From sailing to the remote islands of French Polynesia and exploring Japan’s ancient Zen traditions to riding a historic steam train through Colorado’s Wild West, some adventures are simply too good to miss, whatever your age. For travellers in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond, 2027 offers plenty of opportunities to discover somewhere new, revisit places that hold special memories or finally embark on a long-dreamed-of journey.
Whether it’s retracing the footsteps of Elvis Presley in Memphis 50 years after his death, discovering the wild landscapes of Florida’s Everglades or taking the scenic route to the French Alps aboard a sleeper train, these 12 unforgettable holidays prove that a sense of adventure never gets old.
Embark On a Rock’n’Roll Pilgrimage to Memphis, Tennessee
August 2027 marks 50 years since Elvis Presley’s passing, making it a particularly poignant time to visit Memphis, the city where his musical legacy lives on. For those who grew up listening to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a visit to Graceland offers the chance to step inside his former home and discover the stories behind one of music’s greatest icons.. At Sun Studio, visitors can stand where Elvis, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison recorded the early genre-defining hits, while the soul classics of Otis Redding and Booker T. come alive at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Guided tours make it easy to take in the stories without rushing, leaving early evenings free for Beale Street, where live blues drifts from the clubs. Stay in comfort at The Guest House at Graceland, just steps from Elvis’s beloved home, Graceland. memphistravel.com
Cruise the Remote Islands of French Polynesia, Austral Islands, French Polynesia
Beyond the famous lagoons and overwater bungalows of Bora Bora lies a lesser-explored side of French Polynesia, where dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and traditional island communities await. Launching in 2027, Aranoa, the newest ship from Aranui Cruises, will sail to the remote Austral Islands, one of French Polynesia’s least-visited archipelagos. The voyage explores spectacular islands including Raivavae, renowned for its crystal-clear lagoon, and Rapa, celebrated for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and rich Polynesian heritage. With just 198 guests on board, the voyage combines the comforts of small-ship cruising with cultural encounters and visits to destinations rarely reached by conventional cruise liners, offering a remarkable opportunity to discover a lesser-explored corner of the South Pacific. . tahititourisme.uk
Ride an 1880s Steam Train into the Wild West, Durango & Silverton, Colorado
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers one of the US’s most spectacular train journeys. Operating since 1882, this iconic steam railway winds through the rugged San Juan Mountains, following the cliff-hugging Animas River with breathtaking views of deep gorges, pine forests, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks, complete with vintage railcars and whistle-blowing steam engines. Travellers can explore Silverton, where the preserved 19th-century streets feel straight out of a Clint Eastwood film – complete with the Grand Imperial Hotel, whose saloon bar still bears the bullet holes of its Wild West past. colorado.com
Discover Kyoto’s Zen Traditions, Japan
Experience a quieter side of Kyoto through a private tea ceremony and meditation session at Enrian, a Rinzai Zen temple on the peaceful edge of Arashiyama, generally closed to regular sightseeing. Organised by luxury DMC, Xperisus, the experience is led by the resident priest, allowing visitors to explore the relationship between tea and zazen (a meditative discipline that is typically the primary practice of the Zen Buddhist tradition). Participants join a tea ritual overlooking a garden associated with poet and courtier Fujiwara no Teika before practising meditation in the main hall. about.xperisus.com/en
Sail On an Historic Vessel Like No Other in Maine
Step aboard a traditional Maine windjammer and discover New England’s rugged coastline as generations of sailors once did. These historic sailing vessels, many of which began life as working cargo and fishing schooners, offer a wonderfully different way to explore the region’s secluded islands, picturesque fishing villages and lighthouse-dotted shores. Sailing through the beautiful waters of Penobscot Bay and Casco Bay, travellers can spot whales, seals and puffins, take the helm of a traditional schooner or simply soak up the spectacular coastal scenery.. With voyages ranging from day trips to week-long adventures, guests can enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine, spend evenings anchored beneath the stars and retreat to cosy private cabins after a day on the water. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the romance of traditional sailing while discovering one of America’s most beautiful coastlines. VisitMaine.com
Relive the Space Race in Houston, Texas
