Where will your sixties take you? These over 60s travel ideas prove you're never too old for an adventure...
Travel transcends age. Whether you’re 16 or 60, exploring new places and trying new things is a worthy adventure. Here are a few essential trips to take in your 60s.
1. The gap year you never had
Gap years aren’t just for 20-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.
Whether it’s painting in Portugal, making ceramics in Greece or even knitting your way around Scotland, there are plenty of tour companies out there offering an excellent array of hobby-inspired holidays. Take a look at these top hobby holidays here >
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.
More like this: The top 10 destinations for travellers over 50
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.
From cooking classes to jewellery-making holidays in Europe, GoLearnTo have a brilliant selection of educational holidays where you’ll pick up a new skill – and maybe even language – while having a relaxing time.
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 and utterly out of your comfort zone. To get the most from 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.
Riviera Travel run a fabulous selection of India trips for the over 60s. Try taking in New Delhi and Rajasthan by luxury train or hop on board for a beautiful river cruise along the revered Ganges.
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 famous 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.
Book it: Riviera Travel’s exceptional river cruise offering includes excursions, beautiful, five-star boats and expert guides.
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
