to check ahead to ask about wheelchair accessibility, access to elevators, etc.

Believe me, vacations for seniors with mobility issues are doable!

You can also consider contacting any of these tour companies who specialize in accessible tours for seniors. Or contact a travel agent to help you plan your trip.

Vacations are important parts of life; they provide the opportunity to recharge and spend time with family and sometimes friends. Vacations can also be great opportunities for exploring new places, trying out new hobbies, or even getting some exercise.

The key to some of the best vacations for elderly adults is finding an activity and destination that fits your fitness level and mobility limitations.

Many websites with senior citizen trips and ideas tell you about places to go but the truth is, a great many cities and towns are accessible to most anyone with limited mobility so I thought that in this article I will research some accessible vacation themes and ideas that you can do almost anywhere.

You deserve a break and we have some unique ideas of perfect spots for you! So take advantage and make this the best time of your life!

If you are looking for tips for traveling with elderly parents, click here.

If you want to find options for elderly care while you’re on vacation, read our tips here.

24 Senior Citizens’ Vacation Ideas

Here are some great ideas for vacations for handicapped seniors to help inspire your next vacation! (If you prefer to watch our web story on this topic, check it out here.)

1. Ocean and River Cruises

Cruises are, in my opinion, the easiest way to take a vacation without too much physical exertion which makes them an obvious choice and perfect for many senior citizens. The cruise line can usually attend to most any special needs you may have.

Cruise ships offer an opportunity for you and your family to explore new popular places while also enjoying the all-inclusive amenities of the ship itself.

I took many cruises with my elderly in-laws and I can tell you from personal experience that the ships were very accommodating for seniors who use canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.

In addition, they offer a wide range of activities on board and off-board (via accessible tours and excursions). There were times, I admit, that I never left the ship!

No matter what your activity level is, you can enjoy a great vacation on a cruise ship.

According to GuideForSeniors.com, the 5 best cruises for seniors are…

• Azamara Club Cruises (a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.)
• Holland America Line – I personally love this cruise line.
• Royal Caribbean International – Another one of my favorites! Some of the most amazing ships I’ve been on have been with Royal Caribbean.
• Oceania Cruises – Seems to be a more upscale cruise line
• Silversea Cruises – A family-owned line with smaller ships that offer ultra-luxury accommodations.

Of course, you can also look at cruises via the port cities they can take you to. Some very popular ones are…

• An Alaskan cruise
• Caribbean cruises
• European cruises

Get more details about each of these lines at GuideForSeniors.com

Read our article, Can I Take My Echo Dot On Vacation.

If ocean cruises are not your style, consider taking a river cruise. These smaller boats are one of the best ways to visit beautiful parts of many countries.

There are many different river cruises in the USA, in Canada, Europe, South America and other countries.

Just like their ocean counterparts, the river cruises are a wonderful and easy way to travel if you are using a walker, a cane or a wheelchair to get about.

Some of the most popular river cruises are…

• AmaWaterways – they offer river cruises throughout the rivers of Europe leaving from cities such as Paris, Budapest and Amsterdam.
• CroisiEurope Cruises – another European river cruise line to consider leaving cities like Strasbourg, France and Engelhartszell, Austria.
• Scenic Cruises – Yes, Europe has many river cruises and this is yet another. Leaving from Budapest, Zurich and Nuremberg.
• American Cruise Lines – The USA also has a few river cruises as well leaving in locations such as New Orleans, Maine and Portland, Oregon.

As far as vacations for senior citizens go – I would rate cruising at the very top!

If you’ll be flying to start your cruise, read our article, Air Travel Risks For The Elderly , next.

2. Museums and Art Galleries

Indoor and handicap accessible places like museums and art galleries can be one of the best things to do in some cities and towns. They can also be great vacation options for history and art lovers who have limited mobility.

An idea would be to visit a city or town that has multiple indoor museums and galleries to visit. Some of the cities that could be on your list are…

• New York City
• Chicago, Illinois
• London, England
• Washington, DC
• Paris, France
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Florence, Italy
• Athens, Greece
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Denver, Colorado
• Rome, Italy

If larger cities are not your idea of a vacation, consider these 100 small “Art” towns that you can visit and enjoy.

Smaller towns may not have the number of museums that the larger cities do but they usually have the most interesting ones. Here are some examples…

• The Hammer Museum in Haines, Alaska
• Johnson Victrola Museum in Dover, Delaware
• The Bread Museum in Ulm, Germany
• The Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin
• Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, Idaho
• The Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany
• Laurel and Hardy Museum in Harlem, Georgia
• Matchstick Marvels Museum in Gladbrook, Iowa
• Museum of Bad Art in Somerville, Massachusetts
• The Kazoo Museum in Beaufort, South Carolina
• The Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada
• The Dog Collar Museum Kent, England
• The Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota
• The Apron Museum in Luka, Mississippi

Travel for seniors with limited mobility can certainly include beaches. It’s a great destination for many older adults who love warm weather!

You don’t have to rule out beaches just because you find it too hard to walk on the sand. There are many beaches with boardwalks and sidewalks that you can visit.

If you’re planning family vacations with your grandchildren – a beach destination may be a wonderful option.

Some of the beaches and ideas that I can recommend are:

• Daytona Beach – The beautiful beaches in Daytona offer handicap parking, free beach wheelchairs and easy accessibility throughout the area.
• Miami Beach – If you enjoy the heat in South Florida, consider Miami Beach . They provide beach mats to make it easier for anyone with mobility issues to walk on the soft sand. They also have free motorized and manual wheelchairs with wide wheels made specifically for a beach.
• Myrtle Beach – South Carolina also has beautiful beaches and Myrtle Beach is a great location. They offer free beach wheelchairs, handicap parking and accessible points throughout the beach.

You can find some accessible beaches here in the USA – see this list . There are many wonderful handicap accessible beaches in Europe too. See this list .

Read our recommendations on the Best Beach Chairs For Elderly Adults

4. National Parks

Another type of popular tourist attractions are national parks. Many are wheelchair accessible , and you can still enjoy all the natural beauty that these parks have to offer.

According to OutsideOnline.com the best places for those with limited mobility are…

• Acadia National Park in Maine
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado
• Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
• Glacier National Park in Montana
• Yellowstone National Park that spans Idaho, Montana and Wyoming

Read more about visiting U.S. National Parks in our articles about the National Park Pass for Seniors (here) and about the America The Beautiful senior passes (here) and whether they are worth the purchase.

5. Botanical Gardens

A botanical garden can be a great place to visit for some vacation time. Many adults love to visit Botanical Gardens and why not? They are filled with beautiful and unique flowers and plants and offer a wonderful, serene setting.

Here are just a few botanical gardens that are perfect for seniors who use a cane, a walker or a wheelchair.

• United States Botanical Gardens in Washington, DC
• Montreal Botanical Garden in Montreal, Canada
• Adelaide Botanic Garden in Adelaide, Australia
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Brooklyn, New York
• Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida
• Waimea Valley and Falls Arboretum in Honolulu, Hawaii
• Singapore Botanic Gardens in Singapore
• Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta, Georgia
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa

6. Bus Tours

When I was younger I took a few bus trips with my classmates and what I remember is a lot of talking, laughing and singing!

After having just taken a bus tour in Iceland, Robin (the other half of Senior Safety Advice) says that after a few days, the members of her bus tour were in a very similar situation (minus the singing!).

Bus tours are a streamlined “cruise on land” that can take you to many popular destinations in a comfortable and relaxed manner.

As Robin found with her tour, they are perfect for many senior travelers who are looking for limited mobility vacations.

There were several seniors with limited mobility in her group and they were watched out for and cared for by everyone on the bus ( Find out whether Iceland is good for seniors to visit on a bus tour ).

One of the other things she loved was that the tour guide offered both entertainment and history all wrapped up in an organized trip. Leaving her to just sit back and enjoy.

As with her group, many bus tours are accessible for seniors with limited mobility and oftentimes the tours are filled with older adults so you should be in great company!

You can find some bus tours here at Travelstride.com

7. Local Boat Tours

Local boat tours to beautiful locations like Niagra Falls, NY / Canada can make for a wonderful vacation for seniors.

Other types of tours like this can be found in…

• Wendella Boats in Chicago, Illinois
• Lake Powell , Utah
• St Johns River Taxi in Jacksonville, Florida
• Niagara Falls in New York and Canada
• Island Princess Cruises in Stuart, Florida
• Portland Boat Tours in Portland, Oregon

8. Tours for Handicapped Seniors

Embarking on a travel vacation is an enriching experience that should be accessible to all, regardless of physical limitations.

Let’s take a look at some tours that are specifically designed for handicapped older adults.

• Travel for All
• Easy Access Travel
• Wheel the World
• Ability Adventures
• Accessible Caribbean Vacations
• Disabled Accessible Travel
• Epic Enabled
• II Viaggio Travel
• Latin America for All
• Tapooz Travel

9. Music Themed Vacations

If music is your jam then consider a vacation in places like Nashville, TN or Branson, MI where many of the shows are handicap accessible.

• Country Music Hall of Fame
• Grand Ole Opry
• Historic Ryman Auditorium

10. City Walking Tours

For those who can do a bit of walking with a cane or walker consider a walking tour. Just make sure to ask the tour operators how long is the walk and are there spots in between to sit and rest.

Also know that many major cities like Chicago and New York offer wheelchair accessible walking tours where you can explore your favorite landmarks in comfort.

You can also indulge in walking tours provided by museums such as the one offered by The Walnut Creek Historical Society. This is often a small group tour giving you a history of this beautiful northern California town.

Some other walking tours you can investigate are…

• Historic Savannah Walking Tours
• Wilderness on Wheels in Grant, Colorado
• Wheelchair friendly trails in Austin, Texas
• River Walk in San Antonia, Texas
• River Walk in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• River Walk in San Diego, California

Accessible Cities

Some of the most accessible cities for citizens with mobility issues include:

There are several cities around the world that are known for being accessible to citizens with mobility issues.

