Bucket List Backpacking Trips for Mature Travelers
Age is just a number, right? So, it shouldn’t ever stand in the way of you and your dreams to explore the world - no matter how late you get the itch to travel. Many mature travelers wonder if they can keep up with a multi-generational group. You certainly can, all it takes is planning a comfortable route so that you‘ll never have to worry about feeling worn out.
Some travelers, who have never backpacked, will find themselves outside their comfort zone. Good! Yes, being a thousand miles away from home and loved ones puts everyone in that position. It’s important that you don’t let fears of stepping outside your comfort zone stop you from embarking on adventures. After all, things that test how comfortable we are are often the best things for us. You won’t regret your decision - that’s one thing that’s for certain. But let’s not pretend that travelling over the age of 60 is anything like travelling through your youthful years. It’s not, and chances are, you wouldn’t want it to be anyway. So, what does travel in later life actually look like? Here are my bucket list backpacking trips for mature travelers.
About our Guest Blogger:
Esme Sheppard
English Language graduate and full-time adventure seeker.
After spending time exploring Southeast Asia and travelling on the road across the UK and Europe, she's been documenting her experiences to share them with other nomads.
West Highland Way, Scotland
We’re starting off with a somewhat close-to-home destination - that’s if you live in the UK, of course, because backpacking trips are certainly not limited to destinations abroad. For US and European adventurers, Scotland’s West Highland Way is an accessible, UK-based backpacking destination that's popular amongst all ages for its comfortable accommodation options and moderate hiking trails. At the site, walkers can pay for a baggage transfer service so that they don’t need to carry heavy or large amounts of luggage between hostels and B&Bs.
If you enjoy the rough and raw reality of camping in the wilderness, you will find that here. But for those who don’t, the West Highland Way offers a number of cozy and affordable accommodation options along the route. Typically, most travelers complete the hike in 6-8 days, but more seasoned hikers opt for a slower pace and enjoy the variety of cafes and pubs along the way.
By choosing this option, you can expect to complete the route in about 8 to 10 days. If you start from Glasgow Central Station, you can reach the start of the Highlands Trail in just 25 minutes. For travelers with British citizenship or those based in the UK, the West Highland Way is a convenient and hassle-free introduction to Scotland's incredible highlands. For overseas travelers, the highland trail offers the chance to immerse themselves in Scotland's natural landscapes and tick off an unforgettable UK adventure.
Camino De Santiago, Spain
If you’re a mature traveler with a very specific hiking taste, or if you’re looking for a route that's flexible, Camino De Santiago is the perfect option to consider. As well as hostels, the route offers hikers the opportunity to stay in guest houses situated perfectly along the route. These accommodation options can be more affordable than other choices and can be an experience hikers enjoy because it’s something they’ve never done before.
The majority of backpacking trails have a specific route that hikers are encouraged to travel along, but Camino De Santiago breaks this tradition by offering a number of different routes that from which walkers can choose. Along the trail, you can expect to find a different town every 5 to 10 kilometers. You can decide to hang up their boots along the route wherever they please!
Loire Valley & Burgundy, France
The Loire Valley and Burgundy hiking trail is ideal if you are looking for a leisurely route where you can also explore the local villages in the area. The route is considered to be highly appropriate for any beginner or mature hiker as it has low-altitude terrain and features flat river paths along the way. If you choose one of the hiking routes in Burgundy, you may want to stop off at one of the region's working vineyards and enjoy their locally produced wines.
Both areas are well connected to major transport networks, so hikers can plan short day trips in the area and regularly travel to and from their accommodation. In the Loire Valley and Burgundy, you can uncover the history and culture of France at different locations throughout the hike, rather than climbing strenuous mountains for a single panoramic view. Along the way, you can find castles and scenic canals, ensuring there is always something new to discover. What’s more, in the Loire Valley, you can swap your walking boots for a bike and leisurely explore picturesque villages, offering a relaxing change of pace from the trail.
