If you’re staring at an empty house wondering what to do next after the kids have flown the nest, well, pack a bag! The world is calling, and travelling as an empty nester has a different flavour. Imagine fewer chicken nuggets, less negotiating screentime, and more time for stumbling upon corners of the world you’ve been collecting on your Pinterest boards for years. I’m sharing some of my favourite destinations, tips, and a little humour for anyone considering this next grand adventure. Trust me, it’s time to roll!
The world is calling, and travelling as an empty nester has a different flavour.
Why Empty Nester Travel Feels Different (And Pretty Fabulous)
The first time I booked a trip with no school holidays, parent-teacher conferences, or soccer schedules dictating my choices, I nearly cried from sheer joy, not just menopause madness. Empty-nester travel? Oh, it’s a whole new ballgame. Gone are the days of waterparks and endless snack bag refills. Now, I get to linger over dessert at a Paris café just because it’s Tuesday.
Travelling in this chapter of life feels like a warm hug for the soul after decades of packing extra socks and snacks for everyone else, I finally get to focus on my own adventure. And spoiler alert: I happen to be a pretty fun travel companion when I’m not gulping coffee between frantic sightseeing stops. The freedom to sit through a sunrise on a mountain or lose myself in the charm of a quiet city square? That’s the kind of spark routine rarely allowed before.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, marking a new chapter, or simply shaking off life’s cobwebs, travel in this season is equally healing and thrilling. Solo or with a partner, it’s a fresh start primed for all the slow mornings, late-night ice cream runs, and impulse shopping you can handle.
Top Destinations for Empty Nesters
There’s no single perfect spot for empty nesters, but some places have that unmistakable post-parenting magic. They blend beauty, easy transit, incredible food, and just the right mix of quiet and adventure.
- Tuscany, Italy – Rolling hills, endless wine, and charming villages. I could talk about the food, but frankly, nobody wants the details of my expanding waistband situation.
- Kyoto, Japan – Dreamy temples, immaculate gardens, and zero sticky-fingered ice cream cones in sight. It’s a beautiful blend of calm tradition and urban exploration.
- New Zealand– Stunning landscapes and spa time to recover after pretending to be more adventurous than I really am. Hike. Soak. Breathe.
- Portugal– Sun-drenched beaches, ridiculously good pastries and affordability (which means more money for pastries).
- Canadian Rockies – Tranquil lakes and mountain vistas so breathtaking, they’ll have you reflecting on life’s joys and how you finally get to travel without worrying if everyone remembered their toothbrush.
- Provence, France – Lavender fields, slow village markets, and the kind of sunshine that makes you forget your “to-do” list. Espresso, quiet cobblestone streets, and a delightfully unhurried rhythm. Bliss.
Planning Your Grand Adventure: Tips for Empty Nester Travelers
Now that you’ve picked a destination, it’s time to luxuriate in planning without negotiating with tiny dictators (kids, I love you, but I’m thrilled to never hear “can we go to another theme park?” again).
- Travel Off-Season – Because selfie-stick crowds are overrated. Bonus: it’s cheaper, quieter, and way more magical.
- Splurge on Comfort – I did not survive years of stepping on rogue Lego pieces to sleep in a noisy dorm now. A little luxury? Absolutely worth it.
- Follow Your Own Rhythms – Five museums in a day? Sure! Midday nap? That’s also a schedule, thank you very much.
- Build in Downtime – Because menopause is real, and so is travel exhaustion. A cosy bookshop, a slow coffee, a quiet park—these are moments that make a trip special.
- Do a Little Research – Finding good coffee before you land, mapping out easy eats, and knowing where to grab essentials? A game-changer.
Packing Smart for the Empty Nester Escape
After decades of being the family mule, I’ve learned that overpacking equals sore shoulders and a suitcase full of sensible shoes I never actually wear.
- Layer Up – Air conditioning? Heat waves? Surprise rainstorms? Hot flashes? Light layers save the day.
- Pack Shoes That Won’t Betray You – Cute sandals are delightful… for about three hours. Happy feet, happy traveller.
- Leave Room for Souvenirs – That silk scarf from Florence, the handmade pottery from Kyoto? They’ll be sweeter if you don’t have to pay for extra luggage fees.
- Keep Travel Docs Handy – Digital backups, printed copies, and a calm sense of preparedness. Because losing your passport isn’t the adventure anyone dreams of.
- Prepare for Weather Curveballs – A light rain jacket or compact umbrella is a lifesaver.
Travel Hiccups Happen. Here’s How I Handle Them
Things never go exactly as planned. I say this as someone who once survived lukewarm train cheese in Germany.
- Laugh When You Can – Honestly, missed trains and wrong turns often make the best stories (*ahem, walking into a men’s sauna in Budapest—long story*).
- Keep Your Schedule Flexible – Buffer time means spontaneous adventures, naps, and zero stress over sudden thunderstorms.
- Carry snacks – Emergency chocolate always wins.
- Ask Locals for Help – They know the best spots, hidden gems, and lifesaving shortcuts.
What Makes a Destination “Empty Nester Friendly”?
My personal checklist:
Walkability or Great Transit – I retired from being a chauffeur. Ease matters.
Safe Neighbourhoods – Ice cream runs at midnight? Yes, please.
Culture and Food You Can Explore at Your Own Pace– No racing between attractions unless you want to.
Recharge Spots – Cosy cafés, bookstores, scenic parks—a perfect pause between adventures.
Activities for Every Mood – Because one day you crave action, and the next? Pure, blissful relaxation.
Final Thoughts (And a Gentle Nudge)
Empty-nester travel is not just a getaway; it’s a gift to yourself. Whether it’s ticking off a bucket list spot or rediscovering joy in slow mornings and serendipitous detours, each trip recharges you.
You’ll come home with extra fridge magnets, a few glorious stories, and maybe even a newfound sense of independence. Plus, let’s be honest, your kids will roll their eyes at your adventures, and honestly? That’s just extra motivation to book the next trip.
Here’s to new adventures, warm croissants, and suitcases packed for two—or just for you. The world is waiting. What’s next on your list
Now it’s your turn! Have you taken an empty-nester trip that completely changed how you see travel? Where’s the top destination on your bucket list now that the planning is all yours? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your best travel tips, funny misadventures, or even what’s holding you back from booking that flight. Let’s swap stories and make sure every getaway is as fabulous as it should be!