Greenland Offers a Variety of Activities for Adventurous Senior Travelers

All eyes were on you Greenland After President Trump recently announced his interest in purchasing the world’s largest island from Denmark. Located in the Arctic Ocean, northeast of Canada and northwest of Iceland, this beautiful country with a population approaching 57,000 was already a popular destination for the cruise ship industry, with many ships choosing Greenlandic towns as their port of call.

The number of active travelers over the age of 60 is growing rapidly as many seniors avoid the perception of being a couch potato. These travelers are still looking for adventure and new places to explore, but in recent years many well-known destinations have become overrun with tourists. Despite often harsh and variable weather conditions, Greenland has become a popular tourist destination for adventurous older travelers.

The best time to visit Greenland depends on what you want to experience. Each season has its own characteristics. Summer is often the best time for seniors. Winters can be long, with heavy snowfall and often icy roads, making getting around difficult and requiring extra caution.

Greenland is experiencing significant development. With the opening of the international airport in Nuuk and new flight routes, traveling to Greenland has become easier than ever. It will become even easier for American travelers when United Airlines launches a new route in summer 2025.

Gill and Alistair Campbell, authors of the book Bradt Greenland Guide, The first English guidebook dedicated to this country, they are both in their mid-70s and have been traveling the world for over 50 years. “The guide’s aim is to enable others to enjoy their own epic adventures in this wild, beautiful and untouched Arctic land,” says Alistair. The guide combines basic information, such as navigating an island with no roads connecting major settlements, with advice on what to see, do, and where to stay and eat. “Each episode is infused with the extraordinary combination of pristine nature and traditional culture that distinguishes Greenland from its Arctic neighbors and makes the trip so rewarding.”

With its breathtaking scenery and rich culture, there is so much to discover. Greenland is an Eskimo nation, they have been living on this island for thousands of years. Their inspiring stories are told in small-town museums, each set against spectacular and untouched Arctic landscapes. The world’s longest fjords carve deep fissures in mountainous terrain, the Arctic’s largest ice sheet stretches north for almost two thousand miles; But the most inspiring may be the history of a people living in prosperity in this brutal land.

Alistair adds: “Dog sledding is hard to beat. Warm under reindeer skins, we glide across a frozen fjord pulled by a dozen eager dogs heading out to fish or spend the night in a remote cabin, or even an igloo. The beach ferry is a favourite. Good It takes you from town to town along the coast, offering food, accommodation and great company, with children leaving their villages to go to school in the city, mothers returning from the birth of their first grandchild, and setting off to start a new project in the far north. We traveled with workers and of course a tourist or two. Flying can be fun too. There are no big terminals or planes seating hundreds, your local flight in Greenland is as likely to be by helicopter as by plane, and either way the views are spectacular.”

Greenland has a surprising amount of wildlife, from musk ox and caribou to arctic fox and white-tailed eagles and up to 15 different species of whales. The Campbells have been known to sit on a terrace drinking local beer while watching for whales as giant icebergs pass by.

There are many activities suitable for seniors. Boat trips are very popular in the fjord systems around Nuuk or among the icebergs near Ilulissat. Additionally, you can experience Greenlandic culture at museums or by attending a “kaffemik” with a local. For those who love walking, there are great opportunities to explore nature. Greenlandic officials also directory It is specifically designed to help seniors experience Greenland at its best. The guide includes activity suggestions, travel tips and practical information.

The Campbells offer the following advice:

* Dress in layers and always accept special clothing offers when you travel. Wear shoes with good traction soles and take hiking poles.

* Get a local SIM card for your phone.

* If you choose to travel by cruise, choose one that starts or ends in Greenland so you can add a few days at either end, you won’t regret it.

* The best advice we ever received was to say “yes.” Greenlanders are really happy to meet you and might invite you to a meal; The local food is as surprising as it is wonderful. You may also be invited to join them for ‘kaffemik’, all-day coffee mornings, or by boat, sled or off-road vehicle. Say yes and live a part of their life, an experience you’ll never forget.

Whatever the destination, seniors are traveling to all corners of the world in record numbers. Gary Murtagh, chairman ElderTrekswhich offers Exotic Adventures for Travelers 50 and older, says, “Demand for senior travel has increased. The last of the Baby Boomers generation are now in their 60s. Many are looking at retirement, semi-retirement or, for some, simply a change in life’s priorities. For many, this involves exploring the world and experiencing its most precious and fascinating wildlife, landscapes, cultures and ancient sites. “Many have no desire to curb their curiosity and wanderlust as long as they remain healthy.”

He explains that in the late eighties, adventure travel was still considered a fringe or niche in the travel industry. He adds: “Those days are long gone and one of the main reasons for this is the constant interest and demand from older people looking for an unforgettable experience and adventure to African safaris, trekking in the Himalayas, the Andes or the Rocky Mountains, polar expeditions and adventures to ancient Egypt, Greece or Iranian regions.”

One of the most important considerations for finding the right company for you goes deeper in terms of: Comfort level; From meals to activities to tips etc. What is actually included? Many companies advertise a very low price but still have meals and activities you pay for even after you’ve paid for your trip; How much effort goes into creating well thought out, unique itineraries versus just about any company that can go online and copy any run of the mill itinerary; Learn a little about guides or tour leaders because your tour leader or guide can often make or break your travel experience.

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