Many ignore these amazing senior getaways that could make your next vacation out of this world!
When it comes to senior getaways, everyone ends up thinking about things like extended stays with family or, if they believe your egg nest is huge, that you are traveling half of the year on different cruises.
The reality is that even older adults who love to travel may find it difficult or challenging at times, given the travel times and even financial aspects.
This does not mean that you should give up on the idea of traveling in retirement, but rather that you should look towards getaways that are frequented by people who may have the same challenges as you.
Age should never restrict you from going on holiday, and whether you love to relax on the beach or explore the hidden alleys of a historic city center, we are going to be able to find you something to visit on this list!
These cities are spread all over the country, and some of them can be visited on a budget so that you do not have to worry too much about how you are going to fund the trip.
What’s more, these destinations are underrated, so you will not have to worry about them being packed with a ton of tourists and ruining your stay. Even better, our other senior readers and retirees have vouched for them!
Are you ready to plan your next relaxing vacation? Keep on reading!
Which destination you have visited seems to be underappreciated by tourists? Where do you wish to travel in the future? Share your answers in the comments!
Bulgaria
Europe may sound like a super expensive trip, but it depends on where you want to visit. And while you may have been thinking about the West part of the European Union, why not turn your attention to the Eastern part, especially the Balkan area?
With a long history of hospitality, Bulgaria is considered one of the best value destinations, and it has a special appeal for all retirees who have come here to visit.
No matter the time of the year, Bulgaria is going to be able to offer you an amazing time.
The country has an opening to the Black Sea, and the coast is full of amazing resort destinations for a summer well spent relaxing in the sun.
And if you are looking for some amazing ski slopes that are not going to break the bank, the lively ski resorts in the mountains are some of the best in the region.
There is something for everyone in this country since Bulgaria has a rich heritage and culture, with amazing natural attractions too.
Not to mention, they have amazing historic cities and towns, with some of the most coveted attractions being Veliko Tarnovo with its Tsarevets Castle and the Roman amphitheater in Plovdiv.
The capital of the country, Sofia, is another amazing visit, and from it you can easily reach the 10th-century Rila Monastery, situated in the heart of the country, among lush, forested hills.
And if you are in the area and you have hit all the attractions you want, why not extend your stay to the nearby Romania or North Macedonia, which have just as good hospitality and amazing sights?
Finland
While Finland is not that often seen on U.S. travelers’s bucket lists, it is one of the Nordic countries you should not skip out on.
You may think that it may be harder to reach, but in reality, there are many direct flights to its capital Helsinki from major U.S. towns like Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, and New York.
Not only is interest growing in this Nordic country, but there are plenty of options for relaxation in this country brought about by the amazing natural landscape and famous saunas.
Known for its restorative nature-based tourism, Finland offers some of the best rural and lakeshore cabin retreats in the world, and if you choose the season right, you may also be able to see the famous northern lights!
If your goal from your vacation is to unwind, relax, and take it easy, there are amazing opportunities here. From fishing and kayaking to amazing hiking trails and some amazing places to visit, you can get a taste of northern European living and bask in relaxation here!
Lesotho
Going away from the European landscape, why not turn our attention to the African “Kingdom in the Sky”? While the Mountnaoius region of Lesotho is breathtaking and an amazing destination, tourism here is still in its infant days.
Despite this, you can easily find comfortable lodging all through the country, and it is one destination that is known for being a relatively safe attraction and for the friendliness of the locals.
Lesotho is a fairly small country that is encircled by South Africa, and you will be able to truly appreciate the unspoiled highlands.
This country is the best destination for those who want to explore the unbeaten paths and if you love a good horseback ride.
The scenery here is out of this world, but if you want to see something truly special, we recommend the likes of Sani Pass and Maletsunyane Falls.
Not to mention, Lesotho is a culturally rich country that is bound to impress you with its amazing traditions, and you can even bring back some of its traditional Basotho hats and blankets, which you may be lucky enough to see being made too!
Uruguay
Since we are turning our attention to some out-of-the-box destination, we cannot leave the likes of Uruguay.
While many think about Patagonia and Peru as must-see destinations when in South America, we should also start paying attention to this small coastal nation.
Bordering Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay can offer an amazing senior getaway that you are bound to remember for years!
You can combine a visit to Uruguay with any Argentinian getaway since Colonia del Sacramento is a charming cobblestoned city that is easy to reach for a one-day trip from Buenos Aires.
However, if you plan for a longer journey, you need to visit the country’s capital, Montevideo! The city is perfect for those who want a relaxing vacation that is going to be full of artistic flair.
The city boasts an amazing slew of belle époque, modernist, and art deco buildings that are going to make for an amazing visit. Not to mention, Uruguay has some of the best and most beautiful beaches on the continent!
We cannot leave out the interior of the country, which can make for some amazing family-run ranch stays and wineries, making for some one-in-a-lifetime experiences!
If all of this sounds amazing, you should aim to visit in March so that you can catch the heritage festival in Tacuarembó, Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha!
Belize
Ending on another beach haven that is close to us, you should look towards the small nation of Belize in Central America, which is the only English-speaking country in the region!
It is home to the second-largest coral reef in the world, and according to some calculations, it is not yet one of the countries on the radar of international travelers.
While if you are a beach enthusiast you may want to look towards some of the amazing offshore island stays like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, there is plenty to do beyond the beach, especially if you are a historical enthusiast.
Belize has a myriad of interesting Mayan archaeological sites on the mainland.
Some of the best ones that you should definitely hit include Altun Ha, which has around 13 Maya temples and other buildings that have been excavated over the years, along with the first settlement, Lamanai, in 900 BCE.
Likewise, if you are a nature enthusiast, Belize is definitely for you. You can hop on a naturalist-led tour where you may end up being able to see the rich wildlife of the country, including the likes of manatees, hawksbill turtles, crocodiles, toucans, and howler monkeys, just to name a few!
If you want to check out some of the best ways in which you can visit Belize, then you should start reading up on some travel guides. Fodor’s Belize offers an amazing travel guide, together with a side trip to another country that we found extremely useful when we planned our last trip!
Traveling is on many retirees’ bucket list but many think that they are not going to be able to do it due to the high costs that are associated with it. However, there are ways in which you can travel on a budget as an older adult, not break your budget, and still have a fulfilling, relaxing, and amazing vacation. For the best money-saving tips for traveling, check out this article!