…to London, Paris or Rome, goes the old song, and in Third Age you can do it in such style today.

For the over 50’s the world really is your oyster. Never has there been such a choice of destinations, methods of travel and levels of luxury for us to get out there and explore in style.

From backpacking to cruising you are totally spoiled for choice, and as the first tiny hints of spring come along we’re all thinking about this year’s getaway, be it at home or abroad.

There is a growing trend for something perhaps more exotic or different in the holiday market and tour operators and agents are happy to oblige. How about a yoga holiday in Spain? A language break in Germany, or trekking with llamas right here in the UK?

Very popular with the over 50’s are cruises. You can have the best of the worlds of a luxurious floating hotel with every facility or choose the destinations where you want to go ashore and see new places. The convenience of being able to do this with coach travel and constantly packing suitcases appeals to many people.

Over the next few weeks we are going to take a look at various types of holiday starting with cruises.

How about the Caribbean? At any time of the year, including Christmas, this is a favourite and it is not hard to see why. Crystal clear seas, soft sandy shores and an unhurried way of life make it many people’s idea of paradise.

I took a look at one package which sounded heaven sent. Called “The Heart of the Caribbean” it lasts for 15 nights and the all in package includes all meals on board including 24-hour room service, all on board gratuities, entertainment and activities, a welcome cocktail party and the traditional Captain’s dinner, travel insurance, taxes and visas, UK mainland travel to your departure point and on board credit of up to £100 per person. Now that’s a lot of holiday and the cost starts at £2309 per person.

Okay that sounds a lot of money but think what you spend on hotel or self catering accommodation in similar places, add on meals and entertainment and a few excursions and you’re soon around the £2,000 mark.

You will see La Romana in the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands, Philipsburg and The Azores. There are long stays at each spot and every facility to help you get the most from them.

Go ashore and live the local life or stay on board where all is bought and paid for. What a choice!

Enjoy evening shows, classical recitals, lectures, a day in the spa or just soak up the guaranteed sunshine.

To give you some idea of the standards of entertainment you can expect, this particular cruise line has welcomed artistes such as Katherine Jenkins and Neil Sedaka on board its vessels in the past.

This is just a taster of what is available for us Third Agers. Watch out for more. I feel spring coming on already!

Graham Smith for Third Age.