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New horizons for retirees

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Golden globetrotters - 22 November 2007

Today’s over 50s generation are the nation’s biggest globetrotters, with nearly 11 million people aged 50 and above planning on travelling more regularly over the next five to ten years, according to new research from Alliance & Leicester.

The research, which identified the goals and ambitions of the UK’s 50 plus generation, shows that travel is at the top of their agendas, with over half wanting to travel more regularly and to long-haul destinations, and a further 22 per cent wanting to go on a once in a lifetime holiday in the next decade. In fact, travel even takes priority over spending more time with friends and family, getting fit and finding a healthier way of life.

Over 2 million (11 per cent) of those aged 50 and over plan on travelling on their own, whilst a more conventional bunch plan on seeing the sites of the world with their partner (77 per cent) or with friends (26 per cent). Australia and New Zealand are top of the list of travel hotspots, with over a quarter wanting to visit down under.

And whilst some eight per cent plan on seeing more of the homeland, people in their 50s and over also want to venture to places as far afield as China, Africa, Russia and the Antarctic.

Alongside the appetite to travel, this young-at-heart generation have also set their sights on adventure and experiences, with off-roading, flying a helicopter, scuba diving and going to music festivals as activities they would like to tick off their lists in the future.

Commenting on the research findings, Emma Walkley of Alliance and Leicester commented: “The desire of the over 50s to see more of the world is clear – this is not an age group that plans to sit back and enjoy a slower pace of life. Quite the opposite in fact, with long haul destinations and a thirst for adventure firmly on the agenda.”

 

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