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Best holiday destinations for over-50s

From solo travelling to sailing the seas, read on for over-50s holiday destination inspiration.
Over 50 and planning a trip? Whether it's a getaway with friends or you're pushing the boat out on a solo adventure, we’ve got a break to suit you. From Caribbean cruising to flower festivals in Madeira, now’s the time to book the break you’ve been dreaming about. Spoilt for choice? We hear you. Our Multi-Destination holidays let you visit more than one place in a single trip. An action-packed itinerary and a beach break in one? Consider it sorted.

Read on for over-50s holiday destination inspiration, then book your next adventure.

Make tracks for Madeira

You don’t have to fly to far-flung shores to find Eden-like gardens – the Portuguese island of Madeira is the perfect green-fingered getaway. This place is blanketed in the good stuff – bougainvillaea burst from every backstreet, while lilac jacaranda trees line terracotta terraces. Our top tip? Pencil in a visit to Quinta da Boa Vista, home to over 50,000 unique plants and rare towering orchids. The gardens here have year-round appeal, but things really bloom in spring at the Festa da Flor – flower festival to the non-locals. Expect fragrant streets, floral displays and traditional live music in the capital, Funchal.

Find out more about our holidays to Madeira.
A botanical garden in Funchal.

Next stop, New York

The Big Apple on your bucket list? The city that never sleeps has everything to keep you awake and wide-eyed. Start with the spectacular skyline and you won’t be disappointed – this metropolis mixes modern with 1920s speakeasy style. Take to the skies on the observation deck of the Art Deco Empire State Building or up the ante at The Edge and look down on the cab-filled streets from over 1,000ft above. Don’t skip the soul-soothing Central Park. Spend the day strolling around Strawberry Fields, or – come wintertime – glide across the ice at the park’s famous skating rink.

Find out more about our holidays to New York.
New York Skyline from above on a sunny day.

Tick off temples in Thailand

With over 33,000 temples to explore in Thailand, you might not get around to completing your temple tick list, but base yourself in Bangkok and you’ll find some of the best nearby. Wat Pho – or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha – is one of the country’s largest, thanks to the whopping 46 metre-long statue inside. Wat Aran – AKA The Temple of Dawn – is a must-see at sunset. It's on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and you can hop on a long-tail boat tour to see its cloud-touching spire shining in the golden sunlight. Tailor-made trip more your style? No problem. Have a read of our top Thailand Multi-Destination holidays – perfect for combining tropical coasts with cultural cities.

Find out more about our holidays to Thailand.
Front of Wat Pho temple.

Rome around Italy

Slow the pace down closer to home with a city break to Rome – the perfect spot for pieces of history and piazza dining. Start your stroll through the Eternal City at the colossal Colosseum, saunter the Spanish steps, then visit the Vatican, home to the sparkling Sistine Chapel. With a big UNESCO tick to its name, Rome's historic centre makes stuffing the days with sights easy. Short on time and want to unwind? Vine-clad cobbled streets boast hole-in-the-wall eateries where creamy carbonara and Aperol Spritz are always on the menu.

Find out more about our holidays to Rome.
Sunset panorama city skyline at Colosseum.

Kick back on a cruise

Cruising more your cuppa? Set sail on one of Marella Cruises’ ships and you’ll never look back. Our pick of the fleet? It’s got to be the adults-only Marella Explorer 2. With a spa, a chic bar-club-casino space and ten restaurants to pick from, style is firmly on the agenda here. Sucker for a sea view? Head to The Veranda for the top sunset-watching spot.

Find out more about Marella Cruises.
Marella Explorer 2 ship exterior from above.
Got the travel bug?

Browse our holiday deals and get your next break in the bag.

Or, for more inspo, check out five long weekend escapes for a spot of spontaneous sun, read our best long-haul destinations article and see our pick of the best All Inclusive adults-only resorts.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Laura Wilkinson

Last updated: 19.05.2026

Holiday Type

Destination

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