Retirement allows you to explore new hobbies and also new places. Whether it’s warm beaches or craggy mountains, places worldwide are perfect for that dream vacation and all the money you saved up during your career. As you get ready to retire or are already done with the job, check out these six best retirement trips to take and why below.
6. Ireland
Our sixth selection for the best retirement trips to take and why is Ireland. If you have Irish ancestry, this could be the perfect time to explore where your ancestors once called home, filled with lush green scenery, unforgettable pubs, and friendly residents.
Dublin features Trinity College, prison-turned-museum Kilmainham Gaol, and the Guinness Storehouse, where you can enjoy a perfectly poured pint. The lively bar scene is one to visit and listen to various Irish music coming from each one. Other notable cities to visit include Kinsale, Belfast, Dingle, Killarney, and Kilkenny.
5. Australia
Next up on our best retirement trips to take and why list is Australia. While this country can be hard to visit while working due to its distance from other places, it is a great spot to visit when you are retired. Tourists can start their exploration in Sydney and take a glimpse of the iconic Opera House on the shore. If you prefer animals, check out Kangaroo Island’s nature reserve and see koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, fur seals, penguins, and kookaburras.
If you prefer marine animals, the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland features endless species of fish, mollusks, turtles, starfish, dolphins, and sharks to explore. Another way to experience the most from Australia is considering a cruise, so you can visit both metropolitan cities and smaller towns and tribes all in one go.
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4. Great Smoky Mountains
Ranking fourth on the best retirement trips to take and why list is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning over the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. This vacation is perfect for those who love the outdoors and hiking. Even if you are not as mobile as in your 20s, there is still lots to explore and experience in the park, including the Cades Cove scenic drive.
If you want to mix in some town activities along with nature, the national park is right near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Each town has a range of activities, from the Gatlinburg SkyBridge to the Alcatraz East Museum. There is something for everyone in this area, which seems to have never-ending attractions.
3. Paris, France
Earning the third spot on our best retirement trips to take and why list is Paris, France. Whether you want to rekindle your marriage or visit one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, Paris is a picturesque place known for its history and museums. Just some of these museums include the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Petit Palais, and the Musée Rodin.
If you’re looking to educate your stomach instead, plenty of iconic cafes and eateries are scattered around the city. A few of these places have been visited by famous writers and philosophers like Sartre and Hemingway. Shopping instead? Head over to Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Rue de Rivoli, or Rue des Francs Bourgeois for a stellar selection of boutiques and shops.
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2. Santorini, Greece
Need some white sand beaches in your retired life? Check out our second selection for the best retirement trips to take and why, Santorini, Greece. The city is celebrated for its dramatic views, colorful sunsets, and unique architecture. This includes ancient cities, vineyards, and the famed blue and white hillside houses pictured above.
When it comes to specifics, the ancient ruins of Akrotiri or a wine tour around the island to sample the Assyrtiko wine are essential when visiting Santorini. If you just want to relax, grab a book and head to a local beach or dip in your hotel’s pool. Boat lovers may want to explore chartering a boat for the day and exploring the stunning blue waters surrounding the island.
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1. Tuscany, Italy
Last but not least on our list of best retirement trips to take and why is Tuscany, Italy, one of the most popular destinations for younger and older generations alike. Combining rustic charm and culture, Tuscany’s countryside is full of vineyards, wineries, and olive groves to explore. You can also visit cities nearby like Florence and Siena.
When vacationing in Italy, it’s encouraged to try all the delicious food and drink that passes your way. You can start at the Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence and enjoy an extensive wine collection and Michelin-starred cuisine, and then travel to L’Imbuto in Lucca and sample the fusion of traditional Italian flavors with modern culinary skills. The finer things in life will never be closer than in Tuscany.
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