Three Aussie cities among the best destinations in the world for older travellers
As the number of Aussies travelling continues to grow, data shows that we're not slowing down as we get older.
In fact, Australians over the age of 60 are increasingly choosing to celebrate their relative freedom with big, overseas holidays, sometimes calling them 'golden gap years'.
But not all holiday destinations are the same. An itinerary that works for a 20-year-old might not fly for someone who is 65.
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Valencia is the birthplace of paella. Getty
Travel insurance provider AllClear has ranked the best cities in the world for senior travellers, as multi-generational travel continues to grow in popularity.
A study has found that the best holiday destination for grandparents is Valencia, in Spain.
The city, on the country's east coast, was ranked highly for its walkability, accessibility, public transport, healthcare access, and safety.
Valencia has a rich culture and laid-back coastal vibe. It's famous for being the birthplace of paella, which gives travellers ample excuses to take a break from sightseeing with a big meal.
According to the study, 70 per cent of people aged over 50 planned to travel last year, up from 65 per cent in 2024.
And while 'trendy' travel destinations - like Albania or the Amalfi Coast - may be a fun place to visit, they're not always the most accessible.
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European cities are very accessible. Getty
For the research, AllClear analysed more than 175 global destinations. Three Australian cities featured in the top 20: Perth, Sydney and Adelaide.
Meanwhile, European cities dominated the top ten, thanks to their flat, walkable city centres and reliable public transport.
Three cities in the Netherlands ranked second, third and fourth: The Hague, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
The Hague is a compact city that's easy to navigate, with easy access from the CBD to its soft-sand beaches and relaxing forested areas.
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Perth ranked highest of all the Aussie cities. Tourism Western Australia
Amsterdam is, of course, known for being very pedestrian friendly, known for its exceptional walkability and great public transport.
Rotterdam is also celebrated for having a direct Eurostar link from London, making it easy to access.
Copenhagen, in Denmark, rounded out the top five. With plenty of free public parks and galleries, and glistening waterways to explore, it's a perfect place for senior travellers or families to visit.
The Netherlands is a great spot for seniors. Getty
Tour company Bunnik Tours recently revealed that it has seen a huge surge in bookings from older travellers.
The data shows baby boomers want authentic, immersive experiences while travelling, not just surface-level sightseeing or large coach-based tour groups.
While younger travellers are looking for beaches and laid-back vibes, older travellers are leaning into the culture and history of a destination.
The most grandparent-friendly cities to visit in 2026:
- Valencia
- The Hague
- Amsterdam
- Rotterdam
- Copenhagen
- Porto
- Munich
- Helsinki
- Geneva
- Lisbon
- Sacramento
- Taipei
- Vienna
- Perth
- Washington
- Madrid
- Sydney
- Buenos Aires
- Vancouver
- Adelaide
