Recently updated on July 20th, 2023 at 10:45 am
Is there a better time than retirement for travel? No more waiting for annual holiday leave. No more trying to cram in as much sightseeing in your two weeks off. You’ve literally waited your entire life for retirement. Now it’s time to do the things you’ve always wanted – including that dream trip. To help inspire your next journey, here are 7 incredible bucket list trips to celebrate your retirement. Because you’ve worked damn hard, and now it’s time to reap the rewards…
1. Go on a thrilling wildlife safari in Africa
A safari in Africa is the ultimate bucket list trip for many. So what better way to celebrate your retirement than with this blockbuster journey? There are dozens of incredible wildlife safari destinations in Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania in eastern Africa. Other safari hotspots include South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa.
From the classic Big Five to rarer species like the cheetah, you’ll have the chance to spot all kinds of creatures in their wild habitat. You can even see the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ from July to October every year. This mass migration of over two million wildebeest thundering across the Serengeti is an unforgettable sight.
Along with amazing wildlife, you can also see some of nature’s greatest wonders on your safari in Africa. You’ll find everything from the Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall, to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar.
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2. Soak up the ancient glory of Machu Picchu, Peru
When you think of iconic sights, you probably imagine the Lost City in the Clouds. Machu Picchu is one of the most visited UNESCO sites in the world, and for good reason. There’s nothing quite like walking in the footsteps of Incas to unlock the mysteries of their ancient civilisation.
As you stroll amongst the ruins, you’ll discover the famous Sacred Plaza and the Temple of the Sun. Marvel at the centuries-old sundial, and learn all about the ingenious structures and astronomical alignment of the city. Whether you want to walk the Inca Trail or ride the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, this is one journey you’ll never forget.
GET INSPIRED BY: Land of the Incas
3. Go island hopping in beautiful Greece
Dreaming of sailing through Mediterranean islands to celebrate your retirement? Then it’s got to be Greece. You’ll find gorgeous islands, white sandy beaches and turquoise sea from Santorini to Mykonos.
Spend your days exploring the cobbled streets to find classic whitewashed Grecian buildings and bright blue domed roofs. Wander ancient ruins and swim in thermal hot springs. Explore dormant volcanoes and go snorkelling in the clear waters.
Enjoy delicious Greek food in traditional tavernas and be sure to pause each day to watch the glorious sunset. As all shades of pink and orange light up the sky, you’ll understand why the Greek Islands are the perfect retirement trip.
GET INSPIRED BY: Greek Island Hopper
4. Explore the best national parks in North America
With 62 national parks in the USA and 48 in Canada, there’s no shortage of spectacular landscapes in North America. Packed with natural wonders, incredible wildlife and ancient history, these national parks are some of the best in the world.
Some of the most popular parks in the US include the Grand Canyon, Zion, Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite and Yellowstone. We also love Bryce Canyon, Redwood, Joshua Tree, Mesa Verde, Arches and Monument Valley.
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In Canada, you can’t go past Banff and Jasper National Park. Filled with glittering glaciers, lush forests and electric-blue lakes, these are two gems of the Canadian Rockies. One of the very best ways to explore the Rockies is on the Rocky Mountaineer train ride. This luxury experience takes you through western Canada’s stunning landscapes by rail.
Named as one of the “World’s Greatest Trips” by National Geographic, and “One of the World’s Ultimate Experiences” by Lonely Planet, this train ride is one of the best trips to celebrate your retirement.
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5. Discover the wonders of Down Under
Such a huge country at the bottom of the earth needs a lot of time to explore it properly. Your retirement is that time. Pack your bags and take the journey of a lifetime to Australia to see all kinds of treasures. You could go from the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, to Uluru, the world’s largest rock monolith, sacred to Aboriginal culture.
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See the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and explore the street art and superb coffee of Melbourne. Or meet the unique wildlife on Kangaroo Island’s nature reserve, including koalas, kangaroos, kookaburras, fur seals and penguins.
Drive down the famous Great Ocean Road and see the Twelve Apostles, or venture into the stunning Blue Mountains to admire the Three Sisters. You could even head over to Western Australia for world-class wineries and beaches that will blow you away.
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6. Walk along the incredible Great Wall of China
From the extraordinary Yangtze river to the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, there are plenty of wonders to explore in China. But you can’t go past the iconic Great Wall of China, one of the top travel experiences in the world.
As soon as you set eyes on the 21,000 km wall snaking through the lush green valleys, you’ll understand why thousands of people flock here every year.
The Great Wall remains as one of the world’s largest man-made structures, created with stone, brick, wood, soil and even sticky rice. With over 2,000 years of history within it, walking a piece of the Great Wall is one epic way to celebrate your retirement.
GET INSPIRED BY: Classic China
7. Voyage to Antarctica, the world’s final frontier
Want to take on the ultimate journey? It’s got to be Antarctica. You’ll follow in the footsteps of bold adventurers as you sail the mighty seas and wander among ancient icebergs. It’s one of the most remote and harshest environments on earth, but Antarctica is also home to incredible life.
Watch the sun shining on the golden furs of seals lounging on ice floes. Kayak through icy waters in search of penguins, whales and seabirds. Navigate the glowing icebergs and protected bays that few humans have seen.
The Great White Continent really is one of the world’s greatest journeys. So what better time than your retirement, to take on the world’s final frontier?
What dream trip will you take to celebrate your retirement? Let us know in the comments below!