The not-so-young and the restless
According to travel insurance provider Staysure, January marks beginning of the over-50s’ long-stay holiday period, referred to in the industry as the ‘Silver Migration’
As the Christmas period comes to a close and wholesome family time has been well and truly swept under the rug, it seems that the UK’s silver-haired population likes nothing better than to kick off its slippers and escape to warmer climes. And more and more are doing so every year – Staysure’s data reveals that since 2018, there has been a 20-per-cent increase in the number of over-50s purchasing long-stay (trips lasting longer than 28 days) winter holiday travel insurance policies.
So, where are they going? Well, the most popular destination appears to be good old Australia – with one in five Brits over 50 opting for a trip Down Under. Seventeen per cent prefer to escape to popular Spanish destinations such as the Canary Islands and Costa Del Sol, while a zesty nine per cent of the senior sun seekers are hopping over to India.
And what’s more, it turns out that they’re in no rush to come back – Staysure’s data revealed that travellers in their late 70s and early 80s account for 74 per cent of long-stay holidays lasting over 10 weeks.
It’s certainly uplifting to know that, for the Brits at least, an appetite for adventure doesn’t fade with age. But to throw shade at the adage that with age comes wisdom, Staysure reveals that in 2019, over one-third of holidaymakers over 50 didn’t purchase travel insurance until less than four weeks before their holiday departure date.
To this, Ryan Howsam, Chairman of Staysure, advises that anyone planning to be part of the Silver Migration this January on a winter long-stay holiday should seek cover from a specialist insurer at the point of booking their trip to ensure they are fully covered for any unforeseen situations that could arise ahead of departure.
“It’s encouraging to see from the data that we are an adventurous nation and that age is no barrier in our lust for travel,” he said. “To see an increase in winter long-stay holidays with customers that are well into their 80s is fantastic and just goes to show their zest for life.”
Read Staysure's full report for more information: Silver Migration: How mature travellers are taking longer holidays