going places
MIND THE GAP
GAP YEAR/ THE COOK ISLANDS
Thought taking a year out to explore the world was just for young people? More and more over-50s are planning a gap year
by DOMINIC CONNOLLY
Hit the road Touring Utah in a motorhome is just one of many great gap year options
It was once seen as the preserve of the young - taking a year out in your late teens or early twenties to broaden horizons by travelling, volunteering or working abroad. But the gap year is increasingly being embraced by older generations, as they find they have the time, money and good health to tick off those activities they had always hankered after doing.
And there is a burgeoning number of options becoming available to older travellers, as companies look to fulfil the demand. From firms enabling travellers to build their own gap year in the most sought-after holiday destinations to agencies matching people to an inspiring array of volunteering projects worldwide, there is a middleman to suit every kind of itchy feet. And Saga is leading the way in facilitating gap years specifically for those aged 50 and over. 'We know that people want to have experiences that really add to their lives, so we are finding ways to make that happen,' says Zoe Tasker, Saga Holidays product director.