No more waiting for your annual vacation, then filling it end-to-end until you drag yourself back to work needing another week off. You are retired — and if you're reading this, you probably love to travel.
If you're among the retirees ready to travel, your options are vast and varied. With your job in the rearview mirror, and the best years ahead, how about a vacation? Or, perhaps you escaped employment with barely enough energy to pick up your last check and bid goodbye to envious coworkers. A resort destination will let you recover without lifting a finger. (Well, except waving one to summon your next poolside cocktail.) Or, are you looking for a journey to the other side of the world? No problem.
Once you realize you have the time, energy, and travel budget, the next step is to get planning. Whether you want rest or excitement, solitude or crowds, budget friendly cost or true luxury, here are some ideas for retirement travel.
Rocky Mountaineer
Want to leave the driving to someone else? A luxurious journey through the Canadian Rockies aboard one of Rocky Mountaineer's comfortable, glass-domed railway cars might be your ticket. Choose from several options, like the Grand Adventure Circle Journey. This 11-night trip includes five days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and overnight stays in Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise, and more.
The journey begins in Vancouver with time to explore and rest. The next morning, you'll board the Rocky Mountaineer and travel British Columbia's Sea-to-Sky Corridor on your way to the resort town of Whistler. Up next: Wind your way through farmland and stunning canyons en route to Quesnel, then to Jasper National Park for a day of leisure. Then, to get to Lake Louise, you'll travel via the scenic Icefields Parkway, where you can ride an Ice Explorer to the middle of Athabasca Glacier. Upon arriving at Lake Louise, you'll have time to explore before heading to Banff and back to Vancouver via Kamloops. More Rocky Mountaineer itinerary options are listed online.
Australia
With a flight time between 16 and 21 hours from the U.S. and a huge area to see, a visit to Australia, Travel + Leisure's 2020 Destination of the Year, doesn't fit most vacation schedules – until you have no schedule, that is.
In metropolitan Sydney, tour the iconic Opera House (pictured above) and then see it from another perspective on a harbor cruise. Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge or climb to the apex of its steel arch if you have lots of energy and an extra $350. Get up close and personal with Australia's unique wildlife on Kangaroo Island's nature reserve and see koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, fur seals, penguins, and kookaburras.
For marine wildlife, the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia is home to countless species of colorful fish, mollusks, starfish, turtles, dolphins, and sharks. Melbourne's Great Ocean Road, at Australia's southeastern tip, is the place to see rugged seashore, jagged cliffs, sandy beaches, and even the dense Otway rainforest. Don't miss Brisbane, Queensland's capital, set along its picturesque river and crossed by the Story Bridge.
Cruise the Yarra River in Melbourne for great views of the city's landmarks and skyline. Seasons are opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, of course, so most travelers to the southern part of Australia time their visit during their summer, from November through March.
Southeast Asia River Cruise
If this part of the world is new to you, a river cruise will offer adventure, luxury, and convenience, with all the arrangements made for you. Several companies, including AmaWaterways, offer Mekong River cruises that stop in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. The seven-day cruise in southern Vietnam and Cambodia can be extended to include Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Angkor Wat in Siem Riep.
With an extension, you'll spend a few days in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city, and enjoy a blend of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers. An excursion to Halong Bay follows, where you'll board a ship to sail among the magnificent limestone rock formations and spend the night in modern comfort.
Next, you'll take a short flight south to Siem Reap in Cambodia for a visit to Angkor Wat, a massive temple complex built in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. After exploring Angkor Wat, board your river ship for the seven-day Mekong River cruise.
Iceland and the Northern Lights
While you're there, don't miss the Blue Lagoon. Book a day visit or stay in one of the hotels, like the Silica Hotel or the five-star luxury Retreat Hotel. The 102-degree milky blue water is said to be excellent for the skin, and its scenery and unique waters make it Iceland's most-visited attraction. You might even be lucky enough to see the northern lights as you luxuriate in the warm water of the lagoon.
Hotel Ranga, a family-owned boutique that celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, is a popular place to stay while you wait for the northern lights to appear. Their on-site observatory, outdoor hot tubs, aurora alert service, cozy rooms, gourmet meals, and hospitality make the anticipation relaxing and enjoyable.
Ireland
Looking for lush green scenery, inviting pubs, and friendly folks? Want to learn more about your ancestors or discover the towns they once called home? A journey to Ireland will fit the bill.
Start in Dublin, where you can visit Trinity College to admire the architecture and ancient manuscripts, prison-turned-museum Kilmainham Gaol to hear about Ireland's history, and the Guinness Storehouse to pour a proper pint and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. Join a pub crawl and hear traditional Irish music while checking out the lively bar scene.
Other lovely cities worth exploring in the country include Kinsale, Belfast, Dingle, Killarney, and Kilkenny. Drive the 110-mile Ring of Kerry along the Iveragh Peninsula for breathtaking views, historical sites, waterfalls, beaches, and monuments. Stay in a castle like Adare Manor, Dromoland Castle, or Carton House.
The seaport town of Cobh in County Cork was the departure point of the Titanic, and a tour of the White Star Line ticket office is a moving and memorable experience. If you plan to drive, remember that you'll be on the left side of the road, and vehicles have right-hand drive — a bit confusing, especially with a standard shift car. Opt for an automatic vehicle or a driver for comfortable, safer touring.
Sicily
Palermo, Sicily's capital, is a lively city with colorful outdoor markets, spectacular cathedrals, and delectable street food, including fried rice balls called arancini. Enjoy them with Sicilian wines, many from vineyards near Mount Etna, Sicily's active volcano.
