|
|
Last Updated: Aug 17th, 2009 - 19:02:51 |
Research describes the UK’s new independent travellers
Seeing the world is increasingly becoming a priority for people who are loking for a new challenge. According to research commissioned by Thomas Cook Publishing, 2004 will see more older travellers than ever packing up their rucksacks and heading for the airport.
Ian Crawford, formerly senior lecturer at Cranfield University, said: “People who have reached a crossroads in their lives are increasingly taking the opportunity to travel the world, bringing them new experiences and confidence. I have spoken to many older travellers who say that their decision to travel was the best they have ever made.”
The research was commissioned to mark the launch of Thomas Cook Publishing’s Independent Traveller Guides for 2004. According to Crawford, older independent travellers are commonly inspired by a one of four types of life event:
1. The break-up shake-up. Independent travel is increasingly inspired by a relationship break-up. E,g. Paul, 42 years, travelling the Americas: “I got dumped! I quit my job and just went for it. The objective is to keep the trip going as long as you can, so you choose guesthouses over hotels, use local buses and stick to budget food. You can find places along the way but it’s always best to do your homework before you leave home.” Paul started with a trip to Peru and has since travelled China, Thailand, The Philippines, Scandinavia and South America.
2. From pay-off to take-off. “I started travelling in December 2002, after I lost my job”. In these uncertain times many people are taking advantage of redundancy money to realise their travelling dreams. Josh, 33, worked for 10 years in computer software before being made redundant, and saw it as a great opportunity: “I always wanted to explore Asia but it is so far away that a short trip would be a waste of time”. Josh finances his travels using the rent on his flat in London and redundancy pay.
3. Doctor’s orders. Health scares and stress can also be a catalyst for travel. Jane, 55, was signed off for four weeks from her retail-buying job due to stress-related palpitations. She spent the time touring Italy with her daughter, making arrangements up as they went along. “We got to everywhere we’d planned to visit but managed to do so much more. We saw wonderful places like Arezzo, San Gimignano and Siena that we’d never heard of until we read a travel guide just days before we left home.”
4. The addict. Many people get the travel bug from journeys in their youth, and continue to spend all available time continuing their world tour. Peter, 37, went inter-railing at 17 and now saves all his holiday for a four-week trip every year. He has mainly travelled in Africa and the Middle East. He says: ”You do all the touristy things but not in the same way. If you want to see the Pyramids as a tourist, you go on an organized tour with an air-conditioned bus and a tour guide, whereas I’ll just jump on a local bus. I’ll pay a twentieth what they do to see the same things.”
However there are always exceptions to the stereotype. During the research Ian Crawford spoke to widely different independent travellers, from 23 year-old Ben doing voluntary work in India to 70-year old Tom from Bromsgrove touring Australia on a motorbike.
The common advice from all the independent travellers surveyed was the importance of planning the trip. Guidebooks are vital to a successful trip, as is planning before departure.
Donald Greig, head of Thomas Cook Publishing said: “Feedback from our readers always emphasises the importance of planning ahead when travelling. That’s why the new editions of the Independent Travellers Guides contain a unique CD-ROM containing hundreds of web links. These will help you plan your trip and find about visas, accommodation, tourist information, events and festivals, money, climate and more. We have produced the new guides working closely with travellers to ensure they offer everything you need.”
Independent Travellers guides are available for the following destinations: Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore, USA, Europe By Rail, Britain & Ireland. The books are unique in that they are route-based – giving readers the opportunity to plan their journey using public transport or hired cars. They are updated every year, and draw on the Thomas Cook European and Overseas Timetables for journey plans and timetables.
They cost £12.99 from all good bookshops, Thomas Cook stores or online at www.thomascookpublishing.com
A special offer this year entitles anyone buying Europe by Rail to get £10 off an Inter-Rail Pass by sending in a form at the back of the book.
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
|
Book online 24 hours a day or contact our telephone helpline on:
0845 299 4450
Mon - Fri 08.30 - 22.00
Saturday 09.00 - 22.00
Sunday 10.00 - 22.00
|
|
