The Alahambra in Grenada, Spain. Photo: Unsplash

27 Aug Don’t Just Dream It: Five Journeys to Put on Your Calendar

Most travelers have a mental list of places they’ve always wanted to see — the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy, the vibrant streets of Spain, the mystical deserts of Morocco, falling asleep under the northern lights in the Arctic, or the wild landscapes of Australia and New Zealand. Too often, those dreams stay in the “someday” category. But the truth is, the most rewarding adventures happen when you stop imagining and start planning.

For the active traveler, the world is more than a destination — it’s a canvas for renewal, connection, and discovery. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, natural wonder, or simply the joy of movement in a new setting, travel offers a way to recharge and reframe life’s next chapter.

That’s why Healthy Aging® worked with Collette, a third-generation, family-owned travel company, to highlight five unforgettable journeys chosen with our community in mind. Each reflects what Healthy Aging® readers value most in travel: culture, activity, connection, and the joy of discovery. By booking through the Healthy Aging® pathway, you’ll join fellow readers on trips designed to fit our lifestyle — with the added benefit of exclusive savings that’s been showing the world to curious explorers for more than 100 years. With over 170 tours across the globe, Collette blends iconic must-see sites with off-the-beaten-path experiences, all led by expert guides.

Together, we’ve selected five unforgettable journeys with the Healthy Aging® community in mind which speak to the spirit of discovery and the joy of opening yourself up to adventure.

Travel That Lets You Breathe — and Belong

One of the reasons we’ve partnered with Collette is their appreciation for travel pace. These aren’t whirlwind tours that rush you from one photo op to the next. Instead, Collette’s itineraries are intentionally designed to give travelers time to settle in, explore, and connect. Each trip has been carefully planned to provide more multiple-night stays built into each journey, guests can truly experience the rhythm of a destination rather than just skim its surface.

This slower, more immersive approach means you’re not unpacking and repacking every day. You’re waking up in the same town, sipping coffee at the same café, and watching the light change over the same landscape, all while discovering new layers of local life. It’s in these moments that the magic happens: a spontaneous conversation with a shopkeeper, a shared laugh with fellow travelers, or a quiet walk that turns into a lasting memory.

The well-paced itineraries we are recommending also allow for more unique experiences such as cooking classes with local chefs, visits to artisan workshops, and guided strolls through neighborhoods that aren’t on the typical tourist trail. These are the kinds of encounters that deepen your understanding of a place and its people. You’re not just seeing the sights, you’re learning the stories behind them.

Of course, just as important as the places you visit are the people you travel with. These travel experiences foster camaraderie among guests, turning strangers into travel companions and often, lifelong friends. Whether you’re sharing a toast in Tuscany or marveling at the northern lights in Finland, these journeys are about connecting with the world, with local cultures, and with each other.

In a world that often moves too fast, these Healthy Aging® trips by Collette offer a way to travel that feels intentional, enriching, and human. It’s not just about where you go, it’s about how you feel while you’re there, and who you share it with.

The Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. Photo: Collette Tours

Italy: Amalfi Coast to Puglia – September 28, 2026

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Few places capture the romance of travel quite like southern Italy. From the cliffside villages of the Amalfi Coast to the olive groves and whitewashed towns of Puglia, this region invites you to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures.

Imagine waking up to the scent of lemon trees and the sound of waves crashing below your balcony. Days are filled with strolls through cobblestone streets, visits to family-run vineyards, and meals that stretch into the evening with each bite a celebration of local tradition. In Puglia, you’ll discover trulli homes, ancient olive presses, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like part of the family.

Traveling here with Collette means you’ll enjoy the highlights without the hassle: small groups, expert guides, and plenty of time to savor each stop. It’s a journey that feeds the soul — and the appetite.

The Alhambra, considered one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture, is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Spain. Photo: Unsplash

Spain: Madrid to Barcelona – October 4, 2026

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Spain pulses with energy, from the flamenco rhythms of Madrid to the surreal architecture of Barcelona. This journey is for those who love to walk, taste, and marvel — a blend of art, history, and vibrant street life.

