Retired and Bored? 5 Affordable Vacation Destinations for All Ages To Visit in 2024

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For many retirees, one of the greatest joys of not having to punch in every day is the time and freedom to travel. Daydreams about taking trips to Europe or even loading up the car and driving to another great state in the union might abound. However, all the daydreams don’t take into account the very real concern about money.

While you might think you need to be wealthy to travel, you’d fortunately be quite wrong. There are a number of exciting travel destinations that are affordable for people on a fixed income. GOBankingRates tossed our darts on the map and spun the globe to come up with a group of destinations that are perfect for people with all levels of appetite for adventure. 

The Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley Area of Delaware

You might not think of Delaware as a hotspot tourist destination, but the first state is also one of the greatest states in terms of art and culture. In fact, Wilmington was named one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Places to Go” in 2023, honored for its emerging presence in the food scene, as well as the opportunities to take in historical locations. 

Representatives from the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau told GOBankingRates that the organization offers a Passport Pass for one person at $49 and a pass for two adults and up to three children ages 17 and under for $89. For under $100, you can gain access to the following attractions. 

• Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
• Rockwood Park & Museum
• Read House & Gardens
• Nemours Estate
• Mt. Cuba Center
• Longwood Gardens
• Hagley Museum and Library
• Delaware Museum of Nature and Science
• Delaware History Museum
• The Delaware Contemporary
• Delaware Art Museum
• Brandywine Museum of Art

National Parks

If you’ve got nothing but time and you’re looking to stay active, consider taking a tour of America’s resplendent National Parks, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Yosemite.

According to Peter Gill, adventure travel advisor and destination wedding planner with Your Bali Wedding, the range of activities, sightseeing, and opportunities to simply enjoy nature make the National Parks a terrific vacation destination. 

“With affordable entry fees and a range of accommodation options, from camping to budget-friendly lodges, national parks are ideal for families and nature enthusiasts,” he said. 

Gill said that entry fees typically cost about $20-$35 per vehicle, with camping fees ranging from $15-$30 a night. Even budget lodge fees are reasonable, coming in between $70-$150 per night. 

Bali, Indonesia

If there’s one area that Gill knows well, it’s Bali. Though you might think that a beach vacation that allows you to engage in everything from snorkeling to visiting temples would cost you, he’s here to assure you that, budget accommodations and options are available — and highly affordable. 

“Budget accommodations range from $20-$50 per night, meals cost $3-$10 per person, and activities such as snorkeling or temple visits cost $10-$30,” he said. 

Vietnam

When it comes to planning vacations abroad, Mercedes Zach, a travel expert at Asaptickets, part of Trevolution Group, has a favorite destination. 

“When it comes to visiting Asia, plenty of countries in Southeast Asia offer great deals for foreign tourists, but my personal favorite is Vietnam, a diverse country with breathtaking landscapes, amazing food scene and welcoming locals,” she said. 

She praised the bustling cities and gorgeous rural landscapes, as well as the hiking trails and mountain ranges that make Vietnam a great destination for everyday adventurers and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike. Better yet, traveling and staying in Vietnam is very affordable. 

“Vietnam is known for its value-for-money accommodation from family guesthouses and remote resorts to budget hostels and more high-end hotels in larger cities ranging from just $35 a night. Not to mention its very affordable local food scene starting from $1 per meal,” she said. “On average, a one-week trip to Vietnam for two people costs around $850 including accommodation, dining, local transportation, and sightseeing.”

Lisbon, Portugal

If you’ve always wanted to take that splurge and travel to Europe, Gill said you could certainly consider Lisbon, Portugal. Known for its cultural and fine foods, it’s still a place with room for the budget-conscious traveler with its free or low-cost attractions, such as museums, historical sites and public parks. 

“Budget accommodations range from $30-$70 per night, meals cost $5-$15 per person, and entry fees for museums or historical sites range from $5-$20,” he said. 

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