Over 50s travel guide

First things first. The author of this guide has passed the 50 mark and, like most travellers, doesn’t feel any different about travel. 18-30 clubbing holidays were probably never your thing anyway if you find yourself on the Responsible Travel website. For many, if you have been busy parenting, you are possibly fitter and more open to adventure than you were 20 years ago, with more time to hike, cycle, swim or kayak than before, now that children are older and you have a bit more time. So let them worry about you adventuring up the Alps, dancing around Cuba, backpacking around Burma or trekking through the Rwandan rainforest in search of gorillas.
Age 50: She looks at herself and sees "I am" and goes wherever she wants to go.
Erma Bombeck, American author and columnist, from her poem, Purple Hat
Our over 50s holidays travel guide is not about bucket lists. They are holidays that allow you to take the time to immerse yourself in a culture, an activity or a landscape. About having a special 50th (or 60th, or 70th…) birthday celebration. About going solo and not giving a damn. So, forget the bucket. Just book it. See our over 50s travel guide for more details.

What we rate & what we don't

UNDERRATED

Sea kayaking in Croatia

Or indeed anywhere, but Croatia has one of the best …

Walking trails in Japan

If you have read any Murakami, then Japan’s forests, mountains …

Wildlife holidays

Safaris in South Africa, Kenya or Botswana, for example, are …

Tasmania

One of the Australia’s best kept secrets, and not just …
RATED

Beyond the cities

Seeing a few more of those cities you have always …

Walking holidays

Going on a walking holiday doesn’t equate with slowing down …

Sri Lanka

Famed for years for its glamorous colonial scene, as well …

Italy

Who doesn’t love Italy? By your 50s the chances are …
OVERRATED

Giant cruise ships

So long the clichéd domain of the mature traveller, perceived …

Second homes

Who wouldn’t love a second home on, say, the French …

Car hire

Sometimes it is necessary, but consider a self-guided walking or …

Piste palavers

Either you have been going downhill skiing every year for …
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Over 50s or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Written by Catherine Mack
Photo credits: [Page banner: Ross Huggett] [Top image: Neville Wootton ] [Walking trails in Japan: Guilhem Vellut] [Wildlife holidays: Max Goldberg ] [Tasmania: Jenny Mealing ] [Walking holidays: Heather Cowper ] [Italy: Gareth Williams ] [Cruises: N-Lange.de] [Second homes: Andrea Passoni] [Car hire: Alper Cugun] [Piste palavers : Ralf Kaevyea]