10 Unforgettable Trips to Take When You Retire
Retirement is a time to reawaken dormant curiosities, rejuvenate your sense of wonder and remember what it’s like to feel deeply, immediately alive. For those with an adventurous spirit, this time is practically synonymous with travel.
As scientist and nature writer Rachel Carson put it, “those who contemplate the beauty of the Earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” Is there a better way to spend the hard-earned free time of your golden years?
It can be tricky, however, to whittle down our wondrous world into a succinct and fulfilling retirement travel plan. How to choose between relaxation and adventure? Between isolated isles and bustling cities? Tropical jungles and polar ice sheets?
Luckily, on an expedition cruise, one rarely needs to compromise. The thoughtfully designed itineraries by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cover all of this and more, coupled with unparalleled access and expertise.
Dedicated expedition teams draw upon decades of experience and deep relationships in renowned regions across the globe. Expert naturalists lend their sharp eyes and seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of the local ecosystems. And certified photo instructors guide you in documenting it all.
Read on for 10 unique retirement trip ideas—epic journeys that will take you as far “out of office” as humanly possible.
Experience All the Wonders of the Southern Ocean
Antarctica’s untamed frontier is no doubt a dream destination, but you’d be remiss to chart a straightforward course to its icy shores. On Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands, you have the rare opportunity to explore all three bottom-of-the-world wonders. Be stunned by South Georgia's cacophonous colony of hundreds of thousands of king penguins—or the windswept archipelago of the Falklands, where 500,000 pairs of elegant black-browed albatrosses rear their fleecey fledglings. In Antarctica, experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the frozen sea (weather-permitted) if you travel there in November. Along the way be certain your Captain will absolutely brake for whales: fin whales, humpbacks and orcas all frequent these nutrient-rich waters to feed.
See Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands >
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Encounter the Iconic Wildlife of the Galápagos
No adventurous traveler’s list would be complete without a voyage to these legendary volcanic islands. Walk in the footsteps of Darwin as you delight in up-close encounters with gentle giant tortoises, brightly colored land iguanas, and a parade of birdlife from blue-footed boobies and waved albatrosses to Galápagos finches and frigatebirds. Then, swap your hiking shoes for snorkeling gear to discover the curious creatures of the highly protected Galápagos Marine Reserve, like tropical-dwelling Galápagos penguins and salt-sneezing marine iguanas.
Photo: Stacy Sindlinger
Witness the Famous Peaks of Torres del Paine
The wind-worn terrain of Patagonia is one of Earth’s most isolated environments, but that hardly means its trails are limited to backpackers—especially within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Torres del Paine National Park. Here, the granite horns and towering spires of the Paine Massif are unquestionably the main attraction, but they’re far from the only muse within the park’s 450,000 acres of forests, grasslands, glaciers, rivers, and lagoons. Wander alongside guanacos, rhea, and with luck, the elusive puma, whose population numbers have been growing as of late.
See Chilean Patagonia: Fjords, Glaciers and Torres del Paine >
Photo: Mike Greenfelder
Transit the Historic Panama Canal
Experience one of mankind’s most incredible feats of engineering aboard the National Geographic Quest which transits the canal over the course of two days. You’ll get an up-close look at the intricate lock systems that have been shuttling ships between the Atlantic and Pacific with nothing more than the power of water since 1914. It’s not all concrete walls, though; we anchor overnight in manmade Gatun Lake, near Pipeline Road and its record-breaking bird counts (up to 480 species in a 24-hour period!). Keep your binoculars poised for keel-billed toucans, wattled jacanas and the vibrant white-necked jacobin, a hummingbird whose wings beat up to 80 times a second—a display of nature’s own engineering prowess.
