Different Trips for the Different Stages of Your Life

Portrait of three generation family on the beach.

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[url=http://www.istockphoto.com/file_search.php?action=file&lightboxID=12603153]More of this family at the beach[/url]

Travel Ideas for All Ages

Travel is the ultimate luxury – a luxury that many Americans don’t experience often for reasons that include a lack of time and money. A large percentage of the U.S. workforce is chained to a desk for eight hours a day, receiving an average of two weeks a year for vacation.

Regardless of the reasons to not get away, two times in life offer more opportunities to travel: (1) early/mid-twenties, (2) after retirement.

About The Gap Year

In your twenties, you have likely just graduated college. You’ve spent the last four years studying and learning to live on your own. You are likely paying your own bills, cooking your own food and managing your own time. After graduation, you are expected to get a job and join the working class to afford the “necessities” of life (car, home, television, etc.).

Hmm. Not necessarily.

A “gap year” is becoming a popular plan for recent grads of high school and college. Newlyweds have also taken to planning a gap year, which refers to a year of unemployment, usually spent traveling around the world or engaging in another passion that does not compliment a college degree or chosen career path, such as studying salsa in South America or taking culinary classes.

The biggest obstacles a gap year present are: (1) a yearlong void on your resume, and (2) money. Yet, young people are getting creative and finding ways around these obstacles. Time or money didn’t stop President Obama’s oldest daughter from planning her gap year or this high school graduate from engaging in 356 days of globetrotting before going to college.

Trips for 20-Somethings

Below are some travel itineraries for 20-somethings to enjoy during their gap year or vacation time. They are adventurous and rough because, hey, you can handle that kind of vacation in your 20s.

Ibiza, Spain – The nightlife in Ibiza is impressive and perfect for bar-hopping and adventure.
Reykjavik, Iceland – You can see the northern lights and participate in all types of extreme outdoor sporting.
Istanbul, Turkey – The fact that Turkey is not quite European and not quite Asian makes it a fun place to visit.

Trips for Retired Men and Women

Whether you’ve traveled your whole life or have never left the United States, the following trips and tours are a small sample that are perfect for retirees. These trips are luxurious and peaceful because, hey, you are retired and deserve a trip celebrating the finer things in life.

Bora Bora, Tahiti – It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. You couldn’t afford to go in your 20’s so, naturally, now is a good time.
Cinque Terre, Italy – The five coastal towns of Cinque Terre feature amazing views, fresh seafood and a slow, laid-back vibe.
Paris, France – Whether you have a lover or not, your experience of this city as a seasoned adult will be much different than your first visit.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Culture, culture, culture! Rio de Janeiro is full of historical monuments, lively music and colorful street art.

Vacation Destinations & Guided Touring

Vacation destinations and guided touring are wonderful ways to travel to a new part of the world either alone, with a significant other or best friend, or the entire family. Before you start planning your vacation destination ask yourself the following questions:

Are you traveling as a family or a couple or just by yourself?
Do you have a set budget or just money to spend.
Are you staying a few days, or weeks?
Do you prefer a winter or summer vacation?

Each of the factors above should be carefully considered when planning your vacation destination. If this is a family vacation, the whole family should be in the discussion on where to go for family fun, quality time and just relaxation.

Couples should also discuss together what they would like to do on vacation. Do you prefer a fun vacation or a romantic getaway? The opportunities are truly limitless.

Are you traveling solo? Be sure to let your friends and family know where you are traveling and a phone number to reach you. The good thing about solo travel is, that you can do what you want, when you want and pick where you want to go without needing to get approval from another travel mate. You can indulge yourself completely.

A great way for families, couples and singles o travel is by investing in an escorted tour vacation. During an escorted tour vacation, your guide will take care of all services, guide you to interesting sites, and explain the details of what you are seeing and hearing – it’s educational and fun.

If you want more freedom on your vacation, enlist the guided/hosted tour. You will be your own guide for the activities, sightseeing and meals, but local guides will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Happy traveling!