Senior Lifestyle
Senior Travel Tips: Our National Parks
One of the best parts about being retired is the ability to travel where you want, when you want, and National Parks are one of… Read More
Buckle up and take a ride with us as we explore top travel destinations for seniors!
Hooray! You’ve entered your golden years and now you’re ready to do and see more. What exactly are your golden years? Simply put, it’s the period in your life after you’ve retired! With more free time on your hands, you can finally commit to planning the perfect vacation and well… why shouldn’t you? You deserve it after all. Time to unwind and get away! Traveling can be done on a fixed budget and for however long you’d like and isn’t that just golden?
Travel to warm places, embark on a cruise ship or take a road trip to national parks with family and friends! Think about whether your trusty car has it in her to make the distance or if a rental car or RV might be the better choice. Don’t sweat it if it’s the latter. Today, senior discounts can be applied to many rentals that can make your trip more affordable so you can worry less and enjoy it more. You may even consider taking a day trip to escape your daily routine if extended vacations are out of the question. Ready for adventure? We’ve got your next vacation details covered with these top travel destinations for seniors.
Top 5 travel destinations
It’s no surprise that seniors prefer warmer climates over the cold. According to MedlinePlus, the older you get, the harder it becomes for your body to control its temperature. Luckily, we’ve listed a few sunny destinations for you to look over. Just remember your sunscreen should you decide to pack up and go!
- Hawaii: Aloha! Hawaii is a popular destination for many and especially seniors. Enjoy the day at the beach and soak in the sun. Though the islands may get some rainfall, temperatures rarely fall below 60°F. Join other tourists in their quest to find the best bowl of poke (raw fish) or shop with the locals for a new outfit to wear to a luau. There are also many National Parks and volcanoes on the island that are a nature lover’s paradise. See the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park here.
- Florida: Whether you’re planning to travel to Florida or retire there one day, this sunny state ranks number two for the highest senior population with twenty-one percent of the state being over the age of sixty-five. Florida boasts of warm weather, golden beaches, beautiful palm trees and has no state income tax which makes this a popular place to travel to and settle for retirees.
- Arizona: The scenery in Arizona is one that’s hard to beat! With red-rock formations that change colors during different peak hours, this is one opportunity you don’t want to miss. Enjoy jeep tours, hiking, bird watching and more in this sunny and geological wonderland. Plan your itinerary with these 25 best places to visit in Arizona.
- New Mexico: Aside from its temperate climate, New Mexico makes a great travel destination for seniors seeking diverse landscapes like white sands, red rock, wildflower fields and stretches of mountains. The state is also becoming a popular retirement destination because of its low cost of living and welcoming culture.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Ranked fourth as the best state to retire to, plan a trip to South Carolina and see why! The state has beautiful beaches and is warm all year round aside from winter months. Myrtle Beach also offers senior-friendly activities, tours and attractions for all your vacation needs! Find more things to do in Myrtle Beach.
Explore 16 best travel destinations for seniors and retirees here.
Top 5 national parks
National parks are the perfect getaway for travelers seeking the beautiful outdoors, but they’re also perfect for seniors ready to do and see more. National Park Services offer a discounted lifetime pass to seniors over the age of sixty-two. Similarly, passes are free to current military members, U.S. veterans, Gold Star Family members and to U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities.
In addition to discounted access to all national parks, it may be beneficial to ask park attendants about trails and paths that are senior-friendly to help lessen the risks of falls. Remember to keep your mobile device on you at all times in case you need to contact someone quickly. Captioned calls are also available for mobile devices for those with hearing loss who need captions on the go! Today, advocating for yourself is a lot easier than you think. Many parks are fully equipped with tools and resources that can help make any trip as seamless as possible. All you have to do is ask.
- Yellowstone National Park: Located in three separate states, Yellowstone extends its borders into Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Take in the beauty of wilderness that spans 3,500 square miles. Yellowstone features canyons, rivers, forests, hot springs and the infamous geyser, Old Faithful. The area is home to bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelopes, so don’t forget your camera (or smartphone with an extra charger)!
- Yosemite National Park: Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is known for its sequoia trees and granite cliffs. There are also shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and lodging that make this a hot travel destination.
- Grand Canyon National Park: Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon offers millions of years of geological history. From red rocks to viewpoints overlooking the Colorado River, this is one sunrise and sunset you don’t want to miss.
- Acadia National Park: Located in Maine, Acadia is marked by beautiful woodland, rocky beaches and glaciered mountains. With 47,000 acres (about twice the area of Manhattan) of Atlantic coast recreation, this landscape is home to moose, bears, whales and seabirds. The rustic town of Bar Harbor is nearby and a popular spot for tourists to dine and shop too.
- Everglades National Park: Located in Florida, the Everglades boasts of 1.5 million acres (about twice the area of Yosemite National Park) of wetlands home to hundreds of animal species. Take in the marshes, mangroves and flatwoods in this national preserve known for the American crocodiles, Florida panther and West Indian manatee.
All aboard!
Bon voyage!
Pack your bags and get ready to set sail. Cruise ships offer seniors a way to relax on the high seas with all-inclusive packages that include board and pass along with food and drinks. That’s right–more bang for your buck! It’s also a great way to experience multiple places in one trip. Many cruise lines offer “open-jaw” itineraries which offer cruisers a chance to explore multiple destinations instead of one. It’s also an excellent opportunity to spend time with loved ones and enjoy the experience together.
Cruises also offer many amenities for entertainment, fitness and self-care like spa treatments and facials. You may need certain amenities like pull-down shower chairs, grab rails, lowered sinks and wider doorways, so be sure to do your research before selecting a cruise ship for your getaway. And as always, remember to follow cruise guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage.
Safety Tips for Cruises:
- Swim at your own risk
- Watch your belongings
- Wash your hands often
- Don’t book a cruise without an infirmary
- Be cautious on port visits
- Make sure you’re up to date on immunizations
- Get your flu and vaccine shots
Read more about 7 safety tips for your cruise vacation here.
Pack your bags
What are you waiting for? Find some time to pencil in a much-needed vacation. Whether you’re a fan of taking the scenic route on road trips, perusing different restaurants at the airport before boarding the plane or taking it to the high seas, one thing is for certain – adventure awaits! Where do you plan to go?
