![\"Great](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/18-The-Great-Wall-of-China-iStock-506393198.jpg\")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n SeanPavonePhoto \/ iStock.com <\/p>\n
Commitment to Our Readers<\/p>\n
GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years<\/strong> Trusted by<\/strong> For many, retirement<\/a> can be a time to live life to the fullest. Kids are grown and independent, a 9-to-5 is no longer weighing you down and personal passions can finally be prioritized. So why not kick off those dream journeys you\u2019ve been postponing for decades?<\/p>\n Here are three vacations you should absolutely add to your retirement bucket list<\/a> that combine affordability and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.<\/p>\n China<\/p>\n Combining accessibility, affordability and adventure, China should top every retiree\u2019s bucket list<\/a>, attested Martina Li, travel expert and member of Ink Voyages<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cElevators, cable cars and eco-shuttles let you immerse in \u2018wild\u2019 landscapes without the strain\u201d of physical exertion, wrote Li. Meanwhile, cozy guest houses can be found for a mere $20 per night and elegant resorts are offered at a fraction of Western prices.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Per Li, China offers serene escapes like the Li River Cruise (from Guilin to Yangshuo), meditative wellness retreats in the Wudang Mountains (the birthplace of Tai Chi), unique opportunities to observe pandas in their natural habitat, sunset tea in Sanya Bay and accessible marvels like the Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing (which offers \u201ccable cars and smooth pathways that make one of the world\u2019s greatest wonders surprisingly easy to enjoy\u201d).<\/p>\n South Africa<\/p>\n South Africa not only offers a diverse array of attractions and culture, but serves as an affordable destination<\/a> for those traveling from North America or Europe because of the favorable exchange rates. <\/p>\n Retirees can drive the Garden Route (boasting stunning coastal landscapes and opportunities for whale watching), hit Cape Town (with diverse culinary offerings and the iconic Table Mountain) and, of course, visit Kruger National Park (offering can\u2019t-miss safaris with a variety of lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras and more).<\/p>\n Dianna Hetzel, luxury travel advisor and owner at Mer Bleue<\/a>, stated that, with a few thoughtful tweaks, safaris can be an incredible experience for retirees. <\/p>\n \u201cKeeping with private guides and vehicles for flexible game drives, staying in malaria-free areas, limiting the number of lodges to two and picking lodges that are prepared for mobility issues, if needed, make [this] truly a bucket list experience,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n Machu Picchu, Peru<\/p>\n A 15th century Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its intricate stonework. It is believed to have been either a royal estate or a sacred religious site for ancient Incan leaders. <\/p>\n And, according to Travel and Leisure<\/a>, it should 100% be added to any retirement bucket list<\/a>. While some choose to trek the Inca trail to arrive atop the infamous Machu Picchu, retirees may opt for a scenic train ride aboard Peru Rail or Belmond\u2019s Hiram Bingham luxury train.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Helping You Live Richer<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-experts-review.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon__trusted.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Millions of Readers<\/p>\n