​When considering travel to distant places, it’s helpful to plan excursions and attractions you’d
like to see in advance.  
 
The Hawaiian island of Maui has a plethora of tours and attractions ranging from extreme
outdoor activities that test endurance to tamer things like exploring Hawaii’s rich history and
culture.  
 
This makes Maui the perfect destination for seniors because if offers activities which appeal to
varying abilities and interests; all which take place against Maui’s gorgeous island backdrop.

Snorkeling is a popular activity which requires minimal skill.  No worries if you’ve never tried it
before.  Tours are abundant and include gear rental as well as transportation to excellent
snorkeling sites.

Beginners can rest assured that tour boat captains are experienced in making sure first timers
have a safe experience. 

Snorkel masks are worth mentioning here. With the advent of full face snorkeling masks,
snorkelers no longer have to be concerned with pesky water entering their snorkels- a great
feature, especially for beginners.

Being surrounded by water you would expect Maui to be a fishermans paradise and your would be correct! You can arrange a deep sea charter where you will catch the big game fish.

But if your looking for a more personal and quiet experience, get a guided tour in a kayak so you can find the best spots. If you are the type of person who likes to do it on your own, there are plenty of places to rent or buy angler kayaks. You can also rent or buy a good quality spinning reel and tackle to have you catching some trophy sized fish!

​Helicopter tours are truly a one-of-a-kind way to experience the beauty of Maui.  In fact, there’s simply no better to way to appreciate the multitude of its unique geographic formations.   

Expect a narrated adventure from your helicopter pilot-guide.  Not only will you enjoy taking in the view, you will gain a richer perspective of area’s geology, history, and culture.  

Some areas worthy of touring include: Molokai, which boasts the highest cliff in the world, at a height of over 4,000 feet; the Honokohau Falls, the tallest waterfall on the island; the lava rainforest of Iao Valley State Park; Elephant Rock, an islet that resembles its namesake from an aerial view; and a dormant volcano located in Haleakala National Park.  

​Ziplining may be the most effortless activity you can enjoy while in Maui; but don’t confuse effortlessness with boring.  Ziplining is a thrilling experience where you’re transported between a series of platforms on a course made of cable.  

These platforms are located at a decent height which allows the rider to zip from one to another, while at the same time, taking in amazing views from above. 

As activities, paddleboarding and kayaking are gentle on the ecosystem and on the body.  They allow the paddler to take in the beauty of the ocean while leaving no harm to the environment.

Paddleboarding has become an increasingly popular sport.  As a low-impact activity, almost anyone can partake in it. Standing atop a paddleboard, the rider has a unique vantage point.  As you skim across the ocean’s surface, peer down to catch a glimpse of the varied sea life below. If you have never tried it, this guide will help you get started.
 
Kayaking can be done solo or in tandem (sharing a boat with another paddler) and just about anyone can maneuver a kayak.  The kayaker’s position right atop the water allows for getting close and personal with Maui’s underwater world. 

Whether you prefer venturing out on your own or prefer a tour by a knowledgeable guide, exploring the area on kayak or paddleboard is one of the most serene ways to enjoy caves, craggy coastlines, and native marine life.    

Seeing Maui by bike is a no-brainer.  Rentals are affordable and biking allows you to enjoy the island’s diverse terrain. Trails abound for riders of all skill-level.

Tour operators offer down-hill rides in the Haleakala National Park.   

Those interested in archaeology will enjoy the Olowalu Petroglyphs Trail.  Along this trail you will see around 70 petroglyphs that are about 300 years old.  These are just a couple of bike riding options on Maui.

Hiking is another activity available to those of all levels of physical ability.  

For a leisurely hike, check out Kuloa Point Trail.  At a short 0.6 miles, this trail leads to the Oheo Gulch and the Seven Sacred Pools, which are a series of cascading waterfalls and plunge pools.  

Located in West Maui, the Waihee Ridge Hiking Trail is a four mile trail considered moderately difficult.  It offers dramatic scenery including vistas of the valley and plentiful waterfalls.  Hikers will enjoy cooler temperatures on this trail. 

​If you’d rather seen Hawaii’s spectacular marine life without getting wet, consider the Maui Ocean Center. The Maui Ocean Center boasts the largest collection of living Pacific corals in the world. Featuring over 60 exhibits and a culture and native plant guided walk, the Center is dedicated to sustainable tourism and does its part by educating the public about Hawaii’s unique sea fauna. 

Discover an authentic cultural presentation of music and dance while dining on local, traditional cuisine at the Old Lahaina Luau. Enjoy an authentic luau experience set against a stunning ocean sunset view, and a performance that showcases the rich  culture and history of Hawaii.  

If you’re in the mood for a serene experience, consider checking out the Lahaina Jodo Mission.  This Buddhist Cultural Park is located in Lahaina, Hawaii.  Housing a large figure of the Buddha and several pagodas, this peaceful park is a perfect getaway from the usual tourist attractions.  

Another worthy sight is the Old Lahaina Courthouse.  It’s a compact, informative museum highlighting the history of Maui, and it’s free of charge to visitors!   This little gem includes a small jail and relevant artifacts.  

