The past year has been a challenging one for humanity. It was the year that the world came to a standstill and everyone hunkered down in their homes away from loved ones, offices, and recreational activities. The novelty of wearing a mask soon became a dull reality and the desperation to see loved ones in person instead of on a computer screen became intolerable. Until finally, the much-anticipated COVID-19 vaccine arrived! Now that the vaccine is here, it appears that senior citizens are more eager to travel than ever. This article covers some vacation ideas for seniors who are looking to run off to their next big adventure, and put the spark back in life!
Across the United States and much of the world, senior citizens are the first in line to receive the vaccine as they are identified as being more vulnerable. This has led to a new wave in the travel industry. According to data and research collected among cruise lines, hotels and tour operators, senior citizens are now leading the travel industry with a boom in vacation bookings!
There appears to be a lot of desire and anticipation to travel and have an adventure among senior citizens, much more than the younger age groups. According to Jeff Galak, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, “there’s a lot of pent-up desire among seniors, and a sense of life running out”. It seems that the 65-plus demographic does not want to miss out on their golden years and are eager to get back out there once they have received both doses of the vaccine. Of course, that doesn’t mean all senior travelers want to venture far and wide. Some may prefer to stay local or within their own country and enjoy a week relaxing at a boutique hotel or checking a road trip off the bucket list.
When choosing a vacation destination, it’s best to travel to a place that is compliant with the COVID-19 health and safety precautions while the world is still recovering from the pandemic. Read on for some vacation ideas for seniors that can help kickstart your traveling lifestyle!
Las Vegas, USA
Las Vegas is one of the most exciting cities in the world. Many associate Vegas with its robust nightlife and intense gambling, but beyond the bright lights and the dazzling Burlesque shows, Las Vegas has an abundance of activities and amenities that senior travelers will love!
Vegas features a number of golf courses, signature restaurants, shops, recreational activities, relaxed hotel pool clubs, and senior communities. The city showcases numerous breathtaking shows, including Cirque de Soleil, as well as tribute concerts to beloved bands and singers such as Elvis and Queen. On certain days, local casinos promote a “senior day”, where the price is lowered and more favorable. The stunning and must-see Grand Canyon is only a 5-hour drive from Vegas. If you enjoy road trips, then pack your bags and buckle up!
Mexico
Mexico is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world, featuring picturesque Caribbean coastline, rich Mayan history and culture, tropical rainforest perfect for exploration and adventure, and impressively large cities bursting with colonial history. That isn’t to mention the delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine and street food and unbeatable melodies of Mariachi echoing through the cobblestone streets. The heat in Mexico varies depending on which area you visit, but you’re always guaranteed to experience blue skies and the golden sun shining overhead.
The people in Mexico are warm and welcoming and will always lend a helping hand. Even if your Spanish doesn’t broaden beyond, “Una margarita, por favor”, you’re guaranteed to find a visitor’s center in every tourist destination for assistance. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico that offer outstanding deals for seniors.
Santa Fe, USA
Santa Fe is the most popular city in New Mexico and for good reason. The laid-back city offers a seemingly endless array of unique attractions and outstanding restaurants, as well as being renowned for embracing the holistic lifestyle. The city is home to numerous cultural landmarks, hiking opportunities, and national parks, such as Bandelier. Santa Fe also hosts remarkable river cruises, which are perfect for outdoor adventure and experiencing the city from a different perspective.
Santa Fe is wonderful for senior travelers as it offers a more relaxed approach to vacation. Most national park entrances offer senior discounts, so you can enjoy the marvels of federally preserved lands for a lower price and at your own pace. Santa Fe is also known around the world for its culture and huge art community with over 250 art galleries. The city is also home to a number of museums. Seniors can enjoy a leisurely stroll in and out of galleries and museums and appreciate the diversity of the art on display.
England
It may be small in size, but England is packed full of vestiges of history and beautiful places to explore and is one of our top vacation ideas for seniors for a reason. Its history is world-famous and a true delight to the culture, reflected throughout the country in both architecture and art. England features some of the most stunning countryside in the world, with picturesque thatched-cottages and dairy farms, and dainty rivers trickling through the quiet village centers, where you’ll find plenty of cafés to enjoy a traditional cup of tea or a cream scone.
London, England’s most famous city, is perfect for the history buffs. It has numerous museums, art galleries, expeditions, and not to mention, the famous Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. London also features a vibrant scene of restaurants, both international and locally owned, as well as quaint bars and wonderful old-fashioned pubs, where you can embrace the nostalgia of old England over a pint.
Honolulu, Hawaii
If you’ve never thought about visiting Honolulu, here are some reasons for reconsideration. Honolulu is renowned for its untouched natural beauty and eco-systems. The beaches are something from a dream, with powdery white sands and such clear waters that you can see the colorful corals dancing below. The shading palm trees sway gently with the ocean breeze as the sun sets over the horizon, filling the skies with strokes of pink, oranges and yellow. Honolulu is home to waterfalls, hiking and various other outdoor recreation.
The island is extremely vibrant in authentic culture. The Polynesian Cultural Center is perhaps the best spot for a cultural tour of Honolulu. You’ll learn how to Hula like the Hawaiians and immerse yourself in recreated cultural villages featuring traditional pork luaus, canoe rides, and ukulele lessons!
Honolulu is also rich in history. One of the most notable historical moments for Honolulu was the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, you can learn all about the surprise attack and one of the most pivotal moments in history, which subsequently ignited World War II.
Wherever you decide to travel to this year, whether it be inspired by one of our vacation ideas for seniors or elsewhere, we hope you enjoy your time and make up for the lost time during the pandemic!
