The Ultimate Guide to 2025 Retiree Travel Planning

Top Retirement Travel Picks Based on Your Ideal Climate

Retirement opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to all the places you want to explore. However, we all have our own destination preferences based on our preferred climate. Some travelers are eager to soak up the sun on a tropical getaway, whereas others prefer cooler temperatures to stay comfortable when visiting attractions and discovering new regions. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular travel destinations for seniors based on climate:

Warm and tropical

Many envision traveling in retirement to warm waters and white sand beaches, and for good reason. Tropical getaways offer the peace and tranquility that many seek during their later years, with calming waters and warm sun creating a dreamy oasis. So, which destinations reign supreme? Take a look at some of our favorites:

• Hawaii: While part of the U.S., Hawaii seems like worlds away. Here, travelers can experience gentle ocean breezes, accessible resorts, a laid-back atmosphere and senior-friendly tours on islands like Maui and Kauai. What makes Hawaii great for retirement travel is the ease of getting there. While it can be a long flight, passports or travel documentation are not required for U.S. travelers. Once there, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures, from educational tours at Volcanoes National Park to the historic attractions found at Pearl Harbor.
• Costa Rica: Nothing screams retirement like embracing the pura vida way of life. Costa Rica is defined by its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, wildlife tours and wellness treats. Visitors can do everything from discovering unique species found nowhere else on Earth to taking time to rest and recharge on beaches like Tamarindo or Santa Teresa.
• Southeast Asia: For an unforgettable experience, consider taking a trip to Southeast Asia with destinations like Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand. Travel along the Mekong River by riverboat, discover the history of Angkor Wat or explore the temples of Siem Reap. Southeast Asia offers warm temperatures and a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for retirees eager to explore a diverse region of the world.

Moderate and temperate

Retiree travel to moderate and temperate regions of the world offers pleasant weather that’s not too hot or too cold. Here are some of our favorite destinations to consider:

• Portugal: Take in the refreshing ocean breeze of Portugal’s Algarve region, which offers a sunny and mild climate year-round. With senior-friendly infrastructure and plenty of things to do and see, such as relaxing on the beaches of Faro, you’re sure to find the getaway you’ve been looking for.
• Southern California: For retirees looking to stay closer to home and seek moderate temperatures, Southern California is the perfect destination. Explore America’s Finest City, San Diego, and treat yourself to one or more of Balboa Park’s 18 museums, or discover the enchanted wildlife found at the nearby San Diego Zoo. Venture an hour and a half north to Los Angeles and you’ll find the Griffith Observatory or one of the many museums LA has to offer, such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
• New Zealand: Interested in traveling a bit further? Visit New Zealand and enjoy its mild temperatures while immersed in breathtaking scenery. Relax in the hot springs of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, or immerse yourself in cultural activities in the capital city of Auckland.

Cool and mountainous

Ready to escape the heat? There are plenty of cool destinations, both literally and figuratively, to check off your bucket list during retirement. Traveling in retirement to mountainous regions places you in picturesque landscapes with jaw-dropping vistas. Some of our top picks include:

• Switzerland: Perhaps one of the most recognizable mountain ranges in the world is the Swiss Alps, and for good reason. With incredible mountain views and scenic train rides, such as the Glacier Express, travelers can take in the alpine scenery from various vantage points.
• Rocky Mountains: Retiree travelers can enjoy cool weather and mountainous terrain right here in the States. Rocky Mountain National Park features moderate walking trails and stunning landscapes that are easily accessible for seniors. This range even crosses country lines, making its way to Canada, where you can explore Banff or Jasper National Parks with their turquoise blue waters and cascading cliffs.
• Scotland: Across the pond, you can find cooler temperatures in the Scottish Highlands. Here, you can take scenic countryside drives and unique castle tours to learn about the region’s storied past.

