Retirement is often the moment people promise themselves they will travel more. After years of balancing work, family commitments, and busy schedules, you finally have something that everyone craves – time. Time to stay longer than you ever have, to travel outside of peak season and to choose holidays that feel enriching rather than rushed and crammed.
At Click&Go Holidays, we are seeing a clear shift in how retired Irish couples are planning their getaways in 2026. Many are travelling more frequently and choosing destinations that combine comfort with memorable experiences. Just as importantly they are travelling smarter – avoiding the busier and hotter months and embracing quieter periods when destinations feel more authentic.
If you are starting to think about where you would like to holiday next, here is where couples like you are choosing to go – and why these holidays make perfect sense.
Check out where retired couples are travelling today:
- Lanzarote
- The Algarve
- Costa Del Sol
- Porto
- Rome
- Prague
- Barcelona Cruise Holiday
- Rome Cruise Holiday
- Copenhagen Cruise Holiday
Why Retirement is the perfect time to Travel
One of the biggest luxuries retirement brings is flexibility. You are no longer tied to school holidays or restricted annual leave, which means you can travel when destinations are at their very best – not simply when it is convenient.
Many Retired couples tell us they now prioritise the following:
- Comfort, direct short-haul flights
- Destinations that are flat and easy to explore
- Mild and enjoyable weather
- Great value without compromising quality
- A slower pace that allows them to truly experience a destination
It is less about rushing from attraction to attraction and more about enjoying a morning coffee in a sunny square or taking a slow stroll along the promenade as the sun sets over the horizon.
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Sun Holidays: Familiar, Relaxing and Effortlessly Enjoyable
Most Popular Travel time: March to May & September to October
For many Irish couples, a sun holiday remains the ideal way to unwind, but increasingly, holidaymakers are choosing the shoulder seasons when the temperatures are comfortable rather than intense, and resorts feel calmer as kids are back in school.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote continues to be a favourite among retired Irish couples – and it is easy to see why. Its year-round warm climate means you can enjoy sunshine even in early spring or autumn, while the island itself offers a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
Many couples are drawn to Playa Blanca for its peaceful promenade and atmospheric cafés, Puerto del Carmen for its variety of restaurants and seaside walks, and Costa Teguise for its quieter setting and laid-back atmosphere. These towns offer comfort, familiarity, and plenty to enjoy at your own pace.
For More Information about Lanzarote Holidays
The Algarve
The Algarve has long appealed to Irish travellers, but it becomes more enjoyable when visited outside the peak summer season. Spring brings beautiful landscapes and gentle warmth, while autumn offers golden evenings perfect for dining outdoors.
Many couples are drawn to Lagos for its rich heritage and beautiful coastline, Carvoeiro for its relaxed village feel and scenic clifftop walks, Albufeira for its lively atmosphere and wide choice of restaurants, and Tavira for a quieter, more traditional Algarve experience.
What couples often appreciate most is the balance – picturesque scenery, welcoming towns, excellent dining, and plenty to see without needing to travel far, making it easy to slow down and enjoy each day at your own pace.
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Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol offers familiarity in the best possible way. Well-established resorts, excellent promenades, and a strong hospitality culture make travelling here feel reassuringly straightforward.
Many couples are drawn to Fuengirola for its flat seafront promenade and relaxed pace, Benalmadena for its marina, coastal walks, and friendly resort feel, and Malaga for its blend of culture, historic streets, and excellent dining. Each offers a slightly different experience while still feeling comfortably familiar.
Outside July and August, the region settles into a quieter rhythm. You can explore the beautiful old towns, browse local markets, or simply enjoy the sunshine without the height of summer bustle.
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City Breaks: Perfect for Exploration Travel
Most popular travel time: March to May, and September to October
City breaks are becoming increasingly popular among retired couples who want a sense of discovery as well as relaxation. With more time available, you can explore at your own pace – perhaps visiting museums mid-morning, stopping for coffee when you please and avoiding the rush entirely.
Porto
Porto is wonderfully picturesque and full of character, built across hills that offer beautiful views over the Douro River – though visitors should expect some gentle slopes and cobbled streets. The colourful Ribeira district, vistas from the Dom Luís I Bridge, and relaxed riverside atmosphere make it a joy to explore at your own pace, whether wandering historic streets, enjoying lunch with local wine, or taking a scenic river cruise, making Porto ideal for couples seeking culture and authenticity without the intensity of a larger capital.
