Shake Things Up in Retirement: 10 Great Adventures

Very nice tips. While in Spain for “Caminho de Santiago” skip over Portugal. We will wait for you with our superb gastronomy, joy and sun.

I enjoyed this article. I retired in 2018 and was able to take my bucket list trip to Italy with a cruise to Greece before Covid hit. I am so grateful I got to do my dream trip while I was still an energetic new retiree. Even then, the amount of walking through ruins, stairs at the Vatican museum, climbing hills etc. was still a surprising challenge. We are definitely spoiled by ADA accessibility requirements here (and of course the ancient civilizations didn’t have lots of public bathrooms etc.). I honestly don’t think I would be up to the same trip at nearly 70 that I took at 65. Sigh.

True enough Kate. We do have to adjust our adventures to our new capabilities! But there still plenty of exciting things to do, we just have to do them slightly differently. For example, the biggest adventure of my life was a backpacking trip with the Sierra Club in Alaska. But I know I couldn't do that now, but I could do an easier, shorter,lighter version. Or maybe a walk like the Camino or Scottish trek with a service to carry the luggage!

Several years ago, I visited the most isolated inhabited location in the world - Easter Island, located 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile. Was fascinated with this place as a teen, ever since reading "Chariots of the Gods: Unsolved Mysteries of the Past" published in 1968 by Erich von Däniken.
Wanted to see the incredible, mysterious moai in person. Trip of a lifetime.
Jan Cullinane

There are indeed many incredible ways to enjoy our retirement. As stated, one key is to do it before age sets limits, but even with limits, just do it! Since retiring, we have taken 3 major US road trips around the West including one with month-long stays in Arizona and Colorado with a week spent wandering through the Utah national parks in between. I can no longer manage the hikes and explorations that I did even 5 - 10 years ago, but I still have a bucket list of tours (perhaps with assistance) that excite me. I'd like to take a railroad trip across Canada, tour the Lewis and Clark trail, follow the Great River Road the length of the Mississippi, play around in the Florida keys and take innumerable cruises -- Alaska, various world rivers and even back to the Caribbean. I know I'll never get it all in, but I'd sure like to try -- even if I need a wheelchair. Just do it!

I have never done this, but Amtrack Tours sounds fantastic! I hate to drive anywhere now and this would be a great way to go on guided tours without driving!
https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/destinations/united-states/amtrak-vacations/?msclkid=73562f82e9801e01fc5d4df1589784d2&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=USA%20-%20Amtrak%20Vacations&utm_term=amtrak%20adventures&utm_content=General
There are also Canadian Train Vacations too!
https://canadiantrainvacations.com/?utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=CTV%20%7C%20USA%20%7C%20Search%20%7C%20Trains&utm_term=canadian%20rail%20tours&utm_content=Canada%20Trains%20-%20Tour&msclkid=d0b041bc125412b9441d23cfa3be353f

I'll be completing 45 radiation treatments for cancer tomorrow. Two days later we are off to Greece for 2 weeks. My wife has had breast cancer twice and has come through it well. In addition, we both were treated for skin cancer last year. In spite of all this, we are determined to continue to see the world for as long as we are able to do so. Next year, we are heading to Ireland again. This time to explore the places where my father's ancestors lived. Keep on keeping on.

Yes; would really enjoy doing some of those sites & trips mentioned as found out in past couple of weeks we are not getting any younger. Problem I need to work out is that my Partner does not share my enthusiasm. The Train Trip across Canada from Coast to Coast is Number 1 & My Country gives me a Smile everyday. Taking a River Cruise on The Mississippi has a strong appeal because of it's role in America's History. Taking one the River Cruises in Europe would be quality.
But getting on a Plane shortly & Flying to Toronto to see My Kid's & Sister Ranks Very High.
Probably will get to see MLB & the Bison's play. So, In reality it does not get any Better!!
Cheers!!

That final"?" was supposed to be a smiley.

BillBogey, yes the partner concern is very real. After 53 years together and having been so many places together, my wife and I find it more difficult to agree on our next outings. But she has a long time friend who is interested in traveling together and some places like wandering the Keys is much more my goal, so we may share some of these times apart for a bit. Me and Tonto make a great partnership. ?

Great article and we are getting enthused already! Love the comments and suggestions! We have been talking about a train trip to the Canadian Rockies and a Lewis and Clark trip, thanks for the ideas and the links. I hope the comments keep coming - there are eight so far and all of them have something to offer, including encouragement!

My hub and I vacationed in Aruba more than 20 times during our working years. It might seem boring to some to visit the same place year after year but it was like penicillin for our brains and really rejuvenated us. The white sand, the turquoise waters, Caribbean music, a different restaurant every night and lots of rest and relaxation was heaven on earth. So different from our neck of the woods in USA. It has been many years since we visited but it is always on my mind!

We have just decided to take a trip out west and visit many sites we always talked about, but now we are more than ready to get out. I love the idea of volunteering somewhere exciting but I'm not quite as willing and adventurous as the editor to do it far far from home, although I do envy it.

Just Trust It!! Take it from an Old Guy whom many suggest is a PITA. Travel while you can & Enjoy!!
Am certain the Smile will be there!!

Alex, go and enjoy. Over the past 19 years, we have taken 3 major road trips of at least 5 weeks and 8500 miles each through and around the West starting from NC. We have enjoyed many wonderful people and places, yet have not come close to properly experiencing all that we may still get around to. We have an incredible country and great history to see. Go for it!

Just drove from Bakersfield CA to South Carolina! Boring!!! Boring! The only nice place on the entire trip was Flagstaff AZ!
Route 40 takes you through the most bland monotonous scenery I have ever seen!
Want a beautiful adventure stay East of Oklahoma
Ron

Having driven I-40 numerous times, i can't say that I agree that it's especially boring. But if you want to see the countryside, in general, stay off the interstates.