If you were born between 1946 and 1964, that makes you a baby boomer. As of 2024, most baby boomers are currently between 59 and 79 years old. As a reminder, Americans start retiring from their jobs in their late 60s and early 70s. The current generation of baby boomers is engaging in plenty of conversations about what to do next with their “golden years” now that their 40-hour work weeks are no longer consuming their schedules.
Traveling abroad is a pleasant thing for people to do at any age. Whether you’re a baby boomer, a Gen-Xer, a millennial, or even a Gen-Zer, deciphering which destinations are best is how you can live a life that’s genuinely fulfilling and exciting. After all, if you always have something to look forward to on the calendar, it prevents patterns of negative thinking. Having upcoming vacations scheduled on the calendar is something baby boomers should be prioritizing.
Baby boomers have seen tons of changes happen in their lifetimes including the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. Instead of focusing on everything taking place in the government, baby boomers are welcome to shift their focus to beautiful and blissful vacation destinations abroad. While we’re on the topic of baby boomers, click here to uncover the most popular country music singers baby boomers listen to.
To gather this list of baby boomers’ favorite places to travel abroad, 24/7 Tempo consulted several travel sources. These include Daily Press, Travel + Leisure, International Living, and Condé Nast Traveler.
Sydney, Australia
It’ll take baby boomers 16 to 21 hours to fly from United States to Sydney, Australia. The lengthy flight is often worth it for baby boomers who are ready to enjoy themselves on vacation. Sydney is known for its gorgeous Sydney Harbor Bridge, the iconic Opera House, and its endless amount of breathtaking wildlife. In Australia, baby boomers will come across kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, penguins, seals, and more. Baby boomers should bank on visiting Sydney during their summer season to enjoy the picturesque views and warmer weather.
Beijing, China
Baby boomers will undoubtedly enjoy trips to Beijing, China, which is the imperial capital of the country. Hong Kong is another major city in China, but it’s usually full of younger people who are interested in the nightlife Hong Kong can offer. For baby boomers, Beijing is an attractive Destination with access to the historic Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and 4,000-mile long Great Wall. The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most impressive structures. A visit to Beijing will provide baby boomers with a greater understanding of China’s intriguing history.
Cairo, Egypt
Since Cairo is the capital of Egypt, it’s another fabulous place for baby boomers to explore. You’ll find it near the Nile Delta full of jaw-dropping attractions. Baby boomers in Cairo are free to check out the Grand Egyptian Museum, the hanging church of the Virgin Mary, and the mosque of Mohammed Ali.
Travelers can also stop by the two opposite mosques of Sultan Hassan and El-Refai, the citadel of Saladin, and the Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun. While spending time in Egypt, baby boomers are welcome to book the Nile cruise as a top-notch form of entertainment. During the cruise, delicious lunches and dinners are served.
Reykjavík, Iceland
There’s so much for a baby boomer to do in Reykjavík, Iceland while on vacation. For starters, Reykjavík is Iceland’s capital. Some capital cities are more cut and dry than others, but this capital is undeniably lively. Baby boomers interested in learning about Iceland’s culture will find what they’re looking for in Reykjavík.
Outdoor activities, such as visiting volcanic craters, enjoying walking tours, admiring waterfalls, trecking along black sand beaches, and laying eyes on the Northern LightsNcan all be done on a trip to this beautiful Icelandic city. Catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is a huge draw for loads of curious travelers coming in from abroad.
Rome, Italy
The list of activities that baby boomers can partake in visiting Rome, Italy is endless. Travelers love the idea of laying eyes on the Colosseum at least once in their lifetime. The Colosseum happens to be located in Rome. Simply knowing that gladiator fights took place inside the Colosseum many years ago in history is a jaw-dropping fact.
Along with the Colosseum, baby boomers are encouraged to visit the Palazzo Spada, the Monte Mario Nature Reserve, and the Case Romane del Celio in Rome. The Galleria Doria Pamphilj, the Villa Doria Pamphilj, and the Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala are a few other stops that are worthwhile in Rome as well.
San Jose, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is often thought of as one of the best vacation destinations for young people who are ready to let loose. They good news for baby boomers is that there are parts of Costa Rica that aren’t reserved for nightlife activities like drinking and dancing until two in the morning. San Jose is a beautiful city in Costa Rica where baby boomers will thrive on vacation.
Baby boomers are welcome to visit the national Museum in San Jose to learn about Costa Rica’s history before the Columbian era. Strolling through the city center, signing up for the coffee plantation tour, and trying Casado as one of Costa Rica’s most beloved dishes are some other pleasant activities to consider.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa is a wonderful vacation destination for baby boomers who are looking for excitement and beauty. Cape Town is recognized for being visually exquisite compared to other cities around the globe. The landscape is eye-catching, the architecture is colorful, and the people living there are diverse.
ape Town has been described as luxurious with incredible vineyards, decadent restaurants, lively sports facilities, top-notch, shopping centers, and upscale entertainment venues where are baby boomers can take in shows. On top of that, there are also glorious beaches to visit throughout Cape Town.
Donegal, Ireland
Members of younger generations might have more fun visiting Dublin, Ireland, but baby boomers will certainly enjoy themselves in Donegal. Donegal is special for a slew of reasons including its stunning coastline, access to the 15th century Donegal Castle, and ongoing festivals that have been traced back to the 1700s. Baby boomers who enjoy beer are welcome to order pints of Guinness from any of the traditional Irish bars located in this beloved Irish city. Donegal is known for showcasing the highlights of Irish culture when it comes to beverages, menu items, and the language.