For the generation who gathered around the television to watch the moon landing, a visit to Space Center Houston brings those memories vividly back to life. As the official visitor centre of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, it offers tram tours onto the working NASA campus, including the restored Historic Mission Control, where the famous ‘Houston, we have a problem’ message was received. At Rocket Park, visitors can walk the length of one of only three remaining Saturn V rockets, while the astronaut training facility offers a glimpse of the missions still to come. More than half a century after the first Moon landing, it’s an extraordinary opportunity to revisit one of history’s defining moments while discovering the next chapter of space exploration. visithouston.com
Wake Up in Méribel, The Night Train to Les 3 Vallées Returns, Méribel, France
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about travelling to the mountains by overnight train. Returning for winter 2026/27, the Travelski Night Express invites travellers to fall asleep in Paris and wake up in the heart of the French Alps, ready to discover the snow-covered peaks of Les 3 Vallées. Running from 18 December 2026 to 27 March 2027, the train will offer 15 return journeys, complete with comfortable sleeping accommodation and a bar-restaurant car. From Moûtiers, it’s a short transfer to Méribel, a picturesque Alpine resort at the heart of the world’s largest interconnected ski area. With 600km of pistes to explore, traditional wooden chalets, spectacular mountain scenery and a thriving restaurant and après-ski scene, Méribel offers all the ingredients for an unforgettable winter escape. meribel.net
Explore the Wild Side of Florida’s Everglades, Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples Marco & the Everglades
Discover the wild side of Florida’s Paradise Coast with a tour through the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve. Join the Everglades Area Tours Boat-Assisted Kayak Eco-Tour, led by an experienced naturalist and US Coast Guard Captain, taking visitors to remote, uninhabited islands for leisurely paddling, kayaking and beach walks while spotting sea manatees, dolphins, sea turtles and mangrove swamps along the way. For a more immersive experience, visitors can take part in a private Shallow Water Swamp Walk through Big Cypress National Preserve, wading through shallow waters beneath towering cypress trees with expert guides revealing the hidden beauty of this subtropical wilderness. paradisecoast.com
Walk Among Ancient Giants in Yosemite Mariposa County, California
Some of America’s most awe-inspiring scenery can be enjoyed in Yosemite Mariposa County, with hiking trails catering to a range of abilities and fitness levels. In the Mariposa Grove, home to more than 500 mature giant sequoias, the gentle Big Trees Loop Trail winds through the forest floor beneath trees that have stood for thousands of years. For one of the most famous views in the national park, visitors can drive up to Glacier Point, where the whole of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome unfold. Down in the valley, a free shuttle links landmarks such as El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall, while spring brings the waterfalls to their most spectacular. Beyond the park, the Gold Rush town of Mariposa offers another opportunity to explore,, with its historic 1854 courthouse, local museums and dark, star-filled night skies. yosemite.com
Rock Out at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver, Colorado
Few concert venues can rival the drama of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where towering sandstone formations provide a spectacular natural backdrop to performances beneath the Colorado sky. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the world’s most iconic live music venues, set among towering sandstone formations just outside Denver. Having welcomed legends from The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix to U2 and Bon Jovi, the venue continues to attract big names. In 2027, visitors can also catch tributes to Pink Floyd and Queen, alongside performances from Rod Stewart and The Cult. Beyond the music, visitors can explore the venue’s rich history and spectacular Rocky Mountain surroundings. visitdenver.com
Taste Montenegro’s Culinary Heritage, Montenegro
Away from Montenegro’s glamorous Adriatic coastline, the vineyards and traditional wine cellars surrounding Lake Skadar offer a completely different taste of the country Around Virpazar and Crmnica, visitors can sample local Vranac and Krstač wines, paired with homemade cheeses, cured meats and regional specialities. Freshwater fish is another local favourite, with carp, trout and bleak served smoked, grilled or fried. Combining beautiful scenery with authentic local flavours, the region is a must-visit for food and wine lovers. montenegro.travel
Uncover the History of St. Louis, Missouri
Once the launching point for pioneers heading west, St. Louis has played a defining role in American history. Today, travellers can uncover the stories of the city’s frontier past, explore its historic neighbourhoods and discover the brewing traditions that helped shape its identity. See STL Tours bring the city’s historic neighbourhoods, iconic landmarks and hidden stories to life through guided walking and bus tours. History enthusiasts can also explore Jefferson Barracks, visiting the Civil War Museum and Barracks Museum to uncover the city’s military past. The city’s brewing heritage comes to life on a tour of the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where visitors can admire its grand red-brick architecture, meet the famous Budweiser Clydesdales and discover the brewing process, with opportunities to sample freshly brewed beer. explorestlouis.com
