Missed your gap year? You’re not alone! Now you could win it back.
A new nationwide study has revealed that four in five Australians aged 55 and over never took a traditional gap year, and many still regret it. Now, small-group adventure specialist Intrepid Travel is offering one lucky over-55 a golden second chance: 12 months of travel experiences valued at up to $100,000, plus $25,000 towards flights.
The research, conducted by Pureprofile in September 2025, surveyed more than 2,000 Australians and found that older Australians were the least likely generation to take extended time out to travel. A striking 80 per cent of those aged 55+ missed out entirely, compared to just 50 per cent of Australians under 55.
And the desire to make up for it is strong. Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of Australians aged 55+ say they would take 12 months off to travel if given the chance, while 67 per cent have considered “making up for lost time”.
A Generation Ready to Go
For many older Australians, life got in the way. More than half (53 per cent) say they went straight into work after school, while 43 per cent said extended travel simply wasn’t the norm when they were younger.
By contrast, younger Australians who skipped a gap year cited study commitments (40 per cent) and financial pressures (23 per cent) as the main barriers.
The findings also challenge stereotypes about older travellers. While 65 per cent of over-55s prioritise visiting friends and family, more than a third (36 per cent) are drawn to cultural travel and 28 per cent to adventure experiences.
Forty per cent say they now have a deeper appreciation for different cultures than they did in their 20s, and nearly a third (32 per cent) feel more confident and open to new experiences than in their younger years.
Introducing the Golden Gap Year
In response, Intrepid has launched its “Golden Gap Year” initiative, inviting Australians aged 55 and over to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
The winner will work one-on-one with an Intrepid Adventure Consultant to design a personalised year of travel tailored to their interests, pace and priorities. With more than 900 trips across 100+ countries, the itinerary could span continents and cultures, from immersive local experiences to small-group adventures led by expert local leaders.
“There’s a whole generation of Aussies that never had the chance to take a gap year, and while many are ready to make up for lost time, the reality of planning extended travel can be a real barrier,” said Erica Kritikides, General Manager Global Experiences at Intrepid Travel.
“With small groups, immersive experiences, expert local leaders and hundreds of itineraries, our trips give travellers the courage and confidence to take the leap.”
To further support aspiring late-life adventurers, Intrepid has also launched a dedicated Golden Gap Year hotline, staffed by trained specialists to help Australians design the extended journey they’ve always dreamed of.
How to Enter
Applications open today. Australians aged 55+ can submit a written application or video explaining:
- Why they missed out on a gap year
- Why now is the right time
- Why they should win this extraordinary opportunity
Entries close at 11:59pm on 15 March 2026, with the winner announced on Monday 30 March 2026.
For more information or to enter, visit intrepidtravel.com/golden-gap-year or call the Golden Gap Year hotline on 1300 724 356.
About the Study
Research was conducted by Pureprofile on behalf of Intrepid Travel from 8–19 September 2025, surveying a nationally representative sample of 2,019 Australians aged 18+.
About Intrepid Travel
A certified B Corp since 2018, Intrepid Travel has been a leader in responsible tourism for 35 years, operating small-group trips designed to create positive change through travel.
