Imagine shimmying down a mountain, galavanting through a forest and riding into the sunset. If these conjure images of adventure in your mind, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ve rounded up seven fun and exciting travel destinations for over 50s that will take you to all four corners of the globe. Ready for your next adventure? Buckle up!
Costa Rica
Famous for its dense jungles thrumming with wildlife, tranquil waterfalls, and dramatic volcanoes, Costa Rica has a rich biodiversity with plenty to do beyond just hitting the beach. High season, between December and April, is the best time to visit, when you can take full advantage of outdoor activities such as hiking, jungle exploring, whale spotting and soaking up the sunshine.
New Zealand
New Zealand may be small but it is certainly mighty. From the top of the North Island right down to the tip of South Island, it’s a destination for those who want to really explore the great outdoors without having to rough it too much. There are innumerable panoramic views, stunning landscapes and an abundance of activities that will show you New Zealand’s nature at its very best, such as hiking, cycling, canoeing and climbing. Aside from outward-bound adventures, you’ll also be able to enjoy New Zealand’s laid-back lifestyle as well as its rich Māori culture.
Italy
Italy is a great destination for those who want to experience the best of European culture without having to travel too far from home. From exploring ancient ruins in Rome to taking a leisurely gondola ride through Venice’s canals, Italy is a place where history mingles with the everyday and delicious food can be found on every corner. Our best advice? Go with an appetite and venture through Tuscany in search of the region’s delicacies. Or visit Naples to learn about where pizza came from. For those looking for a culture fix, head to Florence and take in the Uffizi gallery as well as the city’s many ornately decorated churches. Italy’s climate also makes it a perfect place to experience all year round – head to the Dolomites for plenty of fresh snow in the winter or venture south to Puglia in the summer and soak up the sun.
India
India is not for the faint of heart. It can be overwhelming but for travellers with an adventurous spirit, it can be an eye-opening and fulfilling holiday destination. Here, you can explore ancient temples in Varanasi or get lost in the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. This is a country brimming with vibrant culture and cuisine, wonderful people, sensational scenery and spirituality that you can’t help but be swept up by. Whether you want to take part in yoga classes on the beach or take a cooking class with local chefs, or perhaps trekking through the jungle in search of Bengal tigers is more your bag? This vast country offers a diverse and heady mix of adventures.
South Africa
South Africa really does have it all. A holiday here promises sensational scenery, a diverse food culture, unparalleled wildlife and plenty of sunshine. It’s a beautiful country to visit at any time of the year but to see the very best wildlife, book your trip during the dry season (May-September) when you’re most likely to see the Big Five and other animals roaming.
Particularly, in Kruger, Addo Elephant National Park and Phinda National Parks to the north of the country.
Elsewhere, you can visit the Western Cape to catch a glimpse of humpback whales. Hermanus is a specific spot known as South Africa’s top spot for seeing whales and from here, you can often see them breaching close to the shore. And in Cape Town, you’ll find a rich mix of culture and delicious cuisine, all framed by the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain.
Canada
Canada is no shrinking violet. It’s a vast country offering plenty of opportunities for adventure as well as relaxation. Here you can hike up mountains, gaze over glistening glacial lakes, immerse yourself in vibrant city life and feel the almost ghostly silence among one of the country’s many forests. It’s an exciting place to visit for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.
Australia
Australia’s mix of outback, rainforests, beaches and culturally thriving cities never fail to entice travellers. This exciting combination of highlights guarantees travellers will find something to suit their interests and tastes. Whether you’re looking for relaxation on a beach-hopping trip through the Whitsunday Islands or eager to explore the Red Centre and its aboriginal traditions, Australia offers travellers over 50 all kinds of adventures. Nature aside, you’ll also find lots to do in its vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne as well as quaint towns like Byron Bay and Noosa. Just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen!
Conclusion
There are plenty of exciting destinations out there. Some are far-flung and others are closer to home but they’re all just waiting to be explored by travellers over 50. From exploring lush rainforests in Costa Rica or discovering ancient ruins in Italy, it’s up to you to book the adventure that excites you the most. For more information about fun and exciting travel destinations for travellers over 50, we’re here to help. Simply call us on: 0800 412 5678.
