Have you forgotten what it was like to travel alone with your partner? Well, now that you are empty nesters, there is a world of adventure out there waiting for you! If you are struggling with the thought of planning a vacation without the kids, understand there are tons of travel ideas for empty nesters available. Today, I am going to share the best destinations for empty nesters. Some of them will offer adventure travel for empty nesters, while others will have you simply relaxing and enjoying a little downtime.

Best Destinations for Empty Nesters: Rediscover the Joy of Adventure Together

Tuscany, Italy

There is no better place to rekindle the romance in your life than Tuscany. This Italian countryside is known for its world-class wines. So, sipping on fine wines during a few wine tastings should definitely be on your itinerary for your empty nesters vacation in Italy.

Of course, you probably won’t be able to resist visiting the art museums and even a few of the historical sites in this region. Adventures will be waiting for you in the medieval towns of San Gimignano and Siena too.

Although, if you are truly searching for a unique adventure, I recommend taking a cooking class or two while visiting Florence. After all, cooking together will allow you both to create new memories, as you learn something new about each other.

Check out a few of the reasons why empty nesters should embrace travel. 

Cape Town, South Africa

One of the best places for empty nesters for vacation is Cape Town in South Africa. This amazing area is packed with diverse experiences that will have you yearning for more.

I recommend starting with a tour of the Cape Winelands before walking along the V&A Waterfront. You may even be interested in visiting Table Mountain.

Depending on how much time you have in your itinerary, a day trip to the Cape of Good Hope is a must.

While all these activities are perfect for empty nesters travel, you don’t want to go all the way to South Africa and not venture out on a safari. Let me help you decide which type of safari interests you both in Africa, so I can add it to this adventure of a lifetime.

Banff, Canada

Banff is a wonderful place to be active as empty nesters. However, you will still find ample time to relax in between your adventures.

When you arrive in Banff, take the time to simply breathe in the mountain air. Then enjoy the views during a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

You will never go wrong with a hike inside Banff National Park. In fact, hiking in this park is what makes this one of the best destinations for empty nesters.

After your hike, relax at Banff Upper Hot Springs. Relive your day, as you soak in the hot springs, and contemplate where you will create memories during your next vacation.

Charleston, South Carolina – Best Local Destination for Empty Nesters

You don’t need to travel out of the country to discover one of the best destinations for empty nesters. One of my close to home travel ideas for empty nesters is a trip to Charleston, South Carolina.

When you arrive in Charleston, you will be greeted with southern charm by everyone you meet. Learn your way around town by taking a historic carriage tour. It’s one of the best ways to discover places you want to see in depth later during your trip.

A walk along Rainbow Row is a must. And you can never go wrong when you take a few hours to explore Boone Hall Plantation.

The most exciting part of your vacation in Charleston, South Carolina though will be all the southern foods you eat. Breakfast and lunch will fill you up quickly. So, make sure you head out on thrilling adventures each day to ensure you are hungry enough for dinner at some of the renowned restaurants in the city.

Click here to learn a few fun facts about South Carolina. 

Santorini, Greece

You can spend days exploring the gorgeous island of Santorini during your next empty nesters vacation. While all the Greek Islands are spectacular, Santorini is simply the best destination for empty nesters like yourself.

Sleep in every morning if you wish. Or rise early to experience the stunning sunrise.

Head over to the Akrotiri ruins to explore before settling in on a sandy beach for the afternoon.

You can never go wrong with a catamaran cruise. While I love sunset cruises, you can easily take one at any time of the day. The afternoons are perfect for sitting at a cliffside winery, as you sip on some new wines. Just be prepared to have a few bottles of your favorites shipped back home.

Oh, and if you do sleep in one morning, head to Oia to watch the sunset one evening. It’s a sight you will never forget.

Kyoto, Japan

Tranquil gardens, serene temples, and rich culture will await you and your partner in Kyoto, Japan. As one of the best destinations for empty nesters, Kyoto will allow you to discover your true passions in life.

Start with a walk through the Gion District to see the traditional architecture of the country. The Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji, will have a powerful impact on your vacation in Kyoto. Expect to have past memories flooding back, while creating a new memory or two.

Get lost while wandering through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. And when I say get lost, I don’t mean actually getting lost. Just allow your brain to wander or start a conversation with your partner and see where it leads.

One of your favorite parts of your vacation in Kyoto will be participating in an authentic tea ceremony.

Check out a few other temples in Asia. 

Queenstown, New Zealand – Best Bucket List Destination for Empty Nesters

If you are going to do adventure travel for empty nesters, you may as well go big and check off a travel bucket list item! One of the best destinations for empty nesters is Queenstown, New Zealand.

This adventurous capital is completely surrounded by spectacular landscapes. And it is easy to escape the city to explore some of that stunning landscape too.

A visit to Fiordland National Park should be at the top of your list of things to do while on vacation in Queenstown. From there, you can try jet boating or tandem skydiving.

If you don’t want that much adventure in your empty nesters vacation, consider a cruise on Lake Wakatipu instead. Or have me plan a scenic wine tour in Gibbston Valley.

You never know what will be waiting for you when you take a vacation in Queenstown, New Zealand. I can create a personalized itinerary for you, so you don’t miss out on any of your must-do activities. And of course, I can plan a little time for you over in Australia. After all, if you travel this far around the world, you may as well see as much as you possibly can!

Consider this 15-day New Zealand and Australia vacation. 

These are the best destinations for empty nesters who are searching for adventure on future vacations. I would love to help plan a personalized itinerary for each one of your travels.

So, are you ready to book a vacation in one of these best destinations for empty nesters?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a planning session with me. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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