As you near retirement age and your children leave the home, you probably will find yourself with a little extra time and money. Many people use this time and money to see the destinations they’ve always wanted to see. But is there a place you should cross off your list for retirement travel?
While most countries are safe for individuals of all ages, there are some that you may struggle to enjoy in your later years. Sometimes, the infrastructure isn’t what it could be, and your stomach isn’t as strong as it used to be. Either way, we’ve made a list of the best places for senior travel as well as some of the worst places. Read on to learn more.
The Best Places for Senior Travel
Ready to embrace retirement travel? Here are some cool places to travel, no matter what age you are!
1. Aruba
As you age, looking for somewhere warm during the cold winters will likely be at the top of your priority list! While the Caribbean can be a mixed bag when it comes to whether or not it is safe for seniors, Aruba checks every box on our list.
You’ll get warm weather, flat ground for easy walking, and most on the island speak English if you are in need of help. There is also decent medical care if something were to go wrong while you were there.
2. Alaska
Now, Alaska might be a little bit too cold of a place to travel for most seniors, but if you can afford a cruise, it’s the perfect way to see this state without needing to worry about mobility. There are non-cruise options as well for those who prefer to stay on land.
Plus, your healthcare won’t be a problem as you will still be in the United States, and everyone will speak English if you need help.
3. Germany
In Europe, Germany tops our list of best destinations for senior travel. Seniors report that it is easy to get around thanks to the flat paths and wheelchair accessibility. Plus, the food is pretty close to what you enjoy in America, so there is no worry of digestive upset.
While English is common, not everyone speaks it well, so check out a language-learning app to learn a few basic German phrases before you go.
4. Italy
After Germany, we recommend Italy, mainly because it has everything Germany does but also nice weather year-round. You’ll also find English speakers in most areas, as well as tours designed for seniors.
Anywhere in the EU, if you need medical help, you should be able to get it. Because it may not be covered by your American insurance, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance valid in the country you plan to travel to.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland isn’t in the EU, but it is in the Schengen area and is an excellent senior travel destination. With beautiful views, a variety of services, and senior tour options, you can’t go wrong with a visit.
Just be aware that Switzerland is known for its hiking and that most hikes are not accessible for those with limited mobility. Some mountains have lifts that you can use to go up and see the view without hiking, but you may have to enjoy the views from the city rather than the mountaintop.
6. Austria
Similar to Switzerland, Austria has excellent services and is easy to get around as a senior. While it isn’t as popular as Switzerland, it is also less expensive, making it an excellent choice for those needing a budget trip.
Austria will have about the same amount of English as Germany or Switzerland, but having a few phrases ready to go in German can be a huge help.
7. Canada
If you’re looking for something a little closer to the US, Canada is a perfect choice. You’ll get all the comforts of home yet get to see some new nature. We recommend hitting the national parks as well as enjoying the culture in cities like Montreal.
Canada is an easy choice because English is a national language, and the healthcare will be very similar to the US if you need anything. Just make sure you purchase travel insurance, as most plans don’t cover Canada if anything happens.
8. Thailand
For those who want something a little more exotic, Thailand is one of the few countries in Asia that is comfortable for retirement travel. Getting around is fairly easy within the cities, and you should find most people understand basic English if you need help.
The healthcare in Thailand is also excellent, though you may need to pay out of pocket if something happens–the good news is, it’s much cheaper than in the United States. Before you hop on a plane, however, ensure you check that there are no travel restrictions for senior citizens, and ensure you check with your doctor to see if there are any vaccines you should have.
9. Greece
Greece is another European country that is safe for retirement travel. While the hills in the city do make it more difficult to get around, most seniors report that they can manage or hire a car if they need additional help. Most people in Greece speak English, though the signs will be in Greek, which can make it difficult to know where you are going.
Those traveling to Greece should look into a senior tour and consider downloading Google Translate. If anything does happen, Greece has an excellent medical system that you can use with upfront payment.
10. Australia
Seniors report that one of their favorite destinations to visit is Australia. Everyone speaks English, and it’s easy to get around in most cities. Medical care is accessible if needed, and there are plenty of senior tours.
The reason Australia is so low on our list is because the 14-16 hour flight there may not be possible if you have serious medical issues, and you may find it a bit difficult to go city to city if you are not physically able to drive.
The Worst Places for Senior Travel
We hate to say it, but there are some bad vacation spots on this Earth. Below, we’ve made a list of the worst vacation spots that you should definitely skip as a senior citizen.
1. Chile
Many seniors save their traveling for when they retire, but if you save Chile, it may be too late. Chile is 80% mountains, meaning if you use mobility aids to get around, you may find the city impossible.
While healthcare in Chile is highly rated, seniors reported that communication can be an issue. Plus, the food can upset more sensitive stomachs. If you do decide to try to travel to Chile, check with a doctor before you go.
2. Belgium
The EU is great for retirement travel, except for in Belgium. Many seniors who visited Belgium found the country lacking in things to do, and it was more difficult to get around than anticipated.
Although it is possible to find English speakers, travelers report the language barrier was difficult at times. If you do need healthcare while you are there, it will be possible to access it, so Belgium isn’t all bad, there are just many better places for seniors to travel to.
3. Egypt
Egypt can be a travel dream for many, however, it isn’t the best place for retirement travel for several reasons. The internal structure of Egypt lacks quite a bit, making it difficult to travel from place to place. While the weather is nice, it can be too hot, causing seniors to become dehydrated and ill.
Getting around on foot in Egypt isn’t easy, where most places lack sidewalks, and the ones that aren’t there are uneven. The language is a huge barrier, and it can be difficult to find healthcare outside of the main city of Cairo if needed.
Not to mention that seeing the Great Pyramid and other sites in Egypt requires a high level of physical fitness(you’ll need to be able to bend over and climb ladders), so even if you do travel there, most senior citizens will be unable to see inside these structures.
4. Kenya
Kenya can be an amazing adventure, but for senior citizens, it can also be one of the worst vacation destinations. The cities in Kenya offer many ways to get around, but getting in and out of safari vehicles can be a challenge and uncomfortable for those who aren’t fit.
The main reason we don’t recommend Kenya is because the food there often causes food poisoning due to differing health regulations. Plus, there are many diseases like Malaria, Yellow Fever, and more that you need to take medication for while you are there.
5. Nepal
Seeing Nepal can be a dream for many, but it is unfortunately not suitable for senior travel. First and foremost, it is difficult to get around on foot and not suitable for wheelchairs. Plus, the weather causes frequent landslides, meaning traveling in a car isn’t even safe.
Flights to see Mt. Everest frequently crash, meaning seeing this country by plane isn’t even an option. If none of those things get you, this country is known for its food poisoning, Dengue Fever, and more. Not to mention that in the tropical part of the country, there are leeches…if we haven’t lost you yet, know that even though you can get healthcare here, it can be expensive, especially if you are in a remote location.
Overall, we love the idea of traveling as retirees, but we know that not all locations are possible. No matter what your dream travel destination may be, talk to a doctor before booking your trip to ensure it’s right for you. Also, check out our guide about healthy travel for seniors to learn more tips and tricks for traveling in the later years.
