15 Travel Ideas for Seniors
What better way to enjoy your golden years than by traveling the world? This article will give you some ideas that you can use for your next vacation, ranging from more obvious spots like London and Paris and branching out to lesser known destinations like Asheville, North Carolina.
If there are some cities that you have always wanted to visit but have never gotten around to, you can use this list as a way to refresh your memory of those spots. This list is, of course, not comprehensive, but contains enough to trigger some ideas in your head as to spots that you may like to visit in the future.
This list also contains destinations for those of you who want a vacation filled with nature and away from the hustle and bustle of life in the city. Spots like the National Parks and the Lake District of England are several such examples. However, if you instead want to embrace city vacations, options like Paris and New York can be found here as well. Of course, the descriptions of these locations are also only a small slice of what each city can offer, but they should give a basic sense of what tourists who visit these cities like to do. No matter what kind of vacation you want to have, you will be able to find inspiration on this list of nineteen different travel ideas for seniors. Let’s get started finding the next vacation of your dreams!
- London, UK
If you have never been to London before, it is a trip that is worth making. The sheer amount that you can do in the city makes it well worth the time and effort to get there. London is filled with attractions that are worth visiting for tourists of all ages. The peerless museums are filled with attractions that cannot be seen anywhere else, from the British Museum holding historical artifacts from all eras of history to the Tate Modern art gallery, which displays priceless works of modern art.
In addition to the fantastic museums, you can also enjoy the world-class dining and entertainment in the English capital. London’s West End is the site of many theatrical productions, while the dining in the city is the envy of the rest of the world. No matter what your favorite vacation activities are, you will be able to find them in London.
- National Parks
This idea is, admittedly, pretty broad. However, if you want to take a vacation that lets you get closer to nature, visiting some of the National Parks is a great way to do so. Whether you choose to visit Yellowstone or Yosemite, a visit to the parks will be a great way for you to enjoy all of the natural beauty that the United States has to offer.
The best part about visiting the National Parks is that you can make a fulfilling trip out of visiting them no matter what physical condition you are in. Whether you want to go on a difficult hike solo on some of the trails or follow a guided tour led by a park ranger, you will be able to find a way to enjoy the National Parks that is perfect for your specific needs.
- New York, USA
If you have never been to New York before, make sure to take a trip to the Big Apple. While the city itself is bustling with energy, you can be sure to find more relaxed activities if you prefer not to engage in the hustle and bustle of life in New York. Naturally, New York is famed for its tourist hotspots like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and so on. There are also some hidden gems, as well. The Cloisters, located all the way on the upper tip of Manhattan house medieval artifacts, while the Tenement Museum remembers how New Yorkers lived more than a century ago.
A trip to New York would be incomplete without a slice of the famed New York pizza. There are many options for this—Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village is one location that has stood the test of time and maintained its quality despite its growing popularity. Furthermore, New York has excellent restaurants featuring all types of cuisine. No matter what food you want, you will be able to find it somewhere in New York.
- Paris, France
The French capital is a major tourist destination, and if you have not yet made a visit there, it is definitely worth your time. While the famous Notre Dame cathedral recently suffered a great deal of damage due to a fire, there are plenty of other tourist attractions available for you to visit. If you still want to visit a Gothic cathedral, the church of St. Denis in the north of Paris is the first ever cathedral built in the Gothic style. This famous church is also the final resting place for many of the French kings throughout history. Furthermore, the famed museums around the city such as the Louvre, which holds the Mona Lisa are a wonderful reason to visit.
Naturally, Paris is also home to some of the best food in the world. French cuisine is famed throughout the world for its quality, and you can find some of the best restaurants in the world in Paris. If you are in the mood for something sweet, a trip to one of the bakeries in Paris is a great way to taste a delicious French croissant or other pastry. Whether you want to experience its incredible history or taste its delicious food, a trip to Paris is sure not to disappoint.
- Rome, Italy
A trip to the Italian capital is another wonderful opportunity that you do not want to pass up. Of course, any trip to Italy is incomplete without sampling its famed food. You can try some of the pizza in Rome, or try a traditional Roman dish—cacio e pepe. This dish simply combines pasta with hard cheeses and ground black pepper to create a taste that is as unique as it is delicious.
