Over-50s taking time out for gap years

There has been a rise in the number of over-50s choosing to take time out from their normal lives for a gap year, it has been reported.

According to Liz Harper, head of marketing and digital editor at Footprint Travel Guides, older people are looking to get out and see the world, and enjoy some authentic cultural experiences.

"These people really want to see the world and experience new cultures and to witness things first hand," she noted.

"There is definitely an increase in the requirements of those people to actually see the wildlife encounters."

Ms Harper explained that many older people are taking gap years because they have the time to do it, having retired from work and seen their children leave home.

Over-50 professionals may also be taking more career breaks, adopting something of a 'now or never' attitude to a year out.

She suggested that "a real mix" of destinations are proving popular with people in the older age categories.

"We are seeing more interest in some of the places which are coming to a fore, places like Borneo and Africa," Ms Harper added.

"I guess that is because of the wildlife experiences that are on offer there. Latin America seems to be a popular destination too."

See the different gap year destinations on offer.