Jerusalem, Israel
Baby boomers don’t necessarily have to be religious to enjoy a vacation in Jerusalem, Israel. Of course, being connected to a religious faith might make a vacation in Jerusalem a little more enticing. Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, and as of now, it’s one of the oldest cities on the entire planet.
Folks living in Jerusalem full-time practice three of the world’s biggest and most common religions – Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Somehow, all three of the contradicting religions co-exist in harmony for the people of Jerusalem. Baby boomers in Jerusalem can visit the Dome of the Rock, the Church of Holy Sepulcre, and the iconic Western Wall.
Athens, Greece
There’s much to explore in Athens, Greece for baby boomers. Visiting the Acropolis is just a starting point for baby boomers who are curious to see ancient ruins that were first built during fifth century BC. The National Archaeological Museum, the Temple of Hephaestus, and Ancient Agora are a few other stops baby boomers can make while vacationing in Athens. Regardless of how old you are, there are tons of photo opportunities throughout Athens with gorgeous backdrops and stunning sites to admire.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Any baby boomer who’s hoping to save a money on their vacation plans should schedule a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Bangkok is often considered one of the most bustling and exciting places to visit in Thailand, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most ideal destination for baby boomers. Chiang Mai is a more reasonable destination for baby boomers since it’s full of historical temples, mountainous landscapes, and breathtaking outdoor parks. The scenic outdoor lounge areas exist as places where baby boomers can admire the views while relaxing.
St. Thomas, Canada
Although members of younger generations might be interested in visiting places like Toronto and Montreal while in Canada, baby boomers will have a better time in St. Thomas, Ontario. The downtown area of St. Thomas has been described as charming with free-flowing wine, a multitude of museums, and tons of easy public transportation. Locals and tourists utilize the well-designed railroad system on a daily basis. The Elgin County Railway Museum is worth exploring for baby boomers who are interested in finding out how to St. Thomas got its official nickname, which is Railway City.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia belongs on every baby boomer’s travel itinerary since it’s a special city with a lot to offer. The Dubrovnik Cathedral is enough of a draw to pull in visitors from all over the globe. It’s full of Italian artwork that was created between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Some people believe that a piece of the cross used for Jesus’s crucifixion is actually held at the Dubrovnik Cathedral to this day. This particular Croatian city is known for seafood and wine, which means any baby boomers who have a taste for those things will find exactly what they’re looking for.
Merida, Mexico
As of 2024, Merida, Mexico has been dubbed the safest city in all of Mexico and Latin America. For that reason, it’s a top-notch vacation destination for baby boomers to travel to. Interestingly enough, Merida often flies under the radar when it comes to being a tourist attraction.
It doesn’t take away from how special it is, though. Some of the exciting things baby boomers can do in Merida include strolling through Paseo de Montejo, marveling at the Monumento a la Patria, and enjoying dinner at Manjar Blanco. Baby boomers are also welcome to tour the Palacio de Gobierno during their time in Merida.
Bali, Indonesia
Baby boomers who love the idea of tapping into their more youthful sides, will enjoy vacations in Bali, Indonesia. That’s because Bali is a blissfully gorgeous place to explore. Nyang Nyang Neach is one of the most attractive oceanfront regions a vacationer can come across in Bali.
Even though Bali is full of locals and tourists, this particular beach is a little more secluded and private. The lush greenery, white sand, and gorgeous lapping water are perfect for vacationers in need of a little beachside relaxation. Stopping by the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the Uluwatu Temple, and the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces makes Bali even more worthwhile.
Auckland, New Zealand
If Auckland, New Zealand isn’t on your radar as a baby boomer, it probably should be. Auckland is recognized for being home to the Sky Tower as an iconic landmark, the volcanic cones of both Rangitoto and Mount Eden, and its diverse lineup of delicious restaurants.
On top of that, Auckland has a bustling art scene that locals and tourists appreciate. Spending two or three days in Auckland is worthwhile, but it makes more sense to book a trip that will last a bit longer. The pristine beaches and Jay dropping rainforests in Auckland will have you feeling like you’re experiencing a tropical adventure.
Manchester, England
Plenty of people settle on trips to London when getting considering England as a country. Manchester should be on your radar if you’re a baby boomer, though. That’s because there are tons of intriguing museums, insightful libraries, and mouthwatering restaurants to try in Manchester.
Manchester is also home to some of the world’s best record stores ever. Baby boomers understand the allure of records even though members of younger generations will never quite grasp the magic. Millennials and Gen-Zers are more inclined to download music for streaming. In Manchester, coming across vinyl records of your favorite musicians is the norm.
Lomaiviti Islands, Fiji
If a beachside location is the only thing on your mind as a baby boomer, Lomaiviti Islands, Fiji is a brilliant destination to think about. It’s the perfect oceanic getaway for adventurous baby boomers who are drawn in by upscale resorts and gorgeous horizons. On the Lomaiviti Islands, baby boomers can hike to Lovoni Village in a volcanic crater, scuba dive with sea creatures like sharks and turtles, and kayak through the mangroves. The spa treatments available on the Lomaiviti Islands are top-of-the-line, whether you’re interested in a facial, yoga session, or a massage.
Provence, France
As a baby boomer, the best city in France to visit would be Provence. Although Paris is considered the most marketable Parisian city because of the Eiffel tower, Provence has a lot to offer people in the baby boomer age range. For starters, the pebble beaches along the Riviera are incredibly soothing and relaxing.
The Mediterranean olive groves of Provence are undeniably peaceful and aesthetically pleasing. Baby boomers are welcome to schedule tours of the Musee Matisse before or after admiring the natural wonder of Calanques. It’s obvious that there are tons of incredible places for baby boomers to travel. Click here to find out more about the quintessential traits of the entire baby boomer generation.