By Michelle Venezia, Senior Client Experience Manager, Towerpoint Wealth
The Best Part of My Job? Hearing Your Stories.
One of my favorite parts of working at Towerpoint Wealth is getting to know our clients beyond their financial plans. Every day, I have the opportunity to welcome them into our office, catch up on what's happening in their lives, and hear about the adventures they've experienced since their last visit.
Some of my favorite conversations begin with a simple question:
"How was your trip?"
Before long, I'm hearing stories about exploring historic cities, relaxing on beautiful coastlines, discovering new cultures, and checking lifelong destinations off a bucket list. I genuinely love listening to these stories because you can hear the excitement in people's voices. They're not just talking about a vacation—they're sharing memories they'll cherish forever.
Travel has always been a big part of my life, both personally and professionally. I love learning about different places, cultures, and the experiences that make every destination unique. Hearing our clients' adventures only fuels that passion and often inspires me to dream about where I'd like to go one day.
As I've thought more about retirement, I've realized something. It's not just about where I'd like to go—it's about how I'd like to live. When I picture retirement, I imagine slower mornings, meaningful experiences, beautiful surroundings, incredible food, and plenty of time to enjoy the people I'm with. Looking at my travel wish list, I realized each destination reflects that vision in its own way.
Here are the five places that top my retirement bucket list.
1. Italy: Heritage, History, and La Dolce Vita
If I could choose one place to spend time in retirement, Italy would be at the top of my list. Part of that comes from my own heritage, but it's also everything Italy represents. The incredible food, centuries of history, charming walkable towns, beautiful countryside, and relaxed pace of life all make it incredibly appealing.
Whether it's enjoying espresso in a quiet piazza, wandering through centuries-old streets, or sharing long dinners with family and friends, Italy embodies the idea of la dolce vita—the sweet life. It feels like the perfect place to slow down and truly savor each day.
2. Hawaii: My American Retirement Dream
While I love the idea of traveling internationally, Hawaii has always been my dream destination closer to home.
Warm weather, beautiful beaches, the sound of the ocean, spectacular sunsets, and a relaxed island lifestyle make it easy to imagine spending weeks—or even months—there during retirement. There's something about being near the water that instantly helps me slow down and appreciate the moment.
Sometimes retirement doesn't have to mean traveling halfway around the world. Sometimes paradise is a flight away.
3. Greece: Where History Meets the Sea
Greece has everything I imagine when I think about a relaxing retirement destination.
The Mediterranean coastline, crystal-clear water, fresh cuisine, rich history, and picturesque villages create an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and simply enjoy life. Whether exploring ancient ruins in Athens or watching the sunset from one of the islands, Greece seems to strike the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
It's the kind of place that reminds you life isn't meant to be rushed.
4. Croatia: A New Adventure Awaits
Croatia is a destination I'm especially excited about because I'll have the opportunity to experience it for myself this September.
From everything I've seen and heard, its stunning Adriatic coastline, historic cities, charming seaside towns, and Mediterranean atmosphere make it one of Europe's hidden gems. I'm looking forward to exploring several cities, experiencing the local culture, and discovering what makes so many travelers fall in love with Croatia.
Who knows? It may climb even higher on my retirement list after this trip.
5. Portugal: A Place to Slow Down
Portugal has been on my wish list for quite some time.
Its beautiful coastline, welcoming culture, incredible seafood, relaxed pace of life, and reputation as one of Europe's most desirable retirement destinations continue to draw my attention. It seems like a place where everyday life revolves around enjoying simple pleasures—walking along the coast, lingering over meals, and spending time with family and friends.
That sounds like a wonderful way to spend retirement.
Retirement Is About More Than Leaving Work Behind
One thing these destinations all have in common is that they represent more than beautiful places to visit—they represent a way of living.
When I imagine retirement, I picture warm weather, incredible food, beautiful coastlines, meaningful relationships, and having the time to enjoy life's simple moments. Whether that happens in Italy, Hawaii, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, or somewhere completely different, the goal is the same: creating a life that brings joy and fulfillment.
Working at Towerpoint Wealth has given me the opportunity to see that retirement looks different for everyone. For some, it's traveling the world. For others, it's spending more time with family, volunteering, learning new hobbies, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life. Whatever your vision looks like, having a thoughtful financial plan can help turn those dreams into reality.
To me, true wealth isn't measured only by what's on a financial statement. It's measured by experiences, relationships, memories, and the freedom to live life on your own terms. That's one of the things I love most about working at Towerpoint Wealth—we get to see firsthand how careful planning today can help create incredible opportunities tomorrow.
Start Planning for the Retirement You've Imagined
If travel is part of your retirement dream—or if you simply want greater confidence about your financial future—I invite you to schedule a complimentary 20-Minute Ask Anything Conversation with one of Towerpoint Wealth's fiduciary advisors.
Together, we'll help you build a personalized financial plan designed around your goals, so you can spend less time worrying about money and more time making memories.
After all, the best retirement isn't just about having enough to retire—it's about having the confidence to truly enjoy it. I hope wherever your journey takes you, it's filled with unforgettable memories, meaningful moments, and the freedom to embrace every adventure.
Until next time, happy travels!
