You may have heard that 50 is the new 30, and rightfully so. At this stage of your life, your kids are already older and more independent, and you’re probably at a point in your career where you can take leave and able to afford to travel to some of the world’s most incredible destinations. If you’re planning your next holiday but not sure where to go, here are some bucket list destinations for 50-somethings.
Venice is famous for being a honeymoon destination, thanks to its picturesque canals and romantic gondola rides. However, 50-somethings looking to discover arts, history, and culture will find plenty to explore here. There are fascinating museums, churches and palaces, and world-famous art exhibitions.
Spend some time discovering the treasures of St Mark’s Basilica. Also called the “golden church,” it’s a testament to Venice’s rich history and power. Walk around Mark’s Square, where you’ll find some of the city’s most elegant buildings. Follow the path leading directly to the water, where you’ll find the iconic Campanile (bell tower), one of the tallest in Italy.
Venice is also famous for its carnivals, which is something every visitor to Venice should witness. During this time, the city will be full of revellers donning extravagant masks and colourful costumes. There is no fixed date for the carnival, but it usually occurs between late January and mid-February.
Venice is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, so you can expect the city to be overflowing with tourists. If you want to escape the crowds, visit the isle of Pellestrina, where you’ll find some beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. You can reach the city on a ferry from Venice.
While it’s more famous for its impressive beaches, Barbados offers everything 50-somethings would desire in a relaxing holiday. Aside from the brilliant turquoise bays with crystal-clear waters, Barbados has a vibrant nightlife, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a picturesque interior dotted with lush gardens and parks. Best of all, you will find some luxury Caribbean villas in Barbados, perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
Undoubtedly, the ultimate way to relax in Barbados is to lounge on the sand and work on your tan. Bridgetown’s Carlisle Bay is the perfect place for this. It has powdery white sands stretching as far as the eye can see. The atmosphere is relaxing and peaceful, far from the noise and chaos of heavy tourist traffic. Aside from relaxing, you can also enjoy water-based sports on Carlisle Bay, although you might prefer to do nothing but lay in the sand and sip a refreshing cocktail.
Eating is another way to relax in the Caribbean. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to feast on delectable seafood in Barbados. The most popular place is at Oistins, famous for its legendary fish fry. Come here every Friday night when almost everyone on the island gathers for fresh fish and cold beer, the island’s favourite feast.
Bali evokes images of a paradise, making it one of the most incredible destinations for 50-somethings looking to relax. Dubbed the island of the Gods, Bali appeals to people of all ages. Whilst most visitors come to the island for a honeymoon, others are here for pure relaxation. You’ll find plenty of options for relaxing activities in Bali, from taking yoga classes to hiking in rice terraces, and sunset-watching on beaches.
Teeming with solemn temples and picturesque landscapes, Bali offers plenty of relaxation activities, such as yoga. You will find numerous yoga studios around the islands, perfect for visitors needing to relax. Some of the best ones are in the town of Ubud, which was the setting of the famous film Eat, Pray, Love.
Hiking in the picturesque emerald, green rice terraces is another activity to enjoy on your holiday to Bali. Two of the most popular ones are the Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. The scenic beauty of these rice terraces will make hiking truly relaxing, especially if you come here early in the morning when they are not yet overcrowded with tourists.
Mykonos is a charming Greek island famous for its party scene. But, for 50-somethings who want to relax, Mykonos will not disappoint. Enjoy a relaxing stroll in its picturesque, whitewashed villages and world-famous windmills before taking a dip in its sparkling turquoise waters. While Mykonos is a fantastic base for your holiday in Greece, you can also come here on a day trip when you cruise the Greek islands, the perfect way to see much of the country in one trip. Many visitors come to Mykonos on a cruise, which is a great way to visit multiple places in one trip.
Mykonos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, and you can spend your days relaxing in one of them. Megali Ammos Beach, a lovely sandy cove with gentle waters, is a fabulous beach for relaxing. It’s only a quick walk south of the port, with sun loungers and facilities for water sports. If you are staying in Mykonos, you can book a hotel surrounding the Megali Ammos, giving you easy access to the beach.
Your visit to Mykonos won’t be complete without visiting its famous windmills. You can take a scenic hike towards the small hill where these windmills are perched. Admire the stunning ocean views from here and stick around for one of the island’s most romantic sunset views.
Paris is one of the most incredible cities in the world for 50-somethings. Despite having a reputation for being a thronging and somewhat crowded metropolis, the French capital has more than enough range for individuals looking to take things a little slower.
Paris has many gorgeous gardens where you can find a quiet corner to relax whilst exploring the bustling city. Visit Musee Rodin, a lovely home in the middle of Paris, flanked by gorgeous well-manicured gardens.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Seine. Paris looks even more dazzling at night, and you can admire the full effect of its beauty along the Seine River banks. While in the area, drop by the Louvre Museum and admire the iconic pyramid building lit up beautifully at night!
