Top Trips Empty-Nesters are Loving Right Now

With more flexibility, fewer school-year schedules to navigate, and a renewed appetite for meaningful experiences, empty-nesters are embracing travel in a big way. Whether it’s long-awaited bucket-list adventures or easy, restorative getaways, certain destinations are emerging as clear favorites. Here’s what’s trending for 2025 and beyond — both stateside and across the globe.

International Favorites

European River Cruises
River cruising continues to be a top choice for empty-nesters seeking comfort, culture, and convenience. With unpack-once ease and immersive shore excursions, destinations like the Rhine, Danube, and Douro offer a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.

Italy’s Small-Town Charm
Beyond Rome and Florence, travelers are gravitating toward slower, more intimate regions — Tuscany’s hill towns, Puglia’s coastal villages, and Lake Como for scenic luxury. Food, wine, and history make these trips feel both enriching and restorative.

Portugal & Spain
The Iberian Peninsula is having a moment, thanks to mild weather, walkable cities, and excellent value. Lisbon, Porto, and Seville offer vibrant culture without the crowds of other European hubs. Portugal’s new wine-country hotels are a particular draw.

Japan’s Culture + Convenience
With efficient trains, serene gardens, and world-class dining, Japan is ideal for travelers who want structure without stress. Popular routes include Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka, cherry-blossom season, and fall foliage trips.

Mediterranean Cruises
Cruises remain a top pick for effortless exploration. Greek islands, the Adriatic Coast, and Western Mediterranean itineraries let travelers experience multiple countries with curated excursions—perfect for those wanting variety without logistical complexity.

Stateside Standouts

National Park Journeys
With more flexible schedules, empty-nesters are exploring America’s most iconic landscapes: Visiting Yellowstone, Bryce + Zion, Glacier, Acadia, and the Grand Canyon in the shoulder seasons avoids the biggest crowds while still showcasing the best vistas. Many opt for guided small-group tours or road trips with pre-planned routes.

Napa & Sonoma Wine Country
The ease of domestic travel combined with world-class culinary experiences makes Northern California a perennial favorite. Boutique vineyard stays and food-forward itineraries are especially popular.

Coastal New England
For charm, history, and ocean views, destinations like Maine, Cape Cod, and the Rhode Island coast offer the perfect mix of relaxation and activity — especially in late summer and early fall.

Alaskan Cruises
Highly favored among empty-nesters, Alaska’s Inside Passage remains one of the most scenic, comfortable, and wildlife-rich cruise experiences available. Many pair a cruise with a land extension to Denali or Fairbanks.

Santa Fe and the Southwest
Art, culture, spas, and warm, desert landscapes make Santa Fe, Sedona, and Taos attractive choices for travelers seeking quiet beauty and a change of pace.

Whether you're dreaming of Europe, an Alaska cruise, wine country, or even a bucket-list national park, our vacation specialists are more than planners; they are artisans of unforgettable experiences. Drawing upon personal journeys and global expertise, we craft each itinerary with precision, passion, and a touch of indulgence! 

Every itinerary is meticulously designed to align with your unique desires, style and budget and our around-the-clock support ensures peace of mind wherever you are in the world. Where will you go?