Seasonal variation

For seniors who want to experience changing seasons and vibrant scenery, plenty of destinations around the world offer seasonal variation. Some options to consider include:

• New England: What better place on Earth to experience the fall season than New England? Quintessential towns like Stowe, Vermont; Boston, Massachusetts; Mystic, Connecticut; and Newport, Rhode Island are transformed by vibrant fall foliage with popular seasonal activities like apple picking, leaf peeping and hayrides. Scenic drives through charming small towns offer a one-of-a-kind fall adventure everyone deserves to experience.
• Japan: Another destination known for its seasonality is Japan. During spring, watch the country’s famous cherry blossoms bloom to life, blanketing cities and landscapes in a wave of soft pinks, whites and reds. In the fall, colorful maple trees transition to hues of red, orange and yellow, serving as a stark contrast against the urban shades of Japan’s iconic cities, such as Kyoto and Tokyo.
• Tuscany: Beautiful in every season, Tuscany is an excellent destination year-round. Spring is teeming with vibrant wildflowers, followed by the warm summer fields. Harvest festivals in fall are immersive and exciting, while winter’s mild temperatures offer a reprieve from colder regions.

Why Group Travel Matters for Retirees Exploring the World

For retirees who want to explore the world, group travel can make for a memorable and enriching experience. When venturing to some of the best places to visit, joining guided group tours pairs you with like-minded travelers eager to learn more about the world around them. Together, you and like-minded program participants can enjoy spirited conversations that help foster meaningful relationships that last well beyond your travels. These built-in social opportunities offer chances to meet people from various walks of life with similar interests to yours. 

Group travel also alleviates the stress that comes with planning travel on your own. Group trips are organized by professionals who take care of all the key logistics, including transportation, lodging, most meals and activities. This way, you can focus on what truly matters: immersing yourself in your adventure. At Road Scholar, we offer a range of experiential learning programs around the world for you to choose from, and our team will carefully plan logistics like booking hotels or navigating unfamiliar places.

Traveling in retirement with a group also provides the peace of mind and safety that come with traveling in numbers. Expert guides can assist during emergencies, navigate language barriers and ensure your accessibility needs are met. Along with logistical planning, your guides will also provide keen insights into history, culture, wildlife, geography and more, so you can appreciate a deeper, educational travel experience.

Lastly, group travel in retirement means you’ll experience a more tailored adventure. Senior travel programs are designed with retirees in mind, allowing you to choose from travel options that meet your needs and interests, such as slower-paced schedules, accessible accommodations and transportation as well as enriching activities like wine tasting, cooking classes or museum tours. Find educational tours at Road Scholar today to see where in the world you might end up next.

Top North American Destinations for Retirement Travel

North America is home to some of the world’s most popular destinations to visit. Lucky for most of us, this means many of these areas are right in our backyard. Rather than traveling overseas, we can take in the beauty right around us. Discover some of the best retirement travel right here in North America:

• National parks: In our thought leader survey, the most appealing destination for North American travel was national parks. The U.S. has a total of 63 national parks, each offering unique landscapes, wildlife and histories. From the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the red cliffs of the Grand Canyon and the abundant wildlife of the Everglades, spending retirement visiting the national parks is a worthwhile adventure.
• Coastal cities: Following national parks, coastal cities were the second most appealing destination for retiree travel. Cities like Savannah and Charleston offer a comfortable pace for exploring, along with rich histories, comfortable climates and heritage-rich regional cuisine.
• Urban centers: Nearly 14% of survey respondents found urban centers to be the most appealing for retirement travel. Cultural hubs like New York City and Chicago offer a wide range of activities, from world-class museums to interactive exhibits and iconic architecture.
• Wine regions: Wine tasting in regions like Napa Valley and the Finger Lakes also ranked among the most appealing North American destinations according to survey respondents interested in such trips. Here, wine aficionados can learn about regional wine-making from expert sommeliers while indulging in tasty pairings.

Planning a Multigenerational Trip During Retirement

Our thought leader survey revealed that 42% of survey respondents plan to take a multigenerational trip within the next year. Traveling with family, including grandparents, parents and children, offers an unforgettable bonding opportunity for families. Together, generations can discover new regions of the world while creating new traditions and making lasting memories.

When planning a multigenerational trip during retirement, ensure everyone is involved in gathering information about preferences and making decisions on key elements, such as the destination, dates and type of lodging. It’s also beneficial to strike a balance by planning equal time for togetherness, such as family meals and group outings, and downtime that allows for periods of personal time to regroup and reflect.

