Now that you’re over sixty, you’ve probably travelled to many wonderful places around the world, alone or with family and friends. Perhaps you chose places for the children, or followed your cultural and heart connections. Now you find yourself an older woman with a slightly different set of criteria. You want to be safe, demand good value and have a desire to explore new and unique places for the independent individual you have become. I for one don’t particularly want to see Disneyland ever again – but that’s just me!

So it’s time to see the places you’ve always dreamed about! It is your time! You know what you want. The question is what country will best support your wanderlust?

Before travelling anywhere, check your health. There is nothing worse than being on the road when you don’t feel strong, energized and prepared. Deal with outstanding health issues and be sure to purchase travel health insurance. There are many insurance options for over 60’s but remember the costs do go up. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to reduce your travel insurance costs, even at our age.

Of course, research your destination thoroughly before buying a ticket, and there are some amazing travel sites just for women that can give perspective. Check out Journeywoman.com and tangodiva.com – both are brilliant resources for women of all ages!

In terms of destinations, there are plenty of places that love older women. Here are just a few ideas! There are thousands more – please share your favorites in the comments section!

Visit Mellow Vietnam

Vietnam has become known for easy, hassle-free travel, so it’s the perfect place for an older woman to venture. With inexpensive food and reasonable accommodations, it’s also very light on the pocketbook.

The culture is family focused and customer service seems to be built in the Vietnamese DNA.

Service is offered instinctively, people are warm and friendly and the serenity of the geography creates a palette to paint a beautiful holiday. And best of all, most of the nation’s cuisine is heart-healthy!

Have you visited Vietnam recently? Please let us know in the comments.

Cruise Across Canada

More and more, Canada is becoming a destination for seniors who want a fun vacation with lots of versatility. Choose a vibrant city like Toronto or Montreal and go crazy exploring all the summer festivals and restaurants. Or take a few weeks and take a transcontinental train across the prairies to the west coast.

The views are spectacular, the open spaces creates a relaxed and low-key environment. You can travel on a bohemian budget or in navigate in style. It’s your call!

Explore Down Under – Australia and New Zealand

If you feel like really taking the plunge, (and long flight) head down to Australia and New Zealand for an experience of a lifetime. You’ll find it a familiar yet intriguing place to travel. The scenery and wildlife are unique, but everyone speaks English and food is traditional and approachable.

As an older woman the infrastructure in the cities like Sydney is superb and New Zealand is full of quaint villages that make you feel like you are stepping back into a quieter and gentler time.

A few years ago, I spent 2 weeks in the Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney. It was one of the most spectacular places I have ever visited. If you decide to go to Australia, I highly encourage you to add this area to your list.

Make Friends in Ireland

For a charming taste of the British Isles, consider Ireland where you’ll find it easy to make friends at the local pub or in the markets in almost every town. In the south you are offered sweeping views with rainbows appearing almost daily. Beaches, caves and waterways, there are plenty of wonderful walking tours and cultural entertainment, the country is also known for being safe and hassle-free for women.

Experience the Rainforest in Costa Rica

While it is a bit more expensive than some places, Costa Rica is worth every penny. An easy country to travel by car or bus, the water is drinkable, the people are service-oriented and helpful, the Spanish is an easy dialect, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

You will not regret the experience of seeing real scarlet macaws flocking in the rainforest canopy, or watching a three-toed sloth laze around in a tree above the beach where you’re doing exactly the same thing.

It is also becoming a destination for ex pats so you are likely to find retired older women to share stories with. And in 2012 Costa Rica was voted the Happiest Country on earth so go be happy there!

Go Biking in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is all about women’s liberation and independence, which makes it one of the easiest places for older women to vacation. Enjoy the canals and cafes of Amsterdam and shop at the many boutiques.

With a comfortable flat landscape, there are also plenty of opportunities for walking and biking, so you can get your exercise while getting to know a new culture! And once you get out of the city you can find easy to access shimmering lakes, sandy coastlines, and a chain of windswept islands. Best of all, it can all be seen from the comfort of a bicycle seat.

Have your say! Have you travelled to any places you’d recommend or discourage for older women? What’s your best advice to give older women who want to travel the world? Please add your thoughts in the comments section below.