Here are some examples:

• Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm is often regarded as one of the most accessible cities in Europe. It features well-maintained sidewalks, accessible public transportation, and many attractions and facilities designed with accessibility in mind.
• Vancouver, Canada: Vancouver has made significant efforts to ensure accessibility for people with mobility issues. The city has accessible public transportation, including low-floor buses and SkyTrain stations with elevators. Many sidewalks have curb ramps, and attractions such as Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium offer accessibility features.
• Portland, USA: Portland has been recognized for its efforts to improve accessibility. The city’s public transportation system, including buses and light rail, offers accessibility options. Many parks, museums, and public facilities prioritize accessibility.
• Singapore: Singapore is known for its accessibility infrastructure. The city has made extensive efforts to ensure barrier-free access to public transportation, including buses and trains. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are generally well-maintained and equipped with curb ramps, and many public buildings have accessibility features.
• Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne is considered one of the most accessible cities in Australia. The city has accessible public transportation, including trains and trams with low-floor access. Many attractions, parks, and shopping centers have accessibility features, and the city has a strong focus on creating an inclusive environment.
• San Francisco, USA: San Francisco has made strides in improving accessibility for citizens with mobility issues. The city’s public transportation system, including buses and cable cars, offers accessibility features. Many popular tourist destinations, such as Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, have accessible facilities.
• Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona has taken steps to enhance accessibility throughout the city. The public transportation system, including buses and metro stations, is designed to accommodate people with disabilities. The city’s sidewalks are generally well-maintained and equipped with curb ramps, and major attractions have accessibility features.
• Seattle, USA: Seattle has taken steps to enhance accessibility for its residents and visitors. The city’s public transportation system includes buses and light rail with accessibility features. Many tourist attractions and public spaces have accessible facilities.

It’s important to note that accessibility features and infrastructure can vary within cities, so it’s always a good idea to research specific locations and services to ensure they meet individual needs.

11. All Inclusive Resorts

Some other senior citizen trip ideas includes resorts!

All inclusive resorts are another “cruise on land” idea where you travel to one place and get to relax and do as much as you like or nothing at all.

I would recommend to search for all inclusive resorts and then contact them to find out if they can accommodate your mobility issues.

Some places to consider are…

• The Caribbeans
• Cancun, Mexico
• Turtle Bay, Hawaii
• Little Valley Mountain Resort in Sevierville, TN

Read more about all-inclusive resorts in our article on resorts for seniors with limited mobility.

12. Resort Like Hotels

Many destination hotels have wheelchair accessible rooms where it is possible for a person with limited mobility to still enjoy themselves. I love staying in a hotel room with a great view. I often take weekend vacation trips to these types of hotels. I can sit back, take in the view and do what vacations are meant to do for me, relax!

According to Smartertravel.com some of the best resort hotels for seniors with limited mobility are…

• Noelle in Nashville, Tennessee
• Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley, California
• Novotel Melbourne on Collins in Melbourne, Australia
• Halekulani in Honolulu, Hawaii
• Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
• Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid, New York
• Intercontinental David in Tel Aviv, Israel

13. Movie Themed Trips

If you’re into movies, maybe a trip to Los Angeles where all the great older movies were made. Make it a point to see at least one movie a day.

There are multiple movie themed tours available. I would recommend to contact the one(s) that you are interested in to get information on how accessible they are for your limited mobility issues.

• Travel.usnews.com
• Onlocationtours.com
• Los Angeles Viator List

14. Theater Themed Trips

Or maybe theater is your passion. Well, then a trip to Broadway is on the list!

But don’t think that New York is the only place to go for a theater themed vacation. I would recommend Ashland, Oregon which is famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

15. Activity Themed Trips

Cooking is something several of my friends love and they enjoy taking a culinary class wherever they travel. Making a trip to a great city and taking a few culinary classes could be a great vacation trip for you.

Outdoor activities are certainly not off limits to seniors with physical limitations.

Golf is another activity that you can still take advantage of! So why not make that a vacation destination for yourself if you love to play golf! You can find more information from the U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance .

Fishing tours for adults with disabilities can get you back on the water to do the thing that you love – fishing! If you’re an adventurous type and looking for a unique experience then consider the wheelchair accessible tours by National Geographic . They include things like Hot Air Ballooning and Riding a Camel in Morocco!

16. Book Themed Trips

If you’re a book lover like my friend Judy then you may consider visiting any of these wonderful book stores as an absolute treat during your vacation.

• Powell’s Book Store in Portland, Oregon
• Cărturești Carusel in Bucharest, Romania
• Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal
• Alabama Booksmith in Birmingham, Alabama
• Ler Devagar in Lisbon, Portugal
• Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan

17. Keeping It Local

Senior vacation destinations don’t have to be in a faraway place. Who says that you have to travel long distances to take a vacation?

I personally love sleeping in my own bed at night so taking a road trip to local places is a great way for me to take some time off.

Some perfect destination ideas could include things like…

• Wine tasting events
• Live shows in local parks
• Visiting historic buildings in your area
• Taking in the history at historical landmarks in your area

For many older adults, day trips every so often are a much better alternative than longer vacations.

Take a little time to check your local area for events that are wheelchair accessible. These places would also be accessible to seniors who use canes or walkers. Click here to do an Internet search .

18. Rent A Private Residence

If you prefer to spend your vacation time in your own space instead of a hotel then take a look at Handiscover – an Airbnb for people with limited mobility.

19. Games, Theater and Relaxation

For vacations with everything, you may want to consider places like Las Vegas, NV. There’s a little bit of everything there. It’s easy to get around and you can spend your time enjoying the theater, gambling, people watching or just relaxing.

20. Golf Cart Tours

I bet you never heard of golf cart tours! What a great way to get around an city or area.

These are tours where the guests drive their own golf cart throughout the tour.

Here’s one in Rome, Italy and another in Iowa, USA and what looks like a fun golf cart tour in Nashville, TN . Check out other golf tours here .

21. Amusement Parks

I believe that all amusement parks comply with the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide accessibility for disabled and of course, seniors that use adaptive equipment for mobility.

I would recommend that you contact any amusement park you may be considering to visit. This would be a wonderful vacation to spend with your family, especially the grandkids!

Here are some links to the information about accessibility for some popular amusement parks.

• Disneyworld
• Sea World in Orlando, Florida
• Universal Studios
• Busch Gardens

22. Riding The Rails

Trains are another great way to sightsee and get around for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation if you are limited in your mobility.

Amtrak is the most popular train service here in the USA and with it’s senior discounts , it can be an affordable way to travel for your next vacation.

The wonderful thing about train trips for elderly adults is that you can take longer, all-inclusive trips and even day trips locally. It’s really nice to have so many options available.

Of course, they are not the only train service – here are some great train vacation ideas to consider for your next get away!

• Grand Canyon getaway
• National Park vacations
• Railway Adventures through Australia
• VIA Rail through Canada
• and many more scenic train trips to take throughout the world

23. Mobility Scooter Vacations

If you have your own mobility scooter then there are certainly many places you can go from national parks to cities and even beaches.

But if you prefer to leave your scooter at home (or you don’t own one) there are plenty of scooter rental places that you can rent one to use to enjoy your vacation.

• Orlando, Florida
• Seattle, Washington

Know that there are weight and measurement limitations on most lifts (for trains and buses) for mobility scooters so you will need to check with these types of transportation before you book your trip.

For example the shuttle buses in Yosemite National Park can accommodate mobility scooters and wheelchairs up to 24 inches wide and 46 inches long, with a top weight limit (scooter and person) of 750 pounds.

I would say that limitation is pretty common, but of course you should check in advance about any lift limitations, especially if you use a bariatric scooter.

24. Virtual Vacations

Finally, if your mobility issues are limiting you to the extent that you simply find it too difficult to take any type of travel, then you may want to consider virtually traveling to places from the comfort of your home and your easy chair!

Using a virtual reality headset – you can take a trip almost anywhere and see some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Take a museum tour, a trip to the Antarctic, scuba dive the barrier reef and travel through many of the major cities throughout the world!

For some locations, you don’t even need a virtual headset. Go visit these wonderful museums in England, virtually!

If you are looking to vacation in Europe but have some mobility issues, take a look at my article on European Tours .

The Importance Of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is crucial for senior citizens with limited mobility who are planning a vacation. As we age, mobility issues may become more prevalent, and it’s essential to take appropriate precautions when embarking on a trip.

Here are some reasons why travel insurance is important for seniors with limited mobility:

• Medical Coverage: Seniors with limited mobility may have pre-existing medical conditions or require specific medications. Travel insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies that may arise during the trip, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and medication expenses. It offers peace of mind knowing that any unforeseen medical costs will be taken care of.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Mobility challenges can sometimes lead to unexpected changes in travel plans. Travel insurance can protect seniors from financial losses if they need to cancel or cut short their trip due to health-related issues. It typically covers non-refundable expenses such as flights, accommodation, and tour bookings.
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: In the event of a medical emergency requiring urgent evacuation or repatriation, travel insurance provides coverage for transportation back to the home country or to the nearest medical facility equipped to handle the situation. This can be crucial, especially if specialized medical care is required.
• Personal Liability: Travel insurance often includes personal liability coverage, which protects seniors if they accidentally cause damage to property or injure someone else. This coverage can provide financial protection against potential legal claims and help manage any associated expenses.
• Assistance Services: Many travel insurance policies offer assistance services that can be invaluable for seniors with limited mobility. These services may include 24/7 emergency helplines, medical referrals, translation services, and support in arranging medical appointments or accommodations tailored to their needs.
• Baggage Loss or Delay: Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or delayed baggage, ensuring that seniors have access to necessary items if their luggage is misplaced during the journey. This can be particularly important for individuals who rely on specific mobility aids or medical equipment.
• Travel Support and Guidance: Travel insurance providers often offer travel support and guidance, providing valuable information about accessible destinations, transportation options, and facilities suitable for seniors with limited mobility. This assistance can help seniors plan their trips more effectively and ensure they have a positive and enjoyable travel experience.