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Rome
Rome is a dream destination that feels especially enjoyable outside the peak summer months, when spring and autumn bring comfortable weather for exploring ancient ruins, admiring art and relaxing in shaded piazzas. Spend time exploring the iconic sights Rome is known for such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum, admire the art and atmosphere of the Vatican City and enjoy simple pleasures like tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain. With more time to slow down, couples can wander neighbourhoods, enjoy evenings in Trastevere and savour the sense that every corner tells a story, allowing the city to unfold naturally without any pressure to rush.
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Prague
Prague offers beauty, history and atmosphere in a compact setting that makes sightseeing easy and enjoyable. Couples can stroll across Charles Bridge or take in beautiful views from Prague Castle. Its relaxed pace and striking architecture create a sense of being somewhere truly special, making it perfect for couples who want cultural depth and memorable experiences during the calmer months of spring and autumn.
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Cruise Holidays
Most Popular Time to Cruise: May, June, September and October
Cruising is rapidly growing among retired holidaymakers, and it is easy to understand why. There is simplicity to cruise holidays that many couples find incredibly appealing.
You unpack once, settle into your cabin, and allow the journey to unfold around you, waking up in a new destination each day! There is no need to have to engage in constant packing and repacking, no changing hotels, just a comfortable base that moves with you.
Shoulder season sailings are especially popular because they offer pleasant temperatures for exploring ports without peak-season crowds.
Barcelona Cruise Holidays
Embarking on your cruise from Barcelona often means beginning your holiday in one of Europe’s most popular cities before heading to explore the Mediterranean. Many couples choose to spend a night or two pre-cruise or post cruise in the city first, enjoying its architecture and relaxing coastal atmosphere.
Embarkation Made Easy: Barcelona’s main cruise terminals are located just 10-15 minutes from the city centre, making transfers quick and straightforward.
From there, your cruise may take you to sun-drenched islands, historic Mediterranean ports, or picturesque French towns – all while returning each evening to the comfort of your cruise ship.
It is an effortless way to combine culture, scenery and relaxation in one seamless journey.
Rome Cruise Holidays
Cruises departing from Rome (via Civitavecchia) opens the door to iconic Mediterranean destinations, with itineraries often including beautiful ports such as Santorini, all while enjoying a relaxed pace onboard. Many couples choose to spend a night or two in Rome before their cruise, taking time to explore and settle into the holiday before setting sail.
Expect leisurely at sea, shore excursions to historic towns, and evenings spent dining as the coastline drifts by. At Click&Go Holidays, our Cruise Specialists can tailor-make your cruise holiday, including pre-cruise stays, flights, and the right itinerary to suit your travel style.
Embarkation made easy: Rome (Civitavecchia) sits approximately 60-75 minutes from Rome, with direct transfers helping ensure a smooth, comfortable journey to the ship – which our team of Cruise Specialists can take care of for you.
For retired couples, this style of travel removes much of the stress while still offering depth and discovery. It allows you to experience multiple countries without feeling rushed.
Copenhagen Cruise Holidays
For something a little different, sailing from Copenhagen offers success to spectacular Northern European itineraries. These cruises often include awe-inspiring fjords, elegant Baltic capitals, and long daylight hours during late spring and early autumn. There is a distinct sense of sense of space and natural beauty on these routes, making them ideal for couples who enjoy scenery as much as sightseeing.
Embarkation made easy: Copenhagen’s cruise terminals are typically just 20-30 minutes from the city centre, meaning you can move comfortably to your ship without a lengthy transfer.
It is a wonderful option for those ready to explore the Norwegian Fjords and experience a different side of Europe – comfortably and at an unhurried pace.
Retirement is your time to travel at a pace that feels right – whether that means relaxing in the sun, exploring Europe’s most beautiful cities, or enjoying the ease of cruise where every detail is taken care of. Wherever 2026 takes you, Click&Go Holidays is here to help you plan with confidence. To start planning or to explore your holiday options, call our holiday specialists on 01-6995250 or for more information on what we offer and begin looking forward to your next unforgettable adventure.
