When you picture a gap year, what comes to mind?
Perhaps a teenager straight out of school taking budget trains across Europe? Or maybe a twenty-something backpacking across southeast Asia, trying out yoga classes and attempting to ‘find themselves’?
But that’s all set to change.
It has been revealed half of over-50s are now planning a ‘Golden Gap Year’, a period devoted to personal growth, adventure and long-awaited experiences.
Far removed from the backpacks and budget hostels of their youth, today’s over-50s have the time, confidence and spending power to make travel a core part of their lifestyle.
The spirit of exploration is very much alive among over-50s, according to new research, which shows one in five are now travelling with greater purpose, seeking culture, connection, and self-discovery.
The destinations of choice? Winter sun hotspots.
Travellers are heading to destinations such as Dubai, Australia, Thailand, Mauritius and the Maldives.
Travellers over the age of 50 are now heading on gap years, exploring the world (stock)
The research highlights the top destinations and motivations for older travellers
And when it comes to bucket-list travel, over-50s are increasingly drawn to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the research, by Emirates, shows.
Top ambitions include seeing the natural wonders of the world, winter sun escapes and safari or wildlife adventures.
Among those keen to explore iconic natural landmarks, visiting the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia is high on the list.
Meanwhile, adventure-led travel and seeing the Big Five in South Africa is the most sought-after safari experience, followed by whale or dolphin watching in Australia and exploring rainforests in Thailand.
Plus, 29 per cent want to experience things they never had the opportunity to experience before.
Nostalgia also plays a role, with 60 per cent considering revisiting destinations they travelled to when younger.
And 29 per cent of over-50s see this stage of life as a new chapter of learning and discovery, while 24 per cent say it’s a chance to live out postponed dreams.
However, their motivations have evolved: almost six in 10 want to revisit fond memories, while more than half are keen to see how destinations have changed – this time with more comfort and flexibility than earlier in life.
Many over-50s want to experience things they never had the chance to before (stock)
Most would travel with a partner, but others are keen to go on a voyage with friends (stock)
When it comes to who they travel with, nearly two thirds prefer to holiday with their partner, while 19 per cent would travel with friends, and 17 per cent solo.
Jabr Al Azeeby, Emirates divisional vice president UK, said: ‘We’re seeing a real behavioural shift amongst our UK-based over 50s passengers who are no longer just ticking off destinations, but planning trips that fulfil lifelong dreams – seeking comfort without compromising on adventure.
‘From the world’s great natural wonders to chasing winter sun in tropical climes, the spirit of curiosity is as strong as ever, and many are embracing what we now call the ‘Golden Gap Year’ with confidence and style.’
To mark this growing trend, Emirates is launching The Golden Gap Year, a campaign celebrating travellers who see age not as a limit, but as an opportunity to explore the world anew.
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