It is important to review the specific terms and conditions of travel insurance policies, particularly regarding pre-existing conditions and coverage limitations.

Seniors with limited mobility should consider obtaining comprehensive travel insurance that specifically caters to their needs.

By doing so, they can minimize financial risks and enjoy their vacation with greater peace of mind.

Kindle Books For Vacation Reading

One of the great things about vacation is having the time to just sit back and enjoy a good book. But carrying books around with you is not very convenient. That’s where Kindle readers come in!

We recommend the Kindle Paperwhite because it can be read outdoors which makes it very easy and versatile.

Related posts:

About the Author: Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S.

Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S. is a retired occupational therapist, a CAPS certified specialist. a certified Senior Home Safety Specialist and a CARES® Dementia Specialist (C.D.S.). She graduated from Florida International University and practiced OT in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina for 10 years. She specialized in working with neurological impairments in the senior adult population. Her expertise in home assessments and home safety issues for seniors will help you to make the best possible decisions for yourself or your elderly parent.

View all post by Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S. | Website

Join our thriving network of 6,685 caregivers and seniors. Subscribe to our newsletter now!

Filled with…

• Expert Safety Tips: Practical advice to ensure safety and comfort in your daily life.
• Latest Trends: Stay updated with the newest products and technologies designed for senior safety.
• And Much More!

Click Here To Subscribe

Privacy Overview

14 Best Travel Destinations For Retirees

Retirement is the ideal time to see the places you've been dreaming of for years. Pack a bag and head to one of these top vacation destinations.

Read update

New Retirement Vacation Ideas to Kick Off the Golden Years

• Zurich, Switzerland: Safe, clean, and easily walkable, Zurich is a great vacation destination for retirees with excellent transportation and endless sights to explore.
• Cambria, California: A peaceful, lively art scene and a beautiful coastline make Cambria a perfect retreat for retired vacationers seeking relaxation, delicious food, and a lively art scene.
• La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Retirees will enjoy La Fortuna with its green terrain, endless wildlife, and hot springs, making it a dream destination for nature lovers.

Retirement is the time in life when people decide they’re finally ready and able to travel. With more free time and, often, more financial freedom, retirees can get out into the world and start ticking off some of the bucket list items they’ve been dreaming of for decades.

However, with so many options, from affordable retirement vacation ideas in the US to lavish and luxurious international getaways, there's a lot of choice out there, so how can seniors narrow down the list?

Make the most of your Golden Years by exploring some of these incredible destinations around the world, perfect for retired people. Some are close to home, and some are so far away that only a retiree with tons of time can explore them properly. Here are some of the best vacation destinations for retirees to consider visiting in their senior years.

UPDATE: 2024/05/03 14:46 EST BY LAURALYN BROWN

It's never too late to travel and enjoy new cities, cultures, and cuisines! This list has been updated to include two more vacation destinations for retirees. No matter one's preference or budget, these amazing retirement trip ideas and destinations have something for everyone.

12 Amazing Towns To Retire To In Europe

14 key west, florida, key west is a beach vacation haven for retirees.

The #1 U.S. destination on the retirement travel bucket list is Key West, Florida. Key West is the southernmost point of Florida and is surrounded by emerald waters, palm trees, and that classic laid-back, Florida vibe.

This should be every retiree's first stop when taking a retirement vacation.

There are also plenty of luxurious and dreamy places to stay in Key West that are all-inclusive and help retirees find activities to do around this area.

Spend a morning golfing at the club, go boating on the Gulf Coast, and enjoy a cocktail or two on the beach; it's a great kick-off into retired life.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: March to May
• Top Attraction: Key West Lighthouse
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Warm Gulf Coast beaches, luxurious resorts, restaurants, and shopping

13 Sicily, Italy

Enjoy the slow life and remarkable scenery on this island in the mediterranean sea.

Who says you can't travel abroad when you're a senior? This gorgeous Italian island in the Mediterranean is one of the best retirement vacations one can take!

Nothing sounds like a true vacation quite like a warm scenic coastline, lush vineyards, and charming hilltop villages.

In this Italian paradise, retirees should indulge in the best local dishes, like the famous Sicilian cannoli, Neapolitan pizza, and a refreshing frozen granita.

Balance out the rich foods with scenic walks up to the viewpoints or sit by the water and enjoy the sunset.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: April to May, September to October
• Top Attraction: The Valley of Temples
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Slow-paced lifestyle, beaches, 5-star dining, incredible scenery

12 Zurich, Switzerland

A safe, clean city with excellent transportation, day trips, and hotels within walking distance of downtown.

One of the best places for retired people to vacation is Zurich, Switzerland. Because of its elegant, safe, and easy-to-maneuver planning, Zurich makes for great year-round travel for any age, but especially those who have entered their golden years.

Although a fairly large city, Zurich offers great public transportation, clean hotels within walking distance of downtown, and endless sights and day trips people can book via bus, train, or boat, earning an easy place among the best vacations for retirees.

Lake Zurich is perfect for warmer months and seasons, while a trip to the nearby Swiss Alps may be a great option for anyone wanting to ski. There are beginner, intermediate, and expert-level ski resort options, so there's something for everyone.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: June to August
• Top Attraction: Lindenhof
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Zurich is safe, clean, and easily walkable, and its transportation system is excellent and reliable, making getting around and day trips convenient

11 Cambria, California, United States

Peace, quiet, a lively art scene, and an endless coastline make cambria worth the stay.

The next best idea for retirees traveling this year is the charming town of Cambria, California. This West Coast city in the United States is perfect for retired vacationers for many reasons, including its beaches, hotels and rentals, food, and walkability.

The art scene is also bolstering in Cambria, as is its restaurant industry.

Cambria is regularly named one of the most beautiful places in California and continues to be a haven for those needing a little R&R.

With scenic drives, historical architecture, and closeness to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon . There's so much to see, eat, drink, and enjoy here, especially for retirees!

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: September and October
• Top Attraction: Moonstone Beach Drive
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Cambria offers peace, quiet, drivability, a walkable coastline, and plenty of delicious food and wine, along with a lively art scene

10 La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Green terrain, endless wildlife, and excitement make la fortuna a retiree's dream.

La Fortuna is a charming small town in Costa Rica, located northwest of the capital city (San Jose). It’s a short, affordable flight to get there from most major US cities, and Costa Rica is a relatively safe country with an excellent healthcare system.

Beyond the logistics, there are lots of fun and relaxing things to do and see in Costa Rica, from jungle walks to soaking in hot springs. Retirement is the ideal time to experience some of Costa Rica's most beautiful places .

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: December to April
• Top Attraction: Arenal Volcano
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: It's a nature lover's haven and many tour companies here cater to seniors

9 Porto, Portugal

Walkable cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and waterfront views await.

Retired travelers who are ready for a European adventure should head to Porto, Portugal, which is also said to be one of the best cities to retire in Europe (and thus visit as a retiree, too).

This coastal city in Portugal offers a less chaotic experience than Lisbon and is affordable. Its slow pace of life, enchanting historic streets and architecture, and old-world buildings by the water make Porto a beautiful vacation destination for retirees.

Plus, its gorgeous cobblestone streets are very walkable, making getting around easy for seniors. However, some streets can be steep, so seniors with mobility limitations may need to account for this.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: May, June, or September
• Top Attraction: Porto Cathedral
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Interesting culture and slow pace of travel

Planning to stay a while? No problem - Portugal offers non-EU citizens a retirement visa .

10 Affordable Places To Retire In Portugal

8 western australia, with spots like perth, broome, and karijini national park, this part of down under is ideal for retirees.

Western Australia is a massive state in Australia that requires a good amount of time to discover properly. That’s why retirement is the perfect time to go and explore what is perhaps one of the best places in Australia to visit as a tourist.

Without the restriction of two weeks' vacation per year, retired travelers from North America can finally embark on an epic road trip across Western Australia from Perth to Broome.

Don't miss one of the most beautiful national parks in Australia, Karijini National Park, with its scenic landscapes and watery gorges perfect for photography and soaking up stunning vistas.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: November to May
• Top Attraction: Karijini National Park
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Requires weeks to properly explore the entire state

7 Scottsdale, Arizona, United States

Sun, golf courses, luxury spa resorts, and the finer things make scottsdale a top retirement vacation spot.

Scottsdale, Arizona, offers plenty to do and see , which is why it is the perfect choice for retirees looking for quick vacation ideas in the US or looking for a place to spend several months a year in the sunshine ( 330 days of annual sunshine , in fact!).

Located close to home for Americans and Canadians, Scottsdale is full of excellent restaurants and shops, and beautiful nature is always nearby.

What's more, Scottsdale offers retirees world-class golf courses like TPC Scottsdale, Grayhawk, and Troon North, not to mention an array of fantastic luxury spa resorts for seniors seeking to enjoy life's finer indulgences.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: September or March
• Top Attraction: Taliesin West
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Warm weather, world-class golf courses, luxury spa resorts, and a short flight from most US cities

6 Bali, Indonesia

Peace, quiet, and healing properties make bali a great choice for retirees.

Bali, Indonesia, is typically synonymous with young backpackers; however, it's a bucket-list destination for people of all ages, especially seniors.

From the beaches in Uluwatu to the wellness retreats in Ubud, Bali is one of the many amazing retirement vacation destinations as well as a backpacker hotspot.

Moreover, away from the party beaches and bars, Bali has several fascinating historic ruins and temples , which are great attractions for retirees seeking beautiful sites in Indonesia and to learn more about the history, heritage, and culture of this stunning Southeast Asian country.

