There’s a lot to think about before heading off on holiday as a senior traveller. From mobility and physical health to picking a destination that suits everyone’s needs and interests - the planning can feel like a trip in itself.
Travelling with older parents can be incredibly rewarding, but we get it - it’s not always easy. If you’re bringing the whole family, including little ones, the logistics (and emotions) can feel a bit full-on. The same goes if you’re a retired couple planning your next escape, or a group of friends making the most of your golden years.
To help, we’ve rounded up some of the best places in the world to travel as a senior. Whatever your budget, interests or mobility, these spots offer something special, without the stress.
💡Top Tip: If you or someone you’re flying with needs a bit of extra help, check out our guide to flight help for senior travellers. It covers what airlines offer and how to book those services easily through us.
Cannes is all about the sparkle. Set on the French Riviera, this glamorous resort town is best known for its star-studded film festival each May, but there’s so much more to explore, with or without a red carpet.
Wander down the Boulevard de la Croisette, one of the most luxurious streets in Europe, and take in the art, architecture and sea views. Spend a lazy afternoon on one of Cannes’ sandy beaches or head into Le Suquet, the old quarter, where cobbled streets wind up from the yacht-lined Vieux Port. It’s full of charm, history and stories waiting to be discovered.
Fancy a peaceful break from the buzz? Just a short 15-minute ferry ride away, you’ll find the Iles de Lerins - four protected islands, all lush, green and perfect for a quiet walk or a bit of downtime.
Late spring and early summer are full of energy, thanks to the film festival. If you don’t mind the crowds, May is a great time to soak up the atmosphere, and the weather’s lovely too, hovering around 22°C. For a calmer escape, September’s your sweet spot. Warm days, quieter beaches and plenty of time to relax.
Cannes is easy to explore on foot, and the local buses are a solid backup. Just a heads-up: Le Suquet and other older areas can be a bit uneven underfoot. But places like the Promenade des Anglais are flat and smooth, perfect for a relaxed stroll with stunning views over the bay.
Most travellers fly into Nice International Airport (NCE), which is around 15 miles (25 km) from Cannes - that’s about 40 to 50 minutes by taxi, or you can hop on public transport for a budget-friendly option. Airlines flying to NCE include easyJet, Air France, Norwegian Air Shuttle, British Airways, Air Canada, HOP! and United Airlines.
Cambridge is a charming university city just east of London, packed with brilliant restaurants, fascinating museums and plenty of lovely spots to shop. It’s perfect for a relaxed weekend break, especially if you’re after a slower pace.
You’ve probably heard of Cambridge because of the university, and for good reason. It’s one of the most famous in the world, with roots that go all the way back to 1209. The colleges are dotted around the city and each one has its own story to tell, with striking buildings, peaceful chapels and picture-perfect gardens.
The River Cam winds gently through the city, where you’ll spot punts and little boats gliding by. It’s a great place for a walk or a picnic, and don’t miss crossing King’s College Bridge for a photo you’ll want to frame. If you’ve got time, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is well worth a visit too. Full of colour and rare plants, it’s a peaceful, uplifting place to explore.
The British weather can be a little unpredictable, but your best bet for sunshine is between April and September. That’s when you’re most likely to catch Cambridge at its brightest, with long days to wander and enjoy the city’s leafy streets.
Cambridge is compact, so it’s easy to explore on foot if that suits you. But don’t worry if walking’s not your thing - there’s a great network of local buses and reliable taxis to help you get from A to B without any stress.
The closest airport is London Stansted (STN), just 25 miles (about a 45-minute taxi ride) away. Airlines flying into Stansted include easyJet, Ryanair, TUI Airways, British Airways, Emirates and Pegasus Airlines.
You can also fly into London Heathrow (LHR), which has even more direct international routes. From there, it’s about 2.5 hours to Cambridge by coach, or you can take a train for a more scenic ride. Airlines flying to Heathrow include British Airways, American Airlines, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Delta, Eurowings, United and Virgin Atlantic.
Set along southern Spain’s sun-soaked Costa del Sol, Malaga is a port city that blends old-world charm with a fresh new energy. Once a quiet coastal town, the city has had a glow-up in recent years - think stylish hotels, a buzzing port and a cultural scene that’s really come into its own.
If you're after a travel plan that strikes the perfect balance between history and modern comforts, Malaga ticks all the boxes.
You’ll find top-notch restaurants, sleek hotels and revamped shopping streets sitting side-by-side with cobbled lanes and peaceful squares that whisper of the city’s past. As one of the oldest cities in Spain, Malaga proudly wears its history, but offers plenty of modern comforts too. Whether you’re after a great-value resort with all the extras (like pools, restaurants and room to unwind) or you’d rather settle into a spacious apartment or a traditional Spanish villa, there’s something here for every style and budget.
Spring and autumn, the shoulder seasons, are a dream time to go. You’ll get warm, comfortable weather without the summer rush - perfect for taking it slow and soaking up the sights.
Malaga makes exploring easy. Most of the city’s top spots, from museums and monuments to beaches and local restaurants, are set up to welcome travellers with additional mobility needs. Landmarks like the Málaga Alcazaba, the Nerja Caves, Ronda’s Bullring and the city’s cathedral have all been made accessible. Even the beaches along the Costa del Sol have ramps, amphibious chairs and support staff on hand to help everyone enjoy the sea and sand.
