Retirement no longer means staying put. With the global population aged 65 and over projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2050, many seniors are prioritising travel. A Booking.com study suggests that at least 65% of older adults see travel as a key part of enjoying later life.
For those with more time to explore, some destinations are better equipped than others. Firebird Tours, a Swiss-based travel specialist, has released its Where Being 60 Beats Being 20: The Best Countries for Retirees in 2026 survey, analysing 100 countries across seven categories: over-65 population density, senior discounts, walkability, healthcare, safety, and age-rewarding cultural experiences.
Europe dominates the results, claiming eight of the top ten spots and 18 of the top 25. The continent's combination of accessible public transport, cultural institutions and walkable cities makes it a natural draw for mature travellers.
Japan leads, but Europe follows closely
Japan takes the top spot, thanks to its museum and transport discounts and a perfect walkability score. With 29.5% of its population aged 65 or over, the country has built a society that caters to older residents and visitors alike. The Tokyo National Museum, for instance, offers free entry to over-70s year-round.
Germany ranks second, with 23.7% of its population aged 65 or over. The BahnCard scheme gives visitors up to 70% off public transport, and the country boasts 54 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 336 Michelin-starred restaurants. Spain follows in third, with Madrid earning a perfect walkability score and the Prado Museum offering a 50% discount for seniors. However, Spain's senior transport discounts are reserved for residents.
Slovenia, in fourth place, is described by Firebird Tours as “the result nobody predicted – and the most interesting story in the index.” Despite its low profile in English-language media, Slovenia ranks third on the Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest destinations. It also offers a 50% senior transport discount accessible to EU visitors and a 27% discount at the National Museum of Contemporary History.
Switzerland rounds out the top five, with a 50% discount on public transport through the GA TravelCard. The Lindt Chocolate Museum in Zurich offers senior discounts, and the country's walkability score means visitors can easily burn off those chocolate calories.
Europe's dominance extends to transport discounts for visitors, with Canada the only non-European country in the top eight. France, despite ranking 24th overall, leads the world in Michelin-starred restaurants with 641.
The full ranking sees Austria in sixth, Denmark seventh, Finland and the Netherlands tied for eighth, and Canada tenth. Italy, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Poland, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, Bulgaria and Sweden also feature in the top 25.
For retirees planning their next adventure, the message is clear: Europe offers a wealth of age-friendly travel experiences, from discounted rail travel to cultural treasures. As the continent continues to cater to an ageing population, it remains a top choice for those looking to explore the world in their golden years.
