Japan ranked as the best country in the world for senior travelers in a 2026 study published by Swiss travel company Firebird Tours. The ranking, titled Where Being 60 Beats Being 20: The Best Countries for Retirees in 2026, evaluated 100 nations to identify the top destinations for older tourists.
Retirees are increasingly focusing on international travel after leaving the workforce, according to Euronews. A study by Booking.com revealed that at least 65 percent of survey respondents view travel as an ideal way to enjoy life in old age. The global population aged 65 and older is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2050.
Firebird Tours assessed countries across seven categories, including the proportion of residents aged 65 and older, availability of senior discounts, walkability, medical care standards, safety, and cultural offerings. European countries dominated the findings, taking eight of the top ten positions and 18 of the top 25 spots overall.
Japan and top European destinations
Japan earned the top spot overall due to extensive public transport and museum discounts alongside high walkability scores. Japan holds the highest share of residents aged 65 and older at 29.5 percent. Travel experts at Firebird Tours noted that Japan built its society around its aging population, creating constant advantages for older visitors. The Tokyo National Museum, one of Asia's most visited museums, grants free entry to visitors aged 70 and older throughout the year.
European countries filled the remaining top five positions. Germany ranked second overall, leading Europe with 23.7 percent of its population aged 65 or older. Germany provides public transport discounts of up to 70 percent for senior passengers through its BahnCard program, while hosting 54 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 336 Michelin-starred restaurants.
Spain finished third in the study. Capital city Madrid earned maximum marks for walkability, and Spain's healthcare system ranked 15th worldwide. Visitors receive a 50 percent discount at the Prado Museum and can explore 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites. However, transport discounts for older travelers in Spain apply only to country residents.
Surprise rankings and transport discounts
Slovenia placed fourth in what Firebird Tours described as an unexpected result and the most compelling story of the study. Slovenia outranked established destinations including Switzerland, France, and Italy. Ranking third on the Global Peace Index, Slovenia offers high safety levels, a 50 percent transit discount for European Union visitors, and a discount of nearly 27 percent at the National Museum of Contemporary History.
Switzerland secured fifth place by offering tourists a 50 percent public transport discount through the GA TravelCard. Senior visitors can also receive a year-round discount at the Lindt Home of Chocolate museum in Zurich and benefit from top walkability ratings.
European nations captured seven of the top eight positions for senior tourist transit discounts, with seventh-placed Canada as the sole non-European country in that group. France ranked 24th overall in the study, but led all nations in fine dining with 641 Michelin-starred restaurants.
The complete Firebird Tours ranking places Japan first, followed by Germany, Spain, Slovenia, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Canada, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Poland, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, the United States, Bulgaria, Thailand, Sweden, France, Singapore, and South Korea.
Free admission to Greek historical sites
In other travel developments, Greece is offering free nighttime admission to major historical sites at the end of August. The Greek Ministry of Culture opens more than 100 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums free of charge after dark each year to celebrate the full moon.
This year's full moon event takes place on August 28. Visitors can access ancient ruins and Minoan palaces across the country without paying admission fees.