It’s also a long flight from North America, so retirement is the perfect time to visit when planning to stay for a while.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: April to October
• Top Attraction: Uluwatu Temple
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Relaxed lifestyle, gorgeous beaches, wellness retreats, and fascinating ancient ruins and historic temples

5 Ushuaia, Argentina

Colorful buildings, water activities, and bucket list cruises to antarctica.

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and is worth visiting for its unique colorful buildings, ocean views, and nearby nature.

Besides going to see wild penguins and cruising the Beagle Channel, retirees who have a healthy savings account can check a major bucket list item off here: cruising to Antarctica.

Visiting the seventh continent is an exciting opportunity, and many cruises depart from Ushuaia’s port. There are also often last-minute deals being sold in the city, earning it a place among the top travel destinations for retired people seeking a spontaneous getaway.

While in Ushuasia, don't forget to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park , which is just 23 minutes away and perfect for a day trip.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: December to March
• Top Attraction: Tierra del Fuego National Park
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Departure Point for Antarctica Cruises, proximity to Tierra del Fuego National Park

4 Panama City, Panama

Safe streets, amazing nightlife, and a unique blend of latin american culture and stunning beaches.

Panama is one of the best places in the world to retire to. In particular, Panama City is one of the many amazing retirement vacation spots, as it's a safe and relaxing destination for retirees to stay for a while.

If retired travelers want the culture of Latin America and beautiful beaches, this is the place to be.

The city is beautiful and more affordable than the United States but still offers a developed infrastructure that makes it easy to get around.

• Top Attraction: Panamá Viejo (Old Panama)
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Comfortable and safe but more affordable than North America, beautiful beaches, safe streets, great nightlife

12 Safest Countries To Retire In 2024 For Less Than $2,000 A Month

3 tuscany, italy, historic towns, great weather, rolling vineyards, and a laid-back atmosphere.

There is no bad time in life to visit Tuscany, which is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in Europe and among the many idyllic vacation ideas for retired people, with its great weather, laid-back atmosphere, and charming old towns and historic streets.

Retirees should sample fine wines at any of the incredible vineyards in Tuscany and enjoy a picture-postcard Tuscan sunset.

Ultimately, this is one of the most beautiful travel destinations for retirees hoping to enjoy a classic European getaway; come for a relaxed lifestyle with lots of good wine, food, weather, and company.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: April, May, September, and October
• Top Attraction: Ponte Vecchio
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Arts, culture, and slow pace of life

2 San Miguel De Allende, Mexico

Visit this unesco-listed town, home to a well-preserved historic center from the 1600-1700s.

The colonial-era city of San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico , is gaining tourism attention quickly. It’s a beautiful destination for enjoying historic architecture, local culture, and delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine.

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its pretty colonial architecture, enchanting cobblestone streets, and eclectic arts scene. Its UNESCO status was also bestowed due to its important role in the Mexican War of Independence.

There are many stunning urban resorts and boutique hotels in San Miguel de Allende to stay at, making it comfortable yet perhaps also one of the more affordable vacation ideas for retirees.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: November to April
• Top Attraction: Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Beautiful weather, authentic Mexican cuisine, a well-preserved historic center dating back to the 1600-1700s, and a vibrant arts scene

This Mexican City Is Perfect To Retire (On A Budget)

1 kyoto, japan, sushi, historic landmarks, and easy train rides make japan's ancient capital accessible to older travelers.

Kyoto, Japan, is yet another one of the best vacations for seniors with a fascination for ancient history and historical temples. If retirees haven’t made it to Japan’s former capital yet, it’s high time they booked a ticket to Tokyo.

From Tokyo, travelers can fly to Osaka and take a bullet train to Kyoto or spend some time in bustling Tokyo first before taking the train to Kyoto to enjoy the tranquility of the historic city.

While there, retirees shouldn't miss out on a visit to the Gion Historic District, which is a community in Kyoto famed for its traditional wooden storefronts and ancient Geisha culture.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: April for cherry blossom season and October for fall foliage
• Top Attraction: Gion Historic District
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Easy to reach, peaceful, and interesting historical sites and temples

• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Week Ahead Guidance for the Week of May 6 to May 10, 2024

• Statement from Ambassador Katherine Tai in Recognition of International Workers’ Day
• Readout of Negotiating Round Under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade
• Statement from Ambassador Katherine Tai Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
• Policy Offices
• Press Office
• Press Releases

May 05, 2024

• 600 17th Street NW
• Washington, DC 20508

• Reports and Publications
• Fact Sheets
• Speeches and Remarks
• Blog and Op-Eds
• The White House Plan to Beat COVID-19
• Free Trade Agreements
• Organization
• Advisory Committees
• USTR.gov/open
• Privacy & Legal
• FOIA & Privacy Act
• Attorney Jobs

• 1 800 970 7299
• Live Chat (Online) Live Chat (Offline)
• My Wishlist
• Find a Trip

Your browser 'Internet Explorer' is out of date. Update your browser for more security, comfort and the best experience on this site.

• Tours for Seniors
• Ways to travel

Being Intrepid has no age limit 

You might be considered a senior, but you’re still Intrepid in our eyes. Our small group tours aren’t defined by age or ability; they’re designed for people from all walks of life who share a passion for travel and a curiosity about the world. We like to hit the highlights and discover local secrets, we work exclusively with local leaders who know their countries inside out, and we use travel as a force for good. Whether you want to weave the backstreets of Eastern Europe , enjoy first-class facilities on a Nile river cruise or explore the twists and turns of Asia’s busiest cities, we’ve got a memorable adventure with your name on it. 

Our trip styles

Premium trips feature our best accommodation, most comfortable transport and exclusive experiences led by our most experienced leaders. Learn more about Premium trips .

Designed for those who want more inclusions, our Comfort trips offer a higher standard of accommodation, larger vehicles and more included activities. Learn more about Comfort trips .

The classic Intrepid style. These trips include some activities and stay at more hotels than Basix trips—an ideal choice for those who want a taste of everything. Learn more about Original trips .

For travelers on a budget, our Basix trips keep inclusions to a minimum. They’re about value and lots of free time to choose the activities and extras that you want to do.  Learn more about Basix trips .

Our Premium tours 

Premium morocco in depth, 15 days from 3660.

Discover the secrets of Morocco on a Premium journey through Casablanca, Fes, the...

Premium Japan

12 days from 7434.

Uncover the wonders of Japan on this immersive 12-day Premium tour; encompassing Tokyo,...

Premium Vietnam

8 days from 2192.

Discover the highlights and traditions of Vietnam on this short Premium adventure from...

Premium Greece

8 days from 3043.

Soak up the best of Greece on this Premium small group adventure, from Athens to...

Premium Sri Lanka in Depth

14 days from 3574.

Savour Sri Lanka on an in depth Premium journey around the ‘Teardrop Isle’, exploring...

Premium Venice to Split

9 days from 4969.

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...

Premium Uzbekistan

10 days from 2342.

Explore the mysteries of Uzbekistan on an in-depth Premium adventure, where remnants of...

Premium Egypt

9 days from 3498.

From the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Karnak and the bustling Khan al-Khalili...

Premium Jordan

8 days from 2682.

Jordan is a paradise for the curious, so discover Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra and Jerash on...

Premium Portugal

8 days from 3549.

Explore Portugal from Lisbon to Porto on this Premium adventure. Passing through...

Premium Borneo in Depth

12 days from 4102.

Discover Borneo’s wild heart on a Premium adventure. Cruise the Kinabatangan River,...

Premium Spain

11 days from 5499.

Embrace the diversity of Spain on this Premium small group adventure, travelling from...

Premium Vietnam in Depth

15 days from 3375.

Uncover Vietnam on a Premium journey from south to north, taking in Ho Chi Minh City,...

Premium Peru

9 days from 4392.

Discover the wonders of Peru’s history on a nine-day Premium adventure through Lima,...

Premium Chile & Argentina

9 days from 4469.

Discover the best of Chile and Argentina on a Premium journey through the countries'...

Premium India Safari

13 days from 4660.

Take safaris through Panna National Park, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Satpura National...

Premium Egypt & Jordan

16 days from 6397.

Discover Egypt and Jordan on a 16-day Premium adventure from Cairo to Amman, including...

Premium Morocco Highlights

8 days from 1828.

Explore Morocco on this all-encompassing Intrepid Premium small group adventure from...

Premium Sicily

10 days from 5704.

Discover Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean on this 10-day Premium journey that...

Premium Morocco in Depth with Essaouira

18 days from 4301.

Fall in love with Morocco on this 18-day Premium journey through the country's...

Premium Peru with Ica Valley

12 days from 5859.

Discover the wonders of Peru’s history on a twelve-day Premium adventure through Lima,...

Premium Peru in Depth

15 days from 6486.

Spend two weeks exploring Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca...

Premium Peru in Depth with Ica Valley

18 days from 7765.

Spend 18 days exploring Ica, Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Lima and...

Premium Sweden and Norway

10 days from 6813.

Take a Premium trip through Scandinavia, with epic stays and activities in Sweden and...

Premium Morocco Explorer

12 days from 2748.

In 12 incredible days you’ll discover some of Morocco’s best sights on a Premium...

Premium Egypt in Depth

15 days from 5644.

Travel down the Nile from Cairo to Aswan, exploring Luxor, Alexandria and more along...

Premium Costa Rica

9 days from 3566.

Explore Costa Rica’s natural and cultural wonders on a nine-day Premium adventure...

Premium Turkey in Depth

15 days from 4743.

This 15-day Premium tour takes you into the ancient heart of Turkey. Begin and end in...

Premium Java and Bali

11 days from 3694.

Discover Java's heritage and Bali’s traditions on an exclusive Premium small group trip...

Premium Nepal

9 days from 2657.

