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. With the youngest baby boomers turning 59 this year, and the first group around age 77, most members of that influential cohort are likely retired or semi-retired. According to AARP’s 2022 Travel Trends survey, the majority of travelers over age 50 (67 percent) planned to travel in 2022, taking at least four trips throughout the year. Moreover, since 2023 has brought record-breaking travel numbers, it’s likely that even more boomers are hitting the road this year.

The AARP survey also indicated that, despite lingering worry about the spread of COVID-19, 77 percent of travelers feel it’s safe enough to vacation. Moreover, while older travelers were more likely to plan a domestic trip last year, about 43 percent of people ages 50 and up planned to travel both within the U.S. and abroad.

If you’re among the retirees ready to get away, your options are vast and varied. With your job in the rearview mirror, and the open highway ahead, how about a road trip? This may appeal to you if you’ve been longing for the freedom of getting behind the wheel and taking off. Alternatively, a luxurious resort destination may let you recover without lifting a finger. Moreover, if you’re looking for a trip to the other side of the world, there’s no problem.

Once you realize you have the time, energy, and travel budget, the next step is to begin planning. Whether you seek rest or excitement, solitude or crowds, low cost or luxury, here are some ideas for retirement travel.

01. Blue Ridge Parkway

Billed as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this spectacular 469-mile route joins Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Take as much or as little time as you want on this scenic ride, which averages between 3,000 and 4,000 feet in elevation. Delight in extraordinary views from roadside pullover areas, or hike a few of the 80-plus trails. From campgrounds to upscale log homes, ample lodging is available, and you can revel in traditional music, vibrant culture, biking, history, nature, and even golf along the way.

In Asheville, North Carolina, explore the majestic Biltmore Estate, created in 1895 by George Vanderbilt. Self-guided tours take guests through the 250-room house and garden, described as a “time travel experience.” You can spend the night at the Estate’s hotel, called The Inn, or in your own cottage. All the information you need to plan your excursion can be found on the Blue Ridge Parkway website, plus they offer a smartphone app that includes scenic and historic sites, lodging, and activities to guide you along the way.

02. Rocky Mountaineer

Looking 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. Subsequently, you’ll board the Rocky Mountaineer and travel British Columbia’s Sea-to-Sky Corridor on your way to the resort town of Whistler. The adventure continues as you wind your way through farmland and stunning canyons en route to Quesnel, then to Jasper National Park for a leisure day. On your route to Lake Louise, travel via the scenic Icefields Parkway, where you can ride an Ice Explorer to the middle of Athabasca Glacier. Upon arriving at Lake Louise, ample time will be yours to explore before heading to Banff and back to Vancouver via Kamloops. For more Rocky Mountaineer itinerary options, click here.

03. Australia

With a flight time between 16 and 21 hours from the U.S. and a vast area to explore, a visit to Australia, iBestTravel‘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 and then view 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’re feeling energetic and ready for an adventure. For a close encounter with Australia’s unique wildlife, Kangaroo Island’s nature reserve presents the opportunity to see koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, fur seals, penguins, and kookaburras.

For enthusiasts of marine wildlife, the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland is a living spectacle filled with countless species of colorful fish, mollusks, starfish, turtles, dolphins, and sharks. Melbourne’s Great Ocean Road, at the southeastern tip of Australia, offers rugged seashore views, jagged cliffs, sandy beaches, and the dense Otway rainforest. Furthermore, don’t overlook Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, characterized by its picturesque river and crossed by the Story Bridge.

Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Yarra River in Melbourne for panoramic views of the city’s landmarks and skyline. Remember, seasons differ in the Southern Hemisphere, so most travelers to southern Australia time their visit during their summer, from November through March.

04. Southeast Asia River Cruise

If this part of the world is new to you, a river cruise offers adventure, luxury, and convenience, with all arrangements made for you. Several companies, including AmaWaterways, provide Mekong River cruises that stop in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. This 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 Reap.

With an extension, you’ll enjoy a few days in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, where a blend of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers awaits. 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, 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, you’ll board your river ship for the seven-day Mekong River cruise.

05. China

So far away and with such a vast expanse of land (and several major cities) to explore, China may have been a destination you waited to visit. Now that you have the time, it’s the perfect opportunity.

Start your trip in Hong Kong, where you’ll find excellent shopping, delicious dining, and stunning views of the skyline and harbor from the top of Victoria Peak. Ride the Star Ferry to Kowloon to see more of the iconic harbor.

Next, fly to Beijing, China’s imperial capital, where you can view historic Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the world’s largest surviving ancient palace complex. Walk along a portion of the 4,000-mile-long Great Wall, enjoying panoramic views and contemplating its role in China’s long history. A short flight to Xi’an will bring you to the wondrous Terracotta Army, over 7,000 life-sized clay sculptures of warriors and horses buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Your next stop may be Shanghai, China’s largest city and financial center, where you can stroll along the Bund, its famed waterfront promenade lined with colonial-era buildings. Ensure you sample the specialty xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at various restaurants claiming to offer the best. You can be the judge of that.

