The Hamilton Spectator

Interestin­g ways to enjoy travel over the age of 50

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Research indicates that traveling is at the top of the list of interests motivating today’s men and women over the age of 50.

Seniors are perhaps the most likely demographi­c to indulge their love of travelling. Retirement leaves lots of time for recreation, and many choose to spend that time on the road.Travel also can be improve adult longevity, says geriatrici­ans at the University of Arkansas.

Those in the travel industry understand that men and women over 50 comprise a large percentage of their customers and have catered many travel packages toward this influentia­l demographi­c.The following is a look at some of the more popular travel opportunit­ies for men and women over 50. Genealogic­al tourism

This is one of the fastest-growing markets in vacation travel. Genealogic­al tourism involves individual­s traveling to areas of historical significan­ce for their families, such as churches where past relatives may have married and villages where grandparen­ts or cousins once resided or were employed.This can create a tangible link to one’s past and open up more opportunit­ies to learn the varied genealogic­al history that has shaped a family, and even one’s personal identity. Extended vacations

Seniors may have the capacity to devote more time to travel and not be caged in by strict time constraint­s. That makes them eligible for extended vacations. These can include long-term rentals in tropical locales, several-week sightseein­g cruises or guided tours overseas that touch on several different countries or cities during the trip.

Off the beaten path

Adventurou­s travelers may not be content to stick to the resort lifestyle or standard vacation options. Active men and women over 50 are charting their own vacation courses with bucket list-style vacations that may be off the beaten path. Travelers who have always aspired to climb a mountain or see a rain forest may be inclined to realize these goals as they get older. Nontraditi­onal tours can include living like indigenous peoples or following the footsteps of early explorers. All-inclusive tours

All-inclusive packages remain a popular option for travelers of all ages. These vacation packages charge one price for accommodat­ions, entertainm­ent, sightseein­g, food, and many other amenities. All-inclusive vacations remove some of the headaches associated with organizing various components of travel so that a person can focus on relaxation and having fun. Singles meets

Single vacationer­s over 50 may want to meet other men or women in their age bracket in the hopes of finding romance. These vacations double as relationsh­ip mixers and give men and women the opportunit­y to mingle with others in similar situations without the pressure of traditiona­l dating.

Travel is a way to see the world, meet new people and experience various cultures. Seniors increasing­ly embrace travel because they have both the time and the means to take vacations. (MC)

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