Where will your sixties take you? These over 60s travel ideas prove you’re never too old for an adventure…
1. The gap year you never took
Gap years aren’t just for twenty-somethings – in fact, now’s a great time to take a ‘year out’ (or at least a few months) to travel. These days you you can go round-the-world in style rather than on a shoestring, and travel outside of peak times to get the best deals.
How about a month of yoga and temple-hopping in Asia, two months cruising the Americas, or six months to explore Australia? If you watched enviously as your children skipped off on their own gap year, it’s time to plan your own…
More like this: “Why I took a ‘grown-up gap year’ – and you should too”
2. The hobby holiday
What really makes you tick? Whether it’s singing, sewing or stand-up comedy, there’s a holiday out there that’ll indulge your passion – and introduce you to other like-minded people to give your social circle a boost.
That’s what inspired our range of Woman & Home over 60s travel offers: you can go wine tasting in Champagne with the girls, eat your way around Bordeaux with Raymond Blanc, or get the inside scoop on becoming a novelist with award-winning author Victoria Hislop in Greece. And of course, wherever you go you’ll be in great company – with other w&h readers!
3. The hard-earned luxury break
After decades of putting your finances and family first, spending big bucks on a luxury getaway feels deliciously decadent (and a little terrifying) – but trust us, you’ve earned every moment.
Deciding where to go is all part of the fun. Will you sip cocktails on a sugar-white beach? Venture to Venice on the Orient Express? The choice is all yours, but be warned: once you’ve splashed out on a five-star holiday, there’s no looking back. The Travelodge will never just ‘do’ – you’ll be all about the Ritz now, darling.
Travel the world and make friends along the way! See our full range of Woman & Home holidays
4. The learning trip
The days of fly-and-flop holidays are over: for over 60s travel, it’s all about getting the most out of your break. Take the opportunity to learn a new skill that you’ve always fancied trying, under the guidance of genuine experts.
We’ve put together a few trips that might tickle your fancy… Learning how to make pasta in Tuscany, perhaps? Or picking up baking tips from Mary Berry in Portugal? You decide!
More like this: 12 of the tastiest food tours and cooking holidays
5. The multi-generation holiday
Multi-generation family holidays let you spend more time with the people you care about – getting to know your grandchildren and enjoying some down-time with your kids.
If this is your first multi-generation break, it might be a good idea to set some boundaries. Remind your offspring that you’re not just a free cooking/washing up/babysitting service, and remember that they’re not there to entertain/feed/chauffeur you either. Unfortunately.
6. The break from your comfort zone
It’s time to throw caution to the wind and explore somewhere totally new – somewhere far-flung, exotic, and completely out of your comfort zone. To get the most out of your trip, book with a tour operator that really knows its onions – a company with the best guides, exclusive access to the must-see highlights, and the inside scoop on the loveliest hotels.
That’s why we’ve partnered with fantastic tour operators to create some unforgettable holidays: experience the magic of Machu Picchu and Peru, stay in India’s real Marigold Hotel, and seek out Japan’s famous cherry blossom on our incredible adventures.
More like this: Escape your comfort zone! 10 adventurous holidays to take this year
7. The European river cruise
Over the years you’ve probably clocked up quite a few weekends on the continent – but a leisurely river cruise in Europe is worlds away from a whistle-stop tour. For starters, arriving in those iconic cities by boat is a thrill: you wake up right in the centre, with all the best bits on your doorstep.
Whether your destination is Paris or Porto, Basel or Barcelona, there are river cruise ships to suit every style and budget – and options to explore independently or in a group. You’ll soon see that Europe’s cities deserve far longer than just a weekend.
More like this: 7 incredible cruise holidays with Woman & Home
8. The walking holiday
Forget the walking holidays you endured as a child – you can afford to splash out on a few luxuries these days! An en suite bathtub is essential for soaking away the strains of the day, and make sure there’s a good restaurant within staggering distance too.
Whether you set your sights on the lovely Lake District or Portugal’s Douro Valley, the simple pleasures of a great walk are universal: fabulous views, a huge sense of achievement, and the golden ticket to eat whatever you want at dinner. You’ve earned it!
All images from Alamy