In terms of attractions, Rome has more than you will be able to see in one visit. The Coliseum, built under the Roman Empire is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Rome and an icon of the city itself. A trip to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican showcases the center of the Roman Catholic Church. This Baroque church was built during the Italian Renaissance and features artwork by some of the most famous artists in Western Civilization. Furthermore, the old Roman Forum is another relic of the Roman Empire. Whatever kind of tourist site you want to see, you will be able to find it in Rome.
- Disney World, Florida, USA
Whether you live closer to the West Coast or to the East, a trip to one of Disney’s magical theme parks is a wonderful adventure for vacationers of all ages. The magic of Disney charms us all, and a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth is sure to live up to its name. Even if you do not want to ride some of the more thrilling rides available at the parks, simply strolling around the theme park is a wonderful way to spend a vacation.
If you choose to travel to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, a trip to the Epcot World Showcase lets you experience cultures from around the world all while staying in the resort. You can enjoy the cuisine and shopping from other places all while staying in the same park. If you want to have a truly extraordinary vacation, a trip to one of the Disney resorts is a great way to feel like a child again and experience the wonder of Disney for your next vacation.
- Williamsburg, USA
The historic city of Williamsburg, Virginia is not as popular as some of the other destinations on this list like New York or London, but it is filled with its own charm and is a wonderful place to visit if you have already taken trips to some of the more well-known destinations already listed here.
This quaint town is steeped in history; if you love studying and learning about the past, then a trip to Williamsburg is sure to not disappoint. One of the earliest cities founded in the United States, Williamsburg brings the past to life with an old city that still looks very much like it did back in the colonial era. Actors who dress and act like they are from the sixteen and seventeen hundreds will educate you about the history of Williamsburg through fun and enjoyable tours. For those of you who want a vacation where you can still learn something new, historic Williamsburg is a perfect choice.
- Charleston,USA
Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful port city located on the South Carolina coast. It has something for nearly everyone between the rich history of the city, the local attractions, and the fantastic seafood available in its restaurants. For history buffs, a visit to Fort Sumter, the location of the start of the American Civil War is a must, as is a visit aboard the USS Yorktown, a former United States aircraft carrier that saw action during World War II. The aquarium in Charleston is also fun for all visitors.
The restaurant scene in Charleston is spectacular. As it is located right on the water, you will be able to enjoy fresh seafood prepared by some of the finest chefs in the region. You can also use a trip to Charleston as an excuse to try some of the dishes that are particular to the South, such as shrimp and grits. This Southern classic is available all over Charleston and is served both for breakfast, as is traditional, and as a side or even a main course in many of the restaurants that you can find around Charleston.
- Asheville, NC USA
Asheville may not have the same romance as some of the other cities on this list, but the city in North Carolina is filled with charm and has ample activities for those of you looking for a more relaxed vacation. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Asheville has plenty of quieter attractions for those of you looking for a getaway without the hustle and bustle of some of the larger cities on this list.
From lazy tubing on a river in the morning to touring the various independent breweries around Asheville, there will be plenty for you to do on a weekend in this North Carolinian city. While you are there, be sure to check out North Carolina’s famed pulled pork barbecue. If you are into hiking, there are also numerous trails in the Appalachian Mountains that will satisfy your outdoorsy side.
- Alaska, USA
For those of you who have traveled all over the continental United States and are looking for a new adventure, a visit to Alaska is a great choice. The breathtaking wilderness on display is another great option on this list for vacations that get away from busy cities and closer to an experience with nature. One great way to experience all that Alaska has to offer is on a cruise. On a cruise, you can visit many different cities along Alaska’s coast, all while experiencing the natural wonders that the state has to offer.
If you prefer to base yourself in one city for your trip to Alaska, a visit to Juneau is a great choice. The burgeoning food scene in Juneau means that you will never lack for a good meal while visiting, and the recently restored waterfront has made the area much more conducive to walking and biking. Naturally, you can also use Juneau as a base of operations from which to explore Alaska’s nature, with many options for guided tours of the natural wonders in the area available that start from the Alaskan capital. Whether you want to see whales or visit glaciers, you can do it all from Juneau.