Take a Premium adventure that encompasses much of what makes Nepal so beloved by...

Premium New Zealand South Island

10 days from 5066.

Explore New Zealand’s South Island on a 10-day small group tour which includes Franz...

Premium Vietnam & Cambodia

13 days from 4190.

Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...

Premium Thailand and Vietnam

19 days from 5436.

Take a Premium trip exploring Thailand and Vietnam’s highlights, including Bangkok,...

Premium Egypt & Jordan in Depth

22 days from 8471.

Discover the contrasts of modern and ancient Egypt and Jordan on this in-depth Premium...

Premium Iceland

9 days from 6804.

Discover Iceland’s geological wonders and welcoming people on an all-encompassing...

Premium Argentina & Brazil

7 days from 3834.

Soak up Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, two of South America's liveliest cities, and...

Premium India in Depth

14 days from 3789.

Take in north India’s fabled cities and encounter the exotic wildlife of Ranthambhore...

Premium Nepal & Bhutan

17 days from 7965.

Embark on a 17-day Premium adventure through the mysterious mountain kingdoms of Bhutan...

Premium India

10 days from 3420.

Take a 10-day India Premium adventure with Intrepid through the country’s north,...

Premium Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

15 days from 4936.

Experience varied landscapes, customs and people as you journey from Baku to Yerevan...

Premium Cambodia

6 days from 1647.

Uncover the mysteries of incredible Angkor Wat on a Premium tour of Cambodia. Travel...

Premium Highlights of Japan

9 days from 4504.

Take a Premium trip through the highlights of Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Kamakura,...

Premium Northern Thailand

12 days from 3328.

Discover a land of mouth-watering food, stunning landscapes, history, and hospitable...

Premium Southern Africa

8 days from 6125.

Embark on an eight-day Premium adventure from Johannesburg to Chobe National Park, via...

Premium China

12 days from 4170.

Take a small group Premium adventure that weaves together some of China’s most famous...

Premium Sri Lanka

9 days from 2421.

Discover the best of a Sri Lanka on a 9-day Premium small group tour that includes...

Premium Patagonia

9 days from 6953.

Discover Patagonia on a 9-day Premium journey that takes in Santiago, Torres del Paine...

Premium Spain in Depth

20 days from 10776.

Premium Bhutan

9 days from 4811.

Experience a Premium adventure through the mysterious mountain kingdom of Bhutan. Take...

Premium Mexico City to Oaxaca

8 days from 2831.

Discover the dazzling diversity of Mexico as you embark on a Premium adventure with a...

Premium New Zealand North Island

8 days from 4064.

Uncover the natural wonders of New Zealand’s North Island on an eight-day Premium...

Premium Cuba

9 days from 3190.

Escape to Cuba on a Premium adventure and explore the old-world charm of Havana,...

Premium Highlights of South America

24 days from 13793.

Embark on a 24-day Premium journey from the Amazon to the Andes and discover South...

Premium Mexico Yucatan Highlights

8 days from 2848.

Discover Maya ruins, colourful cultures, indigenous communities and colonial towns on...

Premium Southern Africa in Depth

14 days from 9771.

This 14-day Premium journey through southern Africa reveals the best wildlife and...

Premium New Zealand Encompassed

17 days from 9612.

Discover the best of New Zealand on a 17-day Premium adventure, taking in the most...

Premium Morocco Highlights with Essaouira

11 days from 2480, 18 days from 9612, premium morocco explorer with essaouira, 15 days from 3348.

A 15-day Premium journey through Morocco’s best sights, taking in Casablanca, Fes,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Premium India & Nepal

18 days from 6048.

Take a 18-day Premium adventure with Intrepid through India's Golden Triangle, Varanasi...

Our Comfort tours

Morocco uncovered, 13 days from 1637.

Uncover the heart of Morocco on a journey from Casablanca to Marrakech, through Roman...

Egypt Experience

12 days from 2597.

From Cairo, Alexandria and Aswan to the Valley of the Kings at Luxor, see the pharaohs,...

9 Days From 2097

We are thrilled to offer a legal trip for US citizens that supports the Cuban people....

Classic Galapagos: Central Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

10 days from 6404.

Travel to the Galapagos Islands and sail around the central eastern islands, witnessing...

Classic Borneo

10 days from 2282.

Journey through Borneo on a wild 10-day adventure from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan,...

Classic Morocco

8 days from 1188.

See the wonders of Morocco, including Ait Benhaddou, Casablanca, the Atlas Mountains,...

Jordan Discovery

8 days from 1740.

Experience the best of Jordan on this 8-day adventure. From Amman, 4WD through Wadi Rum...

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

14 days from 9990.

Set sail for the trip of a lifetime – a 14-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour,...

Explore Egypt & Jordan

19 days from 4420.

This 19-day tour explores the best of Egypt and Jordan in Comfort, from Cairo to...

Classic Vietnam

15 days from 2376.

Uncover the proud, spirited heart of Vietnam on this classic 15-day adventure. Tour...

Italy Experience

10 days from 3896.

Travel to Italy on a journey from the canals of Venice to the cobblestone streets of...

Treasures of Vietnam

8 days from 1467.

Discover the spirit of Vietnam on a small group tour from south to north, visiting Ho...

Turkey Encompassed

15 days from 3056.

Travel through Turkey and see Istanbul's Blue Mosque, Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, the...

Cambodia & Vietnam Discovery

13 days from 2912.

Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Adventure

6 days from 2732.

Take a discovery tour of Wyoming’s highlights, with plenty of wildlife-spotting and...

Rajasthan Experience

15 days from 2331.

See the best of Rajasthan on this 15-day tour. Behold the delights of Agra, Jaipur,...

Classic Cambodia

6 days from 1139.

Unearth the essence of Cambodia on a leisurely journey that spends time seeing the...

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

11 days from 7400.

Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...

Classic Japan

11 days from 5328.

Journey from Kyoto to Tokyo with Intrepid and explore temples, post towns and lush...

Western Balkans Uncovered

12 days from 2818.

Combine the must-sees of the Balkan region and the lesser-known glories of North...

Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans

7 days from 2589.

Walk in famous footsteps on a 7-day musical journey from Nashville to Memphis and New...

Classic Egypt

8 days from 2104.

Travel Egypt on this adventure that visits Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. See pyramids, visit...

Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth

5 days from 2080.

Set off on a five-day circuit from Reykjavik, visit thundering waterfalls, steamy...

Classic Nepal

11 days from 2070.

Journey around Nepal from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Bandipur, meet the creatures of...

Morocco Family Holiday Comfort

10 days from 1260.

Take your family on a Moroccan adventure through Casablanca, Fes, Midelt, Merzouga, Ait...

Majestic Peru

15 days from 3915.

Tour through Lima, Puno, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes and...

Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)

14 days from 9480.

Experience the rare opportunity to explore both the eastern and western sides of the...

Botswana Adventure

10 days from 4544.

Visit Africa and travel through Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe on a tour from Windhoek...

Hiking in Sedona and the Grand Canyon

4 days from 2620.

Discover the very best of Northern Arizona on this 4-day hiking adventure through...

South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer

6 days from 2525.

Explore South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park, Badlands National Park, Little...

Best of Mexico

15 days from 4152.

Experience the best of Mexico on a 15-day adventure from Mexico City to Playa del...

Best of the Top End & Kakadu

4 days from 1568.

Visit the natural wonders of Litchfield National Park and Kakadu National Park,...

Classic Egypt & Jordan

15 days from 4221.

Tick the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Nile, the Dead Sea and The Treasury in Petra...

Best of Perth, Margaret River & Rottnest Island

5 days from 1420.

See the best of Perth, including the Margaret River region and its wineries, Fremantle...

Namibia Discovery

13 days from 4106.

Travel from Cape Town in South Africa to Namibia’s Windhoek through coastlines, sand...

Highlights of Thailand

10 days from 1980.

Experience Thailand’s greatest hits on a 10-day comfort adventure through Bangkok,...

Best of Costa Rica

10 days from 2389.

Take a Costa Rican adventure starting in San Jose, visiting Copey, Manuel Antonio...

Classic Cambodia & Vietnam

20 days from 3789.

Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...

Best of South Australia & Red Centre

9 days from 4045.

See the best of South Australia and Red Centre on this comfortable journey through...

Classic Sri Lanka

8 days from 1411.

Explore wonders of nature and humanity – often both at once – on this 8-day adventure...

Best of Alaska

10 days from 4667.

Explore the rugged landscape of icy Alaska. From Anchorage, circle the Kenai Peninsula...

Classic Barcelona to Madrid

7 days from 2444.

Travel south along the coast of Spain, leaving Barcelona, travelling through Valencia...

Best of Argentina & Brazil

7 days from 2805.

Experience the best of everything Argentina and Brazil have to offer on this fantastic,...

Classic Galapagos: Central Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Sail the aquamarine waters of the Galapagos’s central southern islands taking in...

Classic Madrid to Lisbon

9 days from 3247.

Take a trip through Portugal, starting in Spain’s capital, Madrid and heading through...

Croatian Coastal Cruising: Dubrovnik to Split (Aurora)

8 days from 2750.

Join a small ship cruising adventure to Croatia. Voyage along the Dalmatian coast,...

Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree

5 days from 1696.

From Cairns, take a trip to explore Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, the Great...

Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)

10 days from 6244.

Spend 10 unforgettable days on board the Grand Daphne, discovering the central islands...

Best of Northern Territory

8 days from 4240.

Tour through the Australia’s Red Centre and Top End, visiting Uluru, Kings Canyon,...

Explore China

12 days from 3029.

Spend 12 days exploring northern China from Shanghai to Beijing, including Luoyang, the...

Best of Uluru & Kings Canyon

4 days from 1658.

Discover Australia’s Red Centre on an adventure to the spectacular sights of Tjoritja ...

Amazing Southern Africa

22 days from 8390.

