Too old for Ibiza? Too hip for Palm Springs? This article will focus on some of the world's hottest resort areas, and give you an idea of how old is too old and how young is too young - so you don't wind up playing shuffleboard with seniors on your next vacation. But it's just as bad going in other direction, as you don't want the ladies at the pool calling you "sir" and telling you that you remind them of their father. So keep reading and learn what type of resort is best suited for your current age, so you can get there before you are too old to really enjoy it!
Getting Started
When you are at the planning stage of your next vacation, try factoring your age into the planning process. Most people either go to vacation destinations that they are familiar with, or they use a ‘trial and error’ method. While both options work and probably won’t detract form your fun, sometimes a poorly planned vacation can wind up with you being severely out of synch – age wise – with the rest of the people at your resort, island, or boat. This doesn’t mean you can’t push the boundaries in your favor, but the last thing you want to do is have a bad time for something you paid a lot of money for. So we looked at some popular vacation spots, and then attempted to match them to the best age and ‘frame of mind’. After all, a lot of us are young at heart, so hitting the foam bars until 6am might not be a deterrent!
North America
We have decided to focus on a few of the most popular vacation areas – Vegas and Florida.
Vegas (21-40)
Las Vegas is a truly international city, as it draws people of all ages and ethnicities, from every corner of the globe. So there is no specific age that best suits this city, but there are certain hotels and casinos that cater to the younger crowds. Obviously you have to be at least 21 to drink and gamble, so the hotels and casinos we looked at focus on a younger, hipper crowd that is looking for action inside and outside of the casinos. Currently, Vegas is home to some of the hottest dance clubs in the States – Pure, Rain, Jet, etc. The clubs are usually located in the big hotels. And if you are looking for a cool place to stay, check out the Hard Rock or the Palms.
Florida (18-36)
Because Florida is a big place, the age range really varies. For example, if you want to go during spring break, then the average age of anyone near a beach will be around 20. The booze runs freely, and loud music, beer drinking, and wet t-shirt contests are the order of the day. If you head into Miami, then you get a pretty exotic nightclub district, and the age starts to spike upward. Head into wealthier areas, like Palm Springs, and suddenly you are golfing with retirees.
Spain (18-25)
Spain is a big, beautiful country, and there are plenty of co places to check out. If you head straight south, you will eventually hit the Strait of Gibraltar, and a little town called Tarifa, famous for cheap hotels, cold beer, and wind. That’s right – this little town has an amazing, windy stretch of beach that is world renowned for windsurfers. It attracts a younger, healthy crowd, but there is a lot to do even if you don’t like the water.
Barcelona is another popular destination, and once again it tends to attract a younger crowd. Why? Well, it’s very cheap, for both accommodations and liquor. Plus, it is right on the Mediterranean coast, and has seven beautiful beaches for you to enjoy.
Ibiza (young, but who cares!)
Summer – Party – Island – need we say more? Everything you have heard about this place is true. It is a magnet for the young, but you see all types on the beach. The truly young and young at heart often party until early morning – like 6-8am. Then they stagger home, sleep until mid-afternoon, and then crawl out to the beach for a few hours of sun and fun before doing it all over again. This place is not for the faint of heart, but is a great time if you like to party.
Cancun, Mexico (varies depending on the time of year)
Cancun is considered to be a fun party town, but it really depends on when you go. From New Year’s until the end of February, the crowd tends to be younger and college age. As you creep into March, the families start to show up for their spring break. The summer months are a mix of families and budget travelers, so you never know who might be at your resort. But if you like to party and you are 18-25, then go around spring break. Just plan on living without sleep for a week, and you will have a great time.
Cruising – choose a cruise where you can’t lose
There have been a few too many stories of guys booking a cruise, only to be trapped on boat full of seniors. Cruise companies are shrewd marketers, and they have been quick to reposition themselves to attract any age group, broken down into almost any categorization you can think of. For example, singles can choose from the cruises in the Caribbean, Mexico, and much, much more. Because the cruise is restricted to singles, you don’t have to worry about being stuck on a boat full of couples with kids.
Final Thoughts
You may never have thought to factor in your age when you booked a trip before, but why pay for a vacation that you will end up hating? And don’t be fooled by the people selling you the vacation package. Ask around, check out the Internet, and get some advice from someone who has actually been there.
