How to Travel Like a Pro During Your Retirement
Quick answer: To travel like a pro during your retirement, pick destinations that combine an affordable cost of living, good weather and plenty to see. Bangkok, the Maldives, the Algarve, Puerto Vallarta, Sliema, Panama City and New South Wales are all popular with retirees, and some may even tempt you to stay for good.
There’s no better way to spend your retirement than by exploring the world. For the first time in your life, you don’t have to worry about work, finances or travelling with your kids, so you can focus completely on yourself. Who knows, you might even find a new home in a distant land where you can spend your golden years.
Best destinations to travel during your retirement
Here are seven places that retirees keep coming back to, whether for a long holiday or a permanent move.
Bangkok, Thailand
Owing to its diversity and unique charm, Bangkok has become one of the most popular expat destinations for retirees. With an average cost of living of $590 per month, more and more retirees decide to move there and explore the city’s many attractions.
Bangkok features one of the largest bazaars in the world, where you can mingle with the locals. It also offers ornate temples where you can elevate your spirituality, amazing travel opportunities and stunning landscapes.
South Ari Atoll, the Maldives
If you want to escape the world for a while, book a ticket to the Maldives and stay at the luxurious Lily Beach Resort and Spa. Located on a private island, this all-inclusive resort offers privacy, serenity and tranquillity, so you can truly relax and forget all about your worries.
If you’re travelling with your spouse, you’ll both be consumed by the islands’ romantic atmosphere. Just imagine relaxing on a beach, sipping refreshing cocktails and soaking in the view of white sandy beaches against the endless blue horizon.
Algarve, Portugal
With a low cost of living, beautiful weather and breathtaking natural scenery, the Algarve is one of the best destinations for retirees. This stunning Portuguese region will delight you with its enchanting coastline, medieval towns and narrow cobblestone streets.
The Algarve is home to more than 100,000 expat retirees, so don’t be surprised if you start thinking about moving there permanently. Its Atlantic coastline is dotted with dramatic rock formations, enchanting lagoons and some of the best-kept beaches in Europe.
Beyond the coastline, golf is a popular pastime, with no fewer than 37 courses dotted along the coast. The likes of Salgados golf course are popular with retirees, thanks to its flat terrain and cheap buggy hire. Located just 3km due west of Albufeira, it’s also easy to get to.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, where you can lead a luxurious coastal life on a budget. Although it can be more expensive than other destinations, more than 40,000 expats and retirees have chosen Puerto Vallarta as their home.
With the stunning Pacific coastline, plenty of chic restaurants and world-class golf courses, you definitely shouldn’t skip Puerto Vallarta, and you might even end up staying there.
Sliema, Malta
Malta has much to offer to its visitors, including beautiful sunsets, lovely weather, sapphire blue waters and honey-hued stone cities. This small island is often unfairly overlooked, yet it’s a stunning Mediterranean destination with an affordable cost of living.
Sliema is one of Malta’s most vibrant coastal towns. It offers sunny days, numerous amenities and an average cost of living of $721 per month.
Panama City, Panama
Panama is yet another popular destination for retirees, offering comfortable and friendly living conditions. Many retirees choose Panama City because of its average cost of living of $694 per month, as well as numerous retiree benefits and plenty of interesting attractions.
From the Panama Canal to the historic ruins in the Old City, or Casco Viejo, French monuments and Indian villages on the city outskirts, you definitely won’t get bored in Panama City.
New South Wales, Australia
Although each part of the country is beautiful in its own way, New South Wales has always been among the most popular Australian destinations. With some of the best beaches in the world, a diverse and authentic culture and charming cities, including the iconic metropolis of Sydney, NSW will mesmerise you.
Owing to its high-quality lifestyle, many retirees choose this region as their home. Some of the most popular options are resort-style retirement villages in Sydney that overlook the Georges River, offering a remarkable lifestyle for your golden years.
Retirement travel destinations compared
| Destination | Why retirees go |
|---|---|
| Bangkok, Thailand | Average cost of living of $590 per month, bazaars, temples |
| South Ari Atoll, Maldives | Private-island relaxation and romance |
| Algarve, Portugal | Coastline, 37 golf courses, 100,000+ expat retirees |
| Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | Pacific coast, restaurants, golf, 40,000+ expats and retirees |
| Sliema, Malta | Mediterranean weather, average cost of living of $721 per month |
| Panama City, Panama | Average cost of living of $694 per month, retiree benefits |
| New South Wales, Australia | Beaches, Sydney, resort-style retirement villages |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest destination on this list for retirees?
Bangkok, with an average cost of living of $590 per month, followed by Panama City ($694) and Sliema ($721). Living costs change over time, so check current figures before you plan a move.
Where can retirees play golf abroad?
The Algarve has no fewer than 37 courses, including Salgados, just 3km west of Albufeira. Puerto Vallarta also offers world-class golf courses.
Which destination is best for a romantic retirement getaway?
South Ari Atoll in the Maldives, where an all-inclusive private-island resort offers privacy and a romantic atmosphere.
Conclusion
Retirement is the perfect time to see the world on your own terms. Each of these destinations is unique and beautiful in its own way, so they should definitely be on your travel list.
