For many people, the thrill of traveling has been put on the back burner due to work responsibilities and the hefty price tag. Boomers are now retiring and enjoying the benefits of seeing the world.
If you’re a Boomer wanting to venture out of your comfort zone, these are some places other people your age have fallen in love with. How many of these countries are on your vacation bucket list? You might have to add a few after reviewing this article.
1. Rome, Italy
Rome is on the list of destinations for many travelers, young and older. The city has a fascinating blend of romantic cafes and ancient history spanning multiple centuries.
Tourists enjoy days spent touring the many sites, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Sistine Chapel. Nights can include a traditional Italian dinner, gelato, and some of the finest wine in Europe. All in all, you can’t go wrong with spending a week in Rome.
2. Tuscany, Italy
Boomers rave about the Tuscany region for those who wish to extend their stay in Italy. You will find yourself lost in the gorgeous countryside filled with rolling hills, 100-year-old buildings, and all the wine you could ask for.
Wine country is perfect for a day trip or a relaxing weekend away from the bigger cities like Florence and Sienna. You can spend your days taking a pasta-making class, sipping wine, or strolling the medieval streets and restaurants. It is a fantastic way to soak in the old-world vibes of Italy.
3. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is another Boomer destination recommendation. This coastal town is known for its slower pace of life, which is much easier when you are greeted by the kiss of the warm Mediterranean sun.
If the thought of eating fresh seafood while seated on a balcony overlooking the ocean stirs your soul, this is the vacation spot for you.
4. Vienna, Austria
Boomers have flocked to this Eastern European city for decades to admire its breathtaking architecture, music halls, and mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises over the Danube River. Vienna is one of the most walkable cities in all of Europe, making it the ideal place to explore at your leisure.
The city is known for its coffee and pastries, and many tourists enjoy an afternoon sampling the many bakeries and relaxing in the local parks. Be sure to book a river tour for an intimate journey through this beautiful city.
5. Banff, Canada
If Banff, Canada, isn’t on the nature lover’s radar, it definitely should be. Just across the Canadian and Montana border, in Alberta, this national park is home to some of the most pristine lakes in the world. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, will leave you in awe. The perfectly turquoise water is a nature photographer’s dream.
The park caters to nature enthusiasts who love to hike, cycle, and fish, as well as those who just want to enjoy the peace of nature and maybe take a spa day.
6. Australia
Australia seems so far away that many people forget to add it to their bucket list. But those who have visited testify that the “Land Down Under” should be high on your list of places to travel.
The country is massive, so I decided to focus on Sydney and Melbourne, two of the more touristy cities. Here, you can visit the famous Opera House, hang out with koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, and cruise along the harbor for an epic sunset. Also, don’t forget to see the Great Barrier Reef before it’s too late.
Both cities have gorgeous beaches, endless nightlife, and world-class restaurants.
7. Dublin, Ireland
The United States is a melting pot, and many of our population have Irish ancestry. For many of these people, seeing their ancestral homeland has always been a dream. Now that boomers are mostly retired, Dublin has seen an uptick in the number of them visiting their country.
Whether you want to see the castles or the rolling green hills, Dublin has something for everyone. The people are friendly and are always glad to share a pint at one of their many pubs. Be sure to visit the Guinness Brewery and Jameson Distillery to fully immerse yourself in the Irish drinking culture.
8. Reykjavík, Iceland
Iceland has become a hot spot for younger world travelers in the past decade, but boomers should also consider exploring this island nation. It features some of the world’s most interesting terrain and offers a window to see the aurora borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Many travelers choose to take in the nighttime show while relaxing in the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with 102-degree milky-blue water that is said to be excellent for the skin. The city has multiple 5-star hotels and resorts catering to a relaxing, recharging vacation you will never forget.
9. Egypt
Egypt is a country that, for many, is shrouded in mystery. We all grew up learning about the ancient civilization and how it shaped the modern world. And, of course, there is the Great Pyramids, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
This is a Bucket List destination, for sure. How many opportunities will you have to see the pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the iconic Nile River?
10. Alaskan Cruise
Some boomers might enjoy the convenience and luxury of an all-inclusive cruise. One of the more popular cruises is a trip up to Alaska, the Last Frontier.
These cruises leave out the planning and allow passengers to get up close and personal with orcas and humpback whales migrating along the magnificent glaciers and forest-lined shorelines. It’s an excellent way to combine a wildlife adventure and enjoy all the amenities of an elegant hotel room.
11. The Greek Islands
There are very few places in the world that offer ancient ruins, rich history, and immaculate beaches. The Greek islands offer all these, and vacationers have flocked to them for years.
Destinations like Santorini and Mykonos are famous for their striking views, archaeological sites, and nightlife that will make you feel young again. You can spend your days lounging on the beach or in a spa while spending the night enjoying fine-dining restaurants and a nice adult beverage or two.
12. London, United Kingdom
Boomers love London and the neighboring cities due to the convenience of sharing the same language. This makes it an ideal vacation spot for newer travelers who might be intimidated by a language and culture barrier.
There are plenty of sites to see. Have your camera ready for the famous Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, The London Eye, and Westminster Abbey. There are also many live theater performances, 5-star restaurants, football games, and trips to nearby cities like Liverpool, Cambridge, and Manchester.
13. Barcelona, Spain
Whatever you’re looking for in a vacation spot, Barcelona has it all. It has a rich cultural history and stylish architecture, a bustling street life, and delicious national cuisine.
Nicknamed “el mar y la montaña” (the sea and the mountains), the city is unique for its blend of the beach and the mountains. Visitors can spend a day hiking and skiing in the Spanish mountains before returning to their hotel to catch a sunset over the ocean.
14. Kenya
For the adventure-seeking boomers, there might be no better destination than a real-life African safari. Kenya is home to some of the most significant national parks where wildlife can be seen in an intimate setting.
National parks like Masai Mara Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Samburu National Reserve offer exhilarating tours of wild elephant herds, The Great Wildebeest Migration, hot-air balloon rides, and close encounters with lions, hyenas, cheetahs, zebras, rhinos, and giraffes.
15. Paris, France
Paris is one of the most popular destinations for travelers of all ages. It is a prime spot for vacations for boomers who are finally getting the time to travel.
With sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, it’s easy to fall in love with the city. Is there a better place for a second honeymoon or rekindle a romance? Couples will love the fine wine, fine art, and incredible restaurants as they explore this European city.
