{"id":32049,"date":"2018-02-03T11:32:36","date_gmt":"2018-02-03T16:32:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=32049"},"modified":"2018-02-13T06:05:26","modified_gmt":"2018-02-13T11:05:26","slug":"7-top-vacation-spots-for-retirees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/7-top-vacation-spots-for-retirees\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Top Vacation Spots for Retirees"},"content":{"rendered":"

Being retired often means being able to take the trips you\u2019ve wanted to take since your youth. Now you have the means to afford them and the time to see new places<\/a> properly, but where should you visit? Behold, the top vacation spots for retirees:<\/p>\n

Amalfi Coast<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Italy is always a good choice for the food alone \u2013 you\u2019re sure to eat your weight in pasta and pizza during your visit \u2013 and you should see its incredible Amalfi Coast at least once in your lifetime! Driving the 50km that makes up the Amalfi Coast will give you access to the breathtaking sights of mountains, villages and sea that are sure to be the highlight of your vacation, and there are plenty of small towns along the coast to explore.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Photo Credit: Kirk Fisher<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Japan<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re feeling adventurous, you might like to spend a few days exploring Tokyo and visiting its quirky cafes and themed districts, but if you prefer a quiet vacation, Japan still has plenty to offer you. Stay in a traditional Japanese inn with a hot spring (onsen<\/em>)<\/a> for a relaxing experience, or visit Kyoto for its geishas and teahouses; either experience will give you a newfound appreciation for Japanese culture.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Credit: Pexels<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Greek Islands<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You can really take your pick here \u2013 Greece is home to over 150 inhabited islands. Many are popular with rowdy stag parties, though, so you might like to stick to something a little quieter! Try Santorini for picturesque views, Corfu for culture, Crete for incredible local food and a plethora of history, or Naxos for sunbathing and swimming. Try visiting in the low season (mid-October \u2013 mid-April) if you don\u2019t want to have to endure hordes of other tourists and sweltering hot temperatures.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Credit: Doug<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Alaska<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The thought of suffering through freezing cold weather for days on end as part of a vacation probably doesn\u2019t appeal to you, and for good reason, but why not take a cruise? Alaskan cruises are a fantastic way to enjoy the rugged scenery of the state and its magnificent wildlife without having to commit yourself to too much time in one place. Cruises can also be a great place to meet other retirees, and require a lot less planning than traditional holidays, due to the common all-inclusive packages.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Credit: 12019<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

South Africa<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Fancy a close-up look at wild animals? Consider taking a safari in South Africa. The country\u2019s growing tourism industry has been steadily attracting visitors, and who could pass up seeing the incredible animals of Africa in their natural environment? Coupled with a stay in Cape Town, where you can take a helicopter ride over the city, a visit to South Africa is one of the most rewarding ways imaginable to spend a vacation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Credit: wiggijo<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Hawaii<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The youngest state, but arguably the most interesting, Hawaii can make for a great vacation. It\u2019s easy to visit some of the smaller islands by plane, but there\u2019s no shortage of things to do if you stay in Oahu, either. Whether you\u2019d prefer swimming at isolated beaches or touring coffee farms, you\u2019re sure to find something you love in Hawaii.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Credit: mariamichelle<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

New Zealand<\/strong><\/h3>\n

New Zealand\u2019s relatively isolated location means it still contains plenty of unspoiled beauty. Best explored by car, there\u2019s plenty to do in New Zealand, whatever your interests are. You might like to go hiking, to visit its pristine beaches, or just to take in the incredible scenery! If you plan on exploring the South Island, consider flying into Queenstown and renting a car there<\/a>. The surrounding area is known for being one of the most picturesque in the country, and there are plenty of worthwhile places to visit on day trips nearby.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Credit: mariamichelle<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The world is full of incredible vacation spots for retirees, so take advantage of your freedom to explore and plan your next trip today!<\/p>\n

