Close your eyes and imagine your winter dream destination. Are you sightseeing? Golfing? Cruising? Doing absolutely nothing on a magnificent beach? Ahhhh.

Remember the days when your travel was limited by the kids’ school vacations – and you had to share winter vacation hot spots with every other family on the planet? Well, that was then and this is now. You’ve hugged your coworkers goodbye and you are now free to roam wherever and whenever you please - including off holiday seasons when prices and crowds are less of an issue.

 Thanks to circumstances beyond our control, there is a good chance your travel fantasies have been on hold for a bit. It’s finally time to pay attention to that overflowing bucket list of travel aspirations and get this show on the road – literally.

 Your travel options are virtually unlimited. It’s all about your personal goals. Are you looking for a health and wellness retreat or are you chomping at the bit to explore uncharted territory? Maybe you have a new hobby and are looking for a sun filled destination where you can combine activities with relaxation and pampering.

Check out these winter getaways for seniors – and start packing.

Bungalows Key Largo: Key Largo, Florida

It doesn’t take a travel expert to point to Florida as a winter travel destination. But there are resorts and there are resorts. For example, at Bungalows Key Largo paradise is for adults only. This all-inclusive getaway is all about catering to your every whim. Spend the morning kayaking, paddleboarding or snorkeling in a protected bay you may share with dolphins and manatees. Join a beachfront yoga class or challenge yourself at the Fitness Tiki Hut. Relax later in the day in a poolside cabana or your own waterfront bungalow. No screaming kids splashing in the pool. Just a bunch of very happy grownups sipping cocktails.

Anchors Aweigh

Cruising is tailor made for senior travel. Do the math: Unpack one time. Enjoy multiple sights in different locations. The fact that cruises come in all shapes, sizes and price points makes it a no brainer. With all the last-minute deals, you won’t find a more inexpensive winter vacation for seniors. On-board pools, hot tubs and nightly entertainment make cruising convenient, cost effective and best of all, fun. Websites like Cruises.com abound to lay out all the options and destinations.

Palm Springs, California

Holistic healing, desert scenery and plenty of warmth and sunshine may be just what you had in mind for this winter’s getaway. Palm Springs has all that and more, including plenty of golf. There are a variety of different types of spas and resorts to choose from. Bookings.com is a great place to start your search.

Update Your Passport

If you are willing to put a little money where your dreams are - and log some frequent flier miles - there are some international destinations that offer both sunshine and sightseeing in our winter months.

The Land Down Under

Yes, Australia is far away. But there is much to see in the land down under, especially in January and February, Sydney’s warmest months.

Costa Rica

If the 20 or so hour flight to Australia does not float your boat, consider Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a reputation of being super welcoming to seniors and their wallets. Expect fabulous scenery, beautiful beaches, vibrant cities and lots of senior discounts.

Rome, Italy

Mild weather, a wealth of art and history, and incredible food barely begin to describe all that Rome has to offer. Farther than Costa Rica, but closer than Australia, Rome checks all the boxes for an adventure that is both meaningful and fun.

Arizona Biltmore: Phoenix Arizona

Recently reopened after major renovations, the Arizona Biltmore at the base of Phoenix Mountain Preserve is more appealing than ever. Biltmore 2.0 features 7 pools - including an adult’s only option, new restaurants, a day spa and access to all the sports and sunshine you could possibly imagine. Golf, tennis, pickleball, stargazing and hot air balloon rides are only a call to the concierge away.

Once you get a taste of the Phoenix life, you might just decide it is exactly what you’ve envisioned for this exciting next chapter. Those lucky enough to live at Overture North, Overture Kierland, and Overture Arcadia, Overture’s premier active adult communities in Phoenix promise you will not be disappointed.

Traveling to Phoenix - or other bucket list destinations - for a week or two may be a dream vacation. But spending retirement in an Overture community in Phoenix is a dream come true. Book a tour today!

Bon Voyage!