Jump onboard an exhilarating journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls through the...

Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans

14 days from 5147.

Explore the deep South on your way to New Orleans on a twelve-day small group tour...

Classic Canadian Rockies

7 days from 3056.

See all the highlights from the Canadian Rockies, including Lake Louise, Spirit Island,...

Best of Australia

12 days from 5032.

Experience the full range of Australia’s natural wonder, with visits to the Blue...

Best of South Australia

5 days from 1512.

Explore the famous wine region of South Australia including Barossa Valley and Clare...

Best of Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain

6 days from 1784.

Discover the best of Australia’s Tasmania with a visit to the Tarkine rainforest and...

Croatian Coastal Cruising - Split to Dubrovnik (Aurora)

Take a small-ship cruising adventure in Croatia from Split to Dubrovnik. Voyage along...

Egypt Family Holiday Comfort

8 days from 2320.

Step back in time on an 8-day family Egyptian adventure through Cairo, Aswan and Luxor....

Our Original tours 

Vietnam express southbound, 10 days from 1156.

Take a tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to cruise the Mekong...

Sydney to Cairns Adventure

14 days from 3664.

See the natural wonders of Queensland and New South Wales on an adventure through the...

Classic Costa Rica

15 days from 2129.

Travel to Costa Rica and discover a tropical playground of immense natural beauty....

Beautiful Bali

9 days from 981.

Travel to Bali and experience this oasis off the coast of Indonesia. Bali's Ubud, Mt...

Best of Sri Lanka

15 days from 2291.

Discover the must-sees, must-eats, and must-meets of gorgeous Sri Lanka on this 15-day...

Inca Trail Express

7 days from 1377.

Travel to Peru to discover Peru's ancient civilisation. Trek or train to Machu Picchu,...

Vietnam Express Northbound

Travel through Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Visit the Mekong Delta, cruise...

Rome to Amalfi

8 days from 2338.

Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....

Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

18 days from 2160.

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Vietnam and Cambodia....

Iceland Discovery

8 days from 3243.

See Iceland on this eight-day tour that travels to Reykjavik, the Golden Circle,...

Best of Morocco

15 days from 1165.

Discover the best of Morocco on an action-packed trip exploring Marrakech, Fes, the...

Athens to Santorini

8 days from 2660.

Travel from ancient Athens to the spectacular island of Santorini on this wonderful...

Sacred Land of the Incas

15 days from 3159.

Visit the Sacred Land of the Inca and delight in Peru's culture with two weeks through...

Everest Base Camp Trek

15 days from 1512.

Embark on the trek of a lifetime to Everest Base Camp on this tour. Fly into Lukla and...

Egypt Adventure

8 days from 1128.

Visit Egypt and adventure along the River Nile through the land of the pharaohs, from...

Explore Jordan

8 days from 1304.

Travel to Jordan and tour Amman, Madaba and the inspiring desert landscape of Wadi Rum....

Classic Rajasthan

15 days from 1499.

Travel to India and visit the Rajasthan region. Tour from Delhi to Pushkar through...

Guatemala to Belize

10 days from 1445.

Wander the cobblestone streets of Antigua, float along the waters of the Rio Dulce, and...

India's Golden Triangle

8 days from 842.

Take an action-packed eight-day tour through the essential sights and bites of India’s...

South Korea Highlights

9 days from 3020.

Take a dive into all that South Korea has to offer, from Seoul to Sokcho, Andong and...

Best of Italy

14 days from 4125.

Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...

Cambodian Traveller

9 days from 1008.

Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...

North Morocco Adventure

8 days from 829.

This tour of North Morocco from Casablanca to Marrakech will capture your heart....

Inca Trail Express from Lima

8 days from 1535.

Travel to Peru and retrace the steps of the Inca. Follow traditions from Lima to Cusco,...

Classic Hikes of Patagonia

15 days from 7565.

Embark on all the classic hikes of Patagonia – including the Torres del Paine base hike...

Thailand & Laos Adventure

13 days from 1940.

Travel from Bangkok to Vientiane on a tour through Thailand and Laos. Visit Thailand's...

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

13 days from 4811.

Discover Japanese culture on this 13-day tour. Travel with a local from Tokyo to Kyoto...

Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split

8 days from 1407.

Explore Croatia's beautiful Adriatic coast on this aquatic adventure from Dubrovnik to...

Cycle Vietnam

15 days from 2403.

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...

Morocco Encompassed

17 days from 1615.

Explore Morocco on this in-depth tour with Intrepid. Spend 17 days exploring Marrakech,...

Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure

12 days from 2529.

Travel from the heights of the Andes to the exotic Amazon rainforest on this best of...

South Korea Real Food Adventure

8 days from 2869.

Slurp, crunch and spoon your way into the heart of South Korean cuisine, snacking at...

Turkey Highlights

8 days from 1602.

See the highlights of Turkey on this eight-day adventure. Start in Istanbul and visit...

Costa Rica Experience

9 days from 1436.

Encounter the natural beauty of Costa Rica, from La Fortuna’s volcano and Monteverde’s...

South Morocco Discovery

10 days from 842.

Discover Morocco's southern highlights on this well paced adventure including Marrakech...

Best of Galapagos

10 days from 3686.

Discover amazing wildlife and natural beauty in the Galapagos Islands.

China Highlights

8 days from 1416.

Take a trip through epic China and see the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall,...

Central Asia: Five Stans Express

24 days from 5774.

Join a 24-day adventure through Central Asia from Ashgabat, to Tashkent, to Bishkek and...

East Africa Highlights

10 days from 3542.

Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...

Discover Egypt & Jordan

15 days from 2696.

Take an adventure holiday through Egypt and Jordan. Visit Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza,...

Explore Colombia

10 days from 2200.

Travel to Colombia on a ten-day Intrepid. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Cartagena...

The Maritimes: Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick

6 days from 2246.

Experience the seaside charm of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick on this 6-day...

Sabah Adventure

11 days from 2227.

This Sabah Adventure tour through the Borneo wilderness will truly capture your...

Balkan Adventure

15 days from 2567.

Travel across historic Eastern Europe from Hungary to Croatia. Visit cultural sights...

Western USA National Parks Loop

5 days from 1751.

Set off on a five-day adventure through some of the USA’s most epic scenery, including...

Botswana Highlights

9 days from 2518.

Discover the culture, wildlife and waterways of Botswana on this upgraded adventure...

Scenic Vietnam

15 days from 1496.

Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this Vietnam adventure. Trek in the quiet...

Best of Turkey

15 days from 2381.

From Istanbul to Ephesus, Pamukkale to the coast, and Cappadocia to the Anatolian...

Best of Spain

15 days from 3695.

Kick off a colourful Best of Spain tour in Madrid and visit some of Spain's highlights....

Madagascar Adventure

14 days from 3247.

Embark on a wildlife and jungle-filled adventure through Madagascar visiting...

Central Asia Explorer

17 days from 3362.

Soak up Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on this 17-day tour that begins in Bishkek and visits...

Walk the Camino de Santiago

7 days from 1360.

Over seven days, join a local leader and small group of likeminded travellers to walk...

Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands

10 days from 2054.

See the best of the Cyclades on this 10-day Greece sailing adventure. From Athens to...

Land of Belize

8 days from 1739.

Dive into Belize’s natural and cultural wonders on this slow-paced adventure through...

Classic Peru

9 days from 2244.

Visit South America and travel to Peru. Visit Lima, Cusco and Lake Titicaca, tour the...

Annapurna Circuit Trek

15 days from 1440.

Go trekking in Nepal on an adventure that takes you around the Annapurna Circuit. From...

Portuguese Camino

10 days from 2271.

Be challenged and be fulfilled on this coastal Camino, starting in Porto and walking...

Montenegro Sailing Adventure from Dubrovnik

8 days from 1858.

Sail into the sublime waters of Montenegro, departing from Dubrovnik and exploring...

Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest

8 days from 2214.

Experience the festive markets of Central Europe. Go Christmas crazy in the market...

Our Basix tours 

Hiking in the canadian rockies, 8 days from 2196.

Hike the Canadian Rockies, exploring Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Emerald Glacier...

Maya Encounter

17 days from 1512.

Find authentic adventure on this experience through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala....

Uluru & Kings Canyon Adventure

4 days from 900.

Discover the history, culture and incredible landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre on a...

Okavango Experience

10 days from 1647.

Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and Victoria...

Explore Southern Africa

18 days from 3249.

Spend some time exploring Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with included safari...

Canadian Rockies

15 days from 2759.

Discover the Canadian Rockies on this 15-day adventure tour with Intrepid that hits...

Uluru & Kings Canyon Express

Mexico unplugged, 15 days from 1641.

The incredible cultures and colours of Mexico await on this 15-day adventure through...

Gorillas & Game Parks

16 days from 4064.

Encounter the wildlife of Kenya and Uganda on this adventure including a gorilla trek...

Explore Egypt

15 days from 1404.

Explore Egypt with a trip to Cairo, the Nile, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria. Pyramids,...

Highlights of Italy

8 days from 1671.

See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...

Cape Town to Vic Falls

22 days from 2750.

Spend three weeks exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, from Cape...

Kenya Wildlife Safari

8 days from 1437.

Experience Kenyan wildlife on an eight day trip travelling from Nairobi to Lake...

Central American Journey

17 days from 1452.

Travel from Guatemala to Costa Rica, through gorgeous Monteverde, La Fortuna, Leon,...

Jordan & Egypt Uncovered

22 days from 2640.

Explore Jordan and Egypt with a trip to Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Cairo, the Nile, Aswan,...

Indian Getaway

11 days from 595.

Get the most out of 11 days in India on this trip exploring the best of Delhi, Varanasi...

Iceland Express

5 days from 1258.

Tour green Iceland on a five-day trip visiting Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, Vik,...

Japan Express

9 days from 1828.

