Grand Adventures: Trekking and Diving with Grandparents

Age is proving to be nothing more than a number when it comes to adventure travel, and if you squint just right, you might catch a glimpse of a delightful trend: grandparents and grandchildren bonding over exhilarating exploits like hiking, kayaking, and even bungee jumping. Who would have imagined that the gentle allure of Loch Lomond could be equally appealing to a sprightly teenager and their sprightly octogenarian grandparent?

Take Rick Rhoads, an 80-year-old dynamo from Orcas Island, Washington, who spent his spring “training like crazy,” walking 9.6 kilometers daily—steep hills and all—like he was preparing for the Olympics rather than a summer vacation. He and his 15-year-old granddaughter, Lucy Erent, who hails from Prague, had bravely decided to tackle 136 kilometers in eight days along Scotland’s West Highland Way. It sounds like a page out of an adventure novel, doesn't it? Or perhaps the plot of the latest sitcom about clashing generations.

With vistas stretching across farmland and forests, steep inclines, rocky trails, and accommodations managed by an adventure-savvy organizer, this was bound to be not just a hike, but a bonding experience deep enough to dive into over endless cups of tea later. Rick ambitiously looked forward to rekindling the eclectic conversations they’d had on video calls, where subjects roamed from stage dramas to the nuances of family dynamics. And yes, he cheekily declared, “I’ll get her to do the talking when we’re going up hills.” If that isn’t a clever strategy, what is?

But, as life would have it, not everything was smooth sailing—or hiking, for that matter. As luck would have it, the trek turned out to be a tad tougher than anticipated; one of Rick's well-worn boots started doing its best impression of an outdated circus act, slowly unraveling near the end. Thankfully, duct tape, the universal savior of all things shoelace-related, came to the rescue. The experience was challenging, but of course, Rick expressed an interest in another adventure, one that would ideally pass by charming little cafés. Because let’s face it, no one really wants to walk uphill for too long without a muffin or two waiting on the other side.

Now, let’s take a moment to consider the grander picture here: while we debate whether sixty is indeed the new forty, it certainly appears that older adults are enjoying an increased “healthspan”—the precious time when they are fit, active, and, let’s not forget, ready for escapades that are decidedly more adventurous than a quaint bus tour or a cruise ship buffet. Who wouldn’t prefer bike trips to cruise ships, after all? The World Health Organization reported a rise in healthy life expectancy to 63.7 years in 2019, up from 58.3 in 2000—a trend that gives hope for many delightful vacations ahead.

In the U.S., approximately 40% of seniors over 65 reported engaging in outdoor jollies like hiking or biking. Plus, with the over-55 crowd now controlling nearly 70% of U.S. household wealth, travel companies are paying attention. Julia Carter, founder of Craft Travel, noted a noticeable surge in grandparent-grandchild trips over the past five years, with an increasing demand for thrilling expeditions—think African safaris or Patagonia hikes, rather than sitting and knitting on the porch.

Adaptability is the name of the game as tour companies recognize that their clientele is rapidly evolving. Many have jettisoned age restrictions in favor of creating environments that cater to this new generation of adventure-seekers. How splendidly inclusive!

Here are some inspiring examples:

And if you think that senior adventurers are seeking less excitement, think again! Nick Steers of Great Canadian Bungee reported that nearly 5% of their bungee jumpers are over sixty, embracing life with an enthusiasm that puts many youngsters to shame. Imagine a grandparent and grandchild leaping off a platform together into the great unclear!

For those curious about joining the fun, active grandparents have some golden nuggets of wisdom. Joe Bassett, a spry 60-year-old and head of the guiding wilderness adventure company Valiant Outfitters, insists that preparation is essential. If you don’t want to discover a “surprise” trail that leads to nowhere (or worse, a sudden snack craving), it’s wise to scout trails in advance and keep meal preparations simple. “No-cook meals, keep it simple with familiar foods,” he chimes. After all, the goal is to foster delightful memories, not kitchen nightmares.

And then there’s the glamorous Harriet Vogel, 84, of Palm City, Florida, who encourages adopting a spirit of adventure by opting for shared interests and holding on to hopes rather than rigid expectations. After all, isn’t the essence of travel about the joy of discovery? Whether snorkeling in the Caribbean or traversing the hills of Switzerland, it’s the time spent together that fosters that sweet closeness.

Of course, not all grandparents are keen to engage with the ever-evolving world of technology, a sentiment echoed by the team at Fin Expeditions, which noted a spike in multigenerational kayaking trips. They