Unique and inviting cities along the coastline and in Sicily's interior offer something for everyone, including ancient ruins at Agrigento, Siracusa, Selinunte, and Taormina (pictured above) — testament to the history of this island, which has been occupied at various times by the Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and others.
Miles of gorgeous coastline and beaches, impressive architecture, fresh seafood, and friendly people are just a few reasons to visit Sicily. Travel between cities can be managed by train, bus, car, or private driver. If you rent a car, note that main highways are generally in good condition and well-marked, unlike some local roads. Highway speeds are fast, and Sicilian drivers seem to love tailgating. Within the cities, streets are narrow, and parking is nearly nonexistent. You can usually find public parking on the edge of towns in a parcheggio.
Costa Rica
Looking for pura vida? The motto, meaning "Enjoy life and be happy," is a favorite saying in this Central American country for good reason. A variety of environments, including rainforests, jungles, Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, volcanoes, and hot springs make it a fascinating place to visit.
Lovers of wildlife can see monkeys, sloths, wildcats, whales, reptiles, and sea turtles in their natural habitats. And after a day of hiking, diving, surfing, playing golf, or exploring nature, you can look forward to relaxing on an unspoiled beach or in a lush rainforest.
Five-star hotels and luxurious resorts are located throughout the country, so you can choose your favorite surroundings to ensure you find what pura vida means to you. In Guanacaste, the W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal is surrounded by the sands of Playa Conchal. In the heart of Costa Rica's rainforest, Playa Cativo Lodge is an upscale beachfront property accessible exclusively by boat. Nayara Gardens, on the edge of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano National Park, boasts unobstructed views of the volcano.
Costa Rica has two international airports, Daniel Oduber Quiros in Liberia (LIR) and Juan Santamaria in San Jose (SJO). Be sure to check the most convenient airport and ground transportation when booking your hotel.
Africa
If you've wanted to visit Africa, whether for adventure, wildlife, or photography, now is the time. Are you thrilled by the idea of seeing the Great Migration, when millions of antelope, wildebeest, and zebras travel from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya's Masai Mara in search of grazing grounds?
There are many ways to experience the country, from staying at a luxury lodge and exploring the destination via day trips to joining an arranged safari and traveling through several destinations. There are even walking safaris by The Bushcamp Company, with camps in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park (pictured above) and Mfuwe Lodge, where you can see giraffes, hippos, elephants, and antelopes at the Lodge's lagoon.
Choose a luxury lodge or elegant tented camp near Kruger National Park in South Africa with andBeyond in their Ngala Private Game Reserve. Here, you have an opportunity to see rare white lion cubs. Or, consider the all-inclusive Kenya Wildlife Safari, a 14-day itinerary that includes nine game drives, a visit to Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery, a cruise along the Zambezi River, and much more.
With multigenerational travel becoming more popular, you might want to have youngsters or other family members join you. Adventures by Disney's 10-day South Africa trip begins in Cape Town and includes stops at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Knysna Elephant Park, Kapama Game Reserve, and more.
The Galápagos
Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is a fascinating adventure, known for its unique wildlife and stunning natural beauty. The Galapagos can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on your interests. The dry season from June to December offers excellent wildlife viewing, while the warm and wet season from December to May is great for water activities. The Galapagos is a group of islands, each with unique features and wildlife. Research which islands you'd like to visit based on your interests. Commonly visited islands include Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana.
Since this archipelago is off the coast of Ecuador, you'll need to travel to either Quito or Guayaquil to start your journey. Small ships or yachts are ideal for getting close to nature, and with most you can kayak, snorkel, or dive when not simply observing the resident iguanas, giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, and numerous bird species from the comfort of the deck. The vessels are great for day trips, but you can also opt for a live-aboard experience or a stay at one of the hotels on one of the few inhabited islands. In any case, planning well ahead of your trip to the Galápagos is important because of limitations on the number of visitors.
Be sure to pack appropriate clothing, including lightweight and breathable clothing, swimwear, and sturdy footwear for hiking. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Depending on your interests, you can enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, bird watching. or just relaxing on a beach. Be sure to bring your gear or inquire about rentals.
Most visitors explore the Galapagos on guided tours or cruises, which are organized by various tour operators. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season, to ensure availability.
Around-the-World Cruise
Do you have time to be out of town for weeks or even months? What about a hefty travel budget? If your answer is yes, you might be in the market for an around-the-world cruise.
Seabourn offers its 2024 World Cruise: Extraordinary Horizons, a 145-day voyage with visits to 72 ports and destinations in 28 countries. Departing from Los Angeles, the voyage travels from east to west, visiting the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, and more before finally ending in Piraeus, Greece.
Crystal Cruises has already announced its 2025 World Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona. The 123-night journey stops in 31 countries, including Belize, Peru, Argentina, South Africa and the Maldives. And remember you can book just a segment of this voyage, if desired.
Meanwhile, the new Viking World Journey covers 23 countries in 121 days. Silversea's 2025 World Cruise begins in Tokyo and spans 136 days; vessel Silver Dawn will visit 59 ports in 30 countries before completing its journey in New York.
Hopefully these examples inspire you to think about your own voyage. Cruise fans love the idea of having all arrangements made for them, staying in luxurious staterooms, meeting other world travelers, and unpacking only once.
Dream Vacations - The Operach Team is a travel agency based in Overland Park, Kansas. We take pride in working with clients across the country who love to travel. We build vacation experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime. Our team has specialties across a wide range of vacation options; custom Europe itineraries, Alaska, escorted tours, all-inclusive resorts, Disney, Caribbean, Hawaii, South Pacific, cruise holidays, and river cruises.
We look forward to making your dream vacations come true!!
No comments:
Post a Comment