The usual top vacation destinations are either old hats for most seniors or they don’t cater to their needs. Instead check out these awesome retirement destinations for seniors!
Rio de Janeiro
Although it was just recently the host of the 2016 Olympic Games, Rio has been a major tourist city for years thanks to its exotic culture, spicy nightlife, and endless beaches. What pushes it onto this list, however, are the steps that city officials have taken to make the region safer for travelers, in preparation for the international presence that the Olympics brings. Rio-bound seniors should bring plenty of sunscreen and try going during the Brazilian summer (June 21st through September 21st) in order to beat the worst of the heat. A well-timed vacation can see travelers enjoying very temperate 70 to 80 degree weather, great for seniors who are trying to stay healthy when they travel abroad. Activities in Rio include exploring the local food culture, Brazil being famous for its grilled meats, hiking up to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, or playing beach volleyball on the pristine white sand. If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, metal detecting on the beach might be right up your alley. Perhaps some of that Portuguese gold is still around?
Iceland
And now for something completely different… Iceland isn’t one of the usual suspects when it comes to travelling in Europe, but it is literally the safest country in the world. This will be especially meaningful to seniors with a life insurance plan who are looking to retire abroad without seeing their insurance premiums shoot through the roof. If you come for the safety, you’ll stay for the vastly underestimated destination. Contrary to popular belief, Iceland is not actually covered in ice. The climate is quite nice overall and many northern American cities find themselves getting colder in the winter than the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík. Iceland is also home to some of the most stunning natural vistas in the world, thanks to its relatively recent history of volcanic activity. (Don’t worry, eruptions happen miles from civilization and are known by scientists well in advance.)
Korea
Many seniors have likely visited Japan at least once of their lives, either as tourists or for work. Although it’s seen as the Jewel of the east, Japan’s northern neighbor has every bit of the culture and beautiful scenery without the mad tourist dash and the cookie cutter vacation plans. Fans of spicy food will be at home in Korea, where spicy kimchi is practically the national dish and chili peppers find their way into most other foods. It’s not just the food and the freshly booming city of Seoul that you should check out, though. Busan’s great beaches and the rocky mountains, located directly north of the capital city are just the beginning of the wonderful nature experience that the country has to offer. Just make sure that you take your camera along to photograph your travels.
Adelaide
Australia is a perfect destination for North American travelers who don’t want to go too far out of their comfort zone. Australia mixes the excitement and adventure of travel abroad with many of the comforts of home. Everyone there speaks English and the food will be a lot like what you’re used to back home, but with a few Australian twists. Plus, Adelaide’s climate is making it the California for Australian wine. Anyone thinking about starting up their own wine cellar has got to pick up a few bottles from here. As soon as travelers leave the City, they will be reminded that they’re not in Kansas anymore. Beautiful southern hemisphere beaches are available to the north, south, and west, although Adelaide is sheltered from the worst elements of being an oceanside city by strategic placement in the Gulf St Vincent. A taste of the Australian outback is available just to the east, where the desert quickly takes over.