06. Egypt

If you’re fascinated by the ancient civilization of Egypt and have always wanted to see the pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Nile, this could be the time to finalize your plans. The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to open in early 2024, showcasing over 100,000 artifacts, with about 20,000 on display, including 5,400 objects retrieved from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Even if you usually travel on your own, considering a well-planned group excursion that takes care of transfers, entry tickets, meals, tours, and other arrangements may be worthwhile. For example, Adventures by Disney offers 10-day trips to Egypt that simplify planning. The itinerary includes a visit to the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx, snorkeling in the Red Sea via private yacht, and a three-night cruise on the Nile. A papyrus-making demonstration and a hieroglyphics workshop is also part of this enriching experience.

07. Scottsdale, Arizona

If your goal is to be spoiled and rejuvenated in luxurious surroundings, Scottsdale has numerous great hotel options for you. The Andaz features suites and bungalows, and for even more privacy, the retreat’s secluded cluster of bungalows has its own swimming pool. Hotel Valley Ho, faithfully restored with contemporary comforts and mid-century modern style, welcomes guests with classic furnishings that will take you back to the 1950s.

Scottsdale is about 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, allowing you to start relaxing right away upon landing. When you’re sufficiently restored and ready to explore the city, you’ll find walkable Old Town’s art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and craft breweries to be convenient and enjoyable. Be on the lookout for One-Eyed Jack, a huge stylized jackrabbit — just one example of Scottsdale’s commitment to public art.

The Museum of the West exhibits an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculpture, artifacts, ceramics, photography, and drawings. Meanwhile, the fascinating Museum of Contemporary Art features a variety of installations, paintings, photography, and videos. Visitors should be sure to explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, his winter home and architecture school. Tours reveal not only the home and furnishings but also much about Wright’s life and personality.

08. Iceland and the Northern Lights

What travel wish list doesn’t include seeing the aurora borealis? The challenge with getting a good look at the mysterious northern lights is that they do not appear on schedule. Nevertheless, certain times of year (September through March) are better for viewing, especially with the long winter nights. Travelers also need to avoid nights with bright moonlight. Now that you have time to wait patiently for the spectacular show in the sky, why not plan a trip to Iceland?

While there, don’t miss the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a day visit or stay in one of the hotels, such as the Silica Hotel or the five-star luxury Retreat Hotel. The 102-degree milky blue water is said to be excellent for the skin, with the scenery and unique waters making it Iceland’s most-visited attraction. You might even be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the northern lights while luxuriating in the warm lagoon water.

Hotel Ranga, a family-owned boutique that celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, is a popular accommodation for those waiting to see the northern lights. Their on-site observatory, outdoor hot tubs, aurora alert service, cozy rooms, gourmet meals, and warm hospitality make the anticipation both relaxing and enjoyable.

09. 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 trip to Ireland will fit that bill.

Begin in Dublin, where you can visit Trinity College to admire its architecture and ancient manuscripts, the prison-turned-museum Kilmainham Gaol to hear about Ireland’s storied history, and the Guinness Storehouse to pour a proper pint while enjoying a 360-degree view of the city. Join a pub crawl to experience traditional Irish music while savoring the lively bar atmosphere.

Other delightful cities worth exploring 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. Consider staying in a castle like Adare Manor, Dromoland Castle, or Carton House.

The seaport town of Cobh in County Cork was the Titanic’s departure point, and a tour of the White Star Line ticket office makes for 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 — which can be confusing, especially with a standard shift car. Opting for an automatic vehicle or driver may enhance comfort and safety during your journey.

10. Sicily

This island just off Italy’s toe presents an exciting locale for those seeking ancestral towns. Plus, you can explore it while savoring the perfect cannoli or pasta alla Norma. Many Italian-Americans trace their roots back to Sicily due to migrations that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Palermo, Sicily’s capital, is a lively city brimming with colorful outdoor markets, spectacular cathedrals, and delectable street food, including fried rice balls called arancini. Enjoy them alongside Sicilian wines, many sourced from vineyards near Mount Etna, Sicily’s active volcano.

Unique and inviting cities along Sicily’s coastline and in its interior provide something for everyone, including ancient ruins in Agrigento, Siracusa, Selinunte, and Taormina — testaments to a rich history influenced by Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and others.

Miles of beautiful 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 opt to rent a car, note that main highways are generally in good condition and well-marked. However, be cautious, as highways can have fast speeds, and Sicilian drivers tend to enjoy tailgating. Within cities, narrow streets and limited parking can pose challenges, so look for public parking on the outskirts of towns in a parcheggio.

11. Costa Rica

Looking for pura vida? This motto, meaning “Enjoy life and be happy,” resonates deeply in this Central American country for many reasons. A variety of environments, including rainforests, jungles, Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, volcanoes, and hot springs create a fascinating place to visit.

Wildlife enthusiasts can observe monkeys, sloths, wildcats, whales, reptiles, and sea turtles in their natural habitats. After a day of hiking, diving, surfing, golfing, or exploring nature, you can unwind on an unspoiled beach or in a lush rainforest.

