Posted on Monday, 24 July 2023

Backpacking is no longer the preserve of 18-year-olds on gap years or students on long summer breaks.

The idea of pulling on a backpack and enjoying the pleasures of low-cost travel is one that appeals, increasingly, to older people too.

That said, for older backpackers’ who want to see the world without blowing their life savings, the realm of budget travel can be daunting: Won't I stand out like a sore thumb? How will I deal with living out of a backpack? Or sleeping in a dorm room with ten other people?

Here we offer up nine useful tips for older travellers who are tempted by a backpacking trip...

 

1. You don't need to over-plan it

Naturally, if you have particular concerns about backpacking - such as arriving in new cities before sundown - you should make plans so you feel safe and secure. However, in terms of direction or objectives, you don't necessarily need to over-plan your dream trip.

72-year-old Sherill, with "the kids out of the house and the husband gone,” simply got in her car and set off.

"The plan was to camp on the beaches for the winter and figure out the rest on the way. Ten years later I am still travelling."

 

2. Make sure you have the right equipment

When planning for your backpacking trip, it’s important to ensure that you have the right items with you.

As with any other trip, you don’t want to be overpacking for your senior backpacking trips.

With this in mind, consider the type of backpacking trip you have planned and pack accordingly; if you’re travelling to warmer climates, you’re not going to need too much in the way of warm clothes.

Pack ear plugs and an eye mask

This tip goes for anyone who plans to sleep in dorm rooms.

Unless you're a heavy sleeper, you'll need these items to block out the sound of doors opening and closing, chatty fellow backpackers and people who turn on the light at 3am!

Decent quality hiking boots

Hiking over 60? Why not!

Many older travellers as they enter retirement are finding the time to get into hiking and for senior backpackers, hiking can often form a significant part of their backpacking itinerary.

Hiking for seniors is a great way to see some amazing sights, whilst keeping active.

If you’re planning some hiking during your backpacking adventure, ensure you invest in some decent quality hiking boots.

Looking for some inspiration for hikes to undertake during your backpacking travels? AllTrails lists hiking trails worldwide, including the trail distance and difficulty level.

Backpack

For your senior backpacking trip, you’re going to need suitable baggage to carry your items in. Investing in a good quality backpack is very important as you’re pretty much going to be living out of it.

Suitcases can prove cumbersome when living a nomadic lifestyle, hauling the cases on and off of flights, buses and boats. Conversely, a good quality travel backpack is easier to transport, will last years and will not get damaged as easily as a suitcase.

 

3. Don't let bad travel experiences stop you from trying again

John Kirkaldy, 70, who travelled around the world for an entire year, said "I had a terrible gap year at 18 and it has haunted me ever since. And so, after a 45-year career as a university and college lecturer, I decided to try again in my retirement."

 

4. Try working for food and board

John (above) also found a great way to reduce his costs: "I joined WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) and worked on farms in France, Australia and the US."

Working on a WWOOF farm usually means you receive bed and board in exchange for a few hours of work each day.

Why should senior backpackers experience working?

Asides from the benefit of cutting costs, by working for food and board. working during your senior backpacking trip can provide a true insight into the daily life and culture of your hosts, as well as provide a great opportunity to meet new people.

 

5. Try flashpacking

If you don't fancy sharing dorm rooms with strangers - and your funds extend to it - you could opt for a spot of 'flashpacking'. This is a kind of high-end backpacking where travellers stay in luxury hostels and don't mind splashing out for higher quality food, or stumping up for excursions and attractions.

In fact, to call yourself a flashpacker, all you really need is a backpack.

 

6. Try Interrailing across Europe - or worldwide

The expense of backpacking for seniors in Europe can be cut by purchasing an Interrail ticket.

Yes, Interrailing is open to over-50s.

Save money with a low-cost Interrail ticket and you can board certain trains at no extra cost.

From your window glimpse the steeples of Venice, the lakes of Garda and the foothills of the Alps pass by, letting you explore all of western Europe and beyond!

By using public transport, backpacking in Europe for older adults is more accessible than ever.

Visit Interrail.eu for more information.

 

7. Be ready for a few bumps along the way: Get travel cover

All types of travel come with some risk: losing your baggage or travel documents; falling ill; having your personal belongings stolen - among others.

You may be at a slightly higher risk when staying in dorm rooms or in parts of cities where cheaper accommodation is found, which is why taking out comprehensive travel cover is so important.

 

8. Take advantage of the Internet to stay in touch

Staying in touch with family and friends while you're away will make life much easier.

If you haven't got one already, open a video calling account such as Skype, which allows free Skype-to-Skype calls (assuming the person on the other end has an account too), or simply use Facebook or other social media apps for video chats.

You could also buy a sim card at your destination so the folks back home can get hold of you easily.

 

9. Seize the moment and go for it

70-year-old John Kirdcaldy's gap year showed him that he "could still hack it... It gave me the confidence to deal with whatever life might throw at me over the next few years. I'm planning more, albeit shorter, trips. For older people thinking about a gap year, all I can say is go for it."

Whether you're planning a trip for a week or a year, the same sentiment applies.

 

What are some great backpacking trips suitable for the over 60s?

Are you daunted by the idea of backpacking or worried about culture shock? Do you want to travel solo but you’re not sure where to go?

The good news is that any backpacking trails that are frequented by those in their early 20s and thirties are also suitable for those over 60.

Western Europe

If you want to explore somewhere closer to home, where you’ll experience less of a culture shock, Western Europe is a popular destination.

Make use of the reliable and cheap public transport throughout the region and explore a wide range of countries - from France and Belgium all the way down to Spain and Portugal.

You can even venture further up north to Lapland, and see the Northern Lights - now that’s one thing to tick off your bucket list! 

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a hugely popular choice amongst backpackers – and for very good reasons.

A backpacking trip to Southeast Asia is affordable and relatively easy to organise, thanks to the availability of cheap buses you can catch between countries and reasonably priced internal flights.

Plus, there is so much to see and do! From lazy days on stunning beaches, jungle treks, diverse cultural and historic sites to visit, and amazing food and nightlife, every moment of your backpacking trip to Southeast Asia will arouse your senses and give you the true sense of travel.

Explore famous backpacking trails such as the Banana Pancake Trail which weaves its way through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. 

South America

South America is incredibly popular with backpackers, with trails like the Inca Trail and the Gringo Trail both having a strong backpacking following for decades.

Be enchanted by the beauty of the South American landscape and create memories that will last a lifetime.

More popular global backpacking destinations

Other popular destinations include Australia and its Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand and Africa - particularly Victoria Falls

Why backpacking?

Backpacking is a brilliant way to explore our world without blowing through your life savings, and you’ll always have some great stories to share with your friends, family and loved ones.

Senior backpacking trips provide a flexibility not offered by package tours or cruises, if you like a destination you can choose to stay for longer than you originally planned,

See the world on a budget, experience things you never thought you might and push your boundaries with a backpacking adventure.

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