Age is just a number. And, old age, is a grand opportunity to revisit adventure, thrill, fun, leisure and all the priceless moments and memories. For senior citizens and just-retired, deciding on a dream destination requires the following factors – a comfortable journey and stay, delightful holiday experience, discounts on food, transportation, lodging etc. which is understandable. Once the destination is decided upon, the rest all falls in place. So, there is no harm in shortlisting destinations for the next year in advance right now. Here are the world’s seven best travel spots for the seniors that are just right to pack your bags in 2021.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth, one of the historic towns in America, takes you back to time. The site of the first Thanksgiving, Plymouth has historic homes such as the 1677-built Harlow Old Fort House, the Plymouth Rock with the year “1620†engraved on it as its only decoration and the Pilgrim Hall Museum, the oldest museum in the country. No wonder ‘America’s Hometown’ Plymouth makes such fond memories when you are travelling around this lovely city with a roof rack basket on your sedan. It is also an excellent choice for a private beach. Stay at a bed and breakfast, or at a cottage rental that comes with private beach access.
Miami Beach, Florida
If the beautiful sand and sunshine sound exciting and unmissable, then Miami Beach is the perfect travel point for retirees. You will lose count of the numerous beaches and beachfront resorts at Miami. In the Florida city itself, the enchanting museums, for example, the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, come up as a wonderful balance to the tropical oasis, Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. The aesthetic beauty of the palms, cycads, vines and fruit trees, flowering trees and shrubs, and the South Beach Art Deco District in Miami Beach that has 800+ architecturally protected buildings are a must-see.
Yakima, Washington
Selected by SmarterTravel.com as one of “America’s Best Small Cities on the Riseâ€, Yakima is the wine-country region of the Yakima Valley. So, for wine lovers, it is a good chance to go tasting at more than 100 wineries. When you want to explore the city’s urban thrills, there are nice boutique retail shops, hotels, sidewalks. The historic Front Street is back to life with the reopening of the 1910 Norther Pacific Train Depot. The senior citizen in you will find a pleasant mix of many things at Yakima – perfect weather (which is a plus point), farm-fresh produce, craft breweries, and outdoor adventure (fly fishing, white-water rafting on the Tieton River). Traveling with your dog is the new trend and the Yakima Valley will welcome your Snoopy with open arms. Woof!
Adirondack Mountains, New York
The spectacular Adirondacks in New York is full of exploration and adventure. Meant for outdoorsy vacationers, the fortunate thing is that there are no park fees to enter, and no gates that close at night. Camp under the stars, and feel blessed. In the warmer months, get onto hiking and boating at Saranac Lake. It is one of the most tranquil villages in upscale New York that has stunning scenery without herds of tourists. Dazzling fall foliage is the attraction point in the Fall. Winter carnivals, summer sports, shopping and your vehicle’s roof rack basket for the trip will happily keep you busy and overjoyed.
Branson, Missouri
Branson in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains is a family vacation destination which has been talked up by Forbes to The New York Times. The annual Elvis festival (April 1-5) held at Branson is a miss-not for the Elvis fans. If you have the explorer’s eye, then the History of Fishing Museum, a round of golf, cruising the lakes with your better half and going for the country music shows and concerts will happily fulfil your travel instincts. Free Branson Coupons helps you take off the strain of expenses of your Branson vacation thanks to the coupons and discounts for shows, restaurants, and activities. The local resorts and hotels also offer discounts on lodging to the seniors.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Hailed as one of the Top U.S. destinations on the rise in TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travelers’ Choice Awards, Wilmington offers a happy-go-lucky blend of city and seashore fun. What makes it one of the most recommended destinations for seniors and retirees? It has three nearby beaches, a Riverwalk with restaurants and shops. The sunset is the time to venture out to catch a memorable view of the Cape Fear River. In the first half of the day, walk down memory lane by visiting the historic homes, museums and Battleship Carolina. No harm in saving a penny or two. There are free attractions in two nearby state parks, the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, the Hanover County Arboretum. Charges for admission, if any, are compensated by discounts.
Roanoke, Virginia
The City of Festivals, Roanoke is a charming town full of life. There is the Strawberry Festival (yummy!), the Vinton Dogwood Festival (did I see canine lovers feel elated with joy?), the Henry Street Heritage Festival, and more. The greenways, trails, the splendid view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, are just the starters. For history buffs, there are Civil War battlefields, and for culture aficionados, there are the downtown museums, planetarium and theater to delight in. The natural beauty of Roanoke and the low cost of living may never make the seniors and the retired leave this place.
With these 7 travel destinations recommended for the elderly and old folks, it is time to bookmark these for 2021 and share with your friends, next-door neighbours and contemporaries.