Travel booming among over 50's
Australians now enjoy longer, more active lives than previous generations – a fact which has helped transform retirement as we know it. Recent figures by the Australian Tourism Board reveal in the year ending March 2014, 8.8 million Australians travelled overseas – up 6.3 per cent on the previous year.
According to the ABS, last year’s most popular destinations for Australian travellers included New Zealand, Indonesia, United States, Thailand and Britain. However, over 50’s are increasingly choosing to go ‘off the beaten track’, sparking a popularity boom for destinations like Everest Base Camp, the Kokoda Track, Peru’s Inca Empire and Antarctica.
FMD client and travel expert Ray Baker of BackTrack Adventures says there’s growing popularity for adventure travel. “When our company began in 1984”, says Ray, “less than 5% of travellers favoured adventure travel, now it’s 25%, many of whom are over 50. Older people are generally much fitter and healthier these days and better off financially”.
Ray’s top 4 adventure travel tips:
1. Health and fitness
Choose a destination appropriate to your fitness level. Eat and rest well in the weeks leading up to departure. Most importantly, be upfront with your travel adviser about any health concerns.
2. The right clothing and equipment
The climate and infrastructure may be very different to Australia, so choose gear that provides ample protection and long term comfort.
3. A flexible, positive attitude
Expect that what you will experience is going to be different to what you are used to and keep an open mind.
4. Travel insurance
Like any other type of travel, adventure travel has its risks and accidents can happen. Check you have adequate health and travel insurance before you go.
For more information visit www.backtrack.com.au.
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