Another tip for planning multigenerational travel during retirement is to choose accommodations that offer flexibility, allowing for space and privacy, as well as common areas to share moments as a group. And don’t forget to document the trip, either. Make sure several people bring cameras or take plenty of photos or videos on their phones to capture the moments!

How to Enrich Your Retirement Travel with Lifelong Learning Experiences

Traveling in retirement offers the ability to embark on a lifelong learning adventure that adds depth and purpose to your journeys. Experiential travel programs, such as those offered right here at Road Scholar, feature expert-led lectures, cultural immersion and hands-on learning. You can also find cultural activities, such as cooking classes in Tuscany, museum visits in Spain or wine tasting in France. 

Whether you’re interested in solo travel or exploring with a group, you can enrich your retirement travel by choosing itineraries built around sites that highlight history, architecture and human achievement, such as the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites sprinkled around the world. Examples include Machu Picchu, Angkor Wat or the Acropolis, all of which feature local guides that can offer a deeper understanding of what your chosen tour has to offer.

Another way to make the most of your retirement travel is to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Attend local festivals and performances, as many cities host free events that welcome lifelong learners. And if this fascinates you, you’re not alone. Our thought leader survey found that 48.3% of respondents were curious about local cultural performances or traditions when it comes to the lifelong learning experiences that interest them most during travel.

Essential Rules for Traveling in Retirement

Now that you know some of the top retirement travel destinations and tips for planning different types of travel, it’s time to understand your part in making it a successful experience. There are several valuable rules for traveling in retirement that, if followed, can make your trip one you’ll cherish for a lifetime, including:

• Travel light: Use lightweight luggage with wheels and pack layers that are versatile and comfortable so you can easily dress up or down.
• Prioritize comfort and accessibility: When possible, book direct flights and choose accommodations with accessibility features like elevators, ground-floor access or mobility aids if needed.
• Stay flexible: Spontaneity is an excellent way to make lasting memories, so build in flexible time to go off the beaten path and explore local favorites or hidden gems.
• Plan around your health: Before retiree travel, make sure to consult your doctor, especially if you have health concerns. Bring extra prescriptions and a copy of medical records, and consider travel insurance for financial coverage in the event of an emergency.
• Stay safe and informed: One of the key rules for traveling in retirement is ensuring your own safety. Share your itinerary with friends and family, but be extra cautious with valuables, especially if you’re traveling to heavily touristed areas.
• Learn about your destination: Before embarking on your adventure, take the time to study the basic cultural norms, key phrases and etiquette to show your respect to locals. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident as you navigate your new surroundings.

Mastering Your Retirement Travel Budget Planning

Another important rule for traveling in retirement is setting a budget. Retirement travel budget planning helps you enjoy your experience with peace of mind. Here are some essential tips:

• Set a realistic travel budget: To start budgeting, decide how much you’re comfortable spending on travel annually or for each trip, factoring how travel fits into your retirement income, savings and lifestyle.
• Prioritize what matters most: Take time to consider what you’re willing to splurge on, such as accommodations or attractions, and areas where you can cut back to ensure you spend money on experiences that bring the most joy.
• Travel during the off-season: One of the benefits of retiree travel is the flexibility it affords you. Take advantage of this flexibility by booking trips during the shoulder season, which is often more affordable and offers fewer crowds and greater availability.
• Take advantage of senior discounts: Many airlines, rail services, museums and tours offer senior rates. Before booking, inquire about any discounts, even if they’re not advertised.
• Leverage travel rewards and points: If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, airline miles or hotel points, make sure to redeem them strategically to make the most of this benefit. Also, consider cards with no foreign transaction fees and travel protections.

How to Make the Most of Your Retirement Travel Dreams

Ready to make the most of your retiree travel? Look no further than Road Scholar. Our collection of experiential learning programs is designed with seniors in mind. No matter the destination you choose, you’ll join a diverse cohort of like-minded learners with expert guides who offer rich insights into your destination’s history, culture and geography. Find an adventure today to start traveling in retirement to your preferred destination.