Silver, spry & seeking adventure: India's seniors are travelling bolder and farther than ever before

Unburdened by responsibilities and bolstered by retirement benefits or long-standing savings, a growing tribe of affluent Indians aged 50 and above is swapping armchairs for adrenaline.

From marathons in Antarctica to wildlife trails in Africa and cruises to the edge of the world, senior citizens and semi-retirees are embracing immersive, high-octane experiences once thought the domain of the young and restless.

“Seniors today are healthier, wealthier, and more active than previous generations,” said Shefali Jain Mishra, founder of Kare Voyage, a boutique travel firm catering exclusively to older adults. Many of these extraordinary places were never on their bucket lists simply because they didn’t think they were possible. Many are fulfilling lifelong travel dreams after years of work and family responsibilities.”

Her clients, many of whom are retired professionals or solo senior women, are increasingly opting for immersive experiences—from hot air ballooning in Cappadocia to chasing aurora in Lapland and even expedition cruises to Antarctica. “Over the past nine years, we’ve taken our travellers from the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between,” she adds.

The average spends per trip ranges from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh internationally and Rs 40,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh for domestic getaways.

Another growing subset of this demographic isn’t just travelling far—they’re running hard.

“For this age group, running a major international race is often a deep personal milestone; it combines wellness, endurance, and a strong sense of achievement with travel,” said Gauri Jayaram, founder of Active Holiday Company.

From the Berlin, Chicago and London marathons to the increasingly aspirational Antarctica Marathon, the Six Star Abbott World Marathon Majors have become bucket-list items for older Indian runners. “Running a marathon at 50+ is no longer rare–it’s a growing trend. What used to be considered ‘extreme’ is now becoming an achievable badge of honour,” Jayaram said.

These travellers spend Rs 2–5 lakh per trip, with ultra-premium Antarctica runs going well beyond Rs 10 lakh. “This expenditure encompasses guaranteed race entries, often challenging to secure independently, alongside flights, premium accommodations, comprehensive insurance, pre-race logistics, and on-ground support. Often, these trips also include curated post-race sightseeing add-ons.”

This hunger for experience-led, premium travel is also visible in booking patterns.

According to Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of Pickyourtrail, retired couples, who account for 63% of this segment, are leading the charge. “The average ticket size for senior travellers stands at Rs 3.6 lakh, which is 45% higher than the average customer,” he said.

Almost half of these travellers prefer end-to-end packages including flights and tend to travel during off-peak seasons to take advantage of lower prices, quieter destinations and a more immersive experience, he said. Interestingly, while social media influences most travellers today, only 21% of the 55+ age group use it to plan their trips—most still rely on word-of-mouth and trusted blogs.

The destinations are changing too.

“These travellers are stepping out of conventional choices, with destinations like Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Eastern Europe becoming popular choices alongside traditional favourites,” said S D Nandakumar, country head, SOTC Travel.

Closer home, unique experiences such as diving with PADI professionals in Rameswaram or ziplining in Rishikesh are gaining traction, according to him.

Rajeev Kale, country head, Thomas Cook (India), echoed this sentiment, noting that senior travellers are opting for “husky safaris in Norway, luxury ice-breaker cruises in Antarctica, and spa-wellness mud baths in New Zealand.”

Their financial freedom, often buoyed by family support, means they're more willing to explore offbeat, indulgent experiences without worrying about costs or work schedules, he added.