Grey gappers taking long breaks overseas are travelling in style to make sure they do not miss out on their home comforts.
More over 55s are taking time off to travel – but cut the their time away so they can pay more for luxuries.
The travel market is switching from young adults travelling for a gap year while at university to ‘grey gappers’ spending some of their retirement going around the world.
This year, only 19 per cent of students are considering a break because they cannot afford the trip because of rising living costs and increasing university fees.
In contrast, one in four over 55s (25 per cent) are heading abroad for a break.
On average, they will spend £4,136 on their 15 week trip at a rate of £53 a day. The under 35s spend around five months on their travels, but spend an average £3,100 at 330 a day.
Over 55s head for Australia (36 per cent), New Zealand (27 per cent). The USA, Singapore and Spain make up the rest of the top 5 destinations. More exotic locations also have a lure – with eight per cent going to India, nine per cent to Vietnam and 10 per cent to Hong Kong.
Sarah Munro, of the Post Office, which compiled the figures, said: “Age shouldn’t be a barrier when it comes to experiencing different cultures and spreading your wings.
“While holidays are a fantastic way to explore a new country, taking that extra bit of time out to travel and really get to grips with a place is great fun no matter how old you are.”
Many over 55s (37 per cent) are keen to take grandchildren on adventure holidays overseas, inspired by Channel 4 TV’s My Family’s Crazy Gap Year.
They say the appeal is experiencing different cultures (76 per cent); learning foreign languages (60 per cent) and general education (61 per cent).
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