You're retired, the kids are out of the house, and the world is your oyster. Now is the perfect time to take that far-flung trip you've always dreamed of. Maybe you already have a destination in mind and are ready to book your trip. But if you find the idea of picking and choosing from thousands of potential destinations to be overwhelming, use this guide for a little inspiration. Virtually anywhere in the world is perfect for a visit regardless of your age, but these options offer a little something extra for the baby boomer crowd.
Take a River Cruise on the Rhine or Danube
River cruises allow you to vacation at the intersection of relaxation and exploration. You travel on the river on a luxury boat, sipping local wine and eating local food while taking advantage of onboard activities. New cities appear on the horizon, just waiting for you to disembark for a short excursion to explore museums, historical sites, restaurants, and local culture. A cruise on the Danube or Rhine in Central Europe are great options for seeing the lush country sides of Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Netherlands.
If you're feeling particularly brave and want a completely different experience, try a cruise on the Yangtze River in China.
Soak up the Sun in the Caribbean or Hawaii
From North America, you're just a hop, skip, and jump away from the tropical paradises of the Caribbean islands or Hawaii - depending on which coast you're closest to. Many cruises to the Caribbean will include a stop in Bermuda too, which gives you a chance to compare and contrast all of different amenities these islands have to offer.
If you opt for Hawaii - and if you're brave enough - don't miss the chance to go on a night dive with manta rays. It's an unforgettable way to get up close and personal with these gentle giants of the sea.
Explore the Charms of Old Mexico in Tulum or Copper Canyon
Tulum is Mexico like it used to be, before hordes of tourists and spring breakers turned it into a tequila-soaked scream-fest. This sleepy beach town gives you the chance to mix with locals and explore natural wonders like freshwater cenotes and the mysteries of Mayan ruins.
If the beach isn't your thing, try Mexico's Copper Canyon instead. It's the Grand Canyon's deeper cousin to the south. You can stay in one of the luxury hotels in or around the canyon, but our suggestion is to take a train trip through the wilds of Northern Mexico's rugged landscape.
Rediscover Your Ancestry
If you've ever been curious about reconnecting with your roots, it may be time for a trip back to the homeland. Do a little research beforehand to make this trip extremely personal. Dive into your attic to find diaries and journals from parents and grandparents and make it your goal to retrace their journey from their home country. And if you can't find any information on your own, there are several commercial companies that can help you learn more about your ancestry.
Wherever you go, use your age and retirement to your advantage. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can often find excellent deals that will help you save money on the trip of a lifetime.
Image courtesy of FlipKey.com.