Guest Writer:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Cloe Matheson is a writer from New Zealand with a passion for all things travel and adventure. She\u00a0enjoys experiencing different cultures, trying local food and exploring new places. Otherwise, you can\u00a0find her at a local caf\u00e9 typing away while enjoying a good cup of coffee. You can find more of her\u00a0work here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Being retired often means being able to take the trips you\u2019ve wanted to take since your youth. Now you have the means to afford them and the time to see new places properly, but where should you visit? Behold, the top vacation spots for retirees: Amalfi Coast Italy is always a good choice for the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":32053,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","cos_headline_score":0,"cos_seo_score":0,"cos_headline_text":"","cos_headline_has_been_analyzed":false,"cos_last_analyzed_headline":[],"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[332,4291,4294,200,4296,4295,4292,4293,3644],"class_list":["post-32049","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-alaska","tag-amalfi-coast","tag-greek-islands","tag-hawaii","tag-italy","tag-japan","tag-new-zealand","tag-south-africa","tag-travel"],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?fit=1280%2C859&ssl=1",1280,859,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?fit=150%2C101&ssl=1",150,101,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?fit=300%2C201&ssl=1",300,201,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?fit=768%2C515&ssl=1",768,515,true],"large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?fit=900%2C604&ssl=1",900,604,true],"rpg_gallery_admin_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"rpg_gallery_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?fit=1280%2C859&ssl=1",1280,859,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?fit=1280%2C859&ssl=1",1280,859,true],"gb-block-post-grid-landscape":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1",600,400,true],"gb-block-post-grid-square":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1",600,600,true],"et-pb-post-main-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1",400,250,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1",1080,675,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=400%2C284&ssl=1",400,284,true],"et-pb-portfolio-module-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=510%2C382&ssl=1",510,382,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image-single":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?fit=1080%2C725&ssl=1",1080,725,true],"et-pb-gallery-module-image-portrait":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=400%2C516&ssl=1",400,516,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth-large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=1280%2C859&ssl=1",1280,859,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--desktop":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=1280%2C720&ssl=1",1280,720,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--tablet":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=980%2C551&ssl=1",980,551,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--phone":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=480%2C270&ssl=1",480,270,true]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"