See Japan in nine days on a trip visiting Tokyo, Nikko and Kyoto. Say konnichiwa to...

Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Explorer

4 days from 912.

Tour the best bits of Australia’s Top End, exploring Kakadu National Park, Litchfield...

Road to Zanzibar

12 days from 2495.

Experience the beauty of the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Usambara Mountains and Zanzibar...

Patagonia: Torres del Paine Classic W Trek

6 days from 2568.

Hike the W Trek in Chilean Patagonia and discover the wild beauty of Torres del Paine...

Costa Rica & Panama Discovery

12 days from 1212.

Hit San Jose, Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo, Bocas del Toro, Boquete and Panama City on this...

The Masai Heartlands

15 days from 3596.

Uncover Kenya and Tanzania on a 2 week trip with Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro, Nakuru,...

Serengeti Trail

8 days from 2138.

Roam the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park to spot Africa's Big...

Vic Falls to Kruger

9 days from 1611.

Take on a safari adventure through Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park, Kruger...

North China Getaway

12 days from 1101.

Discover China’s northern hotspots with Intrepid on a 12-day trip to Beijing, the Great...

Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches

27 days from 6710.

Go deep in East Africa on this epic trip, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Essential South Korea

9 days from 1530.

Take a journey through South Korea, starting in Seoul and heading to Jeonju, Wanju,...

Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil

10 days from 2008.

Travel from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro on a ten-day trip, including Iguazu Falls...

North India Revealed

22 days from 1013.

See the essentials of India’s north on a 22-day trip through Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur,...

One Week In Costa Rica

8 days from 684.

Head to the Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica with a fun-filled adventure to San Jose,...

Turkey Explored

18 days from 1896.

Go deeper than Derinkuyu on an 18-day Turkey trip beginning and ending in Istanbul,...

Jordan & Egypt Express

9 days from 1316.

Follow in the footsteps of prophets on an adventure tour through Jordan and Egypt....

Simply Sri Lanka

8 days from 653.

Discover idyllic Sri Lanka from Negombo to Colombo on this eight-day Lonely Planet...

Best of Brazil

Experience Brazil’s coast on an eight-day adventure. From Rio to Ilha Grande, see jaw...

Galapagos Discovery

See the Galapagos Islands on an eight-day adventure including Isla Isabela, Isla Santa...

Kruger, Coast & Cape

22 days from 2660.

Embark on a 22 day Southern African odyssey through wildlife-rich game parks, idyllic...

Kilimanjaro: Marangu Route

8 days from 3209.

Conquer Mt Kilimanjaro on the picturesque Marangu Route, hiking with porters on an...

Mount Toubkal Trek

7 days from 548.

Trek through Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains exploring Aroumd and Imlil and then climb...

Tanzania Family Safari

8 days from 2160.

Experience the people, culture and wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania on a small group...

Mount Toubkal Winter Trek

7 days from 760.

Set off on a seven-day adventure through the Atlas Mountains, joining an expert guide...

Central American Adventure

33 days from 3425.

Tour jungle ruins and Caribbean coastline on a 33-day adventure to Mexico, Belize,...

Galapagos Experience

7 days from 1405.

As far as face-to-face wildlife encounters go, the Galapagos wildlife experience rivals...

Essential Italy

10 days from 2011.

Visit Venice, Verona, Parma, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence and Rome with like-minded 18...

Kilimanjaro: Machame Route

9 days from 3983.

Travel to Tanzania on a nine-day trip taking in Kilimanjaro along the Machame Route....

Vic Falls to Cape Town

22 days from 2768.

Discover the unique and contrasting lands of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South...

Turkey Uncovered

14 days from 1403.

Discover the best of Turkey on a 14-day trip exploring Istanbul, Gallipoli, Fethiye,...

Amazing Central America

28 days from 2674.

Spend 28 days visiting Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and...

Peru Essentials

21 days from 2597.

See Peru in-depth on a trip from Lima to La Paz. Trek the Inca Trail and marvel at...

Cambodia Adventure

12 days from 888.

Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City then take a trip through Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat...

Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Family Adventure

4 days from 1024.

Set out on a camping safari through captivating Kakadu National Park. Experience the...

Garden Route Adventure

14 days from 1648.

See Africa from Durban to Cape Town on a 14-day adventure. Tour Tsitsikamma, Addo...

Best of East Africa

20 days from 3983.

Step out onto the Serengeti and keep your eyes out for rhinos, lions, leopards and a...

Vietnam Discovery

15 days from 976.

Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...

Vanuatu Expedition

8 days from 2488.

Embark on an expedition to the beautiful islands of Vanuatu where you can trek to the...

Delhi to Goa

15 days from 940.

Discover India in all its glory on this 15-day spice-filled adventure from Delhi...

Mount Toubkal Long Weekend Trek

5 days from 476.

Challenge yourself to this ambitious hiking trip and climb to the summit of Mount...

Central America Encompassed

31 days from 3655.

Take an epic adventure to Central America through Mexico’s hotspots like Chichen Itza,...

Wild Western USA

11 days from 2329.

Travel from LA via Joshua Tree, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite, Sierra Nevada to...

South India Revealed

16 days from 1062.

See the landscapes of South India on a 16-day adventure from Varkala to Goa via Kerala...

The perks of traveling as a senior with Intrepid

Authentic experiences with a local leader

Say goodbye to stuffy coaches and hello to leader-led, culturally rich experiences that’ll take you off the road and behind the scenes of your favorite destinations. Whether you’re picnicking at the ruins of Volubilis in Morocco , spotting the Amazon Jungle’s fascinating wildlife or discovering the many ancient temples in Sri Lanka , rest assured you’re getting the most out of every place you visit with a local expert by your side. 

Small groups full of unexpected friends

We’ve found that it’s not always about the sights you see but the people you meet along the way - even if they’re born into different generations. The average group size on our tours is 10, so get ready to bond over shared experiences and a like-minded sense of purpose with people of all ages from all around the world. With a little luck, the friendships you make on this trip will last long after you’ve caught your flight home. 

Safety, logistics and convenience

Traveling in a new country can be daunting at any age and while we’re sure you can handle any situation, knowing you don’t have to lift an organizational finger or think about every little itinerary detail makes the world of difference. Sit back while your leader manages language barriers, facilitates border crossings and advises you of any cultural do’s and don’t’s. That way, you can spend less time worrying about the logistics and more time enjoying your priceless time off. 

Pick your own style of adventure

Whether you’re 28 or 64, we understand everyone wants something a little different out of their trip. That’s why we’ve created a range of adventures to suit every Intrepid traveler. From our Basix style of simple accommodation and plenty of free time to our Premium range featuring comfortable transportation and exclusive experiences (with our original and comfort styles in between), choose the style and theme that suits you best and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.  

Browse seniors tours by category

Europe tours for over 50s & 60s

Cruises for over 50s & 60s

Solo travel for over 50s & 60s

Over 50s tours & holidays

Over 60s tours & holidays

Holidays for singles over 50 & 60

Recent tour reviews, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip as a senior.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Who are Intrepid travelers?

Intrepid adventures are for travelers with a yearning to get off the beaten track. Whether you're traveling solo, with a group of friends, or are aged 18 or 70, there is an Intrepid adventure to suit your interests and comfort level. Each Intrepid adventure has a physical and cultural grading to help you decide if the trip is right for you. No special skills are required for most adventures, just a sense of adventure and a curiosity about the world. Even on our camping adventures no previous experience is required; our tents are easy to set up, even for first-time campers. 

Are there age restrictions on your trips?

For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Our Overland Adventures have a minimum age of 18. Younger children can join us on our Family trips and Short Break Adventures, but check each trip for its minimum age, which is located on the trip’s overview page on the website. Most of our trips don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for all passengers 70 years and over. 

How many people will be on my trip?

Good things come in small packages, which is why we keep our group sizes down. This means we’re small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way through communities without intimidating the locals. On most of our trips you’ll be part of an intimate group of 12-16 people, though our group sizes are on average 10 people. Our Overland trips are in purpose-built vehicles that can carry up to 24 travelers. Group sizes are displayed on each trip’s overview page on our website. 

I’m traveling alone – is that OK?

This is the beauty of the Intrepid style of travel: many of our travelers join because they are traveling solo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.

Learn more about solo travel

I have a disability – can I join an Intrepid trip?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We ask that you carefully consider whether you are physically and mentally able to complete the itinerary you have chosen, recognizing that on many trips you will be required to carry your own bags and use public transport. 

Where we can we will make reasonable adjustments to the operation of our trips to facilitate the requirements of disabled travelers – such as booking ground floor accommodation, or having our leaders communicate important directions in writing as well as verbally. Many travelers with disabilities have been able to enjoy our trips by traveling with a friend or companion who can assist with specific needs. If joining a group trip is not practical we may be able to provide you with a private departure. Please contact our sales team for further information on any of our itineraries. 

Learn more about accessible travel with Intrepid

Do I need to buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips if you’re traveling internationally. Minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number – it’s really important there are no barriers to getting emergency assistance for you. 

Will I have my own room?

It's your call. Rooming on our trips is organized on a twin-share basis, but most of our trips also have the option to pay an extra fee for your own room. Just let us know at the time of booking and we'll arrange it for you. 

For twin-share rooms, we pair up solo travelers with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what's indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. 

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis. In those instances it will clearly be stated in your Essential Trip Information. 

How does group time work?

Whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). Depending on how you're feeling, you may want to have some downtime, ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you. 

What makes a small group tour better than a coach tour?

The main difference between a small group tour and a coach tour is the size of the group; our tours have 10 travelers each (on average) while coaches can hold up to 60 people. This means that you'll never have to vie for your leader's attention on a small group tour because you'll automatically have it.

