5 Unique Vacation Ideas For The Newly Retired

Ah, retirement: the ultimate goal of every hard-working citizen in the world.

It’s going to be a beautiful time in your life. With your labor-intensive years in the rearview mirror, you can look forward to filling your future with fun and relaxation.

Since you worked so hard to get here, you deserve a vacation. But not just any vacation.

The basic tourist attractions are things you could have done during your annual vacation time as an employee. Now that you’re retired, you deserve better. Go somewhere unique that your friends have never visited!

Grab your passport and suitcase and get ready. We’re going to discuss some unique vacation ideas for the newly retired.

1. Big Sur, California

Not everyone is ready to cross the ocean right after they retire. If you’d prefer to stay on your own continent, there are plenty of places waiting to be explored.

Big Sur, CA is known for its majestic beauty. This region extends for miles along the coast, offering views of both mountains and beaches.

Most people have to decide whether they want a mountainside or oceanview vacation, but in Big Sur, you can have both.

Without a deadline, retired visitors often take their trailers on a road trip and camp at the RV resorts along the coast. If you’d rather stay in a hotel, there’s no shortage of them here.

With no itinerary to meet, you can spend your days walking along the Pacific waters. It’s the perfect place to hike, learn how to surf, or simply relax by the ocean.

Beyond the splendor of the mountains and beaches, you’ll find even more magnificence. The redwood canyons are visible through parts of the upper Big Sur coastline. The views are unreal.

Animal lovers will enjoy searching for wildlife in the crisp, blue water. Seals are frequent visitors, and you may even be able to spot whales in the distance.

Dogs are welcome in many of the nearby restaurants and shops, so feel free to bring Fido with you!

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

For many people, the idea of taking a trip to the Grand Canyon sounds silly. Besides peering over the ledge and taking a few pictures, what are you supposed to do?

Well, as a newly-retired adventurer, there’s loads of fun to be had!

Grand Canyon National Park is a well-kept secret. The average person imagines this wonder of the world to be a huge hole in the ground, but in actuality, it’s so much more.

The park itself is an entire community hidden in the forests high above the canyon. It’s self-sufficient, with its own hotels, shops, schools, and public transportation.

Campers can relax in the primitive forest or head to a luxurious hotel. Pedestrians may find themselves face-to-face, or face-to-chest, with the elk that wander freely through the area.

If the view of the ancient canyon isn’t enough for you, you can join a tour group or book a permit and explore the trails yourself.

And if you grow tired of all the hiking and outdoor activities, Las Vegas is only a few hours away!

3. Mauritius

In the middle of the Indian Ocean lies a little-known island nation called Mauritius. As a vacation spot, this tiny country easily competes with destinations like Hawaii and Jamaica.

Full of beauty and awe-inspiring scenery, Mauritius has it all: jungles, beaches, mountains, and epic waterfalls.

Spend your days relaxing on the beach and watching the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

When you feel the urge to explore, the Black River Gorges National Park is easy to get to. There, you’ll find hiking trails, lagoons, and picturesque waterfalls.

Mauritius is also full of historical sites, such as 18th-century gardens, horse tracks, and plantation houses.

A tropical paradise still mostly untouched by tourists, Mauritius is a one-of-a-kind destination that few will ever get to experience.

4. Santorini Island, Greece

Is there any place more romantic than the islands of Greece? Santorini tops the list of Greek cities to explore, as this island exhibits all of the amazing features tourists head there to see.

Santorini is an island with thousands of years of volcanic history. This is visible in the multi-colored volcanic sand that covers the west coast beaches. Along the east coast, black volcanic sand shrouds the beaches in a dramatic fashion.

Interestingly enough, this area came into existence when a volcanic eruption shrunk the city that had existed there. This left behind a crater full of gorgeous cliffs, which Santorini is famous for. Millions of tourists visit every year to see the city’s majestic views.

Traditional Greek food is served in the endless local restaurants around the area. And for thirsty vacationers, there are plenty of vineyards with wine-tasting events.

5. Lichtenstein

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to visit Cinderella’s castle, then add Lichtenstein to your list of destinations.

Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, this tiny nation runs through the famous European Alps. At only 61.7 square miles, it’s tiny, but it’s full of mountains and castles to explore.

This country is a photographer’s dream, particularly the cliffs along the Rhine Valley. Places like Drei Schwestern, a mountainous area that borders Austria, are popular with hikers.

Old castles are open for exploration throughout the country. But if you want to see the castle that is thought to be the true inspiration for Cinderella’s palace, you can. Neuschwanstein Castle, which holds this distinction, is only two hours away and is open to the public.

Conclusion

Now that your days are all your own, why not make them all you’ve dreamed about?

Make your travel plans, get your passport, and head out on your next vacation. You’ve earned it!

Author Bio

Leon Grundstein has more than 28 years of experience in real estate development, with over two decades of experience in the retirement industry. He founded Tacoma Point Ruston with a game-changing business model to promote a healthy and robust retirement lifestyle for older adults.