Getting there is easy. Malaga Airport (AGP) is just 5 miles from the city centre, with flights available from Air Europa, Ryanair, Iberia Express, Eurowings, Vueling, TUI Airways and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
Looking for somewhere warm, welcoming and easy-going? The Florida Keys might just be what you need. This stretch of tropical islands extends about 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida, offering some of the best sailing and water activities in the country, or the chance to simply slow down and soak up the sunshine. If you’re after calm seas and even calmer days, it’s a brilliant place to take it easy. And when evening rolls in? You can watch the sky light up on a sunset sailing cruise - the kind of moment that stays with you.
Key West, the southernmost point of the Keys, makes a great base for your trip. Known for its pastel-coloured homes and sandy beaches, this island city is a great spot to rent a villa and settle in for a week or two - whether it’s just the two of you or you’re travelling with family. Everyone can find their own rhythm here.
March to May is a great time to go. The winter rush winds down, prices become more reasonable, and the weather stays warm without being too hot.
Key West is known for being welcoming and accessible. Most shops and restaurants offer wheelchair access, and there’s a reliable public transport system too, helping you get around with ease.
Fly into Key West International Airport (EYW) with airlines including American Airlines, Delta, Silver Airways, Southern Airways Express and United Express. Flights from EYW only run within the US, so if you're flying in from abroad, you’ll need to connect through another major US airport.
Tucked away in Canada’s Quebec Province, Montreal blends French flair with North American charm. It’s a city full of character, with neighbourhoods that buzz with energy and history. Stroll around and you’ll find cosy cafés, boutique shops, local art galleries and restaurants that locals love just as much as visitors. If you’re into architecture or history, don’t miss the Notre-Dame Basilica - it’s a real highlight. For a view that’s worth the journey, Mont Royal looks out over the city skyline. And don’t worry if the climb feels a bit much - there are buses to help you reach the top.
And then there’s the food. Montreal’s bagels, poutine and espressos are iconic, and for good reason. Make sure you leave room for all three.
Some attractions in Montreal are seasonal, and winters can be very cold, as can late autumn. The best time to visit is between June and September, when the city really comes alive with festivals. The Montreal Jazz Festival is a standout and draws music lovers from around the world every summer.
Getting around is pretty straightforward thanks to Montreal’s strong public transport network. While some older parts of the city, like the Old Town, may have steep steps and limited access in places, many newer neighbourhoods and hotels are more accessible, and often close to top attractions too.
Fly into Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), just 20 km from Downtown. Many major airlines serve the city, and private buses can get you from the airport to the centre with ease. Airlines flying to YUL include Sunwing Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Air Transat, WestJet, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express, Air Canada, United Express, British Airways and Lufthansa.
Looking for sunshine, comfort and a slower pace? Palm Springs might be just the place. This laid-back resort town in Southern California is ideal for unwinding by the pool, enjoying a long hotel brunch or spending the afternoon in a spa or hot spring. Golf lovers will be spoilt for choice, and there’s no shortage of premium tennis clubs either. If you’re up for a bit more movement, there’s biking, hiking and even horseback riding in the nearby Coachella Valley.
When evening rolls around, Palm Springs turns on the charm with cosy jazz bars and welcoming restaurants, and thanks to the warm climate, you can sit outside and really soak it all in.
To skip the desert heat, plan your trip between January and April, or later in the year during Fall. Winter is a sweet spot too, with cooler, more comfortable weather.
Palm Springs is a town that really looks after its visitors. You’ll find great accessibility at hotels, restaurants and shopping malls, plus public transport is easy to use and most places are fully air-conditioned.
You can fly straight into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), with domestic connections across the US and Canada. Airlines flying in include Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, WestJet, United, Allegiant and more.
Tucked away in the Indian Ocean, just north of Madagascar, the Seychelles is a true escape. Often called some of the most beautiful islands on Earth, it’s a dream spot for those looking to slow down or enjoy a little adventure. If island hopping sounds like your kind of thing, this is the place.
With 115 islands to explore, flying between them with airlines like Air Seychelles makes getting around surprisingly simple. The main island, Mahé, is home to 65 beaches on its own - perfect if you love finding a quiet stretch of sand to call your own for the day.
Try April, May, October or November. These in-between months offer a sweet spot - you’ll skip the hottest, most humid weather and avoid the cooler seasonal winds that roll in from March and again in October.
You can fly direct to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) from cities like London, Paris, Dubai and Frankfurt - with easy connections if you’re travelling from the US. Airlines flying into SEZ include Air France, Air Seychelles, British Airways, Emirates, Air Austral, Air Mauritius and Condor.
Singapore might be small, but it’s packed with plenty to discover - and the best bit? You don’t need to go far to experience it all. Whether you’re in town for a few days or taking your time, many of the city’s top sights are just a short stroll or drive apart. You can spend the morning wandering the lush Gardens by the Bay, home to the world’s tallest greenhouses, then head next door to Marina Bay Sands, where the rooftop views (and that infinity pool!) are just as iconic as the hotel itself.
Singapore’s a great choice all year round, but if you’re hoping to dodge the rain, the dry season runs from February through to April, so you’re more likely to catch those blue-sky days.
Singapore’s known for being one of the most accessible cities in the world. Over the past decade, the city’s put a real focus on making things easier for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Most major sights are within walking distance, and if you fancy giving your feet a break, the buses, trains and taxis are smooth, simple and stress-free to use.
Fly into Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). It’s one of the busiest (and best) airports in the world, served by major airlines including Air China, Air France, Air New Zealand, AirAsia, China Eastern, Jetstar Asia, Scoot, SilkAir, Singapore Airlines and Thai AirAsia.
From choosing airline food that suits your dietary needs, to getting assistance at the airport to help with mobility restrictions, there are a wide range of conditions that senior travellers may need help and assistance with when travelling. We have a number of guides that can help, including:
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