We have been travelling the world full time since 2013, and we have found some friendly travel destinations that we have enjoyed. We think that you will enjoy them too.
The Must-Haves
But first, let’s
consider the most important features that gain our attention. Our check list
includes:
- Safe for travellers;
- Good to travel to in spring and autumn without
breaking the bank; - Great food choices and walking tours – our favourite things that we enjoy doing when we arrive into a new
place; - Reasonable accommodation in the city centre
- Safe and reliable public transportation
- Additional offerings, e.g., history, culture,
architecture; - The destination’s most well-known characteristics;
- Ease of getting there, e.g., international or local
airport, train station, bus station.
Ajijic, Mexico
Mexico is one of our favourite countries,
though we do get a lot of questions about safety when travelling through its
territory. Over the years, we have spent about nine months travelling through
many areas, and safety was no issue at all. One of our favourite destinations
was Ajijic just outside Guadalajara.
We were house-sitting for a couple of weeks
and enjoyed living like the locals. Ajijic is well known for its weather and
perfect conditions all year round. The Lake is a focal point and offers a
Malecon that is well utilised throughout the day by locals and expats alike.
On Wednesdays, there is the market in town
where you can buy locally produced fruit and vegetables at very good prices.
The market also offers kitchen goods, clothes,
music, souvenirs and more. It is a great meeting place for locals and expats
who catch up for coffee at one of the many cafes around the square after their
shopping.
On Sundays, local streets that lead down to
the Lake are closed to traffic. Restaurants and bars spill out onto the roadway
and lay out their tables and chairs whilst local bands play throughout the day.
Stockholm, Sweden
Another favorite destination suitable for baby boomers is Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden.
Stockholm is expensive and we would definitely
recommend travelling in the spring and autumn seasons to help keep costs down. It
ticks all of our requirements, e.g., safety, transport, tours, history, culture
and architecture.
There are many day trips available by train to
the regions just outside Stockholm, e.g., Roslagen and Sormland. You could even
spend a night or two on one of the small islands in the Swedish Archipelago.
When in Sweden, you must enjoy ‘Fika’. Fika is
Swedish for time to catch up with friends over coffee and a bite to eat. It is
part of their daily routine, so why not make it a part of yours too!
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor in Montenegro is another favourite boomer destination. We
recommend staying outside of the Old Town in Prcanj, a 5-minute taxi ride away.
Prcanj is a small village located on the Bay of Kotor with stunning views over
the bay to the mountains. Kotor is drop dead gorgeous.
A few minutes’ walk along the coast road from Prcanj, and you can enjoy local fish restaurants right on the beach with breathtaking views. If you dine in the Old Town, you can expect to pay higher prices.
A boat tour from the Old Town will take you to
the middle of the bay where you can visit the local Catholic Church and museum known
as the Lady of the Rocks. You will wonder how they managed to build it. It did
take 200 years. Locals would return from a sea journey and place stones to
create the foundation.
If you enjoy a walk you could hike the 1,350
steps to the Fort that overlooks Kotor; it is well worth the climb for the
view. If you visit in spring or autumn the weather is cooler for the hike, but
you will need to remember to take water and apply sunscreen.
Further read, 12 BEST EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS FOR WOMEN OVER 50.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What do you look
for in a travel destination? Do you have a check list? Do you have any recommendations for friendly boomer
destinations? Please share them below.
