Six sunny holiday destinations for retirees

Last updated on 21 September 2023

Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road. [Source: Shutterstock]

This edition of Your Retirement Living will see you rock out with your sunblock out. Now that you’ve got the time to take a holiday — the question is: where should you go? Thankfully, the team at Your Retirement Living are well-versed and world-traversed in the hotspots you need to see the sun.

Whether you’re afflicted with seasonal depression or just hate the rain — there’s no denying the all-consuming lights, vibrant neon lighting and the beauty of sun-soaked sandy shores. Please place your tray tables in the upright position, as your plane is about to depart.

Las Vegas, Nevada — United States

Forget what you’ve heard about Las Vegas, as it’s a paradise for retirees. [Source: Shutterstock]

If you’re ready to roll the dice on a destination you’ll enjoy, Nevada’s crown jewel is a safe bet, with 300 days of sunshine each year. The world-renowned ‘Vegas Strip’ may breed the Sin City horror stories you’ve come to associate with the brightly lit locale, but the further out from the Strip — the safer it gets to kick up your feet and enjoy the weather.

Although the population is growing rapidly each year, roughly 37 percent of those moving to Nevada are doing so to retire. With a strong community of like-minded seniors, endless tours, activities and sights to behold — it’s time to cash out and catch the next plane.
Flight Centre travel experts recommend the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino for older Australians looking to travel.

Miami, Florida — United States

Switching from the city of vices to the city of Miami Vice, you’ll see a holiday opportunity you can’t palm off. [Source: Shutterstock]

Replace your morning coffee at the office with Little Havana’s authentic Cuban coffee, then stroll off to the beach and watch a wide variety of pastel pink buildings shine a rich purple over the orange sunset. Not swayed yet? Miami is home to a tropical monsoon climate, with an average temperature above 18 degrees Celsius, annually; short, warm winters and vibrant, biting, beach weather during shimmering summers.

Miami is the hub of tropical cocktails, hand-rolled cigars, aquamarine oceans and cultural influence. Admittedly, ‘The Magic City,’ as it’s known, can get loud, expensive and overstimulating with so much to do and a reputation for partying, but if you can avoid Spring Break celebrations, you’ll be lounging in the warm glow of a pleasurable trip.

Plan your trip today and consider your AirB&B options, to see if you can pick out a pretty pink castle for your celebratory stay.

Gold Coast, Queensland — Australia

If you want to sweat without sweating about your bank balance, take a trip to Australia’s playground. [Source: Shutterstock]

If you’re looking for somewhere closer to home, the humid glow of a Gold Coast evening is nothing but worth the cheap ticket. Revel in the lavish lifestyle location on the shores of this great nation and take a seat by the sea. You may have retired from work and resigned from the theme parks, but there’s no better place to take in the sights of the Sunshine State.

If it pains you to be away from UV, like some sort of reverse vampire, feel free to check out retirement living options via Aged Care Guide and consider making the permanent move after checking it out in-person.


Do you have a favourite place? We’re fond of the pastel palace known as The Pink Hotel Coolangatta.

Rome, Italy — Europe

In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes and tourists complaining about the heat in Rome. [Source: Shutterstock]

Ave, Amicus, In Roma Fa caldo!

Ah, Summer in Rome, a romantic ideal with rich mythos — the thought of walking on the same historic paths once trekked by ancient Roman emperors… From Piazza Navona to authentic pizzas with pizzazz, retirees will appreciate the rich history of ‘The Eternal City,’ but Rome is at its Magnus-est when the blistering heat has passed.

If you’re looking to enjoy the warmth, but don’t want to feel claustrophobic betwixt crowds of American tourists, consider taking this sunny city in stride during Italy’s winter months.

To cross the Rubicon and embark on your trip to Europe, check out some of the deals at National Seniors Travel. Vale!

Kangaroo Island, South Australia — Australia

From December through to February, Kangaroo Island is ideal for fishing charters, cave exploration and coastal island ambience. [Source: Shutterstock]

Off the coast of inland South Australia, Kangaroo Island is more than just a tourist trap and you could be one ferry ride away from experiencing the serene essence of this great nation. Close to 10 percent of the K.I. population identify as a member of the creative community and with a range of museums, galleries and public displays — it’s not hard to see why.

Three years after the 2019 – 2020 bushfires, which claimed the lives of two Australians, along with 32,000 domestic animals and burnt 211,474 hectares of land — almost half of the island — the community is still recovering. If you’re looking for a local holiday to view the natural beauty of the land and the kind character of its people, check out your travel options today.

Madrid, Spain — Europe

Madrid shares Europe’s ‘sunniest capital’ title with Athens, Greece. [Source: Shutterstock]

If you like the heat, but hate humidity, let this cultural touchstone of artisan food, street music and rustic charm be your saviour. With 350 days of sunshine each year, you’ll only feel the ‘pain’ in ‘Spain’ for two weeks each year, as the bright glow hides behind historic art galleries and bars.

Do yourself a tremendous favour and check out the Museo Nacional del Prado which holds the priceless work of Spanish artist Francisco Goya. Experience exquisite culinary craftsmanship, artistic beauty and architectural amazement as you walk the streets of Madrid.

To book your trip, including a package to see The Prado museum, visit Flight Centre to see what’s in store!

Let the team at Your Retirement Living know where you’d like to go next and whether you’d like to know more about a specific destination — including accessibility, entertainment and activities.

Bon voyage!