Travel the World in Style: Exciting International Destinations for Life-Loving Retirees
In Part 1 of this two-part series on luxury travel for retirees, we shared some tips on getting the most vacation for your money and took a brief tour of some U.S. hotspots.
In Part 2, we are going to explore some international destinations that you might want to consider adding to your bucket list. With proper planning and budgeting, this could be the year you take your dream vacation or journey somewhere unexpected that opens your eyes to how wide and wonderful the world is.
1. Santorini, Greece
Santorini, a small island in the Aegean Sea, is known for its breathtaking ocean views, iconic white-washed buildings, and fresh-caught seafood. If your idea of a dream vacation is more lounging on the beach and less go-go-go, Santorini could be a perfect "slow travel" fit. You can also mix in a little culture and history by visiting the island's ancient ruins and museums.
2. Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is a region in central Italy, representing the heart of the historical Renaissance. You could easily spend a week or two in Florence alone touring the museums and churches, which include masterpieces like Michelangelo's "David" and Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus". Opt for a car rental or hop on a train, and you’ll find yourself within reach of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the medieval architecture of San Gimignano, and the vineyards and wine cellars of Montepulciano.
3. Kyoto, Japan
Tokyo is big and busy. Kyoto moves at a much slower pace. It's home to some of the most beautiful gardens in all of Japan, as well as Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and classic Japanese cuisine. Conscientious travelers will also appreciate how Kyoto has embraced the sustainable travel movement, employing eco-friendly best practices that sustain the city's natural beauty while supporting local businesses.
4. Maldives
If you want to cash in a few decades’ worth of frequent flier miles on a luxury plane seat, the 18-hour-plus flight to the Maldives might be an enticing option. This archipelagic state in the Indian Ocean is practically the definition of an island paradise: turquoise water, pristine beaches, lush greenery, and five-star accommodations. Hike, snorkel, swim with the dolphins, and watch the sunset from the porch of an overwater bungalow.
5. Paris, France
If you're going to splurge on just one big European vacation during retirement, the City of Lights should be high on your bucket list. From the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower to the Seine River and Notre Dame Cathedral (now partially reopened after a 2019 fire), Paris is home to some of the world's most beloved landmarks. The shopping, restaurants, and cafes all contribute to the city's well-deserved reputation for romance and fine living, European style.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town provides the perfect blend of metropolitan luxury and natural wonder for seniors who want to visit Africa without roughing it. The city's "Big Six" attractions include a cable car ride up Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula at the southern tip of the African continent, and the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, where you can shop, eat, and visit the renowned “Two Oceans Aquarium.”
7. New Zealand
"The Lord of the Rings" put New Zealand at the top of many bucket lists for fans who want to visit the sets and scenic vistas from the movies. But even folks who don't know an elf from a hobbit will appreciate the country's diverse landscapes, wildlife, and sense of adventure. Cruise through fjords, soak in hot springs and hike in evergreen temperate rainforests that showcase New Zealand's beauty and mild climate.
Don’t wait!
Coming out of the pandemic, I know many seniors have been nervous about travel as well as spending too much money on leisure and entertainment. But if you wait around for “the right time” to start checking items off your retirement bucket list, that list won’t ever be more than words on a page. Keen Wealth’s comprehensive planning process could help give you the peace of mind you need to bring that list to life and have experiences that could transform retirement.
About Bill
Bill Keen is a financial advisor with nearly 30 years of industry experience. As the founder and CEO of Keen Wealth Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm, he focuses on providing personalized retirement planning designed to help people thrive before and during their retirement years. With a passion for educating others, Bill regularly blogs about retirement planning, hosts the podcast Keen on Retirement, and has contributed to Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, Reuters, Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch, Yahoo Finance, and other publications. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, Bill and his team work with clients throughout the greater Kansas City area and across the nation. To learn more, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.keenwealthadvisors.com.
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