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- Written by: Sophie Nicholson
September is results season. Teenagers up and down the country are clutching GCSEs and A-levels, plotting gap years, ski seasons and backpacking routes through Southeast Asia. But these days, they are no longer the only ones planning big adventures.
"A new trend has emerged - known as the Grey Gap Year - and we are totally here for it"
Increasingly, it’s their parents’ generation who are packing bags, booking flights and setting off on their own extended journeys. As more and more over-50s hit pause, pack up and head off into the sunset, a new trend has emerged - known as the Grey Gap Year - and we are totally here for it.
What is a Grey Gap Year?
A Grey Gap Year is essentially a gap year taken later in life - an extended break from routine that gives folk in their 50s, 60s and beyond the chance to travel more deeply, slowly and adventurously than a two-week holiday ever allows.
Why now? A mix of factors is driving the trend: early retirements and flexible pensions, the rise of remote work, longer and healthier lives, and that classic milestone of an empty nest. For many, it’s the perfect storm of freedom, time and the financial means to finally tick off those bucket-list adventures.
The style of travel often looks a little different from the backpacking rite of passage familiar to teenagers. You won’t see many Grey Gappers queueing for budget hostels, for example, but you'll certainly find them armed with Interrail passes, hiring campervans for slow road trips, enjoying walking holidays in Europe, cycling long-distance trails, digital detoxing in incredible off-grid cabins and immersing themselves in culture-rich destinations for a month (or several months!) at a time.
The Solo Side of the Grey Gap Year
While many Grey Gap Years are taken as couples or with friends, solo travel is a big part of the story. With children grown up, careers winding down, and more independence than ever, plenty of over-50s are choosing to strike out on their own.
For some, it’s about finally having the freedom to set an itinerary without compromise - whether that means hiking the Camino de Santiago - just one of Spain's many awesome walking trails, exploring Southeast Asia at a slower pace, visiting the world's best mountain towns, or signing up for an organised group trek where there’s built-in community. Others find solo travel at this stage in life is less about “finding yourself” and more about rediscovering passions put on hold for decades.
And the practicalities have never been easier. Travel companies now run trips specifically tailored to solo travellers over 50, from cultural tours to trekking holidays, often with no single-room supplements. Add in the rise of volunteer placements abroad and long-stay rental options, and it’s no surprise that solo Grey Gappers are one of the fastest-growing travel tribes.
Big Adventures for Two (or More)
Of course, not every Grey Gap Year is a solo mission. Many couples are seizing the chance to travel together, swapping routine for the open road. For some, it’s a motorhome winding its way across Europe, for others it’s a long-distance cycle tour or a rail journey that stitches together bucket-list cities. With months to play with, these trips are less about rushing through highlights and more about savouring the journey side by side.
Friends, too, are teaming up for extended adventures - think two retirees trekking the Inca Trail alternatives in Peru, or a group of old climbing partners reuniting for a summer of hiking in Switzerland. The dynamic may have shifted from university dorm rooms to epic treehouse stays or doing the 'van life' thing in super-fancy campervans, but the spirit of shared discovery is the same.
And then there’s the multi-generational twist. Some Grey Gappers are combining travel with family connections abroad - spending weeks with children or grandchildren in far-flung places, then bolting on their own adventures afterwards. It’s travel that blurs the line between family time and freedom, and it’s fast becoming part of the Grey Gap Year story.
Grey Gap Year Destinations to Inspire
Where exactly are Grey Gappers heading? The answer is: just about anywhere, but certain destinations stand out for their mix of accessibility, adventure and long-stay appeal.
Camino de Santiago, Spain & Portugal
This centuries-old pilgrimage route has become a favourite for travellers who want a challenge, a sense of purpose, and plenty of camaraderie along the way.