Learn more about the differences between a small group tour and a coach tour

Read more about traveling with us

Denied a Second Chance at a Normal Senior Year

After Covid ruined high school graduation for the class of 2020, the response to campus protests might upend their college commencements.

Divya Jakatdar, 21, the student body president at the University of Southern California, called the changes to her college graduation a “big hit to morale.” Credit... Philip Cheung for The New York Times

Supported by

• Share full article

By Callie Holtermann ,  Sandra E. Garcia and Frank Rojas

• Published April 26, 2024 Updated April 29, 2024

Divya Jakatdar imagined that she would spend her senior year of high school celebrating college acceptances with her friends, attending prom and walking across the stage at graduation to the cheers of her family members.

Instead, her senior spring arrived at the same time as the coronavirus pandemic. She said goodbye to high school classmates over Zoom; her graduation was a drive-through.

Ms. Jakatdar, 21, thought her senior year at the University of Southern California might be a kind of do-over. But it has erupted into unrest in recent weeks after the school initially canceled commencement speeches by its valedictorian , Asna Tabassum, the director Jon M. Chu and the tennis star Billie Jean King, citing safety concerns related to the Israel-Hamas war, and then went a step further on Thursday, canceling the university’s “main stage” commencement ceremony entirely .

“It’s a very big hit to morale for the exact class that felt like they lost their high school graduation,” Ms. Jakatdar, the student body president of U.S.C., said a few minutes after getting news that the commencement was off. “We’ve missed out on enough.”

But as was the case during Covid, Ms. Jakatdar does not feel quite right about moping: “It seems sort of ridiculous for us to complain about graduation when people’s lives are on the line.”

It is a story that is playing out across the country. Millions of high schoolers had their senior years upended by Covid in 2020, being left to celebrate their momentous occasion in isolation. Four years later, many of those same students have had the traditions of their senior years foiled once again, this time in response to the Israel-Hamas war, and the attempts by universities to shut down or contain widespread protests.

At Columbia University in New York City, the university president called the police to clear an encampment of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, resulting in the arrests of more than 100 protesters. After canceling in-person instruction for a day, classes were made to have an online option for the remainder of the spring semester. At U.S.C., students protested for days, calling the administration to reinstate Ms. Tabassum as speaker. The wave of student activism extends to pro-Palestinian protests at schools including Yale University, the University of Michigan, the University of Texas at Austin and M.I.T.

Members of the class of 2024 say they are once again juggling an altered personal milestone with feelings of anxiety and frustration about the state of the world that lies beyond college. Many of them say they are keeping their own inconveniences in perspective, but the fact remains: The class of pandemic graduates seems destined never to know a stereotypical senior year.

“A lot of our milestones have had some big, looming global atrocity over us,” said Sophia Pargas, a senior at Emerson College in Boston. “It’s almost like we’ve been conditioned for it at this point.”

Ms. Pargas, 21, has spent recent months covering protests on campus and arrests of her fellow students for her school paper, The Berkeley Beacon. Still, she said she is trying to find moments of celebration. She plans to attend a makeup prom that her class is hosting for seniors who never got to go the first time.

Maideh Orangi, 22, a senior at U.S.C. and an executive director of its Middle Eastern North African Student Assembly, has spent much of her year organizing demonstrations and vigils for the Palestinians killed in Gaza since Israel’s invasion.

“I expected it to be more typical senior year things,” Ms. Orangi said. “But I’m not upset that this has been a defining aspect of my senior year.”

Ms. Orangi said she and other students were shocked when the university-wide commencement ceremony was canceled. “The one glimmer of hope, the one bright side that I was looking forward to in all of this was that one commencement, and now it’s just all gone,” she said. “It feels like the whole end to my senior year is surrounded by a really sour feeling.”

For Rachel Burns, a senior at Barnard College, a proper graduation has been a long time coming. When she graduated from high school four years ago, in Portland, Maine, she did so from her car in the school parking lot. This time around, her only plan is to make sure that her and her fellow protesters’ demands are met by the university.

“I think that what’s most important right now is that we stick together and put up a united front against the administration and if that means sacrificing my graduation, then I’m willing to do that,” Ms. Burns, 24, said while wearing a kaffiyeh around her head and dark sunglasses in front of Butler Library.

Not every student feels that way. Ruby Cayenne, 23, a senior at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, in Arcata, Calif., said she was heartbroken by the prospect that protests might disrupt her graduation. “I have put my blood, sweat and tears into getting this degree. The family on my father’s side are Cuban immigrants and they fought hard to get into this country and to provide a life where their future generations can get an education.”

Ms. Cayenne, who is Jewish and identifies as a Zionist, said that she had felt personally harassed by the individuals from the Humboldt for Palestine group. “They sought me out. They called me a genocide supporter, a baby killer, a fascist,” Ms. Cayenne said. “They don’t know me, they don’t know what I support. So to know that those people are potentially going to take away my opportunity to experience my hard-earned graduation is a horrible feeling.”

The emotions range widely among other affected students.

Neeve Levy, 24, who started at Columbia in 2020 after a couple gap years, was crushed when she realized classes would be remote because of the pandemic. Now a senior, she said she understands the protesters and struggles with not protesting herself but she sees how polarizing the topic has been.

“I have a lot of respect for the protesters and what the students are doing,” Ms. Levy said from Butler library. “I struggle with seeing how it’s affecting many of my Jewish friends.”

Ms. Levy’s grandparents live in Israel and have been excited to see their granddaughter graduate, but now that might not happen.

“At the beginning there were questions of whether or not they could make it because of airlines canceling after Iran bombed Israel,” she said. “It’s crazy to me, the fact that I’m actually graduating from here — or that I even got here — and the thing that’s stopping it is not me.”

Sofia Ongele, 24, was also not part of the 2020 pandemic class of high schoolers, but her own senior year wasn’t exactly what she expected. Her small charter school in Santa Clarita, Calif., closed around the time of her graduation, so the ceremony was small and disappointing, and a gap year was spent at home.

Now a senior at Columbia, her spring is being dominated by world events of a different kind. Speaking from inside the protest encampment on the south field of Columbia University’s Upper Manhattan campus, she said she couldn’t think of a better way to spend the last few weeks of her college years than taking part in a protest with her fellow classmates.

“Unfortunately, being Gen Z means dealing with repeated states of the world that are in absolute hostility and turmoil,” Ms. Ongele said, while standing in front of a community guidelines board in front of the encampment, wearing a black face mask. “We are the generation of school shootings, the generation that is tasked to deal with climate change. We’ve just been dealt the short end of the stick time and time again. I’m not going to say that it feels expected because I feel like at some point of our lives we should know normalcy but it’s been a lot.”

Having an actual commencement ceremony means a lot to Lindsay, 21, who requested to be identified by only her given name to protect her employment opportunities after college. Her graduation from a private high school in Manhattan, four years ago, was “anticlimactic,” she said, and she is now worried she may not get to celebrate her graduation from Columbia either.

“It’s a lot of emotions,” she said while standing in front of bleachers installed near Low Library in preparation for commencement. “Graduation from college is a pretty big deal.”

She said she was hopeful that commencement would go on at least in some capacity, even if she struggled to envision it.

“I am not sure how that would go on,” she said, glancing over at the encampment. “I would just hope that anybody who wants to protest gives space to people who are graduating and let it be about us seniors and not about anything else.”

With graduation less than a month away at Cal State Humboldt, a campus closure and student protests have triggered a wave of memories in some students.

Jacqueline V. Espinoza, 21, a senior at Humboldt, said it was around this time four years ago that she last experienced this kind of intersection of personal and global history.

“It was a surreal moment when I think of the class of 2020,” said Ms. Espinoza, an English major. “I remember like a bunch of the B.L.M. protests going on during that time, and now that I’m graduating in 2024, I can definitely see the parallels.”

Dezmond Remington, 20, also of Cal State Humboldt, said that while he was excited to finally graduate, he was hoping to finish in a more low-key fashion.

“I was really looking forward to an easy couple of last weeks where my whole family could be here and I could graduate and get on with my life,” he said.

At U.S.C., Mustafa Ali Khan, 21, had been looking forward to his graduation, especially after transferring there following two years of community college. “One puts a lot of weight in these moments. It’s kind of like a culmination of a lot of work you put in.”

He said the decision to cancel U.S.C.’s main commencement would be especially painful for family members, many of whom had already made plans to come to campus.

“My mom’s saying she can’t wait for my grad school graduation now,” he said.

Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this article misidentified Rachel Burns. She is a senior at Barnard College, not Columbia. The article also referred imprecisely to Columbia’s response to the protests. Although Columbia instruction went completely online for one day, classes went to a hybrid model for the remainder of the semester, not fully virtual.

How we handle corrections

Callie Holtermann reports on style and pop culture for The Times. More about Callie Holtermann

Frank Rojas is a 2023-24  reporting fellow on the Styles desk at the Times.  More about Frank Rojas

Our Coverage of the U.S. Campus Protests

News and Analysis

Columbia : After weeks of student protests, Columbia University announced that it would be canceling its main commencement ceremony .

UChicago : The University of Chicago, which says that free speech is sacred, has allowed protest encampments. But they have also disrupted campus life, and the school’s leaders want the tents down .

U.S.C.:  The Los Angeles Police Department and campus police removed a pro-Palestinian encampment for the second time  at the University of Southern California.

Outside Agitators:  Officials in New York City have blamed “external actors” for escalating demonstrations at Columbia, but student protesters reject the claim .

Clashes at U.C.L.A.: A New York Times examination of more than 100 videos from clashes at the University of California, Los Angeles, shows how counterprotesters provoked the violence .

Reactions Abroad:  The world is watching what is happening on American campuses with shock, pride, relish and alarm. Here is a selection of views from outside the United States .

A Spotlight on Student Journalists:  Columbia’s radio station and other student-led news outlets have provided some of the most detailed coverage  of the turmoil engulfing campuses.

Advertisement