As we approach retirement in the next couple of years, part of the planning we are looking at is slow travel a couple of times of year on 2-3 month trips. Our current thinking is this would be international and during time times between football and baseball season, so Dec-Feb and Jun-Aug. We would do domestic travel during the other times of year. A big consideration would be seeking out more favorable weather during these time of year. We already have some place on our list with good knowledge of some, limited for others. Our previous international trips were approximately 2 weeks with all self planning (I'm and engineer so spreadsheets involved). We will move away from more structure and have more organic experiences.

Some already on our list:

Scotland/UK (good knowledge)
Argentina/Chile
Croatia/Slovenia
Australia/New Zealand

Places of little/no interest
Asia (other than maybe Japan)

I would be interested in anyone's experiences with similar trips or location/trip recommendations, tips, planning advice etc. I will come back with some future trip reports and tips I learn that may help others looking at similar travel.

A few thoughts.
A you are picking some of the pricier areas. Just be aware of that
B research the Schengen restrictions in the EU. When we spent a year in Europe we had to keep track of days since you are limited to 90 days in a 180 day time period.
C we just got back from 2 months in SE Asia. We also thought we weren't interested in it, and really enjoyed it. Thailand/Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos/China. A lot there and it feels foreign but is fairly easy to travel

Alr3111 said:

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Places of little/no interest
Asia (other than maybe Japan)

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Just to be a well rounded human being, I recommend going to some combination of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo and Osaka. And a few days in Singapore would be worthwhile too.

You might have seen my recent week in Saudi Arabia followed by a couple nights in Dubai. The Dubai part was tourism but the Saudi part for me was a homecoming trip after 40 years away.

Honestly, if you have no experience with the Southwest Asia cultures, they are fairly slow paced. I did see you mention weather so maybe plan trips in the winter and also plan around Ramadan and Hajj.

Granted, I haven't been there in 40 years but, for my money, Egypt and Kenya are well worth the trip. So don't sleep on Africa either.

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Places of little/no interest
Asia (other than maybe Japan)

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That's a shame. Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam are incredible. Cambodia and Laos wasn't for me though.

I would add Hungary and Poland to your list. It has been a number of years since I have been back there, but from the YouTubers I follow that are 50+ slow travelers, these are still great options. From my personal slow travel experience I would add Albania, Peru and Germany.

Some of the people I follow are

https://www.youtube.com/@BrianandCarrie (best place for practical advice, real costs, destination ideas and lessons learned)

https://www.youtube.com/@AmeliaAndJP

https://www.youtube.com/@WarrenJulieTravel (I met them in DaNang last year. Super friendly people with a wealth of knowledge)

https://www.youtube.com/@SincerelyRaman

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFr3sz2t3bDp6Cux08B93KQ (not a huge fan, but does give some good tips and advice)

Japan only: https://www.youtube.com/@AbroadinJapan

I'll toss out the Azores for consideration.

Similar weather to Hawaii (so it will be pleasant in the off season), but different enough that it's worth its own visit. It's also significantly cheaper than Hawaii. Still an "unknown" destination for most Americans, and when we went, it wasn't even crowded with Europeans. We rented a car and drove around the main island and barely passed any other cars/traffic. Probably the most laid back/relaxing international vacation I've ever taken. It's just a difference over there. And they were extremely welcoming to all tourists.

Like Hawaii, it is a series of different islands, all with their own personality, so I think it's perfect for an extended visit. You need that extra time to island hop. Our visit was limited to Sao Miguel island (in part because we visited at the tail end of COVID and weren't sure how much we were going to be able to move around).

We took a direct flight there from JFK and returned through Boston. I think the flight was <6 hours.

Highly recommend Croatia.

Thanks all for the inputs.

As far Asia, both of us have traveled to that region for business purposes (China, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia) during our careers. Between that and some dietary restrictions that are more difficult based on local cuisine will likely limit travel to that region

Scandinavia and Alaska have fit for us for slow travel with no plans. Also, a place like Tucson is great for that as well where you can literally just go on long walks and always find something interesting to do or see.

Canada

Alr3111 said:

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Thanks all for the inputs.

As far Asia, both of us have traveled to that region for business purposes (China, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia) during our careers. Between that and some dietary restrictions that are more difficult based on local cuisine will likely limit travel to that region

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Yes - I'll take a Malaysian Rendang Curry all day long but, I'm off Punjabi food.