Retirement is often called your golden years, and they're called that for a reason: you finally have the time and freedom to do the things you have always wanted to do, and go to the places you have always wanted to see. Traveling as a senior may not seem like it would be much different from any other part of your life, but you may be surprised at some of the differences.
Depending on where you go and how long you stay, traveling as a retiree has its challenges as well as its perks. Be sure that you do your homework on the places you'll visit, prepare for the unexpected and have as much fun as you can during your travels.
Albuquerque, NM
Terrific weather, good air quality, low taxes, lots of doctors
Below average cost of living — average home price $163,000
Fast Fact: World's largest hot-air balloon event staged each October
Alexandria, LA
Warm climate, good air quality, solid economy, good tax situation
Average home price $148,000
Fast Fact: Sits at the geographic middle of Louisiana
Asheville, NC
Good climate, abundant doctors
Moderate cost of living — average home price $198,000
Fast Fact: Home of Biltmore House, U.S.'s largest privately owned home
Atlanta, GA
Favorable climate, good tax situation, big volunteer mindset
Low cost of living — average home price under $98,000
Fast Fact: State's dominant city
Austin, TX
Growing economy, no state income tax, good weather, outdoor exercise culture
Below average cost of living — average home price $188,000
Fast Fact: Hosts annual music, film and tech event — South by Southwest
Bloomington, IN
Good economic record, low crime
Average cost of living — average home price $144,000
Fast Fact: Home of Indiana University
Boise, ID
Low crime, above-average air quality, attractive semi-arid climate
Low cost of living — average home price $118,000
Fast Fact: Home of Boise State University's famous blue football field
Cape Coral, FL
Good weather, no state income tax, good air quality
Low cost of living — average home price $108,000
Fast Fact: More miles of canals than anywhere in the world
Columbia, MS
Growing economy, many doctors per capita
Low living costs — average home price $152,000
Fast Fact: Home of University of Missouri
Columbia, SC
Favorable state tax climate, good weather
Below average cost of living — average home price $141,000
Fast Fact: Sate Capital
Corpus Christi, TX
Growing economy, good weather
Low cost of living — average home price $136,000
Fast Fact: Home town of actress Farrah Fawcett
Fargo, ND
Solid economy, active-lifestyle encouragements, low crime rates
Low cost of living — average home price $154,000
Fast Fact: Named for Wells Fargo cofounder
Fort Myers, FL
Good weather, above average air quality
Inexpensive living — average home price $119,000
Fast Fact: Historic winter home to tycoons
Huntsville, AL
Good economy, favorable tax climate, warm climate
Low cost of living — average home price $170,000
Fast Fact: State's oldest incorporated city
Knoxville, TN
Good economy, good medical staffing
Low living costs — average home price $137,000
Fast Fact: Site of 1982 World's Fair
Las Cruces, NM
Good climate, good air quality, good tax situation, low crime
Below average cost of living — average home price $116,000
Fast Fact: Mountain views along the Rio Grande
Lynchburg, VA
Good economy, good air quality, low crime
Cost of living 6% below nation — average home price $134,000
Fast Fact: Self-styled "City of Seven Hills"
Pensacola, FL
Good weather and air quality, above-average doctors per capita
Living costs same as nation's average — average home price $134,000
Fast Fact: Nicknamed "The City of Five Flags"
Phoenix, AZ
Good tax environment, good weather, high doctors per capita
Low cost of living — average home price $119,000
Fast Fact: Original Name was Pumpkinville
Pittsburg, PA
Decent economy, tax breaks for retirees
Below average cost of living — average cost of home $121,000
Fast Fact: George Washington was city's co-founder
Salt Lake City, UT
Good economy, low taxes, great mountain scenery, bracing but appealing climate, incentives for retirees
Low living costs — average home price $183,000
Fast Fact: Most residents aren't Mormons
San Antonio, Texas
Good economy with no state income tax, warm climate, many doctors per capita
Low cost of living — average home price $150,000
Fast Fact: Location of the Alamo
Savannah, GA
Favorable tax climate, good weather, high number of physicians per capita
Low cost of living — average home price $137,000
Fast Fact: Girl Scouts founded here in 1912
Tuscon, AZ
Good weather, encouragements for active retirement, numerous doctors, low taxes
Low cost of living — average home price $131,000
Fast Fact: Home of University of Arizona
Tulsa, OK
Decent economy and tax climate, good metrics for active retirement
Low cost of living — average home cost $129,000
Fast Fact: Most inland river port in the U.S.
Quito, Ecuador
Low cost of living and inexpensive real estate
Accommodates English speakers
Retirement benefits: 50% off transportation, utility bills, and tickets for cultural and sporting events
All expats are able to participate in the Ecuador Social Security medical program for a premium of $57 a month
Panama City, Panama
Pensionado Program: open to foreigners — benefits include:
- 50% off movies, theaters and sporting events
- 30% discount on public transportation
- 25% off domestic filghts on COPA
- 25% off at sit-down restaurants
Tulum, Mexico
Affordable beach homes — $167,000
Accommodates English Speakers
Located on Caribbean coast
Road access from U.S.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sea-view apartments for $1,000/month
Second Home Program: open to all retirees
Accommodating of English speakers
Internet access, quality roads, cellphone coverage and other U.S. — like amenities
Medelin, Colombia
Low property costs
Mild, yet warm climate
Rated most hopeful country in Latin America
Queenstown, New Zealand
English-speaking country
Rated as one of the healthiest places to live in the world
Pollution-free environment
Winters in New Zealand are like summers in U.S. — perfect for part-time retirement home
Granada, Nicaragua
Total monthly living costs as little as $1,200
Large U.S. retirement population — easy to make friends
Offers great surfing and water sports
Top 10 U.S. retirement havens
Similar healthcare as U.S., but less expensive
Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain
Top 10 European retirement haven
Great food and culture
Perfect for history and art lovers
Thailand
Retirees can live comfortably for less than $1,000/month
Accommodating of English speakers
Powder-sand beaches
Great for active retirees
Half Moon Bay, West End, Roatan, Honduras
10th best place to retire
Inexpensive
Great outdoor activities
Beautiful weather
Great for sea-lovers
