For many, retiring is an opportunity to travel for longer and further than they felt able to while their career was in full swing. Of course, it often takes some careful planning in the years beforehand to decide what goals you want to tick off first. So where are your perfect holiday destinations?

It’s a great time to look around for ideas and decide which countries you want to see first. 

After more inspiration? See our top five holiday ideas for older travellers

Japan 

A trip to Japan rarely disappoints. This country is in a completely different world, a blend of technological sophistication with ancient charm. Tokyo is extremely clean, orderly and full of quirky new experiences, like themed cafes. An Alice in Wonderland café, Shaun the Sheep café and Harry Potter café are all in the vicinity, to name a few. 

Other cities to include in your trip to Japan are Kyoto – the capital of the country before Tokyo – and Osaka. Here you’ll find many beautiful historic temples and castles, the most representative of which is Osaka Castle, a stunning building surrounded by a garden that boasts over 600 cherry trees and a tea house. 

New Zealand

New Zealand is a natural paradise that never ceases to amaze. Geysers, hot springs and volcanic landscape come together to offer you endless stunning panoramas. Why not also take a boat tour through the spectacular Waitomo glow worm caves?

New Zealand is such a remote destination that many people don’t feel they have time to cross it off the bucket list when they’re working full-time. Retirement could be the ideal opportunity.

Italy 

Although the most touristy cities are busy all year round, the lakes in northern Italy offer a quieter experience. It’s hard to find a destination that rivals the romance and escapism of the Italian lakes.

Just south of the Alps, there’s Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda, among others. The climate here is mild, so you’ll see plenty of olive trees and Mediterranean cypress trees. Sail on the lakes and sip wine to your heart’s content on an evening.

France 

If wine is your thing, you’ve got to take a trip to France. The region of Bordeaux forms the largest fine wine vineyard in the world, and there are five wine routes you can follow to get the most out of it. Elsewhere in France, you can also take the Burgundy wine route, Champagne wine route and Provence wine route.

France is also dotted with fairytale landscapes and castles to explore. To get the best of the climate and relax in the sunshine, don’t miss out on a stay in the French Riviera. 

Iceland

Everyone should see the northern lights at least once, if they can. Though they don’t always appear on schedule, it’s worth visiting Iceland between September and April to try. It’s very easy to take tours out into the Icelandic countryside and see volcanoes, stunning waterfalls, geysers and glaciers. 

Base yourself in the most northerly capital city in the world, Reykjavik, and explore this perfectly contained city. It’s a highly walkable area of boutiques, heritage museums and seafood restaurants. Ascend Hallgrimskirkja for a panoramic view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s never too late to see countries you’ve always wanted to see! Don’t be afraid to branch out and go somewhere completely new once you’ve retired.

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Now seeing the end of 2022, you’re probably looking at planning your trips for 2023. So, we’ve collected a round-up of the top 20 lifetime travel experiences to give you some inspiration. 

Before we start

Travel is back! The world is slowly starting to open again for some well-deserved travel experiences and adventures. Silver Magazine and Travel Department want to help you fall in love with travel again in 2022 and 2023.  Travel Department is delighted to offer readers of Silver Magazine an exclusive code to use on a fantastic range of 2022 & 2023 holidays. 

SAVE £75pp* on any holiday of 8 nights or more. Use promo code: SMAG75

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If you have any questions, or would simply like to learn more about their wonderful destinations, why not give one of their brilliant team a call on 0117 911 7019

1. Iceland – See the Northern Lights

Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, is full of natural wonders and it offers one of the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Visit Iceland and see volcanic landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls and relax in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

2. Visit Lake Bled in Slovenia

Could there be a more postcard-perfect place than Lake Bled? Discover Slovenia and see its most iconic sight in the heart of the Julian Alps.

3. Take a Jeep Ride in Wadi Rum

This is one of the many highlights on a trip to Jordan. The Wadi Rum desert, or ‘The Valley of the Moon’, in Jordan is full of incredible rock formations and sand dunes. It was also used as a filming location for the classic film ‘Lawrence of Arabia.’

4. Experience an African Safari

A top travel experience in Africa is to search for the Big Five in Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa.

5. Go with the flow on a river cruise

Sail along the Danube, Rhine or Seine on a river cruise holiday; it’s one of the best and most relaxing ways to discover some of the highlights of Europe.