We hope our guide is helpful in planning your trip to Maui.  With its natural beauty and plentiful options for activities and sightseeing, this paradise on earth is sure to please the most discriminating traveler.

When you retire, it might be time to think about places you’re going to want to visit. Some people enjoy taking extended vacations or a long overdue sea cruise. Others have plans to move away and start a whole new life after retirement. With everything from different countries to different states, you can make the choice to retire somewhere beautiful a reality. If you’re thinking about moving to a new area after retirement, you not only need to consider your options for cities, states or countries to retire to, but you also need to plan on how you will have everything shipped to your new home.  

​Shipping personal property as well as a motor vehicle within the United States can easily be handled with a phone call and a discussion with an agent to handle the move for you. You can go about this in a few ways. You can hire a moving company to come in and pack everything and get it loaded onto a moving truck and delivered to the new home or you can pack things on your own and either rent a moving truck to drive on your own or hire a company to load and deliver everything after you pack it all up.

Before packing everything, be sure to take some time to downsize a little. Sort items to donate, give away, sell or trash. It doesn’t make sense to pay someone to move belongings that you will never use. For large items that you may want to keep but don’t want to bring along, you can place in storage to hold until you return or until you are ready to move them later.

For cars, be sure to contact an auto transport company to have the car hauled via an open trailer or an enclosed trailer. An open trailer is the most common way to transport a car via interstate and is also the most economical way to do so. Up to ten or more cars can be loaded onto one trailer for delivery. If you have a luxury car or a classic car, enclosed transport is the safer option as your car will be fully enclosed during transport. 

Though it may seem like a lot of work, shipping your household items and moving a vehicle to another country is not too hard to do with the help of a qualified shipping companies. 

Different countries throughout the world have specific laws, regulations and documents that are needed to move these items there. To make the transition from one place to the next smoother, it is essential that you find out which documents are needed for the destination country. At the very least, you will need these items for customs clearance to most countries worldwide. 

• Passport
• Residence Visa 
• Itemized List of Items 
• Title of Vehicle 

Transporting a vehicle to another country does come with certain challenges. Some countries will not allow vehicles that are older than a certain age to enter. Some countries make the vehicle pass an emissions test for entry. When you decide which country that you’re moving too, whether it is for a short or long period, check with your shipping agent as well as the customs agency in the country you will move to for information on vehicle requirements including safety and emissions inspections that may be required. 

The cost of shipping varies widely. It depends on the number of items you’re bringing over, where they’re going too and the type of shipping you choose to use for the items or vehicle. Roll-on, roll-off shipping can provide an affordable rate for vehicles, but container shipping is required for household goods. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand to ship the items from one point to another. There may be an option to share a container with another customer who has a shipment for the same destination. Be sure to speak to the shipping company to see if there is a way to share a container with someone so you can save money. 

​You want to make sure that you’re going to be able to get your household items or vehicle within a timely manner. That is understandable. However, keep in mind that some countries have customs that are harder to pass through. By having the necessary documents ready, as well as a professional shipping company, this can reduce the time needed to pass through customs. On average, expect to wait anywhere from 2 weeks up to 2 months for a motor vehicle or household items to be delivered to the destination. 

The specific times, amounts and documents required for shipping depends on the destination of choice. Enjoy your retirement somewhere that you want to be when you make the decision to move. It can be well worth it when you find out everything that comes from relaxing in an area that you thoroughly enjoy. Remember, these are the best years of your life. Make them count! 

Choosing where to retire abroad isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. After all, having worked
your entire life, you want to take this opportunity to relax in a warm climate and take long strolls to
the local beach, not regretting your decision to move abroad in the first place. We hope that this
post will help you decide the best destinations to retire abroad for you, whether it is because you
are seeking year-round beautiful weather, a high-quality life or low cost living. Find out the top 5
destinations to retire abroad below – and don’t forget your EHIC when the time comes to step on
that plane!

​One of the most popular destinations to retire abroad in Europe is the Algarve Region, located in Portugal. In fact, it has been said that the southwest region of Portugal in particular could be one of Europe’s most famous kept secrets, and we can see why! Algarve doesn’t just boast more blue-sky summery days than almost anywhere else in Europe though. In addition, you can truly make the most of the array of exciting activities the area has to offer, including numerous golf courses, with everything being highly affordable. As well as great weather and over 42 golf courses to choose from, retirement income is not taxed in Portugal. This means that you can receive pension income across the country tax-free. Result! 

​There are numerous reasons why you should retire in Malta. If you love the sun, you’ll be pleased to know that you can enjoy fantastic weather as the country, on average, boasts more than 3,000 hours sunshine each year, and like the Algarve Region, Vallette is highly affordable. Life on this beautiful Mediterranean island is relatively inexpensive too, as cost of living isn’t high here. If you’re worried about leaving beloved family and close friends behind, you will also be pleased to learn that Malta has a great transportation system, and it is far easier to travel from place to place via public transport than in a car, so arranging regular visits both to your new home and your original home country is not an issue.

