You are retired and if you’re reading this, you probably love to travel.
If you’re among the retireesready to get away, your options are vast and varied.
With your job in the rearview mirror, and the open highway ahead, how about a road trip?
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This might appeal if you’ve been longing for the freedom of getting behind the wheel and taking off.
A resort destination will let you recover without lifting a finger.
(Well, except waving one to summon your next poolside cocktail.)
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Or, are you looking for a trip to the other side of the world?
Delight in the extraordinary views from roadside pullover areas, or hike a few of the 80-plus trails.
In Asheville, North Carolina, explore the majesticBiltmore Estate, created in 1895 by George Vanderbilt.
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Self-guided tours take guests through the 250-room house and garden, described as a “time travel experience.”
You canspend the nightat the Estate’s hotel, called The Inn, or in your own cottage.
Rocky Mountaineer
Want to leave the driving to someone else?
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Choose from several options, like theGrand Adventure Circle Journey.
The journey begins in Vancouver with time to explore and rest.
More Rocky Mountaineer itinerary options arelisted online.
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In metropolitanSydney, tour the iconic Opera House and then see it from another perspective on a harbor cruise.
Cruise the Yarra River in Melbourne for great views of the city’s landmarks and skyline.
Several companies, includingAmaWaterways, offer Mekong River cruises that stop in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital.
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After exploring Angkor Wat, board your river ship for the seven-day Mekong River cruise.
And now, you have the time.
Ride the Star Ferry to Kowloon to see more of the iconic harbor.
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it’s possible for you to be the judge.
For example,Adventures by Disneyoffers 10-day trips to Egypt that make planning simple.
A papyrus-making demonstration and a hieroglyphics workshop is also part of the experience.
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Meanwhile, the fascinatingMuseum of Contemporary Artoffers a variety of installations, paintings, photography, and videos.
Visitors to Scottsdale should be sure to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’sTaliesin West, his winter home and architecture school.
Iceland and the Northern Lights
What travel wish list doesn’t include seeing the aurora borealis?
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The challenge with getting a good look at the mysteriousnorthern lightsis that they don’t appear on schedule.
Certain times of year (September through March) are better for viewing with the long winter nights.
Travelers also need to avoid nights with a bright moon.
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While you’re there, don’t miss theBlue Lagoon.
You might even be lucky enough tosee the northern lightsas you luxuriate in the warm water of the lagoon.
Ireland
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Looking for lush green scenery, inviting pubs, and friendly folks?
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Want to learn more about your ancestors or discover the towns they once called home?
A trip to Ireland will fit the bill.
Join a pub crawl and hear traditional Irish music while checking out the lively bar scene.
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Other lovely cities worth exploring in the country include Kinsale, Belfast, Dingle, Killarney, and Kilkenny.
Stay in a castle likeAdare Manor,Dromoland Castle, orCarton House.
Opt for an automatic vehicle or a driver for comfortable, safer touring.
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Plus, you might explore it while sniffing out the perfect cannoli or pasta alla Norma.
Many Italian-Americans trace their roots toSicilyas a result of migrations that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Enjoy them with Sicilian wines, many from vineyards near Mount Etna, Sicily’s active volcano.
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Travel between cities can be managed by train, bus, car, or private driver.
Highway speeds are fast, and Sicilian drivers seem to love tailgating.
Within the cities, streets are narrow, and parking is nearly nonexistent.
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you’re able to usually find public parking on the edge of towns in aparcheggio.
Costa Rica
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Looking forpura vida?
In Guanacaste, the W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal is surrounded by the sands of Playa Conchal.
Be sure to check the most convenient airport and ground transportation when booking your hotel.
Here, you have an opportunity to see rare white lion cubs.
With multigenerational travel becoming more popular, you might want to have youngsters or other family members join you.
Stay inThe Norman, a conveniently located boutique hotel that’s housed in a luxuriously restored historic building.
Jerusalem, a sacred city for Christians, Jews, and Muslims, must be on your itinerary.
Visit the site of the crucifixion, the Temple Mount, and the Western Wall.
A range of tour groups and prices make visiting Israel convenient as well as memorable.
Pro tip: Consider concierge service to expedite your transfer from Ben Gurion Airport.
United States Coast-to-Coast Road Trip
“See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet!”
You might have heard the song, and it remains good advice for travelers with lots of time.
There are so many sights to see and so many ways to drive across America.
Of course, you’re free to take Route 66 betweenChicagoandLos Angeles.
Start or end your journey on the Santa Monica Pier, the western end of the fabled road.
Be sure to take a photo at the “Santa Monica 66 - End of the Trail” sign.
Or, try the southern route linkingSan Diego, California, andSavannah, Georgia.
You’ll pass through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
So, grab a map and a traveling companion and plan your cross-country trip.
Renting a vehicle one-way and flying back could be just the ticket.
Around-the-World Cruise
Do you have time to be out of town for weeks or even months?
What about a hefty travel budget?
If your answer is yes, you might be in the market for anaround-the-world cruise.
Crystal Cruises has already announced its 2025 World Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona.
And remember you could book just a segment of this voyage, if desired.
Meanwhile, the new Viking World Journey covers 23 countries in 121 days.
Hopefully these examples inspire you to think about your own voyage.
