Most Unusual Luxury Getaways for Over 50s
At 50, you may have already retired or close to and may no longer have important commitments, which means you’ll have more freedom and flexibility to travel. And if you’ve already been to several incredible places, you’re probably seeking new destinations that offer unique and more exciting experiences. A gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda may sound exhilarating. Perhaps a South African safari is something you’ve always wanted to do. Whatever your likes are, here are some inspirations for the most unusual luxury getaways for over 50s.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking may be one of many things that come to mind when going on a holiday in your 50s. But it’s something to consider if you’re looking for something unique and exciting. Seeing the gorillas up close in the lush jungles of Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for wildlife lovers.
Native to the Virunga Mountains, a mountain range occupying the Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda, mountain gorillas are called as such since they primarily inhabit high-altitude regions. These majestic creatures adapted to life in Virunga’s rugged terrains and cool temperatures, making them unique from the other gorilla species that dwell in the lowland.
You can join a gorilla trekking safari to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It takes you on a trekking adventure through the lush forest with experienced guides to search for gorillas and observe them up close. Carefully planned by experts, these treks ensure minimal disturbance to the creatures and the environment while ensuring an educational and enriching experience.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an ecotourism, which means that you are helping in their conservation when you book the trek. A portion of the fees will go towards protecting the gorillas and supporting the local communities – a more sustainable approach to wildlife tourism.
Glamping in the UK
Camping is fun when you are young. But now that you’re in your 50s, sleeping outdoors in a flimsy tent might no longer interest you. Why not try glamping? It offers a more comfortable and luxurious way to sleep outdoors, where you will wake up to the breathtaking views of nature. In the UK, you’ll find numerous glamping sites that provide the option to sleep in unique accommodations without sacrificing modern comforts.
There are various ways to go glamping in the UK, from luxury canvas bell tents to treehouses, yurts, and RVs. These accommodations come with comfy beds, electricity, a bathroom, and other amenities similar to a hotel room. Some are perched high up the hill, while others are nestled along the coast, giving you direct access to the beach.
Comfort is the number one reason people are switching to glamping. It allows you to soak up the beauty of nature without sacrificing comfort. Imagine sleeping in a fully furnished luxury tent with a comfy bed, heating or air-conditioning, and other amenities. Since these tents are outdoors, you’ll wake up to incredible views and spend your days exploring nature through activities like hiking, kayaking, cycling, and more.
Seeing the Big Five in South Africa
If an African safari has long been on your bucket list, you should make it a reality now that you’re in your 50s. Seeing the Big Five in South Africa is an exciting experience and something you should do at least once. Home to the Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa is one of the best places for a safari. It’s only two hours from Johannesburg, making it one of the most accessible national parks for an African safari.
As the fourth largest park in South Africa, Pilanesberg National Park occupies over 550 square kilometers of land area. It has a large diversity of wildlife, set in a crater formed due to a volcano eruption over 1300 million years ago. Aside from seeing the Big Five, the Pilanesberg National Park is the perfect place to soak in South Africa’s stunning natural landscapes.
While you can opt for a self-drive on your safari in Pilanesberg National Park, joining an organized safari tour is your best bet. You will be with a guide who knows the best areas in the park to spot wild animals. Since you will not drive, you can focus more on spotting the animals.
Cruising the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands hold an air of fascination and mystique. It’s one of those destinations on the bucket list for wildlife lovers. If you’re among them, now is the perfect time to explore the legendary Galapagos. Cruising the Galapagos Islands is an exciting experience, leaving you with memories to treasure for the rest of your life.
Every island that makes up the Galapagos is home to different species of wildlife, and you’ll see as many as possible on your cruise. Depending on the cruise, you’ll sail to Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal islands. Since you’ll be staying on the cruise ship, you won’t have to travel back to the shore, allowing you to maximize your time and see many animals, including giant tortoises and plenty of penguins.
Cruising the Galapagos is a convenient option for exploring this part of Ecuador. Various ships are operating guided excursions throughout the archipelago. These cruises will come with a naturalist guide to educate you about the Galapagos conservation and share insights about the different wildlife.
Island Hopping in Croatia
Home to picturesque old towns and over a thousand captivating islands tucked in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is an incredible destination to explore on an island-hopping cruise. Island hopping in Croatia in your 50s is a fantastic adventure, leaving you with thrilling experiences.
Joining a Croatian cruise is the most hassle-free and convenient way to explore the various islands of Croatia. You can book a small ship cruise to take you on a week-long adventure to different islands, with the bonus of comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and guides.
The best destinations to visit on your island-hopping cruise include Dubrovnik, Korcula, Split, and Hvar. As you stop by these islands, you can enjoy sightseeing, exploring historical sights, admiring natural attractions, and discovering the local culture.