6. Visit La Alhambra

The UNESCO listed monument complex of La Alhambra, with its magnificent palaces, patios and gardens, is one of the best attractions in Spain to see.

7. Explore Old Havana in a classic American car

The classic 1950’s cars are famously associated with Cuba; from 1959 to 2013 there was an import ban on cars into the country. Havana’s official nickname is ‘Ciudad de la Columnas’ or the City of Columns, due to its Colonial architecture. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and we think on your Cuba holiday that the best way to explore this historic city is by vintage car!

8. See the mighty Iguazu Falls

There are a total of 275 waterfalls that make up the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site Iguazu Falls. Discover this incredible wonder of nature on a guided Brazil and Argentina tour.

9. Step back in time to Ancient Egypt

The best way to see all the top sights in Egypt is to take a guided holiday. Visit the Pyramids of Giza before embarking on a cruise down the Nile and discover more historical treasure troves of Ancient Egypt, such Luxor and Aswan.

10. See Mount Teide

One of the highlights of Tenerife is Mount Teide, the third tallest volcanic structure in the world. The volcano is located in Teide National Park, which was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007.

11. Explore Valletta

On one of TD’s holidays to Malta, you can visit its capital Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage City due to its incredible historic buildings dating back to the 16th century. It’s one of Europe’s smallest capitals so it can easily be explored by foot.

12. Sail around Ha Long Bay

Hạ Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stunning natural wonder, means “descending dragon” and is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s just one of the many highlights of Vietnam.

13. See the Taj Mahal

A trip to India isn’t complete without visiting the mighty Taj Mahal. One of the new seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum in the Indian city of Agra. The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan commissioned this iconic building to house the tomb of his favourite wife.

14. Go to the smallest country in the world

On a guided Rome holiday you can visit Vatican City, see St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where you will be amazed by Michelangelo’s most famous masterpiece.

15. Fjords of Norway

Explore the Fjords in Norway, the country’s stunning landscape has attracted tourists for many years, from the snow-capped mountains, glaciers to waterfalls. A cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nærøyfjord is an unforgettable experience.

16. Learn more about Ancient Greece

The land where civilisation began, a holiday in Greece can offer historical sites and archaeological wonders. See the Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking Athens and visit Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece.

17. Admire the artwork in the Hermitage

It’s been estimated that it would take a visitor more than 10 years to view the entire art collection in the Hermitage Museum! On our guided tours to Russia, you can visit Moscow and St Petersburg; both of these cities are unique in their own way.

18. Enjoy a Pastel de nata in Lisbon

The Pastel de nata, a tasty pastry, was created in Lisbon! Portugal’s capital has a fascinating heritage, the city itself is extremely beautiful. With stunning pastel-coloured buildings, neoclassic architecture and mosaic-paved streets. It’s one of the best places in Portugal to visit.

19. Try your luck at Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo Casino opened in 1863, making it 156 years old. You can enjoy a day trip to Monaco, one of the smallest countries in the world, and get a taste of glitz and glamour as part of a Cannes & the Côte d’Azur holiday.

20. Explore Pompeii

A visit to Pompeii will provide an incredible insight into Roman life. This ancient Roman city was buried and largely preserved under ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Enjoy a half day excursion to this fascinating site on TD’s Sorrento Coast, Pompeii & Capri tour.

About Travel Department

Silver Magazine chooses its partners very carefully, and Travel Department is no exception. With nearly 30 years’ experience perfecting tours to around 140 destinations worldwide, Travel Department’s escorted holidays typically include flights, accommodation, transfers, and guided tours. They carefully plan your trip, so you experience the best holiday highlights accompanied by a friendly local guide.

They offer a wide range of guided group holidays from city breaks or solo travel to active and adventure holidays (including walking, yoga and photography holidays) with their sister brand, TD active Holidays.

With multiple departure airports across the UK, you can fly from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. In Northern Ireland they fly from Belfast (plus Dublin and Cork) and for passengers from the South they depart from Bristol and a range of London airports.

The mood is upbeat, friendly, and inclusive, where everyone feels welcome.

Travel Department’s escorted holidays typically include flights, accommodation, transfers, and guided tours. They carefully plan your trip, so you experience the best holiday highlights accompanied by a friendly local guide. With Travel Department you see more!

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

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