See Costa Rica and the Panama Canal >
Photo: David Vargas
Go Deep into the Authentic Alaska Wilderness
The forests and fjords of Alaska's Inside Passage seem a world away from email inboxes and ergonomic desk chairs. Nothing quite compares to the adrenaline rush brought on when you witness a calving tidewater glacier, the bursting breach of a humpback whale or a family of foraging brown bears. That’s not to say quiet reverence can’t be found here—particularly for those who share our special invitation to the hallowed ground of Haida Gwaii. After signing a pledge of respect, visitors venture into the ancestral archipelago of the Haida Nation alongside local cultural interpreters, touring heritage sites like UNESCO-recognized SGang Gwaay and trekking moss-laden trails of pristine nature reserves, far beyond the reaches of roadways and cell signals.
See Voyage to Alaska, British Columbia and Haida Gwaii >
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Take in the Dramatic Beauty of the Azores
Swap your usual European city tour for this hidden gem waiting 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal. With its rolling emerald-green hills, seaside hot springs, towering basalt peaks and world-class wine and cheese, the Azorean archipelago just might inspire you to retire there for good. The locals are committed to sustainable growth and protecting the islands’ natural beauty and ecosystems; you’ll experience their dedication as you explore among the volcanic vineyards on Pico or the windmill-dotted farmlands of Graciosa. The surrounding waters echo the vitality you’ll find on land so keep an eye out for fin whales, sperm whales, dolphins and a host of seabirds.
See Islands of the Azores: Basalt Peaks to Volcanic Vineyards >
Explore Coastal Croatia on a Legendary Ship
Already cruised the Greek Isles? Set your sails for the jewel-toned Adriatic and escape into the pages of a fairytale via the Dalmatian coast. Take in white-sand beaches and hillside fortresses from beneath the billowing sails of the elegant tall ship Sea Cloud, once owned by late heiress and businesswoman Marjorie Merriweather Post. The region’s rich history comes alive in places like Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world, and St. Mary’s Church, a Benedictine convent in Zadar dating back to the 11th century. Hvar, the sunniest and greenest of the Croatian islands, is an ode to old-world charm: those arriving to meander the narrow passages of nameless cobblestone streets are even welcomed by the sweet scents of abundant lavender, rosemary and heather.
Sail Croatia on a Legendary Ship >
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
See Angkor Wat at Sunrise
Trade the halls of your local natural history museum for the lowlands of Cambodia and the winding Mekong River. In the UNESCO-honored ruins of Angkor’s ancient urban center, Mother Earth herself expands upon the architectural masterworks of the Khmer Empire. Mosses creep over corridors where bas relief carvings tell tales of demigods and demons. A banyan tree wraps a 13th-century Buddhist monastery in a rooted embrace. In their most majestic collaboration, the famous Temple of Angkor Wat is draped in silhouette as the sun colors the sky before taking center stage above the horizon.
See Sailing Vietnam and Cambodia’s Mekong River Aboard The Jahan >
Photo: David Vargas
Search for Arctic Wildlife Under the Midnight Sun
For a true thrill, head north to Arctic Svalbard, a land of ice sculptures and remarkable wildlife encounters. Come summer this remote archipelago springs to life from the sea to the sky, giving travelers the chance to spot an array of creatures in their natural habitat. Polar bears are on the prowl for their favorite prey: ringed and bearded seals; dozens of seabirds return to breed on towering cliffs; and reindeer and arctic fox roam the tundra which blooms with a surprising abundance of colorful plants and fungi. In the frigid waters, look out for a variety of whales as well as Atlantic walrus. With the seasonal midnight sun, there’ll be no shortage of light for you to take it all in.
See Svalbard: In Search of Iconic Arctic Wildlife >
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Sail Through Antiquity on the Legendary Nile River
If you’ve only ever explored Egypt’s famed treasures as an armchair traveler, now is the time to finally witness them firsthand. Sail down the Nile aboard an elegant riverboat watching life unfurl along shores that hold 5,000 years of ancient history. Discover one highlight after another, from the Great Pyramids of Giza to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples, and be among the first to visit the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum which overflows with painted sarcophagi, preserved mummies, bronze statues and ritual vessels. Every corner you turn is brimming with stories that beg to be told and your Egyptologist guides will help paint a more complete picture. Special access to places like the Sphinx and the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities brings you even deeper into the wonders of this mythic realm.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
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