Five-star hotels and luxurious resorts are located throughout the country, offering you varying environments to find what pura vida means to you. In Guanacaste, the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal is situated directly on Playa Conchal’s sandy shores. In the heart of Costa Rica’s rainforest, Playa Cativo Lodge is an upscale beachfront property accessible solely by boat. Nayara Gardens, positioned at the edge of Arenal Volcano National Park, offers unobstructed views of the volcano.

Costa Rica is served by 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 options when planning your hotel stay.

12. Africa

If you’ve always wanted to visit Africa, whether for adventure, wildlife exploration, or photography, now is the perfect time. Are you thrilled by the prospect of witnessing the Great Migration, during which millions of antelope, wildebeest, and zebras travel from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of grazing grounds?

There are numerous ways to experience Africa, from staying at a luxury lodge and exploring via day trips, to joining an arranged safari across multiple locations. Walking safaris by The Bushcamp Company, with camps in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park and Mfuwe Lodge, allow you to observe giraffes, hippos, elephants, and antelopes at the Lodge’s lagoon.

Consider a luxury lodge or elegant tented camp near Kruger National Park in South Africa, such as those offered by andBeyond, particularly in the Ngala Private Game Reserve, where you have a chance to see rare white lion cubs. Alternatively, the all-inclusive Kenya Wildlife Safari features a 14-day itinerary with nine game drives, a visit to Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans’ Nursery, a Zambezi River cruise, and much more.

With multigenerational travel becoming increasingly popular, consider inviting younger family members or others to join you. Adventures by Disney offers a 10-day South Africa trip that begins in Cape Town, with stops at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Knysna Elephant Park, Kapama Game Reserve, and various other exciting locations.

13. Israel

History buffs, religious enthusiasts, and those keen on current events will appreciate touring this tiny country, roughly the size of New Jersey. Tourism is on the rise, and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority has created the Israel Pass, providing discounts and easier access to national parks, nature reserves, and historical attractions.

Your first stop should be Tel Aviv, known for its beaches, vibrant clubs, and thriving arts community. Consider staying at The Norman, a boutique hotel situated in a luxuriously restored historic building. While in Tel Aviv, don’t miss the Carmel Market, the city’s most popular, known for unique textiles, spices, herbs, tea, and fresh food.

Less than an hour’s drive north is Caesarea, a coastal town that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean alongside Roman ruins dating back to its days as the region’s largest port. No visit to Israel would be complete without exploring Jerusalem, a sacred city for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. See the iconic Dome of the Rock shrine, Jerusalem’s most recognizable landmark, and an example of Islamic architecture. Visit other significant sites, such as the crucifixion location, the Temple Mount, and the Western Wall.

For an exquisite experience, consider dining or having a cocktail at the magnificent King David Hotel, which offers stunning views of Old Jerusalem. A variety of tour groups and pricing options make visiting Israel both convenient and memorable. Pro tip: consider concierge service to streamline your transfer from Ben Gurion Airport.

14. United States Coast-to-Coast Road Trip

“See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet!” You might recognize this classic line, which continues to provide solid advice for travelers with ample time on their hands.

There are so many sights to see and numerous routes to traverse across America. Of course, you can take Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles. For nostalgia, picturesque small towns, quirky landmarks, and breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, this route is unmatched. Begin or end your journey at the Santa Monica Pier, the western terminus of the legendary road. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the “Santa Monica 66 – End of the Trail” sign.

Alternatively, consider the southern route connecting San Diego, California, and Savannah, Georgia. This journey will take you through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. You can also cut across the middle along Route 50, which links Maryland with northern California, presenting views of the Sierra Nevada, Appalachian, and Rocky Mountains, along with picturesque deserts, plains, and farmland. Washington, D.C., the world’s tallest arch in St. Louis, and Lake Tahoe are other magnificent highlights to experience along this route.

So, grab a map and a traveling partner as you plan your cross-country adventure. Renting a vehicle one-way while flying back could prove to be just the ticket.

15. Around-the-World Cruise

Do you have the luxury of time to be away for weeks or even months? What about a substantial travel budget? If so, you might be ideal for an around-the-world cruise.

Seabourn offers its 2024 World Cruise: Extraordinary Horizons, a 145-day voyage featuring visits to 72 ports and destinations across 28 countries. Departing from Los Angeles, the voyage travels east to west, visiting the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, and more before concluding in Piraeus, Greece.

Crystal Cruises has already announced its 2025 World Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona. This 123-night journey stops in 31 countries, including Belize, Peru, Argentina, South Africa, and the Maldives. Remember, you can book just a segment of this grand voyage if you prefer.

Meanwhile, the new Viking World Journey spans 121 days across 23 countries. Silversea’s 2025 World Cruise begins in Tokyo and lasts 136 days, during which the vessel Silver Dawn will visit 59 ports in 30 countries before completing its journey in New York.

Hopefully, these examples will inspire you to consider your own epic voyage. Cruise enthusiasts cherish the idea of having all arrangements made for them, staying in luxurious staterooms, meeting fellow world travelers, and unpacking only once.