“Age plays no meaningful role whatsoever in decision making. Maturity does. Season does. Listening does. Honesty does. Understand does. Curiosity does. Courage does. But not age” – Tim, 52
Solo travel is on the rise, with many travellers inspired to jet off alone after being cooped up the last few years, partner or no partner.
But the classic young backpacker trope no longer rings true. Enter the “silver solo”.
One travel company reported that almost half their bookings in 2022 were from customers aged 50-plus, with more than half of these bookers solo travellers. And they’re no longer going slow like the grey nomad couples of old.
The largest group of adventure travel tour operator clients (41 percent) are between the ages of 50-70, and contribute the biggest share to the travel adventure economy. And the most demand adventure activities include hiking, ecotourism, cultural, environmentally sustainable, culinary, cycling, and safaris.
Andrew Laugharne, 71, started travelling solo in 2015. Happily married to his wife, who he says prefers more relaxed beach and sightseeing holidays, he found himself drawn to more adventurous destinations, and decided to go solo. And he’s not the only one…
I just started to get more wild – I went to South Africa, I’d always wanted to go to India, Machu Picchu…
– Gill Waterton
STRAT CHAT
There is no evidence to suggest that the desire to broaden your horizons and engage in activities that foster personal growth diminishes after reaching a certain age. With increasing life expectancy, improved overall health, and extended working years, it makes perfect sense that the journey of self-discovery would persist well into elderly years.
So? Cater to the human need for lifelong exploration with educational content that is age-agnostic. And don’t assume that gap years, adventure gear and Euro summer are only for 20-somethings.