- Sicily, Italy
Most visitors to Italy just stick to the “boot” of Italy, the Apennine Peninsula itself. However, Sicily is a unique region of Italy with its own history very much distinct from that of the rest of the country. Since the fall of the Roman Empire, Sicily has alternately been ruled by Muslims, Byzantines, Normans, and, yes, Italians. This patchwork history has created a culture that is uniquely Sicilian more so than it is Italian. Furthermore, many Sicilians emigrated from Sicily to the United States at the turn of the twentieth century, spreading their culture abroad.
This mix of cultures that can be found in Sicily make it an excellent choice when looking for a vacation. The two largest cities on the island are Palermo and Messina, both of which make for an excellent vacation. While in Sicily, it is important to make sure to try the local food—much of Sicilian food is somewhat different from what we think of as “traditional” Italian food. And another warning—the Sicilian dialect of Italian is very heavy, so much so that even native speakers have difficulty understanding it, so if you travel to Sicily, be sure to find places that speak English, or whatever your native tongue may be.
- Lake District, UK
This entry on the list is purely for those of you who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and retreat to a more peaceful location in nature. The Lake District in England is so named because of the tourist towns that have built up around several lakes. Located in the northwestern portion of England, tourists to the Lake District can book hotels or quant bed-and-breakfasts in these small towns along the banks of the lakes.
While in the Lake District, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the region. The natural beauty of the area is incomparable, and you can partake in many hikes around the area that let you relax and enjoy your idyllic surroundings. Or, if you prefer, you can take boats out on the lakes and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the water. If you are looking for the excitement of a city, then this location is not for you, but if you instead want a place where you can get away from it all and just enjoy the natural beauty of the world, you will not regret a trip to England’s famous Lake District.
- Berlin, Germany
Although not known to be a traditionally huge tourist destination, the capital of Germany has plenty to offer travelers. Berlin has a growing arts scene that will cater to tourists interested in experiencing the arts, and also has plenty of museums to offer as will. An island in the middle of the river that passes through Berlin is known as the Museumsinsel contains five different museums that you can visit. Furthermore, the remnants of the Berlin Wall are a memory of more recent history, a recent history that is still very much in the minds of many Berliners.
Walking around the city, you can also visibly experience the former divide between East and West Berlin. Despite being separated for less than a century, you can see the differences in architecture between the eastern and western sides. If you are interested in recent history, a trip to Berlin will be sure to scratch that itch.
- Cambridge, UK
Most famous for Cambridge University, Cambridge is a quaint town in England about an hour outside of London by train. The town is also steeped in history, making it a great tourist destination. Naturally, the largest attraction is the university itself. One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, Cambridge University is an integral part of any tour of the city.
There are other parts of Cambridge that are also related to the city. For example, one pub, The Eagle, was frequented by Watson and Crick, the biologists who discovered DNA. A plaque on the wall commemorates this momentous occasion. The pub was also used during the Second World War as a spot for pilots in the RAF to relax. Despite its relatively small size, The Eagle is a must-see spot for visitors wishing to get a full sense of the history of the town of Cambridge.
- Nashville, USA
Music City, USA has plenty more to offer than just country music (although it is naturally a prime site to hear some of the best country artists in the United States if that is your scene). In addition to listening to music in the honky-tonks on Broadway, there are plenty of other things to do in Nashville. You can tour the hidden gem of the Lane Motor Museum, a vast collection of rare and unusual cars from all eras of automotive history. Or you can stroll through Nashville’s Centennial Park, the site of a reconstruction of Athens’ famed Parthenon.
Nashville is also home to unique flavors. It is famous for its “Nashville Hot Chicken”, a special type of fried chicken that is packing some serious heat. In addition, you can find excellent barbecue all over the city, including an exquisite smoked brisket. Nashville is also home to several up-and-coming restaurants by young chefs eager to prove themselves. In short, while you check out all of the other attractions Nashville has to offer, you can be sure to eat well while doing it.