European spot named the first place new retirees choose for a holiday
Teenagers and twenty-somethings aren't the only ones who are seizing the moment and setting off for a trip of a lifetime. The 'golden gap year', which refers to the period of travel after a person retires, is becoming an increasingly popular trend with those who find themselves with empty nests and financial stability once work comes to an end.
Following the ban on international travel during Covid, those who had their golden gap years put on hold are also making up for lost time by booking life-changing trips, according to Travelsphere.
The tour operator has discovered that Italy is the most poplar destination among those with the freedom of retirement, with 65 per cent of its total Italian bookings coming from those who are newly retired. Popular tours include the Amalfi Coast, Puglia and a grand tour of Italy, which typically includes Venice, Florence, Rome and Sicily.
The top 10 destinations for new retirees:
Italy
USA
Canada
India
Spain
Croatia
Turkey
Vietnam and Cambodia
Australia
China
"Italy has always been one of our most popular destinations, and it makes sense that this country is the most in-demand choice for those on their journeys within a golden gap year," explains Charlotte Field at Travelsphere.
"It’s a culinary delight, with many choosing to travel here just to sample the traditional Italian ways of living, and provides everything from historical landmarks to the beautiful coast that make it so special for that new found freedom trip."
Among Italy's must-see spots is Lake Como, one of the most picturesque of the lakes surrounded by the Italian Alps. For a once-in-a-lifetime tour, Travelsphere has a range of Italian trips to browse. Meanwhile, Prima's escorted Lake Como trip includes a seven night stay in the charming town of Colico and a ride on the iconic Bernina Express to St Moritz.
Other options include a luxurious cruise around Venice and an eight-day adventure through the breathtaking Dolomites. Foodie highlights include a six-day trip of Puglia and a gourmet adventure around Bologna, Italy's gastronomic capital.
Further afield, long-haul destinations such as Australia, the USA, and Canada are also topping the 69 and 70-year-old’s travel lists. India ranks fourth in popularity, with nearly 18 per cent of Travelsphere's first-time trips to India being booked by those who are newly retired. You can book various escorted tours of India, and Prima's own journey takes you through the cities of the Golden Triangle, stopping at some of the country's most revered holy sites and sojourning in the shadows of the Himalayas.
Croatia, home to some of the Adriatic coast's most beautiful ports, was ranked sixth on Travelsphere's list. Try its collection of guided holidays or check out Prima's cruise of the Dalmatian coast for one of the best ways to take in the region's popular spots, including the Mjlet National Park and Hvar.
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