According to recent studies, there is a growing trend among older generations to take a “golden gap year,” or prolonged period of travel after retirement.

When Lyn and Steve Stokes of Bedford, UK, decided to retire at 48, they chose a different kind of retirement than the traditional peace and quiet that comes with retirement. Rather, they had a thirst for globe exploration, which is usually associated with young people who are daring.

The Stokes couple are unaware that they are a part of a growing movement among seniors who opt to travel extensively and ambitiously throughout their retirement years. Often called the “golden gap year,” this trend is a sophisticated take on the introspection and travel that many recent high school graduates do, and it has the potential to completely transform the tourism sector.

Research has shown that people over 55 who are retired are more interested in taking long trips, which lends credence to the ‘golden gap year’ trend. In a survey by boutique cruise liner Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, more than two-fifths of people over 55 describe themselves as “adventurous.” Three out of ten respondents to the poll, which included over 2,000 participants, said they are traveling more in retirement than they have in the past, and over a quarter say they have grown more adventurous as they have aged.

Furthermore, 38 percent of respondents say they expect to visit various countries in 2024, and over a third say they would prefer to never repeat the same trip.

Bookings from people 60 years of age and older have increased significantly, according to companies such as Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Intrepid Travel. Compared to before the epidemic, Intrepid Travel has seen a 42% increase in reservations from UK clients who are 60 years of age or older.

Additionally, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines found that participants actively save money for retirement travel, with more than 25% of British respondents already having monies set aside for this reason. Over the past four years, those over 65 have increased their expenditure on overseas travels by 37 percent, according to data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics.

Although they are ready to spend more, this group of travelers values affordability, seeks out uncommon experiences, and prioritizes comfort when traveling.

This expanding group of explorers is typified by Lyn and Steve Stokes. After retiring at 48, they spent the next 20 years traveling to all the places on their bucket list, including Egypt, Greenland, Europe, and the Canary Islands, where they spent five Christmases.

Travelers are choosing experiences that go beyond their previous, more conventional vacation habits, which translates into lengthier and more ambitious travel itineraries. Hazel McGuire, general manager of Intrepid for the UK and Ireland, observes that retired people are becoming more interested in adventure travel. She gives the example of a 77-year-old customer who successfully completed Everest Base Camp.

The travel industry is adjusting to meet this trend by launching fresh products aimed at the senior citizen market. With a focus on physically demanding trips featuring distinctive lodging, fine meals, and a strong emphasis on community and culture, G Adventures has introduced its Geluxe Collection.

In a similar vein, Intrepid caters to seasoned travelers with its Premium line, which combines a more luxurious experience with a genuine travel style. Small-group alternative cruises are becoming more and more popular, providing an easy method for senior citizens to see the world.

“Cruises are the very best way to travel the world,” Lyn Stokes once said.