Trips to Take as Soon as You Retire

Immersive Cultural Journeys For History and Arts Enthusiasts

Thanks to their rich cultural heritage, unique architecture and vibrant artistic traditions, Italy, Japan and Morocco are perfect destinations for retirement travelers eager to be immersed in the history and art worlds of a new destination. 

Italy

Italy is an unparalleled region of the world for art and history lovers for more reasons than one. Boasting world-renowned museums, historic sites and artistic legacies, the boot of Europe has a lot to offer, including the following:

• Renaissance art and architecture: Perhaps one of the most famous art movements in world history, the Renaissance era produced numerous world-class artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, who are still talked about today. Throughout Italy, you can visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel to marvel at some of the best-preserved examples of art and architecture from this time period.
• Ancient history: From the Roman Colosseum to the ruins of Pompeii and the Roman Forum, Italy’s landscape is dotted with ancient ruins that bring visitors back in time to the days of the Roman Empire.
• Hands-on activities: Visitors to Italy can also enjoy hands-on cultural experiences, from traditional glassblowing in Murano to cooking classes in the countryside of Tuscany.

Japan

If you want to retire and travel to a country steeped in art and history, look no further than the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan offers an excellent mix of ancient traditions and contemporary art movements, making it a haven for art and history enthusiasts. Visit ancient temples and castles like Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, Tokyo’s Senso-ji Temple and Himeji Castle, all of which showcase Japan’s prowess as an architectural hub.

You can also visit institutions like the Adachi Museum of Art, where you can learn about Japanese traditions like Ukiyo-e woodblock prints and calligraphy or the Naoshima Art Island and teamLab exhibitions in Tokyo that push the boundaries of immersive and digital art.

Morocco

Moorish architecture, vibrant textiles and handcrafted tiles are reasons why Morocco is a dream for many art and history enthusiasts. Morocco’s art and history are woven into its architecture, traditional crafts and marketplaces, allowing visitors to enjoy a truly immersive cultural experience. Discover Morocco’s layered history, marveling at the intricate tilework and geometric designs of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca or the Alhambra-inspired Bahia Palace in Marrakech.

You can also spend hours wandering the rows of traditional bazaars to shop for Berber rugs, Zellige tiles or intricately hand-painted Safi pottery. From there, you can spend time wandering the medinas of Fes or Marrakech and talk with eccentric storytellers or interact with artisans in souks.

Nature & Wildlife Adventures For the Outdoor & Adventure Lovers

If you’re interested in retiree travel that connects you with nature, the Galápagos Islands, Costa Rica and Machu Picchu are a dream. With more free time to explore, you can take full advantage of the breathtaking vistas, rare wildlife and refreshing atmosphere of these destinations.

Galápagos

Known for their endemic species and untouched landscapes, the Galápagos Islands are an outdoor playground filled with adventure. For many, the Galápagos sound familiar from Charles Darwin, an English naturalist known for his contributions to evolutionary biology after studying finches and other animals in this region. What makes the Galápagos so special is that much of the scenery has been left untouched, so you can see the islands through the same lens as Darwin and other world-famous biologists.

Swim alongside sea lions, hammerhead sharks and marine iguanas in areas like Devil’s Crown or Kicker Rock. You can also hike volcanic trails on Isabela Island or watch giant tortoises in their natural habitat. You can even spot Blue-footed Boobies on the pristine beaches of Española Island.

Costa Rica

One of the best retirement trips is Costa Rica, which introduces you to the pura vida way of life. As a paradise for adventures with everything from lush rainforests to volcanoes and white sand beaches, Costa Rica is the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. You can trek through Arenal Volcano National Park to take in the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.

To get your blood pumping, consider hiking through Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you can go zip lining, spot exotic animals like sloths and toucans or walk across hanging bridges through the lush rainforests. Costa Rica is also the perfect destination for water enthusiasts, whether you want to surface the iconic waves in Tamarindo, kayak through mangroves or go whitewater rafting down the Pacuare River.

Machu Picchu

One of the most iconic vistas in the world is located in Peru. Machu Picchu is an ancient archeological wonder perched high atop the Andes Mountains near the cultural hub of Cusco. Here, you can enjoy a backpacking journey trekking along the Inca Trail through ancient ruins and cloud forests, culminating in a sunrise view over this ancient city. You can take a less crowded trail, such as the Lares Trek, which immerses you in Andean culture for a truly unique experience. Once you reach Machu Picchu, you can explore temples like the Temple of the Sun and historic sites like the Royal Tomb or Intihuatana Stone.

Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences for the Curious Explorers

While popular destinations get their reputation for a reason, you might be interested in retirement trips that feature fewer crowds. Below, you’ll find some hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences not known to many, making for great memories and stories to tell.

In the Heart of the Scottish Highlands

Join us on an adventure to the Scottish Highlands, where you can discover ancient lochs, clan lands, castles and glens. You can find otherworldly rock formations, remote beaches like Sandwood Bay and windswept landscapes throughout the sprawling countryside. As one of the United Kingdom’s last true wilderness areas, the Scottish Highlands are perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility.

Exploring the Wilds of Southern Patagonia

Straddling Chile and Argentina, the cascading mountains of Patagonia are a dream for adventurous retirement travelers. Expert local guides will teach you about flora, fauna, geology and wildlife, where rugged landscapes meet dramatic cliffs and penguin colonies. An adventure to Patagonia brings you to glacial fjords, temperate rainforests and turquoise rivers for one of the most picturesque travel experiences you can imagine.

The Best of India: Treasures from the North and the South

Beyond the bustling cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in the Golden Triangle in the north, retiree travel to India brings you off the beaten path to lesser-known regions for an immersive experience you’ll never forget. Make your way through the bayou-like Kerala backwaters in the south, or explore spice plantations and tea factories to discover the birth of worldwide delicacies. 

Where the Wild Things Are: Tanzania with Your Family

Retirement travel to Tanzania offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spot the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants and African buffalo. An African safari is an unforgettable adventure you and your family will enjoy, bringing you through the Serengeti to learn about the various ecosystems and wildlife.

Learning by Water For Relaxed, Scenic Travel

Interested in exploring the world from a unique vantage point? Explore by boat to spend your retirement travel learning by the water. Consider some of these unique programs:

• Floating Campus: Sign up for an inquisitive learning experience aboard a comfortable cruise ship to partake in onboard lectures and educational activities.
• Road Scholar exclusive voyages: Find exclusive voyages and team up with fellow passengers to discover new areas of the world by water.
• Ocean voyages: Join an ocean cruise that docks at some of the world’s most famous ports with world-class onboard amenities.
• Expedition ship: Board a rugged expedition ship that brings you up close to natural wonders and wildlife across the world.
• Small ship: Take a small ship adventure that can navigate narrower marinas to bring you to more secluded areas of the world.
• River barge: Access key ports larger ships can’t navigate on a river barge down the Mekong River, Holland’s many canals and beyond.
• Riverboat: Enjoy a riverboat cruise down some of the world’s most important waterways, from the Mississippi to the Seine.
• Grandparent Adventures Afloat programs: Enjoy a senior-friendly floating adventure designed for all abilities and interests.

The Best Time to Travel Is Now

There are countless benefits of lifelong learning through travel in retirement. At Road Scholar, our expertly curated programs ensure seamless, enriching travel experiences in nearly every area of the world. From joining a diverse cohort of lifelong learners to gaining knowledge from expert guides, you can find retirement trips designed for your interests and ability level in our experiential learning programs. Start your retirement travel adventure today!