Exclusive destinations : to visit during your retirement

There are so many places to explore all around the globe that it would take you a lifetime to see just a fraction of all that this planet has to offer.

So why not make the absolute most of the time that you have? Getting out there and exploring can really bring vigour and vitality to your life. Time to get out and explore!

By the time you've retired, there’s a good chance your children will have left the nest. Which gives you the perfect opportunity to SKI and really enjoy your retirement. No more hostels and cheap hotels!

But where should you jet off to first? Fear not, we’ve lined up the absolute best places to visit during your retirement.

The United States

There’s so much to see in the States that it would be virtually impossible to experience it all. From the skyscrapers of New York City, to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades and beyond, there’s so much to see and do.

Luckily, time is one luxury you’re not short of in retirement. So why not spend it exploring the States?

But instead of heading to the big cities, why not enjoy a more relaxed way of life out in the country?

Adventures such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grand Canyon or the redwood forests of California are not to be missed.

Do: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic view of the south, starting in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and ending in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina.

Avoid: Crowded and busy New York City. We’re all about relaxing during retirement.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a part of the world that has long been closed to baby boomers, but that is not the case anymore – time to get out there and explore!

The cities of Vietnam offer great excursions, especially around the capital of Hanoi in the north, and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south. There’s colonial architecture and ancient temples at every turn in these two historic cities. But don’t write off the smaller cities too. Da Nang, in the centre of Vietnam, is also becoming a popular tourist destination.

But don’t just stick to the cities! The rural countryside has a lot to offer here too. Southern Vietnam is blessed with warm, tropical weather all year around, whereas the North has four distinct seasons and even the odd smattering of snow).

Vietnam is well known for its friendly people, healthy cuisine and low cost of living, so make the absolute most of your time here!

Do: Consider using a tour company to plan your trip. There is a lot to see and do in Vietnam, and having a local operator help plan the trip can take a lot of weight off your mind. Vietnam Tour or Custom Vietnam Travel are good places to start.

Avoid: Paying the first price for anything. Haggling is extremely common in Vietnam, and the price for something is often just the price that you are willing to pay.

China

Similarly to the States, China is such a vast place with so much to see that often, you have to wait for a sizeable period of time to venture out and explore it. But now is that time!

Start in bustling Beijing, where you can visit the Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. From there head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall – which has considerably fewer crowds than the busier Badaling section.

Finally, head on over to China’s largest city – Shanghai. Here, you can have a leisurely wander around Shanghai’s waterfront, the Bund, and sample some xiao long bao, a speciality dish of soup dumplings.

Do: The Great Wall of China has to be seen to be believed, as do the Terracotta Warriors.

Avoid: Wangfujing snack street. Unless you want to end up with food poisoning.

Australia

Australia is the land of sun, sea and relaxation. If anyone knows how to relax, it’s the Aussies. Which makes this destination perfect for a retirement getaway.

While the flight can be daunting – 30 hours is a long time to spend in transit – Australia definitely repays your tenacity with ample sunshine, boundless white sandy beaches, and a lifestyle that moves at just the right speed.

While you’re there, as well as the obvious hotspots - including the Sydney Opera House, Kangaroo Island and the Great Barrier Reef- make sure that you check out some of the less well-known attractions.

The Yarra River in Melbourne offers great views of the city’s landmarks, and the dense Otway rainforest gives you a glimpse of another world as you walk through the treetops.

If you’re thinking of travelling to Australia, remember that their seasons are inverted. The best time to travel is from November through to March.

Do: Explore more than just Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane and Adelaide also have a lot going on!

Avoid: Spiders!

What do you think of our list? Did we miss off your favourite destination? Have you been to any of the places we mentioned? Tell us what you think over on Twitter, or drop us a message on Facebook.