Can you be too old for adventure travel?

Whether your 16 or 60 adventure travel is open to anyone who lives for adrenalin fuelled thrills

Adventure travel. The very words make you think of crazy, reckless acts. But that’s not what adventure travel means and in reality it can be as active or relaxing as you like. And you know what that means – it doesn’t matter how old you are, because you’re never too old for adventure travel.

Your adventure at your pace

There are loads of adventure activities out there, so no matter how old you are, there’s sure to be something to suit. Some older travellers maintain their high-adrenaline holidays for as long as possible – doing sky diving, bungee jumping and abseiling long into their 70’s or even their 80’s. While others opt for a more relaxing route.

Speed boat rides, mountain treks and whitewater rafting have all proved popular with older travellers. Or if you’re looking for something a little less challenging, why not go for a more tranquil activity like scuba diving or sailing? One thing’s for sure – once you’ve tried it, you won’t want to go back.

The fitter the better

If you want to be an adventurous traveller, fitness is important. It’s not just that you’ll be lugging around your case or climbing onto boats, but you could also be rowing, trekking or even bungee jumping. And for that, you need to be prepared.

A regular exercise routine will do you the world of good. It doesn’t have to be gruelling, gentle walking or swimming will do. It’ll just help you to stay healthy and active, so you can make the most of your time away.

Health always comes first

What’s the one thing that would put you off adventure travel? Chances are the answer is your health. But that shouldn’t stop you from having the holiday you want. So if you’re worried that you’re not up for the challenge, go and see your doctor. That way you can find out exactly what you can and can’t do. What’s more, you can make sure you’re completely prepared for all your adventures.

Insurance for you and your travels

There’s a myth going round that older travellers can’t get insured for adventure travel. It’s not true. You’ll have to spend a little more time looking for it and it might cost a little more, but you can certainly get it. Companies like Saga who provide specialist cover for older travellers, are the perfect choice. And you can be sure you’ll have all the cover you need.

Adventure with a dash of luxury

Just because you want to have a go at a couple of adventure activities, doesn’t mean you have to give up life’s little luxuries. In fact, Tesco Life Insurance has found that the “nifty fifties” are opting for a gap year with a difference. One that gives them “all of the adventure with none of the discomforts”. So you don’t have to sacrifice anything - you can have the best of both worlds.

The world is your oyster

And the adventure itself aside, what better time to travel than when you retire. With all that time on your hands, it’s the perfect opportunity to do the things you’ve always wanted to do. So whether that’s trekking to Everest Base Camp or surfing on the coast of Sydney, now’s the time to do it!

It’s worth pointing out that you won’t be alone either. A survey by the Adventure Travel Trade Association in March 2007 revealed that people aged 41 to 60 take part in more adventure travel activities than any other age group. So it’s not the young whipper-snappers that are having the most adventures, it’s older folks like you.

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