Retirement is a time in one’s life to look forward to. After
the pressures of working at his job and raising children have been put behind,
the person retiring now has more time available to do the things that he would
like to do. Many people take advantage of their newly-found freedom to travel
to the places that they have always wanted to visit. Outlined below is a
description of five of the best places to visit after retiring.
Alaska
Alaska is the country’s “last frontier,” with its miles upon
miles of wide open spaces and wilderness areas. This characteristic makes the
state one of the most popular places to visit. Ship companies offer cruises of
Alaska, taking hordes of passengers all around the coastline and the Aleutian
Islands. A magnificent view of the Alaskan coast can be enjoyed from the deck
of the ship or from the window of one’s cabin. For those who live in warmer
climates and would not like to travel to such a cold place, cruises are held
during the summer, when temperatures average from 44 to 52° in the southern
parts of the state. Such temperatures can even be a relief from the broiling
hot summer weather that often plagues the lower 48!
The Atlantic Ocean
As the ocean to be crossed when traveling between Europe and
the New World, the Atlantic has historically been one of the most important
bodies of water in the world. An Atlantic crossing in either direction is thus
very much like a trip backwards in time to the days when the Mayflower brought
the Pilgrims to American shores. It is also the second largest, after the
Pacific. As a result, those traveling the Atlantic (or “crossing the Pond,” as
many like to affectionately describe themselves as doing) get to enjoy miles
upon miles of unbroken ocean, supplemented by as much open sky. Occasionally,
one may spot a blue whale as it breaches from the water to breathe.
Las Vegas
So far we have discussed two travel destinations that
involve cruises. This next one is by land. Las Vegas is one of the major
tourist spots in the country because of its night life and the many neon signs
that make it seem like an oasis of light in the midst of the Great American
Desert. On the Las Vegas strip are places where entertainment is provided
non-stop. Elderly people who enjoy golf can take part in the Las Vegas Senior
Classic games. Such man-made water works as Hoover Dam and Mead Lake may be
seen in the vicinity. For those who happen to live in the city, there is an
organization called Las Vegas Senior Tripsters that provides group vacations to
various places for people aged 55 and older, including Monument Valley,
Arizona, and a cruise of the Mexican Riviera. (I will not discuss gambling
here; no one should lose his retirement savings in this way.)
Portland
Portland, Maine is a city that is full of senior activities.
The Atlantic coast may be viewed from anywhere here and the city also has many
microbreweries and restaurants that appeal to the elderly.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod is one of the best places to go after retiring.
Many elderly people live here, and the area abounds in group homes for them. I
know that for a fact very well, because my own grandparents lived there, both
of them spending their last days in nursing homes. The coast in particular is
one of the most heavenly places to live.
There are also many businesses dedicated to organizing
“senior-friendly” trips or helping with those taken by individuals. One such
organization is Travel Companion Service, which provides specially trained
travel companions to accompany the elderly when they travel. Having such a
person can be a real boon if the elderly individual is too sick, injured or
mentally infirm to be able to go far away from home all by himself. The
companion can provide wheelchair assistance; help load, unload and carry
luggage; help the traveler get to the washroom; and a variety of other tasks.
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