The ultimate guide to holidays for older couples
Whether you've just entered retirement or have been enjoying it for years already, our escorted tours and holidays are designed with older couples in mind. Over 50s and retired travellers make up a large share of our customers, drawn by cultural immersion, gourmet food and wine, and scenery worth crossing continents for. Just as important are the practical touches that matter when you're heading far from home, and you can rest assured that all travel, accommodation, and the services of a friendly and experienced tour manager will be included in the price you pay.
With more time on your hands in retirement, and less need to work around annual leave or school holidays, you're also free to travel when it suits you, often outside peak season, when destinations are quieter and prices more forgiving.
Ready to experience the world as a pair? Whether you have an anniversary to celebrate, want to dive deeper into a culture you've never explored, or fancy being enlightened on artful cuisine, here are five of the best holidays for older couples, and some practical tips for choosing the right trip.
The best over-50s holidays based on your interests
For the foodies – a gourmet trail through Tuscany
Whether you'd consider yourself a bit of a gourmet or simply want to learn more about what makes Italian cuisine hold such a special to many travellers' hearts, a trip to Tuscany, Italy's beautiful central region, could be the perfect choice for you.
Tuscan cuisine is rooted in a long tradition of peasant cooking, or what locals call la cucina povera (the kitchen of the poor). As a result, many of the region's finest recipes come from doing a lot with very little. With that in mind, what better way to fully appreciate the region's sumptuous local delicacies than by trying each local delicacy as you pass through charming hilltop towns and the idyllic Tuscan countryside?
Many retirees take this tour because they enjoy travelling in the company of like-minded people their own age, who share their appreciation and curiosity for diving deeper into the local culinary scene.
Our recommended tour – Portofino, Florence & Tuscany
For the romantics – A city break in Bohemian Prague
Travelling with a partner is inherently romantic, but where in the world can you go to take things up a notch? Elegant Prague is a stand-out option, and while this city might not immediately beat Rome or Paris to the top of your list of Europe's romance hotspots, the Czech capital sets the perfect scene for over 50s travellers to enjoy a blend of city life, medieval history and moments of intimacy.
With sunset visits to Charles Bridge, the cobbled streets of Malá Strana, the Bohemian skyline, moody jazz bars and candlelit restaurants, you'll get closer to your significant other in an atmospheric, historic setting. For more ideas, check out our guide to romantic holiday destinations around the world.
Our recommended tour – Prague, Dresden & Colditz Castle
For the adventurers – A nature-themed getaway to Costa Rica
There's only so much wildlife-spotting you can do in your own garden, and there aren't many destinations that can rival Central America for nature-focused getaways. One of the best countries here is Costa Rica, with its magnificent variety of cloud forests, volcanoes, hot springs and mystical lagoons providing the ideal setting to watch its native wildlife. The country is home to a network of intricate, colourful ecosystems unlike anywhere else, and hummingbirds, sloths and monkeys only scratch the surface when it comes to the species you'll encounter.
Retired and over-60s couples tend to love this holiday because Costa Rica allows visitors to take things at their own pace, perhaps unwinding at a jungle lodge or kicking back with a well-earned drink at a floating restaurant. You'll be able to step outside your comfort zone while still enjoying the touches that come with an escorted holiday.
Our recommended tour – Costa Rica – Wildlife, Volcanoes & National Parks
For the culture-lovers – A tour of the Taj Mahal & India's historic wonders
If you've always been intrigued by the cultural richness of India, with its striking monuments, wide-ranging cuisine and rare wildlife, then a trip to the country's popular Golden Triangle or serene Kerala could be the perfect choice. With such a wide variety of highlights to enjoy, you could be spotting tigers on safari in Ranthambhore National Park one day and watching the sun set over at the Taj Mahal the next.
An escorted holiday to Northern India promises plenty of opportunities for cultural exploration, so you'll always be learning and never be bored. Visit Punjab, home to Amritsar's sacred Golden Temple, where you can witness the Palki ceremony, ride the Shatabdi Express, climb the Amber Fort by jeep, and explore the Heritage Village at Pragpur. You can even get a closer look at local life with an Indian cooking class.
Our recommended tour – India – Tigers & the Taj Mahal
For the sun-seekers – A beach stay in Northern Cyprus
Perhaps you've recently reached retirement, and all you want to do is soak up plenty of sunshine with a good book and a refreshing cocktail. If so, make your next holiday a trip to Cyprus. Our escorted tours to this part of the Mediterranean take in the historic town of Kyrenia, where you can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the harbourside restaurants.
You can extend the trip if you're after a proper disconnect from modern life - and for retired travellers with the flexibility to go off-peak, a longer stay often comes at a lower cost. Of course, a holiday to Cyprus is about more than sunshine and swimming; there's plenty of local culture and cuisine to enjoy along the way too.
Our recommended tour – Hidden Secrets of Northern Cyprus
Practical tips for over 60s and retired travellers
Choosing the right holiday is about more than the destination. Here's what's worth considering when you're planning your next trip.
Choose an escorted holiday for comfort and convenience
Travelling in a group with a dedicated tour manager takes the guesswork out of getting from A to B. Transfers, luggage and entry tickets are arranged for you, so you can spend your energy on the parts of the trip that matter, rather than working out timetables in an unfamiliar language. It's also a natural way to meet other over 60s and retired travellers who share your pace and interests.
Look for mobility-friendly tours
Not every day needs hours on your feet. Many of our itineraries include options with less walking, seated transport between key sights, and accommodation chosen for easy access. If mobility is a consideration, ask your holiday planner about step-free routes, rest stops built into the day, and how much walking each excursion involves before you book.
Pace yourself
The best itineraries for older couples strike a balance between full days and genuine downtime. Look for holidays with a free morning built in, or an extra night in one place rather than a new hotel every evening. A slower pace often means you remember more of the trip, not less.
Make the most of your retirement with Newmarket Holidays
Feeling inspired? Whether you've always dreamt of a far-flung adventure across the globe or an intimate escape to one of Europe's finest travel destinations, we've got itineraries to suit any interest or occasion. Give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today for more information and to get the ball rolling on your next holiday, or check out our dedicated destinations page for our full range of escorted tours.
