Active Aging Presented by Public Health Seattle-King County
Retirement is the ultimate chance to sit back, relax, and travel the world.
Unlike most travelers, retirees aren’t bound to work schedules or school calendars. They’re free to explore during the off-season and embrace new opportunities. If you’re wondering how to harness the post-retirement travel bug this year, here are the top destinations you should consider in each of the coming seasons.
Winter
Galleries Galore in Santa Fe
If you’re in the mood for a domestic getaway that won’t break the bank, Santa Fe may be the answer to your winter wanderlust. Santa Fe gets amazing snow — enough to make for great skiing all season — but if you’re not into winter sports or struggle with mobility in the cold, it’s still an enticing vacation destination. The city is most famous for its world-class art scene, which includes remarkable galleries and art museums like the Museum of International Folk Art and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. Late winter visitors can also take advantage of Santa Fe’s annual Restaurant Week to sample some of the city’s unique New Mexican cuisine.
Spring
River Cruising in Europe
If you’ve always wanted to see the best of Europe on one convenient trip, spring is the perfect time to take a river cruise through the continent. A river cruise is ideal for retirees — the ships are smaller than massive ocean liners, there are no rough seas, and passengers are never too far from their next port. While you’ll probably want to explore options through Viking River Cruises (perenially popular with seniors) and AmaWaterways (ideal for a European cruise), there are also plenty of smaller, family-owned cruise companies navigating Europe’s rivers. The Danube and Rhine rivers are the most popular options in Europe, but experienced cruise companies also offer hidden gems like a river cruise of Portugal or a trip through French wine country.
If you’re not ready to commit to a European river cruise, consider trying one of American Cruise Lines’ expeditions and exploring the Mississippi, the Snake or Columbia, the Hudson, and more great American rivers at any time of year.
Summer
Rail Travel in the Rockies
There’s one easy way to beat unbearable summer heat: Escape to the mountains. With its long days and plentiful sunlight, summer is the perfect time to see the Rocky Mountain landscape in full bloom and experience some majestic mountain scenery without leaving the continent. Rail trips will take you anywhere from the Canadian Rockies and the splendor of Glacier National Park to the Utah desert via Colorado’s Rockies. Traveling by train has its advantages for retirees, from Amtrak’s 10% off senior discount to the simple convenience of finding lodging, dining, and incredible views all in one place.
Fall
Road Tripping in the National Parks
The United States’ remarkable national parks are unmissable — and incredibly popular. The most beloved parks draw millions of visitors each year, and many parks are busiest in the summer. Retirement offers the amazing opportunity to visit the parks in the off-season, when families are back in the swing of the school year, and tourists aren’t as plentiful. September and October are perfect for a more relaxed parks experience, and if you want to make the most of the season and hit a few parks at once, it’s easy to plan your own national parks road trip in any part of the U.S. Of course, if you want a slightly more luxurious experience, you can also explore the parks by rail.
Southern Charm in Savannah
Georgia in the summer is sweltering, but Georgia in the fall is just right. Savannah is the perfect spot for a post-retirement fall vacation, and not just because of the weather. A fall visit will land you right between the summer tourist season and the holiday season, and you may snag some lower prices on food and lodging there. The beautiful weather will also give you the chance to see the city’s famed live oaks, Spanish moss, and historic homes in comfort, while Tybee Island is close by for some walks on the beach or a quick dip if it’s unseasonably warm.
Traveling after retirement comes with its own challenges, but scheduling isn’t one of them. Take advantage of your newfound freedom and experience incredible destinations at any time of year.
Active Aging is presented by Public Health- Seattle & King County. Public Health- Seattle & King County recognizes the important and untold stories of innovation, service, and sacrifice by the Black community and supports efforts to improve equity and achieve social justice. We want everyone to get health insurance and access health care. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/health for health insurance, flu and COVID-19 testing locations.
