What do we mean by 'over 50s holidays'?

We absolutely do not mean that we have a load of dusty old holidays, where no ‘under 50s’ are allowed. In fact, at Responsible Travel we don’t like to put our travellers in boxes at all. Whether you are looking for an over 50s, 60s, 70s or, to infinity and beyond holiday. Travel is about freedom, crossing boundaries, engaging with new cultures, young and not so young. Most of all travel is life affirming, and who doesn’t seek that once they cross the 50 mark?
The reason we have written this Over 50s holidays guide is to share with you some of our favourite spots or activities that you may not have thought about already, for whatever reason. Maybe your children have just reached the age when holidays en famille are not the cool thing to do. You may have spent the last 10 to 20 years of holidays seeing relatives, camping, booking a resort, or renting a house with friends in the country. Because the kids love that. But now you have, hopefully, a bit more time to think about the types of trips you want to do.
Or you may not have children, and have travelled independently for years, but want to give the small group holiday thing a go, or take on a self-guided or tailor made holiday, because you are fed up sorting out all the logistics yourself – or you fancy trying out somewhere a bit more adventurous, where travelling independently could be tough.

Small group holidays

We also want to take this opportunity to sing the praises of small group holidays. Sometimes, the notion of a small group holiday makes 50-somethings nervous. Memories of 18-30s holidays, or worse, school trips. But the world has changed. Small group holidays run by responsible companies have really sussed not only sustainability, but also solo travel and mixed generational travel.
On a small group holiday, which could be anything from hiking the Tour de Mont Blanc, to traversing Indochina, everything is taken care of. The companies we represent on Responsible Travel know their destinations like the back of their hand, work with local experts, know the best times to travel, how to avoid the crowds, how to keep you safe and, very importantly, how to make sure you have the time of your life.
Small group tour sizes can range from two to 24 travellers, but the usual numbers are between four to 16 people, with an average of about 12. You won’t be bussed everywhere either; small group holidays are not coach holidays, so let that one go. They may use local transport, comfortable yet compact sprinter coaches or specially designed overland vehicles – or you hike or bike from one place to the next. Whatever one you opt for, all the worrying is done for you. You just have to get up in the morning and enjoy the adventure.
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.

Age & accommodation

Age ranges on a small group holiday vary, and you can check with your tour operator what the average age might be, and also they will always give detailed guidance as to fitness levels required. Although in our experience, especially on hiking and cycling holidays, it is the 50+ holiday makers who are in it for the long haul.
If you are travelling alone, you may want to have your own room instead of sharing a room with someone of the same gender, in which case you usually have to pay a solo supplement. But all those details are given to you well in advance.
Written by Catherine Mack
Photo credits: [Page banner: Ross Huggett] [What do we mean by over 50s holidays?: Rosanetur] [What do we mean? - Couple, Myanmar: Neville Wootton] [What do you mean? - Woman with guide: McKay Savage] [Small group holidays: Guilhem Vellut] [Small group holidays hiking : Jerry Kirkhart ] [Age & accommodation - fitness: kcxd] [Age & accommodation: KB Collection Hotels & Resorts]