To uncover the best destinations in the world for retired travellers in 2026, the travel specialists at Firebird Tours have pitted some of the world’s most popular holiday destinations against each other across several metrics. The study considers scores for walkability, healthcare, peace and safety, while factoring in museum discounts, the number of Michelin-recognised restaurants and a score for the number of UNESCO Heritage Sites. Japan has been named the best destination in the world for retired travellers right now, trumping other destinations by an impressive margin.