Canada by Rail
Few journeys feel more epic than crossing Canada on a train. It’s slow travel at its finest, with mountains, prairies and endless forests unfolding outside your window. Looking for specific destination inspiration? With its epic mountain ranges, historic rivers, and national and provincial parks, Golden in British Columbia offers all-year round opportunities to enjoy a holiday packed with stunning mountain scenery, outdoor adventures and a warm mountain town welcome.
Tracking Wildlife in Asturias, Spain
The wild mountains of Asturias are home to the last refuge of the Cantabrian brown bear, making it one of Europe’s most rewarding regions for wildlife encounters. A Grey Gap Year here could mean days spent hiking through rugged valleys, guided bear-spotting trips, and long evenings in traditional villages that feel a world away from Spain’s busier coasts.
Japan’s Walking Trails
Routes like the Nakasendo Way or Kumano Kodo combine culture and history with stunning landscapes, ideal for travellers who prefer to walk their way into a destination.
South America’s Trekking Circuits
From Chile’s Torres del Paine to Peru’s Inca Trail alternatives, South America remains a magnet for adventure seekers with time to spare. Looking for somewhere special to stay? The Tierra Patagonia Hotel is one of the world's best eco-hotels - a sustainable eco lodge on the edge of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park with jaw-dropping architecture.
Closer to Home
Not all Grey Gap Years require a long-haul flight. Long-distance trails in Scotland, Scandinavia or the Alps can deliver just as much adventure without straying too far.
Whether it’s a single epic journey or a series of month-long hops, these destinations show that the Grey Gap Year is less about ticking boxes and more about choosing adventures that resonate personally — the ones you’ve always said you’d do “one day.”
Looking for seasonal inspiration? Check out our guides to the best places to travel in August or best places to travel in autumn - both packed with options to fit into a longer Grey Gap Year adventure.
Practicalities & Planning
Dreaming about a Grey Gap Year is one thing - making it happen is another. The good news? With a bit of forethought, the logistics are surprisingly manageable.
Insurance & Healthcare
Over-50s travel insurance is widely available, and often includes cover for extended trips, pre-existing conditions and adventure activities. It’s worth shopping around and being upfront about medical history to avoid nasty surprises.
Carrying a digital copy of prescriptions and knowing how to access healthcare abroad (via reciprocal agreements or private providers) can also take the stress out of what-if scenarios.
Budgeting & Finances
From pensions to savings pots, Grey Gappers often have different funding sources than younger travellers. Stretching the budget is about balance - splurging on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities - ie staying in one of these incredible castle hotels in Scotland, then balancing these luxuries with longer stays in affordable destinations.
House-sitting, volunteering and long-term rentals can all help bring costs down without skimping on experience.
Packing & Gear
This isn’t about shoving everything into a 60-litre rucksack anymore. Smart luggage, lightweight layers and tech that keeps you connected make all the difference.....as does a good luggage lock to keep everything safe in transit!
A Kindle or tablet beats a pile of paperbacks; a good pair of lightweight walking boots trumps trendy trainers. Likewise, a pair of proper travel trousers! Comfort and fit-for-purpose gear is essential when you’re on the move for months on end.
Community & Resources
Grey Gappers aren’t short of support. Dedicated forums, Facebook groups and specialist tour companies mean there’s a wealth of advice and camaraderie out there.
Whether you’re looking for tips on campervan life in New Zealand or a walking partner in Portugal, chances are someone’s already been there and done it.
If Not Now, Then When?
Gap years may still conjure images of 18-year-olds with Interrail passes and rucksacks twice their size, but the rise of the Grey Gap Year shows that adventure has no age limit. For today’s over-50s, it’s less about ticking off tourist hotspots and more about rediscovering freedom, purpose and the joy of travel without a deadline.
Whether it’s exploring one of Europe's many incredible alpine hiking trails, crossing continents by train, or parking up a campervan beside one of the UK's most remote beaches, these journeys prove that the spirit of exploration only gets stronger with time.
So while the teenagers might be celebrating their exam results, their parents are quietly plotting adventures of their own - and why the heck not?!
