Empty Nest Travel

This is the perfect time to cross off a bucket-list destination that didn’t quite make the cut during the family travel years. Or return to places you’ve already visited with children — empty-nest life allows you to experience them in a whole new way. Picture the peace of Tuscany in late autumn, when the woods are thick with truffles and smoke drifts from countryside chimneys. Imagine a winter afternoon of storm watching on Vancouver Island, or staying out until the wee hours on a jaunt to New York City. The possibilities are limitless, but here are our favorite spots for an empty-nest escape:

Caribbean

Beachside bliss takes on new meaning when you’re traveling without little ones in tow. There’s a Caribbean island to suit every style, from lively Barbados to idyllic St. John to exclusive Mustique, and adults-only luxury resorts abound throughout the region. Instead of a single home base, consider chartering a private yacht for the ultimate in do-as-you-please decadence under the sun.

South of France

Lavender fields in Provence, barge cruises in Bordeaux, rosé all day on the Côte d’Azur … c’est magique, non? Go at your own pace and soak up the wonderful food, sights and scenery of France’s southern regions — few other places in the world so deftly combine natural splendor with refined culture. Depending on where you base, you can even cross the border for a day in Spain, Italy or Monaco.

Nova Scotia

Unlike some other Canadian destinations that wow visitors at first glimpse, Nova Scotia reveals its natural charm slowly and subtly. Wind your way along the coastal Cabot Trail, stopping at picturesque fishing villages and sandy beaches along the route. The region retains hints of Celtic tradition from the inhabitants of the past, layering a sense of heritage atop the remarkable maritime flavor and enchanting scenery.

Greece

While kids can grow restless with a quiet day of lazing on the beach, it’s pure heaven for grown-ups. Explore some of Greece’s less traversed islands, many of which offer destination-worthy resorts — Milos, Folegandros, Zakynthos and Kéa are among the standouts. Or head for the Peloponnese on the western coast of the mainland, a blend of brilliant turquoise water, exceptional food and abundant archaeological treasures to explore.

Japan

Japan is delightful with kids … and equally delightful without them. Wander the tranquil temples of Kyoto; indulge in Tokyo’s fine dining, sake bars and high-octane nightlife; or soak away stress in an onsen in Hakone. We especially love visiting Japan in the off-season, such as autumn or winter, when lower crowds allow you to sample the country’s rich cultural experiences at your own pace.

Patagonia

For adventure-loving parents, Patagonia just may provide the thrill of a lifetime. With its mighty mountains and pristine lakes, this remote corner of South America (spread between Chile and Argentina) will bowl you over with its rugged majesty. Spend your days hiking Chile’s stunning Torres del Paine National Park, kayaking past glaciers and horseback riding amid the peaks, then settle in for the night at a luxurious eco-lodge. Patagonia’s isolation helps to create an intimate atmosphere, ideal for connecting deeply with each other while exploring one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth.

Arizona

A family vacation to Arizona usually includes blockbuster sights like the Grand Canyon, but an empty-nest getaway reveals the state’s more luxurious side. From the red rocks of Sedona to the desert air of Tucson, Arizona is home to some of the most fabulous spa resorts in the U.S. Its winemaking scene is also on the upswing, and areas such as Sonoita and Verde Valley boast vineyards that go toe to toe with more established wine regions such as Napa.

Italy

One of the many reasons we love Italy so much is that it can be whatever you need it to be. It’s not a question of different destinations for adults versus families, but a matter of how you experience them. Get lost in the tangle of back streets and quiet canals that crisscross Venice, or sip an Aperol spritz while you take in the views from a cliffside terrace on the Amalfi Coast. Linger as long as you like over the artistic masterpieces of Florence without the limitations of young attention spans. And Lake Como lures couples with its glamorous aura and magnificent old villas, while an evening passeggiata through the ancient heart of Rome is pure joy.

Maldives

The Maldives are the ultimate couples’ destination, offering crystal-clear lagoons, secluded beaches and breathtaking overwater bungalows that foster a sense of privacy. Many of the accommodations on the islands are adults-only, so you’re assured of a romantic and tranquil vibe. Whether you spend your days snorkeling amid vibrant coral reefs, gliding through the sea on sunset cruises, enjoying a couples’ massage or simply dozing in a hammock, we can’t think of a more idyllic place to celebrate your new chapter in life.

Cambodia

Looking to strike a balance between relaxation and adventure? Cambodia fits the bill in fine fashion. Start in Siem Reap, where it’s worth awakening in the wee hours to see the sun rise over the Temples of Angkor and taking a serene boat cruise past the floating villages that line Tonlé Sap Lake. After you’ve had your fill of cultural sightseeing and city bustle, savor some beach time on an island like Koh Rong, easy to reach from Phnom Penh yet offering a far-flung feel.