The Rise of the Mature Adventurer

Holiday Options

• Walking, trekking and even mountain climbing holidays are all popular choices for the active, adventurous traveller. The availability of inexpensive air travel to most European countries and beyond offers an ideal opportunity to explore foreign lands, whilst keeping fit and healthy
• Skiing and snowboarding are popular choices for mature travellers who wish to take an activity-focused winter break
• Wildlife holidays are also becoming increasingly popular, with many tours being specifically tailored to accommodate older groups
• Safaris and whale watching trips are equally popular with older holidaymakers, offering the opportunity of a close-up view of some of the true wonders of the natural world
• Cycling holidays offer another option for the fit and active traveller to tour some of the world’s stunning locations under their own steam
• Self drive holidays, through some of the world’s more remote locations, are an ideal option for those whose fitness levels may not quite match their adventurous spirit!
• The increase in the number of mature travellers taking to the ocean waves with their surf board under their arm is so marked that it has given rise to the term “Silver Surfers”!
• Specialised activity holidays offer the truly adventurous the chance to engage in pursuits such as hang gliding, parascending, bungee jumping, white water rafting and water skiing. 

Travel Insurance 

Taking out travel insurance is always important when taking a holiday abroad and this is especially so if you are planning an activity holiday - but it can prove expensive. There are two essential matters to remember when you ask for a quote for travel insurance

• All pre-existing medical conditions must be disclosed to the insurance companies concerned when you compare travel insurance policies. If you need to make a claim, the insurance company is likely to approach your G.P. to make sure that there are no relevant pre-existing conditions or relevant medical history that you failed to disclose when taking out the policy. If there are, the company will refuse to pay out under the policy
• Equally important to bear in mind when you compare travel insurance policies is that some insurance providers will specifically exclude cover for what they consider to be hazardous activities. It is essential, therefore, to look carefully at the cover that is offered, including any exclusions, to ensure that the activities that you intend to pursue are properly covered in the event that something goes wrong. If you are travelling outside Europe this is all the more important, as the cost of medical treatment and repatriation, if necessary, can be considerable. 

Summary 

Increasing life expectancies and improved fitness levels mean that activity holidays for the mature traveller are likely to gain even more in popularity. Travel insurance is vital but expensive and, to keep the cost down, you should set aside sufficient time to compare travel insurance policies to find the policy that both covers your activity holiday and suits your budget.