Vacation Bucket list for Couples in Your 50s
Today’s 50 year olds are far more adventurous than they have ever been and for many, that first whiff of freedom, means that traveling is not just a luxury but a necessity for a well balanced and varied life. In addition, with many parents now deciding to use the money that would have once been saved for their children’s inheritance, travelling has never been so good or so accessible.
However for those beginning early on their bucket list, it would make sense to divide your travel bucket list based on your age group. Though in today’s time, age would just be a number and not a limiting factor. But care needs to be taken to ensure that you get the most out of your holiday, and that means careful planning, creating a wish list based on physical, financial and emotional limitations at different stages of life.
Therefore in our Travel Bucket list series of articles we have categorized dream destinations based on age group. High adrenaline destinations which include water sports, hiking, biking, difficult terrains are more suitable at a younger age, as are camping and other low budget accommodation ideas. Whereas more relaxed sightseeing and cultural, historical trips are suitable for the middle aged. Similarly relaxed cruise trips and longer itineraries are ideal for retirees. But as I said, age is just a number.
US Vacation Ideas
Alaskan Cruise
Travel to one of the planets loneliest and most awe inspiring places; where else can you hear the roar of white thunder as sections of the turquoise blue glacier break off and tumble into the icy sea below. Marvel at the miles of wilderness, towering snow capped peaks and places such as the multi colored and stilted town of Ketchikan and Skagway with its Wild West feel.
Don’t forget to observe the teeming marine life around you, including Orcas, Sea Otters, Puffins, Steller Sea Lions, Harbor Seals as well as land mammals such as mountain goats and bears. Finding a cruise to suit you couldn’t be easier, with cruises departing from Vancouver, Seattle, Los Angles, and San Francisco.
Big Sur Road Trip (California)
Want to experience some of the best U.S. at its best? Then search no further, for the Big Sur coastal road is just for you. Just think no traffic lights and that when the sun goes down you will have nothing but moonlight to guide you.
Take in the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with its towering Redwoods, waterfalls, Valley View, and if you want something a little different take walk along the purple sanded beach, made so by the run off of manganese garnet that washes down from the surrounding hillsides. Esalen Institute; it only opens after midnight but oh what a night, when you can romantically bathe in one of the natural pools that rests on an ocean shelf and let the earth move as the surf crashes below you.
Big Sur Bakers, who not only bake fantastic melt in your mouth pastries but provide a setting, where, if you are lucky, will get to see hummingbirds play; other places of notable interest include Point Sur State Historic Park, Los Padres National Forest and the Henry Miller Memorial Library.
Vacations Spots in Europe
Europe has some of the most outstanding cultural cities in the world. So here is our top pick if you are looking for a city break that is bursting with culture and history.
Florence
The birthplace of the Renaissance movement and home to the world’s largest repository of Italian Renaissance art. The city is magical and simply stunning and you shouldn’t leave without seeing the Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Santa Croce and of course the Vasari Corridor and the Fountain of Neptune.
Cambridge
Is considered to be one of the most beautiful English cities and with its wealth of historical buildings, beautiful gardens, medieval streets and riverbanks, it has the power to mesmorize and captivate. While you are here you should visit Kings College Chapel, Museum of Archeology, Fitzwilliam Museum, Corpus Clock, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Ely Cathedral, Nene Valley Railway and the Nene National Park as well as the Imperial War Museum at Duxford.
Córdoban
One of Spain’s grandest and most intimate examples of Moorish heritage. The city was originally the seat of Roman and Morrish power in Spain and offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in a culture that is simply unique and awe inspiring.
Salzburg
Often referred to being the Golden city of the High Boroque, it is also the birthplace of Mozart. While here you should visit Mozart’s birthplace, St. Peter’s Abbey, Hellbrunn Palace, Hohensalzburg Castle, Residenzgale, Nonnberg Abbey and Hohenwefen Castle.
Rome
Who could not love this magical city which has been home to emperors, artists and popes; all of whom have left their legacies! So whether you are strolling through narrow streets, gazing in wonder at the many statues and pieces of art or simply enjoying a coffee or authentic pizza, Rome is a must on anyone’s holiday list.
Paris
Paris is still one of the most beautiful cities in the world and whether you are admiring the artwork of the many street artists, visiting Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Jardin des Tuileries or simply enjoying a coffee and a pastry in a little bijou café you can’t help but fall in love with the city.
Basel
This river city may be new to you but with its outstanding museums and beautiful architecture, it is now home to one of the world’s premier art fairs, making it a perfect summer destination, and with many attractions including Münster Cathedral, Music Museum, Rheinfahre, Fine Art Museum, Dollhouse Museum and the Tierpark Lange Erlen you will not be at a loss of things to do.
Berlin
Hip, chic the city has gone from strength to strength; especially its emerging art scene. Interested in what life was like behind the Iron Curtain? Well make sure that you visit the Pergamon on museumland, the Brandenburg Gate and the Jewish Museum. Or simply explore and marvel at how two halves have become one.
Granada
Looking for something different, well look no further. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the city is teeming with history from the Alhambra and Tomb of the Catholic Monarchs, Royal Palaces, ornamental pools that date from the Nasrid dynasty (1232 – 1492) to sublime scenery including Poplar groves, orchards and tobacco fields.
Vacations Spots in Asia
India
One of the world’s most esoteric places and ideal if you are looking for a place that will rejuvenate your soul and put you in touch with your higher self, then this is it. With 4,500 years of culture, India is amazing, as it is always rejuvenating itself; a reason for its longevity. Who can fair not to be moved by the Taj Mahal? With the advent of films such as ‘The Best Marigold Hotel’ India has become a very attractive holiday and health destinations. For more details please read our article ‘Top places to visit in India’.
Vietnam
Known for its beaches, pagodas and busy cities, Vietnam is an exciting and exotic place to visit; not to mention brimming with history. From the mausoleum dedicated to Vietnams iconic leader ‘Ho Chi Minh’, Imperial Palace, French Colonial architecture and of course memories from the Vietnam war, which include several war museums and a chance to see the Cú Chi tunnels that were used by the Viet Cong.
Other spotlights include the Hòa Lò prison which was used by the French colonists for political prisoners and later for U.S. prisoners of war. Getting away from the bustle is easy and for those wishing to experience Vietnams natural beauty then a visit to Ha Long Bay, Hoàn Kiem Lake and Phong Nha-Kè Bang National Park.
Laos
If you’ve ever read any of Colin Cotterill’s Dr. Siri series, a trip to Laos is a must. Although not as cheap as its neighbors, its history, culture and book references make it a veritable treasure chest of experiences including the Vieng Xai Caves which contain Vieng Xai’s most important war shelters, Phu Si, a 329 step assent, topped with a gilded 24m stupa called ‘That Chomsi’, Royal Palace – built in 1904 it incorporates both French and Lao styles, Wat Xieng Thong monastery in Luang Prabang and of course the most iconic and important monastery in Laos ‘Pha that Luang’. Looking for souvenirs?
Look no further than the Handicraft Night Market. Adrenalin junkies will love the opportunity to kayak, cycle, rock climb and zip line between tree houses. All in all Laos has everything to get your blood pumping.
With so much to offer, don’t take the safe option but step out into a world full of culture, art, natural beauty and some of the most world changing history you have ever seen.