Ah, retirement. Forget about taking an annual trip that maximizes your time off work. Retirement opens up a world of opportunities, including time for carefully planned or more spontaneous travel. And you won’t be alone: According to a survey by AARP, among the U.S. population ages 50 and older who planned to travel during 2023, the average number of trips they planned to take was 3.7. And 85% of those surveyed ranked travel in their top three priorities for discretionary spending. Many travel lovers go into their retirement years with a wish list of destinations, but it can be a bit overwhelming with so many options. Check out our list of top retirement trip options, including domestic and international destinations, as well as a few special ideas.
Domestic retirement trips
According to the AARP survey, 61% of travelers focus solely on domestic travel. There are so many places to visit, yet travel tends to be more accessible and easier to plan.
1. San Diego
California’s southernmost major city, San Diego is so much more than just year-round sunshine and moderate temperatures. “America’s Finest City” offers something for everyone: gorgeous beaches, a delicious local food scene, a rich history dating back to the 1500s and a myriad of cultural activities.
2. Napa Valley
Toast your retirement in California Wine Country. Bucolic Napa Valley boasts more than 400 wineries, 90 tasting rooms and 14 Michelin-starred restaurants. Multiple charming towns dot the fertile valley, each with its own look and feel. Above and beyond the food and wine scene, Napa Valley is known for its spa and wellness activities, art galleries and outdoor recreation.
For an action-packed vacation, head to vibrant Miami. A true melting pot of cultures, this South Florida metropolis offers incredible experiences, day and night. Spend sun-drenched days lounging on picturesque beaches or exploring nearby wildlife areas and evenings indulging in outdoor dining, art, theater and more.
4. Florida Keys
The ideal destination for travelers who feel like they’ve “been there, done that,” the Florida Keys are blissfully unique. Connected by a 125-mile-long highway with 42 bridges, each major island in the Keys offers something different. Explore colorful Key West, which is the southernmost point in the United States. Take the plunge for some world-class snorkeling in the Middle Keys. Try your luck at sport fishing off Islamorada.
5. Chicago
You could visit Chicago every year and never finish exploring. A vibrant city located on the banks of sprawling Lake Michigan, the Windy City is known for its colorful history, incredible architecture, and, yes, deep-dish pizza. Museums are an absolute must here, with the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum of Natural History leading the charge.
6. Palm Springs
Channel your inner Rat Pack member or silver screen queen in Palm Springs. Located in the undeniably gorgeous Coachella Valley just two hours from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a popular vacation spot for retirees and anyone fleeing winter weather. In town, enjoy great restaurants, quirky shops and Mid-Century Modern architecture. Venture out a bit and you’ll find endless golf courses, Joshua Tree National Park and some great outlet shopping.
7. Jackson Hole
If you spent most of your working years in bustling cities or sprawling suburbs, you may enjoy a little more space to roam. Wyoming’s Jackson Hole is simply bursting with natural beauty, no matter the time of year. It’s the perfect gateway to both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Return in the winter months for world-class winter sports — or simply curl up with a good book.
8. Aspen
A Colorado town of 7,200 nestled in the White River National Forest, Aspen offers four seasons of fun. In winter there’s world-class skiing and snowboarding, while spring delivers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. In the warm summer months, the renowned Aspen Ideas Festival is a must-attend. Visit in autumn for incredible fall colors, especially on the Maroon Bells, the two most-photographed peaks in the state.
9. Scottsdale
A charming Arizona town on the outskirts of Phoenix, Scottsdale boasts 330 days of sunshine a year. Make the most of it by golfing the 50+ golf courses in the region, attending the Scottsdale Arts Festival or road-tripping to the Grand Canyon, just a few hours away.
10. New York City
There’s no place in the world quite like New York. Lose yourself in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, take in a Broadway show, stroll through Central Park or across the Brooklyn Bridge or sample flavorful cuisine from all over the world.
International retirement trips
Planning on spending your golden years around the globe? Here are five great countries to explore.
11. Italy
In the AARP survey, Italy topped the list of European destinations — and it’s easy to see why. Book a trip of at least two weeks (maybe more!) so you have time to marvel at ancient ruins, immerse yourself in Renaissance artwork, indulge in pasta and wine, and explore pristine landscapes.
12. France
Say “oui” to the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower and all that Paris, the City of Lights, has to offer. France is a country of beautiful landscapes, quaint hamlets, chic beach resorts and rugged mountain towns.
13. Mexico
Mexico’s most alluring destinations are less than a day’s travel from major U.S. cities, making Mexico a popular vacation destination. Each spot offers unique experiences, from the rugged beauty of the Baja coastline near Cabo San Lucas to the charming town squares of Guadalajara and the incredible Mayan ruins outside of Mexico City.
14. Australia
No matter which part of the United States you depart from, it takes a long time to get to Australia. This makes it the perfect trip for travelers with flexible schedules. Spend a couple of weeks Down Under, exploring iconic sites like the Sydney Opera House and Uluru, then get out of town — experiencing the unique flora and fauna of the Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroo Island and Tasmania.
15. Japan
Futuristic cities meet centuries-old traditions in Japan. A bucket list destination for travelers interested in art, history and culture, Japan doesn’t disappoint. Invite your favorite travel buddies and embark on a journey through Japan’s fascinating cities, bucolic landscapes and most iconic sites. Don’t miss a stay at an invigorating onsen (hot spring).
Outside-the-box retirement travel
Every traveler has different goals, so don’t be afraid to chart your own course during your retirement. Here are some less common ways to see the world during your retirement years.
Embark on a cross-country road trip
Tune up the car, queue your favorite playlist, pack some snacks and hit the road on a good old-fashioned road trip. Whether you’re the type to plan your entire itinerary stop by stop or just see where the road takes you, a road trip is a great way to see the country. Consider a national park trip, a summer journey through the Rocky Mountains, a fall leaf-peeping journey or a historic exploration through New England.
Take an around-the-world cruise
If your goal is to see as much of the world as possible, consider an around-the-world cruise. Ranging in length from a few months to a whole year, these cruises tempt savvy travelers with an incredible collection of ports of call, without having to deal with all the logistics of air travel, customs and immigration, and hotel accommodations. Some retirees even cruise continually, linking together cruise after cruise, instead of living in a traditional home.
Buy your dream second home
If you’ve already fallen in love with a destination and are ready to put down some roots, consider purchasing a vacation home. You’ll avoid the spendy hotel nights and have a true sense of belonging in your favorite vacation spot.
Pacaso makes second home ownership easy. We offer homes in top destinations across the United States and beyond, and our unique co-ownership model makes buying a second home accessible for more people. Co-owning a fully managed, turnkey Pacaso means you’ll have time in your second home but also plenty of time to travel to new places. It’s the best of both worlds.
