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‘Silver backpackers’: a life of adventure is calling!

By OFX Dec 17, 2018

When we think of backpacking we don’t often think of anything less than your average millennial, wandering the world free from responsibilities.

However, more and more people in their 50s, 60s and up have taken to the allure of travelling the world. And why not? They’re entering the stage of life where the responsibilities of houses, kids and a career are beginning to shift and have the freedom to indulge in their globetrotting passion. Which means that planning for a trip is much easier, especially for solo travellers who are up for adventure and making new, international friends who share the travel bug.

Chances are you’ve spent most of your adult life planning for the future, but the future is now! This means it’s time to start planning for the next adventure or the adventure you’ve always wanted to but never could. Here’s some ideas of alternative travel arrangements that are friendly for older (and solo) travellers.

Volunteer abroad

It may seem like an obvious one, but with the wealth of experiences you’ve accrued over your life and career, you’re probably able to offer skills that can be used for those who are in need. Better still, if you’re able, you might find some opportunities that involve labour (like fruit-picking) that also offer accommodation in exchange for work. Meaning you’ll save a lot of money and you can extend your trip if you end up loving it.

Special interest tours and cruises

Let’s face it, the life of full-blown active adventurer isn’t for everyone. Sometimes, all you want to do is sit back with a nice cocktail by the pool as you sail towards a dreamy new destination.

Better still, if you have a special interest like gardening, food, golf, or even wine, you can often find tours or cruises that cater to those interests. This is also a great way for solo travellers to engage with other like-minded people whilst on the road.

Immersive travel

According to Forbes, one of the trends estimated to rise in 2019 is an expectation for a more immersive experience whilst abroad. Finding intimate, localised experiences overseas is one way that, especially as an older, solo-traveller, you can create deep connections with the places you’re visiting.

There’s plenty of apps and websites that allow you to visit unique and local food and accommodation experiences like Airbnb, Spotted By Locals and Kynder. This helps local economies and provides you with an unforgettable experience that allows you to live like a local and not just a tourist.

If you end up in it for the long-haul when you head overseas, co-living is a great way, especially for solo travellers, to experience long-term immersion in another destination. These spaces are often specially designed to provide privacy when you need it, and community when you want it.

You don’t need to be in your 20s to experience the wonders the world has to offer. A lot of travel trends today are becoming more accessible, safe and immersive than before, meaning the older generations can jump at the same opportunities for a new adventure as easy as the younger generation can.  Travellers today certainly don’t need a gap year to strap on a ruck sack. The sky’s the limit and now more than ever, the world is everyone’s oyster.

It’s important when you’re travelling abroad to know you’re in safe hands. When it comes to transferring money abroad, be that your pension, savings or other funds to support your endeavours, it helps to find a provider that can save you as much money as possible. With OFX, the great exchange rates mean you can get a lot more back from your transfer. This means you can get back to spending those hard-earned savings enjoying your trip!

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