Travel can be an important resource for maintaining health and well-being, particularly for people who have retired. However, it does not have to be international, epic or extended to be effective. Research findings suggest that retirees who travel report no significant difference in life satisfaction, irrespective of whether the tourism event occurs at local, national or international levels. The psychological benefits of local travel are outlined. Local, sustainable travel, is a way to maintain life satisfaction and wellbeing in retirement. Indeed, it can be argued that the benefits of tourism can be reflected in savings in health services for an older population. The potential of a modified social tourism model for Australia is canvassed. Greater promotion of local travel can assist also in reducing the impact of the tourism footprint on our fragile earth.