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Among the most noticeable features of global travel today is both the age and the sheer numbers of older men and women—most particularly women—taking active, adventurous vacations with a strong learning and service focus. While sun and sand vacations will always be with us, many more people today measure their travel satisfaction by newly acquired skills, significant stimulation of the little gray cells, and, yes, even proudly worn calluses, blisters, and bruises.

People over 50 make up the vast majority of vacationers worldwide, and these numbers promise to expand even more rapidly as the so-called baby boomers move with vigor and high expectations into their second half century-there are no thoughts of retiring to a rocking chair on the front porch among this group! Largely due to travelers between 50 to 80 years old, ecological, educational, cultural, and volunteer vacations and tour operators are flourishing, while establishing a very different tourism agenda.

And why not? In the developed world, these folks control close to 80% of the discretionary income in their countries, and they do give a high priority to travel. They are generally in good health, and even if they require special diets or modified pacing, they don't let such stumbling blocks keep them at home. They are the best educated (both formally and informally) generation and a half in the history of the world, with alternative-focus vacations attracting nearly double the percentage of people with post-secondary qualifications as does more mainstream tourism. As a result, older vacationers tend to be highly motivated, rewarding guests in search of value-added, experience-based vacations-whether in their own back yards or within cultures or environments half way around the world.

Nature on its own turf is a high priority with this age group, often enjoyed on foot, bicycle, horseback, or via canoes, rafts or sea kayaks. Small-scale expeditionary cruising is also a popular choice, as are in-depth encounters with unfamiliar cultures. An innovative and ever-growing menu of educational vacations has turned many older adults into perpetual students, whether within the four walls of a classroom or out in the field. Lastly, volunteerism in areas as diverse as archaeological digs, building houses for the homeless, and teaching English for a few weeks in exotic outposts of the world, is marshalling the lifetime skills and enthusiasm of those who want to make a difference.

The diversity of holiday programs and experiences, and accessibility of destinations is what clearly defines travel in the new millennium. For the foreseeable future, vacationers over 50 will control the engines of every kind of tourism on every continent. It's going to be an interesting ride!

Alison Gardner is author of the guidebook, Travel Unlimited: Uncommon Adventures for the Mature Traveler (Avalon Travel Publishing, October 2000), available through bookstores worldwide or via the Internet. Her Travel with a Challenge web magazine carries on the same theme as the guidebook with fresh articles, columns and alternative travel operator profiles. The only thing you won't find is an excuse to stay home!

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