Which are the world’s easiest countries to get around, the most interesting to visit and those which are well-known for their predilection for older travellers in particular? That’s exactly what we’re looking at in this article – and here’s our initial list. See what you think:
Japan
Japan is one of the safest countries around. There’s plenty of high-tech adaptations in Tokyo in particular, to make mobility and general access easy. That’s according to the Silver Years Travel Index, which also rates it for the very many pretty and historic villages, beautiful coastlines and impressive mountains (Mount Fuji anyone?). Many of these sites can be visited via high-speed bullet train. Alternatively, stay in the city and learn origami or Japanese cooking on an escorted tour.
Canada
It’s the second largest country in the world, so it’s hardly surprising that there’s so much to see here. Impressive peaks, sparkling lakes and Niagara Falls will take your breath away. And that’s just for starters. Toronto, Vancouver and French-speaking Quebec and Montreal are all cultural delights, with beautiful seafoods and wines to savour at your leisure. A six-hour flight from the UK, one of the best ways to get around Canada is by rail.
Switzerland
From romantic Zurich and beautiful Interlaken to the country’s oldest town Chur and the spectacular mountain range at Grindelwalk, Switzerland has a little – or even a big – something for everyone. Beautiful in the winter with its snow-covered peaks and gorgeous in the summer with the bountiful blooms in Geneva, choose from any number of organised bus tours to this wonderful country.
Germany
Who doesn’t love a river cruise – especially if it’s along the beautiful Rhine Valley in Germany. Known for its impressive vineyards, this part of Germany, also has plenty of pretty, historic towns and villages to share with tourists. There’s a Roman amphitheatre in Trier, the beautiful Dom Cathedral in Cologne and the gorgeous architecture of Strasbourg. But we’re sure you’ll find many more delights.
Italy
A country of charming men, delicious food and many historic wonders, Italy has much to offer the discerning senior traveller. There’s the beehives dusted with sugar (or rather the pretty 14th century trulli houses in Puglia’s Alberobello, while Sicily offers no less than an ancient Greek Theatre, historic port with Arab fortifications, and pastries you can’t stop eating. Deliziosa!
Croatia
Popular with all ages, thanks to exposure on recent TV dramas, such as Game of Thrones, Croatia - and Dubrovnik in particular - is a beautiful, historic location. There are plenty of island-hopping opportunities in the Adriatic and historic city tours in Split and Zabreb, as well as Dubrovnik’s storied Old City. The waterfalls at Plitvice National Park are a wonder to behold, pouring into crystalline lakes, being there is like walking inside a fairy-tale book.
Portugal
From beautiful beaches to breath-taking sunsets, delicious seafood and excellent wines, Portugal is a must-visit destination for seniors. The pretty cobbled streets of Sintra is well-worth a visit. Sitting just outside the capital city Lisbon, this little town has its own very impressive palace while the town centre is a UNESCO world heritage site, such is its historic importance. A boat cruise along Portugal ‘s southern region is particularly pleasant.
Wherever you head for this Autumn or Winter, just make sure you have a lovely time.
