7 International Retirement Bucket List Spots That Are Cheaper Than Florida
Written by
Kerra Bolton
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Florida may be known as “God’s waiting room,” but retirees don’t have to settle for crowded beaches and steep prices.
Around the world, there are destinations where once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from walking medieval city walls to releasing lanterns into the night sky, cost less than a week in the Sunshine State.
These seven international getaways are true bucket-list adventures that are cheaper than Florida.
Cartagena, Colombia: Walk the Walls at Sunset
Few experiences rival strolling along Cartagena’s 16th-century stone walls as the Caribbean sunsets. This UNESCO-listed Old Town is compact and flat, making it easy for retirees to explore at their own pace.
Hotels here average about $81 a night compared with average about $159 in Miami, and flights from Miami often cost under $400 round-trip. A three-course dinner for two averages $50, less than half of Florida’s $120.
Lisbon, Portugal: Ride the Iconic Tram 28
Climbing aboard Lisbon’s yellow Tram 28 through the historic Alfama district is a bucket-list ride every retiree should experience. The city is safe, welcoming and easy to navigate thanks to its network of trams and funiculars.
Guesthouses average around $110 per night compared with $174 in Orlando, and East Coast flights often dip below $500 round-trip. Dining for two averages $64, versus $80 in Orlando.
Panama City, Panama: Cruise the Panama Canal
Gliding through the Panama Canal, one of the world’s great engineering wonders, is a must-do for travelers of all ages. Retirees will find Panama City especially comfortable, with English widely spoken and walkable neighborhoods like Casco Viejo.
Hotels average $66 a night versus Florida resorts at $220 to $280, and flights from Miami often cost under $400. A meal for two is about $50, compared to can range from $31 to $73 per person in Florida.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Soak in Desert Hot Springs
A soak in San Miguel’s natural hot springs, surrounded by cacti and desert skies, is a rejuvenating experience that belongs on every bucket list. The cobblestone streets of this UNESCO city are easy to explore, and it’s home to a welcoming retiree community.
Boutique hotels start around $134 per night during low season compared with over $200 in Florida, and flights from the U.S. are usually under $400. Dinner for two runs averages about $43 for a mid-priced dinner for two, well below Florida’s $80 and above.
Chiang Mai, Thailand: Release Lanterns in the Night Sky
At the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, thousands of glowing lanterns rise together into the sky, a sight few forget. Chiang Mai offers a slower pace and easy access to the Old City, making it retiree-friendly despite the long flight.
Hotels cost about $50 a nightcompared with Tampa resorts’ $130. Even with airfare ($900 to $1,200), extended stays are far cheaper thanks to $2 to $3 street food meals compared with Florida’s $25 to $30.
Valletta, Malta: Sail the Grand Harbor at Sunset
A sunset cruise through Valletta’s Grand Harbor, framed by centuries-old fortresses, is the kind of memory retirees will treasure forever. This compact Mediterranean capital is easy to navigate on foot, with English widely spoken and excellent healthcare.
Luxury hotels average $160 per night, versus $220 per night in the Florida Keys. Flights from the East Coast run $600 to $700 round-trip, and dining for two at inexpensive restaurants is about $18.
Prague, Czech Republic: Cross the Charles Bridge at Dawn
Watching the sunrise from Prague’s Charles Bridge, surrounded by Gothic towers and baroque statues, is a quintessential bucket-list moment. The city’s historic center is pedestrian-friendly, with affordable public transit and a welcoming atmosphere for older travelers.
Hotel rooms with a view average about $69 a night compared with Miami’s $152, and flights from U.S. hubs start at $415 round trip. Dinner for two averages about $50 per day compared to $72 per day.
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