One Australian aged over 55 will have the chance to embark on an Intrepid Travel Golden Gap Year as new research reveals 80 per cent of Baby Boomers and older Gen Xers never took a gap year, compared to 50 per cent of those under 55.
The chance at a grown-up gap year do-over will see one Aussie score a full year of Intrepid Travel trips valued up to AUD$100,000, plus $25,000 for flights.
To apply, Australians aged 55 and over can submit a written application or video by 15 March 2026 that shares why they missed out on a gap year, why now is the right moment to go, and why they believe they’re a worthy winner of a Golden Gap Year.
The Intrepid Travel Golden Gap Year research also highlights a key opportunity for advisors to engage a motivated demographic who are keen to redo the traditional gap year experience in midlife.
Of those surveyed, reasons for skipping a gap year included focusing on building a career or raising children in their 20s instead of taking extended time off for travel.
More than two-thirds (67%) have considered extended travel and 62 per cent would take 12 months off to travel if given the chance for a ‘grey gap year‘.
The Intrepid Travel Golden Gap Year survey data also challenged outdated perceptions of what older travellers really want.
While visiting friends and family remained the top priority (65%) for most Aussies aged over 55, cultural travel (36%) and adventure travel (28%) were also top drawcards.
Among this cohort, 40 per cent say they have a deeper cultural appreciation while 32 per cent feel more confident and open to new experiences compared to their 20s.
Intrepid Travel General Manager Global Experiences Erica Kritikides said the research and resulting competition taps into a generation of Aussies who never had the chance to take a gap year.
“While many are ready to make up for lost time, the reality of planning extended travel can be a real barrier for people,” she said.
“With small groups, immersive experiences, expert local leaders and hundreds of itineraries, our trips give travellers the courage and confidence to take the leap.”
For more info, head to intrepidtravel.com
KARRYON UNPACKS: The Intrepid Travel Golden Gap Year spotlights a powerful midlife travel trend, offering advisors a fresh narrative to engage affluent, experience-driven over-55 clients seeking meaningful long-haul journeys.
