Senior years and retirement offer many opportunities for relaxation and vacations. There are several options for all seniors looking to enjoy their free time.
After retiring, many seniors find that they finally have time for traveling, hobbies and activities they did not have time for when they were still working. With baby boomers entering their senior years, businesses have expanded their offerings to appeal to seniors looking for enjoyable vacations.
Vacations high on the to-do list for seniors looking to enjoy their golden years include river cruises, local day trips and even volunteer trips. Taking long-planned vacations and spending more time with distant friends and relatives top the list. However, vacations vary by budget and tastes.
About Staycations: Local Attractions for Seniors
Staycations are vacations spent near or at home. Many seniors have access to plenty of getaways and activities right within their own communities that they have not explored. This makes retirement the perfect time for enjoying fun senior-friendly activities in and around where they live.
Many people live in one location their whole lives without ever taking the time to visit attractions and activities close to home. Seniors who suddenly find themselves with more free time may enjoy exploring their cities to find parks, monuments, historical sites and other attractions that interest them.
To find some staycation destinations near you, keep this in mind:
- Your city or town website may have a list of local attractions and activities.
- Visit your state’s website for attractions for quick day trips.
- Check out your local library for events happening near you.
- See if your community center is active in planning day or weekend trips.
- Don’t forget to ask for senior discounts on tickets and entrance fees.
How Seniors Can Travel for Less
Seniors with limited budgets can find many options to get away while managing to save money. Planning around a budget will take some research, and seniors will need to look for special offers and travel deals. Since seniors often have more flexibility than families do when planning vacations, they also have more options for saving money. For example, taking a trip during off-season times may be inconvenient for those with full-time jobs, but it usually comes with big savings that seniors can take advantage of.
If you are looking to vacation for less, check for the following savings:
- All-inclusive vacation deals
- Special packages and tours
- Members-only deals at price clubs
- Miles and points on your credit cards
- Discounts for seniors at hotels, restaurants and attractions
- Resorts with off-peak pricing
Learn About the Most Popular Senior Vacation Destinations in the U.S.
Seniors wishing to hit the road and see the country at their leisure have a lot to choose from. Every state has unique resources and attractions to explore no matter what time of year it is. Some popular vacation spots include:
- Hawaii.
- Alaska.
- Las Vegas.
- The Grand Canyon.
- California.
Learn About Volunteer Vacations for Seniors
Seniors who would like to donate their time to a good cause will find plenty of senior volunteer vacation opportunities. In and out of the United States, there are plenty of opportunities for volunteering as part of a vacation.
Whether you want to help with sea turtle conversation or teach English to students abroad, networks exist to connect you with causes that interest you. Some of the volunteer vacations are pay-your-own-way while others offer some compensation, like room and board. A few even offer free travel.
Be sure to thoroughly research your options and understand what will be expected of you if you are considering this type of vacation. Rewarding senior volunteer vacations include:
- Wildlife conservation.
- Teaching English as a second language.
- Farming and gardening.
- Raising awareness about public health.
About Senior Dream Vacations
Almost everyone has had thoughts of the day they can take the vacation they have always dreamed about. Thoughts of getting away from it all cross almost every mind at one time or another. Some have even established a fund for just the right moment in their lives when they can reward themselves with their dream vacations.
For seniors with time to spare and enough financial resources, the time may be right to take a big vacation. The top destinations for these dream vacations include:
- Hawaii.
- Italy.
- France.
- The United Kingdom.
- California.
- Australia.
- Arizona.
- Las Vegas.
- New York.
- The Caribbean.
About Destinations for Seniors With Mobility Challenges
Some seniors are faced with daily challenges with mobility, but that does not mean they cannot vacation. Many tour groups keep mobility issues in mind when planning senior trips, both within the U.S. and abroad. Cruises are equipped to accommodate all age groups for maximum enjoyment.
If you are traveling with disabilities or traveling with someone with mobility challenges, be sure to have a checklist of needs and communicate all thoughts or concerns with your travel administrator well ahead of your trip.