​Home to fewer than 2,000 residents, Saint-Chinian, located in France, is the perfect place to retire if you are seeking peace and quiet, and want to escape city life. This charming retirement destination boasts high-quality healthcare and good infrastructure, and thanks to the rapidly growing expat community, you won’t be lost for people to experience the slower pace of life with. Much like in Valletta and Algarve Region, the cost of living in Saint-Chinian is also low, so you can enjoy the better things in life, and be assured that you can live comfortably for years to come. 

​As well as being a hot tourist destination, Lisbon is a great place to retire – and for good reason. Not only does Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, offer a calm but vibrant retirement, but it is perfect for those who want to escape the rush of fast-paced cities. Just like Valletta and Saint-Chinian, the cost of living in Lisbon remains relatively low, which is one of the area’s main attractions, and is perfect for those who want to stay surrounded by a little bit of English culture. Moreover, when you retire in Lisbon, you can expect year-round sun, modern infrastructure, affordable healthcare and a better quality of life.  

​There are numerous reasons why you should visit Budapest, even if you decide not to retire there. Not only does Hungary as a whole offer beautiful panoramic views, but it is one of the most historic countries in the world. Most importantly, though, expatriates enjoy living in Budapest for its friendly people, of which you are unlikely to find anywhere else. Nevertheless, if you are looking to bathe in the sun all day, Hungary may not be the dream retirement destination. Why? In Budapest, you can expect cold winters and dull weather from there on until summer rolls around. 

​There are numerous places you can retire in Europe, these are just five. With so many countries, cities and towns to choose from when you retire, retiring abroad is certainly not a light decision to make, and one that shouldn’t be rushed, no matter how eager you are to start your new life in the sun! Where will you retire? 

It’s a well known fact that many seniors like to travel when they retire. It makes perfect sense if you think about it. After all, you have the power to choose where it is you want to be, your children and grandchildren are busy with their own lives, and you have a lot of leisurely time on your hands. Traveling is the best way to spend your golden years.

A lot of boomers, seniors and retirees choose to go on cruise ships. It’s convenient, it’s not very expensive, you have everything you need on board, and you can have a lot of fun. Entertainment is not an issue. But have you ever thought of breaking out the mold a bit by doing something more exciting?

A trip to India is definitely something everyone should do at least once in their lives. It’s a spiritually rich country that has a lot to offer. Check out the 5 best destinations for retirees below, and get ready to pack a bag or two!

In Old Goa, you will find the beautiful Basilica of Bom Jesus. UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. The baroque architecture is just breathtaking. The destination has won a Traveler’s Choice Award in 2017, and it wasn’t for nothing. The sandy beaches will provide a quiet and relaxing place where you can enjoy some curry and drink some Kingfisher beer. You will come back with beautiful pictures and great memories. At Christmastime, the East and the West come together culturally, and you will be enjoying a wonderful religious ceremony.

In Old Goa, you will find the beautiful Basilica of Bom Jesus. UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. The baroque architecture is just breathtaking. The destination has won a Traveler’s Choice Award in 2017, and it wasn’t for nothing. The sandy beaches will provide a quiet and relaxing place where you can enjoy some curry and drink some Kingfisher beer. You will come back with beautiful pictures and great memories. At Christmastime, the East and the West come together culturally, and you will be enjoying a wonderful religious ceremony.

You can’t say you went to India without seeing the Taj Mahal. The whole trip is incomplete without it. It’s the biggest token of love known by man. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The beauty and the architecture of the palace are world famous, which is why it is considered one of the eight wonders of the world. In Agra, there are two other World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO, the Fatehpur Sikri, and the sandstone Red Fort.

If you want to have beautiful spiritual experiences, then Rishikesh is the place to go. It is located at the base of the Himalayas, and it is a very important cultural and spiritual location for the Hindus there. Sacred rivers are flowing through the mountains, and the yoga spots look as if someone cut them from a magazine. The Beatles went there in 1968 to get in touch with their Eastern spiritual side and wrote several songs at a local ashram.

Bengaluru is also known as “The Silicon Valley of India.” It is a geek’s paradise but is also know for its cultural riches. You can visit plenty of gardens, museums, palaces, and temples. The natural features of the city are absolutely stunning. You can go to Cubbon Park and Ulsoor Lake of Bangalore. You will love the boating facilities. Also, Bengaluru has a lot to offer regarding music. It is one of India’s classical music and dance centers. There a lot of concerts you will surely enjoy.

Keep in mind that these 5 locations represent only a small portion of what India has to offer, but they are all worth visiting and are very popular with retirees. You’ll go back home with wonderful memories and stories to tell your grandchildren. You will also feel enriched in every possible way. Namaste!

Retired Brains is not a travel service, and does not offer direct travel support assistance. The purpose of this blog article is to provide helpful information on some popular locations in India should you choose to travel there. As with any international travel you undertake, we recommend researching local customs and other demographic data to ensure you are prepared for cultural immersion. You may also want to contact a travelers bureau in your area to find out about any international circumstances or situations, including safety concerns, that might affect your decision to travel abroad.