Being retired often means being able to take the trips you\u2019ve wanted to take since your youth. Now you have the means to afford them and the time to see new places properly, but where should you visit? Behold, the top vacation spots for retirees: Amalfi Coast Italy is always a good choice for the food alone \u2013 you\u2019re sure to eat your weight in pasta and pizza during your visit \u2013 and you should see its incredible Amalfi Coast at least once in your lifetime! Driving the 50km that makes up the Amalfi Coast will give you access to…<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"Travel<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"Guest Post","url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/guest-post\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","author_meta":{"display_name":"Guest Post","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/guest-post\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?fit=300%2C201&ssl=1","featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"Guest Post","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/guest-post\/"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/greece.png?fit=1280%2C859&ssl=1","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["Travel<\/a>"],"unlinked":["Travel<\/span>"]},"tags":{"linked":["Alaska<\/a>","Amalfi Coast<\/a>","Greek Islands<\/a>","Hawaii<\/a>","Italy<\/a>","Japan<\/a>","New Zealand<\/a>","South Africa<\/a>","Travel<\/a>"],"unlinked":["Alaska<\/span>","Amalfi Coast<\/span>","Greek Islands<\/span>","Hawaii<\/span>","Italy<\/span>","Japan<\/span>","New Zealand<\/span>","South Africa<\/span>","Travel<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":0,"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 8 years ago","modified":"Updated 8 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on February 3, 2018","modified":"Updated on February 13, 2018"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on February 3, 2018 11:32 am","modified":"Updated on February 13, 2018 6:05 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p21Ejy-8kV","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":132,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/top-5-reasons-to-visit-lakeside-oh\/","url_meta":{"origin":32049,"position":0},"title":"Top 5 reasons to visit Lakeside, OH","author":"Doug","date":"April 20, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"There are many hidden gems that sparkle along the north coast of Ohio, but none more delightful than the small town of Lakeside.\u00a0 Nestled along the northern shore of the Marblehead peninsula, Lakeside is 80 miles west of Cleveland and 60 miles east of Toledo. Founded over 135 years ago,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_-lDfC-5y5Zk\/S83SZr4lRZI\/AAAAAAAAAL8\/yOC7VPkcwoo\/s320\/500-090725_3003661.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":3162,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/hurricane-season-what-do-we-do\/","url_meta":{"origin":32049,"position":1},"title":"Hurricane Season – what do we do?","author":"Doug","date":"September 26, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"After watching the devastating effects of 2012\u2019s biggest storm \u2013 Hurricane Isaac \u2013 it became quite evident what impact a slow-moving tropical storm like this can have.\u00a0 First, the storm took much longer than anyone had anticipated to move through the Louisiana coast where it made landfall on August 28th.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Hurricane cloud","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/hurricane-isaac-600x476.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/hurricane-isaac-600x476.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/hurricane-isaac-600x476.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":108183,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/2025-top-25-best-places-to-buy-a-vacation-home\/","url_meta":{"origin":32049,"position":2},"title":"2025: Top 25 Best Places to Buy a Vacation Home","author":"Guest Post","date":"March 28, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Check out this list of the top destinations when you are considering a vacation home. Makes me want to pack just thinking about it.","rel":"","context":"In "Travel"","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Vacation-Adventure-is-Calling.png?fit=1200%2C673&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Vacation-Adventure-is-Calling.png?fit=1200%2C673&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Vacation-Adventure-is-Calling.png?fit=1200%2C673&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Vacation-Adventure-is-Calling.png?fit=1200%2C673&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Vacation-Adventure-is-Calling.png?fit=1200%2C673&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14683,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/off-season-travel-deals\/","url_meta":{"origin":32049,"position":3},"title":"Off-season travel deals","author":"Doug","date":"October 22, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Smart travelers often wonder when they'll get the most bang for their travel buck. \u00a0Others, (seniors, are you listening) often want to travel when the lines are smaller and your fellow seat-mates are probably more mature. [Looking for USA roadtrips to follow - check out these for Delaware and Maryland]\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Past"","block_context":{"text":"Past","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/past\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/offseason.png?fit=573%2C425&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/offseason.png?fit=573%2C425&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/offseason.png?fit=573%2C425&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":32643,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/top-10-happiest-seaside-cities-for-2018-per-coastal-living-magazine\/","url_meta":{"origin":32049,"position":4},"title":"Top 10 Happiest Seaside Cities for 2018 – per Coastal Living magazine","author":"Doug","date":"June 15, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Meredith Corporation's\u00a0Coastal Living, the leading authority on coastal home and travel, announced today the Happiest Seaside Town in America 2018 is\u00a0Ocean City, New Jersey. The number-one ranking of\u00a0Ocean City, along with the rankings of all the Top Ten Happiest Seaside Towns, is the result of an online vote. Now in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Travel"","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Ocean City, New Jersey","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/oceancity.jpg?fit=980%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/oceancity.jpg?fit=980%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/oceancity.jpg?fit=980%2C630&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/oceancity.jpg?fit=980%2C630&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5068,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/blockade-runner-a-beach-resort-for-all-four-seasons-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":32049,"position":5},"title":"Blockade Runner, a beach resort for all four seasons","author":"Doug","date":"May 1, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Pounding surf or placid inland waters? Wandering on miles of beach or paddling for hours on smooth, clear waters? These are the type decisions one needs to make before picking an East Coast vacation destination. Well, they used to be. Head for Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina and if you\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Travel"","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Blockade-Runner-0069.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Blockade-Runner-0069.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Blockade-Runner-0069.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32049","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32049"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32049\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32049"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32049"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32049"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}