5 Cheaper Destinations Perfect For A Baby Boomer

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Retirement is a time when you have a lot less to do and, ideally, it presents a lot of opportunity for travel. But for baby boomers — adults within the ages of 62 to 80 and mostly retired — fitting in travel expenses alongside priorities like healthcare and housing can be challenging on an income limited to Social Security, retirement savings, or a pension. Travel is a significant expense that comprises much more than just the cost of the flight flight. Extra essentials like ground transportation, hotel rooms, gate passes to activities, and eating out add up pretty quickly when you're enjoying yourself on vacation.  

Fitting travel into an already tight retirement budget shouldn't mean diverting funds from another priority; instead, you should plan your trip around the budget. Some destinations cost more than the experience is worth, but across seven continents, there are plenty of places — like Mexico, Vietnam, Portugal, Egypt, and even parts of the U.S. — that offer more value for the average baby boomer retiree. In compiling this list, each destination was chosen with three factors in mind: how affordable it is for a middle-income retiree, ease of transportation, and the quality of the trip in terms of experiences and activities available.

Few countries offer as much natural and cultural diversity as Mexico. The nation stretches across deserts, two coastlines, and rainforests and boasts a rich blend of culture and history. Ancient ruins still remain outside the jungle, while cities benefit from a food culture rich enough to earn international recognition. The appeal for older travelers, though, lies in the flexibility that Mexico offers. You get to decide just how much energy you spend on the trip; from quiet mornings at the beach to guided tours at the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza, there are plenty of diverse activities from which to choose. 

All of that comes in an accessible and affordable package. Located just across a 1,951-mile border shared with the U.S., there are direct flights to Mexico from almost every major American city. Flight times range from under three hours from nearby cities in Texas to about five to six hours from urban centers along the East Coast. That means no grueling overnight journeys that leave you too exhausted to start enjoying the vacation. The costs are just as manageable, with round-trip flights ranging from $300 to $800 for a single round-trip ticket. The real price depends on what city you're flying from, the airline, and what time of the year you're traveling.

Upon arrival in this seniors' retirement paradise, you'll find the affordability to be a pleasant surprise. Mid-range hotels in major cities like Cancun and Mexico City run between $50 and $150 per night, with lodging in smaller cities like San Miguel de Allende going for as low as $24 a night. Even everyday expenses stay within a very modest range. Budget Your Trip estimates that the average traveler will spend about $146 covering meals, local transportation, and accommodations. But that number can drop to as low as $50 for a budget traveler. 

Often, when people speak of traveling to Asia, Japan and Thailand dominate the conversation. Vietnam comes up far less often as a destination — but that's only because the hype hasn't caught up to it just yet. Of all Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam delivers very well on the value for money, so much so that it consistently ranks as one of the cheapest countries to visit in the region. The climate varies between different parts of the country, but it's generally warm and suitable for retirees. The cultural range is also something worth speaking to, with the ancient lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the Old Quarter in Hanoi. 

The biggest downsides to this destination are the length and price of the flight. Round-trip fares start at $430 and climb significantly higher depending on the airline, origin and destination cities, and the season. The prices, coupled with the length of flight, which lasts about 15 hours on average, can seem like too much hassle. 

Fortunately, Vietnam is worth the trouble. The airfare is just about the only thing you will need to splurge on. A restaurant meal can cost as little as $4, while street food options are even more budget-friendly, often costing around $1 to $3. Accommodation prices are also really low, with even the most popular cities, like Hanoi, averaging $28 a night, and 4-star hotel options costing $40 on average. Overall, if you're not looking for a luxurious experience, plan to spend about $50 to $100 per day while in the country.

Portugal is to Europe what Vietnam is to Southeast Asia: its best-kept secret. Tucked into the southwestern part of the continent, the country hosts modern civilization upon over 900 years of history and culture in the form of ancient castles, Moorish architecture, and fishing villages. For baby boomers and retirees, the country offers a much more moderate pace compared to popular destinations like Paris or Rome.

What sets Portugal apart from the rest of Europe is how far your money goes there. Compared to Italy, Portugal's cost of living is 12% cheaper, says Expatistan. That difference is obvious when you pay for food, transportation, and housing — costs you must consider during your vacation. For example, an average three-course dinner at a restaurant in the capital, Lisbon, will run you about €25 to €40 (roughly $30 to $50), while the same meal in Paris would cost about €60 to €100 ($70 to $120). On the accommodation front, Booking.com shows hotel options ranging from $50 to $200 per night, depending on the ratings. 

Granted, getting to Portugal does require a bit of effort. Direct flights from the U.S. range from 6 hours to over 8 hours in length, depending on which city you're flying from. From New York, the cost ranges from $320 to $830. Direct flights, though, will run you a little more, at over $1,000. All things considered, Portugal delivers a great vacation opportunity on a modest budget. Budget Your Trip estimates an average spend of $195 per day, but if you plan for a vacation in the shoulder season, you can save a lot more. 

Across all the continents, few vacation destinations offer the kind of explorative experience that Egypt does. Not only is Egypt home to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, but it also houses one of the largest archaeological museums, the Grand Egyptian Museum. Because of the historical and cultural weight the country holds, guided tours are common but also very well organized — a perfect fit for baby boomers interested in history and archeology. Apart from learning about history and culture, you can enjoy camel treks, Felucca boat rides along the Nile, swimming in the blue lagoon, and snorkeling in the Red Sea.

With an average flight time of over 12 hours, getting to the destination does take some commitment. The cost of tickets, which range from $780 to over $1,000, can also be a burden. Connecting flights with more stops can bring the numbers down, but this approach will also stretch the journey out longer. 

On arrival, everything evens out. Budget Your Trip estimates that the typical traveler spends about $34 each day in Cairo, the lowest estimate of all the destinations on the list. Meals are incredibly cheap, like in Vietnam, with local restaurants charging as little as $5 per meal, while street food can cost as little as $1. Meanwhile, the average hotel room costs $40 a night in Cairo, but you'll pay a lot more if you stay at 5-star and luxury accommodations. 

For baby boomers who prefer to stay close to home, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the perfect destination. All the hassle of international travel, such as getting passports, figuring out exchange rates, applying for a visa, and buying expensive flight tickets, don't add to the costs of this trip. 

Although Albuquerque is a domestic destination, the affordability holds up there. To start, Albuquerque is one of the cheapest U.S. cities for tourists. On average, visitors spend about $138 per night on hotels there, according to Budget Your Trip — that's 24% less than the U.S. average nightly hotel room price of $180 (per KAYAK). Food isn't particularly pricey here by American standards, with a typical daily spend of $70 per person. Meanwhile, the cost of airfare from most U.S. cities ranges from $150 to $370 for a round trip to Albuquerque International Sunport, depending on where you're flying from. 

Costs aside, for a domestic trip, Albuquerque provides a unique opportunity to experience a rich blend of Native American and Spanish culture. There, you can explore the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.