Let’s talk about some of the best budget-friendly destinations for retirees!
Retirement happens after decades of working hard, planning, saving, and investing. So now that you have all the time in the world ask yourself: What do I like to do? What can I afford? And how far do I want to go?
Planning a budget-friendly destination during retirement can be a daunting task. But the great thing is that you can pack up and go whenever you want instead of choosing from just two or three weeks out of the year.
For some, the ideal vacation is a sun-soaked blur of sand, waves, and frozen drinks. For others, fishing, boating, and hiking are the name of the game.
But no matter what vacation option you choose, mild weather, fewer crowds, and more value for your dollar are just a few reasons our picks should take a top spot on your travel bucket list.
So plan your ideal vacation for retirement that won’t burn a hole in your wallet by checking out our 8 favorite budget-friendly destinations for retirees!
Estes Park, Colorado
Get in touch with nature because there are lots to keep active retirees busy at the YMCA of the Rockies. It stretches for over 800 acres and is encircled on 3 sides by Rocky Mountain National Park.
Activities here include archery lessons, a rock climbing wall, swimming, zip lining, crafts, fishing, miniature golf, horseback riding, and campfires with those yummy s’mores.
A week’s stay at the beginning of May can cost you as little as $109 a night, and YMCA members get a $15 daily discount.
Pro Tip: If your budget doesn’t really permit travel right now, you can volunteer to work at the property in exchange for room and board and access to most of this budget-friendly destination’s activities.
Charleston, South Carolina
This is the perfect budget-friendly destination to soak up some Southern charm. Sophisticated Charleston was named the region’s best city by Southern Living magazine.
The fantastic attractions like the Fort Sumter National Monument and Gibbes Museum of Art will give senior discounts. And leisurely strolls along the waterfront and past the charming homes are free of charge.
One of the biggest draws to the location is Spoleto Festival USA. It’s an annual performing arts event from May to June that has always offered 10% off their senior tickets for a few of the performances. But you can save even more by booking early.
If you choose to visit during spring and fall, which are the best times for avoiding the scorching summer heat, accommodations begin at less than $80 per night.
Roanoke, Virginia
We’re not surprised that this budget-friendly destination for seniors is considered one of the South’s best places to retire.
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the temperate climate, leisurely hikes through the rich forest, and farm-to-table meals makes it an ideal location to spend the rest of your years. But if you’re just visiting, you’ll love strolling through the streets looking at art and antiques.
And local wineries are making a considerable name for themselves here as well. Off-season lodging rates begin at under $90 per night. And this even goes for hotels with some of the highest ratings you’ll find online.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Known as a US destination on the rise, you’ll get city vibes and seashore fun when visiting Wilmington. It has three nearby beaches and a Riverwalk with fantastic boutiques and restaurants. Go at sunset to catch a unique glimpse of the Cape Fear River.
And take a stroll down memory lane by visiting museums, historic homes, and the Battleship Carolina.
The best thing is that many of the attractions in this budget-friendly destination are free of charge, including two nearby state parks, the Hanover County Arboretum, the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, and the North Carolina Azalea Festival, which takes place in April.
The attractions that do charge admission will usually offer senior discounts. You’ll also find six golf courses and fishing opportunities off public piers. Off-season rates on accommodations in spring and fall start as low as $64 per night at budget hotel chains.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth and its surrounding county are a budget-friendly destination history buffs will love, especially in the spring before all the crowds begin to take over.
Visit the oldest museum in the country, Pilgrim Hall Museum, to see displays of artifacts that arrived with the Mayflower and a piece of Plymouth Rock that visitors can actually touch.
Historical walking tours are generally offered from April to November, and 17th-century homes that belonged to some of the original Mayflower passengers have been turned into museums and have fair entry fees.
Outdoor attractions include harbor and lobster cruises, whale watching, and exploring the 100-year-old Cape Cod Canal. Nightly accommodations at budget hotels begin at roughly $125 per night in the springtime.
Adirondack Mountains, New York
Forget about the big-city stress and drive upstate to the serenely majestic Adirondacks. Whether you’re more laid back or active, winter and summer activities, shopping, cultural events, and much more will keep you busy for days at a time in this budget-friendly destination.
A few of the communities host exciting winter carnivals, and miles upon miles of scenic country roads and byways beckon adventurous motorists. Unmatched leaf peeping in the most extensive publicly protected area in the continental US draws in many crowds in Autumn.
And you can hop aboard a Trailways bus while at this budget-friendly destination and save 10% on the ticket just for being a senior.
Accommodation discounts are available for seniors, as well. For instance, for those over 62 and paying cash, Blue Mountain Rest in Adirondack State Park takes off 35% on the weekend rate for a more extended stay.
Branson, Missouri
This vacation town that’s located deep in the Ozark Mountains has been discussed everywhere in recent times, including in Forbes and The New York Times.
If you decide to visit this budget-friendly destination, you can enjoy country music concerts and shows, go for a couple of rounds of golf, check out the History of Fishing Museum, cruise the lakes, and simply relax!
Elvis fans should plan on visiting during spring to catch the annual Elvis festival that happens in March. And for some significant discounts, we recommend you take advantage of the Branson Premium Coupon Package.
It includes coupons and discounts on restaurants, shows, and activities. Senior discounts on accommodations are also available at local hotels and resorts.
Destin, Florida
Nicknamed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” this budget-friendly destination has become one of the most popular vacation spots for retirees in the Florida Panhandle.
What was once a sleepy fishing town, today a bridge connects the skinny peninsula with the Sunshine State’s mainland. This town maintains an intimate, friendly atmosphere with a population of about 13,000 people, which doubles over the summer months.
Many people flock to Destin’s beaches every summer to enjoy the area’s trademark shores, made up of pure Appalachian quartz. The distinctive sand not only stays cool in the heat of the summer, but with the sunlight’s reflection, it even gives the waters an emerald hue.
This is the perfect place to sit back and unwind with a drink in hand. And if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous while on this budget-friendly destination, you can snorkel and scuba dive off the coast or rent a boat to try your luck at deep-sea fishing.
So pack your bags. Don’t forget your camera. And be sure to write to us and let us know which of these budget-friendly destinations for retirees was YOUR favorite.
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