Retirement Travel Ideas

Muhammad Yasin
10/09/2012
Retirement Travel Ideas

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


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