Gap Year News Articles

The Grey Gap Year

4 October 2011

Although 68 year old Alan Maloney and his 50 year old wife Bev, don't fit into the traditional image of backpackers, they are part of a growing number of "grey gappers".

The couple spent a year backpacking through India, Nepal, South East Asia and Australia, and staying in cheap accomodation with 20 something gap year students. they wanted to experience the full gap year experience, including diving with sharks, paragliding in Nepal and a 6 day trek in the Annapurna mountain range. "I'm only glad we ran out of time before getting to New Zealand, Alan had decided we were going bungee jumping!" explained Bev

Recent research by P&O Cruises has shown a 300% increase in over 50's embarking on a year out, so it would seem that couples like the Maloneys could soon become a common sight on the backpacking trail.

Source: The Independent