From global cruises to legendary hikes — here are TPG's top retirement travel ideas

When Mary Krewsun, 65, retired as a physician assistant, she made it her mission to travel, now that she has the time. Over five days, she trekked 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) along the historic Camino de Santiago, which ends in northwest Spain.

"I first heard about the Camino from a cousin who completed it, and I thought, 'I have to do that; it’s going on my bucket list,'" Krewsun said.

She and two friends opted out of hostels, choosing boutique stays instead, with a service transporting their luggage between locations. "I didn’t want to sleep in a dorm with 15 snoring men," Krewsun remarked.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, despite the occasional sore feet. "I thought, 'You should do this while you still can,' and I’m glad I did," she reflected.

Krewsun is not alone in her retirement dream of exploring more of the world. Like everyone, retirees paused travel plans during the pandemic, but now they’re fueling a travel boom, whether it’s a local road trip or an epic international adventure. This surge is expected to continue through summer 2023.

According to a recent AARP survey, 62% of adults aged 50 and over plan to take at least one vacation in 2023, with many taking three to four trips.

You’ve got time and savings, but where should you go? Here are a few ideas for your next retirement journey.

An around-the-world cruise

Extended cruises of two months or longer are selling fast, and even new cruise lines are offering global voyages. The most extravagant is Royal Caribbean’s record-setting nine-month journey across 65 countries and seven continents, with the first ship setting sail in December 2023.

The concept of these world cruises is to experience multiple destinations in one epic journey, though they don’t always cover every continent. Instead, they blend iconic stops. For instance, you could sail from Southampton, UK, to Dubai, Singapore, Melbourne, and Cape Town aboard Cunard, which offers annual 100-plus day world cruises on ships like Queen Mary 2. In 2024, the Queen Mary 2 embarks on a 108-night voyage spanning Europe, Africa, and Australasia.

Upscale line Oceania Cruises features 180-day Around the World itineraries, while luxury line Silversea introduced the idea of a soft-adventure world cruise from pole to pole. If you're eyeing a world cruise, get prepared. Research itineraries and watch for booking dates — they can sell out in a single day.

Family reunions

For retirees wanting to bond with their grandchildren, family reunion trips offer a chance to create lasting memories — like the time grandpa thought he reeled in a big fish, but it turned out to be just seaweed.

Depending on how you and the grandkids prefer to travel, you could visit a Disney resort, rent a condo at a ski destination, stay on a dude ranch, or even charter a yacht in the Caribbean.

Alternatively, you could choose a stay at a classic resort like the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, or the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan, where dressing up for dinner is part of the charm — and old-school games on the lawn might just pry the grandkids away from their iPads.

A solid strategy is to throw out some destination suggestions and see where your family’s interests align.

Follow your passion

Retirement offers the perfect opportunity to dive into your passions, and some of those can inspire incredible travel themes. If improving your golf skills is on your list, consider a dream trip to Scotland's top courses, like St. Andrews Old Course or Royal Dornoch.

Enhance your tasting expertise on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail or take a wine-centric river cruise through Bordeaux. For something extra special, treat yourself to a six-day Porsche Travel Experience, driving a Porsche 911 through the French Alps, complete with a luxury Alpine stay and a helicopter ride over Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak.

Take on the world’s most iconic treks.

Like retiree Krewsun, you might opt for a “Camino in Style” walk along the famed Camino Frances, a 500-mile pilgrimage trail in Spain, offered by Macs Adventures. Feeling up for a challenge? Tackle the entire route over 35 days.

There are many other incredible hikes to consider worldwide, such as Sweden’s 273-mile Kungsleden, or the demanding 26-mile Inca Trail, climbing to 13,838 feet on a four-day journey to Machu Picchu. Companies like Wildlife Trekking and Country Walkers offer guided group treks.

Plan a biking adventure

Perfect for active retirees, bike tours range from relaxed to intense. It’s important to pick the right difficulty level and route. For an easier option, companies like Backroads and VBT now offer e-bike choices on select trips in the U.S. and Europe.

For example, you can ride or e-bike through Switzerland, Germany, and France on VBT's Black Forest and Alsace Wine Route. For a bigger challenge, try Backroads’ Canadian Rockies tour from Banff to Jasper, where advanced cyclists can choose Level 4 or 5 routes on some days.

While the less experienced riders may tackle 22 miles near Lake Louise, the Level 5 route includes an 86-mile ride with a 5,800-foot climb. Both companies also offer self-guided tours, allowing you to set your own pace.

Experience life as a local

With plenty of time on your hands, think about settling in one location for a few weeks instead of hopping between various spots. Renting an apartment or house, preparing your own meals, shopping at local markets, interacting with residents, and fully engaging in the local culture can be a deeply rewarding experience—especially when you catch whispers of "the Americans" as you stroll down a quaint street in Italy.

Before platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo existed, finding a good place to stay in trendy areas like Le Marais or the stunning Amalfi Coast was quite a challenge. Now, it's easy. Just enter your travel dates and desired number of rooms, specifying any needs like high-speed internet or a washer/dryer. Be sure to read reviews and ratings from past guests to weigh your options, and you're all set!

Embark on that once-in-a-lifetime journey

Maybe you've been delaying that epic "bucket list" adventure to witness penguins in South Georgia and Antarctica, go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, or experience the Big Five on a safari in Africa—simply because work commitments have held you back. So what's stopping you now?

If you're looking for an adventure close to home, Alaska is a destination worth thoroughly exploring, both on land and at sea. Ideally, plan for at least two weeks, though longer would be better unless you have plans to return in the future.

Hit the road on a grand adventure

A major road trip is another adventure you've postponed due to time limitations. Think about incredible routes like a national parks journey through Arizona and Utah, a scenic drive from San Francisco to San Diego in California, or a breathtaking 600-mile stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Another classic road trip option is Route 66, which could take you on a two-week, 2,400-mile trek from Chicago to Santa Monica, allowing you to stop at state and national parks, trading posts, and famous landmarks like the Milk Bottle Grocery in Oklahoma City and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

Another incredible multi-day journey to consider is the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, renowned in Virginia and North Carolina, often hailed by the National Park Service as "America's Favorite Drive." For those seeking a more distant adventure, the 825-mile Ring Road encircles Iceland.

In summary

You’ve reached retirement. This is your moment to embrace new adventures.