Holiday ideas for retirement

Retirement can mean some peace and quiet if you’ve led a very hectic life thus far. But, it can also mean a chance to get out there and see everything that you’ve been too busy to see! If travelling the world (or at least the UK) is on your bucket list then add these 11 places to the exploring section because you won’t want to miss them…

1. BBQ on the beach in Devon
With Woolacombe, Saunton to Croyde to be proud of, Devon is awash with beautiful beaches that are perfect for surfing, picnics, swimming, BBQs and family holidays as well as a little time out. From shingle-covered kilometres to miles of sandy dunes and grassy cliffs, Devon is a little piece of English heaven just waiting to be explored. Let’s not even get started on the delicious scones...

2. See animals in the wild on safari
Nothing beats seeing animals in their natural habitat and Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Zambia are just some of the incredible locations that safari could take you to. If you’re an animal lover and want to find out more about some majestic beasts, birds of prey and big cats, safari could be up there as your perfect holiday. If you were after mammals of the sea-faring kind, places as close as Ireland and Oslo do whale-watching tours for something a little closer to home. 

3. Take in Stonehenge
Close to the heart of Medieval Salisbury sits one of the world’s oldest World Heritage Sites, Stonehenge. This huge sprawling site has been a place of pilgrimage for more than 4,500 years and covers an area of 20km. Head into the centre of nearby Salisbury and visit the cathedral that’s home to an original Magna Carta. The perfect UK trip if you are a history buff!

4. Hike in the Highlands
Explore the Great Glen Way that spans 125 kilometres from Fort William to Inverness and take part in many activities from hiking to cycling to mountain biking and even canal boating. If you’re up for it, climb Britain’s highest peak Ben Nevis or visit Loch Ness to seek out the monster!

5. Walk the Great Wall of China
Running east to west across the historical northern borders of China the Great Wall is over 6000 kilometres of actual wall, 359 km of trenches and over 2000 km of natural defensive barriers such as rivers. Definitely a sight to see but you don’t want to forget your walking boots. 

6. Drive Route 66 and party in Las Vegas
Although Route 66 doesn’t actually lead directly into Las Vegas, you could stop off on the way to the finish line in Santa Monica. If you drive the entire trip from Chicago to Los Angeles you’re set to see so much of the US! The route will take you via St. Louis, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and California to name a few states that you will find on your travels. With food, culture and history to see, topped off with sunshine, this sounds like a great trip if you’re comfortable behind the wheel. Although there's nothing cooler than hiring a vintage Cadillac or similar American classic, we'd recommend picking comfort over style and opting for something with comfortable seats and a solid air con unit.

7. Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramid of Khufu is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the El Giza area. This incredible sight is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is actually the one that is most intact. You will also be in the capital of Egypt, Cairo and will be able to soak in the local charm of the buzzing city where there’s also the Coptic Museum and Tahrir Square to investigate amongst other gems. 

8. Witness the Northern Lights
Otherwise called the aurora borealis, this Norwegian spectacle is a sight to behold and always rank highly on people’s bucket lists. The Northern Lights can be seen in a range of locations across the coast of Norway and there are so many activities en route to enjoy too. From skiing to reindeer experiences there is definitely more to fill the Scandinavian trip up with alongside the big attraction. 

9. Cosy up in the Cotswolds
Idyllic villages and honey-coloured stone cover the over 1,200 kilometre square area of pristine English countryside that is The Cotswolds. Close to Bath and Bristol and other stunning South West cities you’ll be treated to fantastic walks and lots of National Trust properties to explore. Seek out quaint historic villages like Castle Combe - previously home to sets for films such as War Horse and the Harry Potter franchise.

10. Climb the Empire State Building
Well, when we say climb, we don’t mean King Kong style! Head up to either the 86th or 102nd floor observatories and take in the unforgettable 360 degree views of New York City. A fun fact about the Empire State Building is that it was voted America’s Favourite Architecture in 2007 in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects.

11. Eat pizza in Naples
The Italian passion for food and a relaxed way of life sounds pretty ideal for a holiday without any time constraints, no? If you haven’t visited before and you’re a fan of pizza, Naples, the birthplace of this delicious food, is the place to head.

Of course, this is in no way an exhaustive list of the places that you should or could visit but it is merely a flavour of some of the fantastic places that are out there to explore with your hard earned retirement time.