Start in Madrid, where grand boulevards lead to intimate tapas bars and world-class museums. Later, head east to Valencia, a coastal gem known for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and its rich culinary heritage. Finally, arrive in Barcelona, where Gaudí’s whimsical creations and the Mediterranean breeze create a city unlike any other.

Collette’s itinerary encourages active exploration — think guided walking tours, market visits, and time to wander on your own. Whether you’re admiring Picasso’s brushstrokes or sipping cava in a sunlit plaza, Spain invites you to live fully in the moment.

The Hassan II Mosque , a mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. It is the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and is the 14th largest in the world. Photo: Collette Tours

Morocco: Colors of Morocco – October 30, 2026

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In Morocco, every sense comes alive. The scent of spices in the souks, the call to prayer echoing through ancient medinas, the kaleidoscope of textiles and tiles. It’s a place that envelops you in its magic.

This journey takes you from the bustling streets of Casablanca to the serene sands of the Sahara. Ride camels at sunset, sip mint tea in a Berber village, and explore the alleys of Fes and Marrakech. Along the way, you’ll meet artisans, storytellers, and chefs who share their traditions with warmth and pride.

What you carry home is more than souvenirs — it’s a collage of colors, flavors, and stories that linger long after you’ve returned. With Collette, you’ll navigate Morocco’s rich tapestry with ease and insight, making space for both adventure and reflection.

Unforgettable travel moment in Finland on a Reindeer Safari. Photo: Collette ToursFinland: Northern Lights of Finland – January 17, 2027

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Some spectacles simply defy description, and the aurora borealis is one of them. In Finland, nature puts on a show that’s both humbling and exhilarating — a reminder that wonder can be found in the sky, in the snow, and in the quiet rituals of daily life.

This journey is a celebration of winter wonderlands. Stay in cozy lodges, ride reindeer sleighs through snowy forests, and relax in traditional Finnish saunas. Learn about Sami traditions, try your hand at snowshoeing, and gaze upward as the northern lights dance across the sky.

Collette’s itinerary balances activity with serenity, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and with yourself. It’s a trip that invites you to embrace the season — and the sense of awe it brings.

Snorkel or scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef to catch a glimpse of the colorful clownfish

Australia & New Zealand: From Outback to Fjords – February 26, 2027

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For those who crave wide-open spaces and dramatic landscapes, Australia and New Zealand deliver in spades. This journey spans two countries, countless ecosystems, and endless opportunities for adventure.

Start in Australia’s rugged Outback, where red earth meets ancient rock formations and Aboriginal stories echo through the land. Then head to the coast for the Great Barrier Reef, a kaleidoscope of marine life and coral. Cross the Tasman Sea to New Zealand’s South Island, where fjords, glaciers, and alpine lakes await.

Whether you’re hiking through rainforests, cruising past waterfalls, or tasting wines in Marlborough, this trip is a celebration of the outdoors. Collette’s expert planning ensures you’ll experience the highlights — and the hidden gems — with comfort and care.

The Time Is Now

Travel, at its best, is a chance to recharge, to see the world with fresh eyes, and to carry home stories that shape the way we live. These five journeys offer more than postcard views; they offer transformation, connection, and joy.

So don’t just dream it — start planning. Whether you’re drawn to the romance of Italy, the rhythm of Spain, the mystique of Morocco, the wonder of Finland, or the wild beauty of Australia and New Zealand, your next adventure is waiting.

With Healthy Aging® and Collette working together, your next journey is closer than you think. By planning through Healthy Aging®, you’ll not only enjoy thoughtfully designed itineraries, but also the benefits and camaraderie of traveling as part of our community.

Plan Your Journey

Visit the Collette/ Healthy Aging® landing page to explore these trips and more about the new partnership between Healthy Aging® and Collette. Call 844-551-8195 to reserve your spot today.

 

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