Retirement may mean leaving behind the 9-to-5, but it doesn't mean having to abandon travel, too.
In fact, as the world’s population of 65 year olds is forecast to reach 1.5 billion by 2050, research shows that seniors don't disregard their travel bucket lists with at least 65% seeing travel as the perfect way to enjoy later life, according to a study by Booking.com.
For those with more time on their hands to explore the world, some destinations are more suited than others – and that’s where Firebird Tours latest findings from the Where Being 60 Beats Being 20: The Best Countries for Retirees in 2026 survey come in.
With the mature voyager in mind, the Swiss-based travel specialists analysed 100 countries across the globe and assessed them across seven categories: the over-65 population density, availability of senior discounts, walkability, healthcare, safety, and age-rewarding cultural experiences.
Europe is clearly doing something right – claiming eight of the top 10 best countries in the ranking, while 18 feature in the top 25.
