7 Vacation Destinations To Avoid on a Retirement Budget
Written by 
Edited by 
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
One of the best parts of a fun-filled retirement plan is that it frees up time for travel and vacations. Now that you’re no longer beholden to a 9-to-5 job, you’re at your leisure to globe trot to your heart’s content, or at least your wallet’s. Living expenses are one thing, nonessential spending in retirement is another.
Loads of popular vacation destinations aren’t worth the money on a retirement income, especially when you’re trying to stretch Social Security benefits. Some of these places are far too expensive on a fixed income or budget. Others are not easily accessible for those of retirement age. And some just aren’t worth going to on a limited budget.
“If you are approaching retirement age, and worried that your travel options may be limited once you are finally free to travel, don’t worry,” said business and travel expert Michael Sawyer, operations director at Ultimate Kilimanjaro. “There are plenty of cool, affordable places to travel. You’ll want to do your research and make sure not to pick one of those that will break the bank.”
Here are a few vacation destinations to avoid if you’re trying to tighten your budget and save on your discretionary expenses in retirement.
Hawaii
The island state is a one-of-a-kind paradise that people dream of visiting whether it’s for dreamy waterfalls or tropical hiking trails. However, the cost of airfare, lodging and food alone is enough to break the bank without visiting any tourist attractions. The average per-person cost for a typical week-long trip to Hawaii is about $1,899.
“While it’s true that the islands are beautiful, there are destinations probably much closer by, like parts of Mexico, where the beaches are just as beautiful, with white sand and crystal-blue water,” Sawyer said. “It’s much more economical to travel out of the country in this case than it is to travel within the U.S. to Hawaii.”
Tokyo
Blending modernity and tradition, Tokyo is like no place on earth. You can get lost in the city while never feeling as if you are adrift. However, it may not be such a good idea as you may need several sources of income to visit one of the most expensive cities in the world.
For retirees, the crowded streets can be overwhelming, the hustle-and-bustle energy taxing; and as travel blogger Stephanie Yoder pointed out in Passports and Pizzas: “Tokyo is intense…which can make it hard to relax and enjoy yourself fully.”
The Maldives
A tropical vacation out of the big city might feel like the perfect way to celebrate your retirement. After all, who wouldn’t want to sit by the beachside, sipping a fruity drink and watching the idyllic waves crash along some of the most beautiful scenery in the world? Those who do not want to spend all their savings on one trip, that’s who.
“Maldives is a dream destination for many but it’s important to note that staying at a luxury resort and participating in activities like scuba diving can quickly add up, making it a less practical choice for those on a fixed income,” said Dennis Shirshikov, head of growth at Go Summer.
Paris
A world-class city that’s legendary for culture, history, food and…well, cost. Paris has been immortalized in the minds of everyone as a romantic city, filled with some of the most famous art galleries, cobblestone streets and historic world landmarks. It’s also pretty expensive to visit the City of Lights.
“You may have had dreams of seeing the Eiffel Tower one day, but unless you’ve planned accordingly, a trip to Paris may not be in the cards,” said Sawyer. “If it’s the old-world charm you crave, a trip to Montreal, Canada, will give you that fix. It is charming, with a French flair, without being uber-expensive.”
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Chic hotels, A-list clientele, snow-capped mountains and a town known for its luxury ski resorts might be too rich for retirees on a budget. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in St. Moritz is 87% higher than the national average, with high accommodation, food and entertainment prices.
“While offering picturesque landscapes and high-quality life, the costs here can be prohibitive for retirees who need to manage their funds carefully,” said Shirshikov.
The average cost of a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is approximately $131.84, adding up to a costly vacation for retirees looking to stretch their limited retirement funds.
Dubai
Going to the Middle East might be on your bucket list, with the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates being at the top: Dubai. It’s known for incredible architecture, a buzzing nightlife and some of the wealthiest families in the world, making it also very expensive to get there in the first place.
“Dubai is extremely costly to get to, so most retirees won’t find it worth the money,” said Sawyer. “Unless you have a LOT of money, then go for it. You will fit right in.”
Shirshikov added that Dubai is renowned for its “luxury and modernity but can be exorbitantly costly in terms of lodging, dining and entertainment. For retirees, the high cost of living combined with the urban pace might not offer the relaxing or cost-effective retirement experience they seek.”
New York City
Broadway shows. Landmark after landmark. The city that never sleeps. It’s a lot for retirees, especially when it comes to getting around the five boroughs of New York. You can take a taxi or a rideshare, but those add up pretty quickly. Public transportation, though it runs 24/7, can be exhausting and require lots of walking, including up and down stairs. None of which is great for retirees.
“While an exciting urban center with endless cultural and culinary experiences, it can also quickly deplete travel funds with its high costs for hotels, dining out and attractions,” said Shirshikov.
When traveling on a fixed income in your retirement years, Shirshikov highlighted how “some destinations are notoriously expensive, and while they might offer unique experiences, they can strain a retirement budget without delivering proportional value.”
It’s important to do your research ahead of time, plan out the cost of the trip and not indulge in additional spending when you get there.
More From GOBankingRates
