NEVER mind the economic crunch - Singaporeans will continue with their travel plans this year.
Mr Michael Lim, senior manager of JP International Travel, said people will still travel because of the many long weekends this year, and the driving force behind the numbers will be those aged between 45 and 65. He predicts a 10-per-cent rise for the demographic.
The Council for Third Age will organise the largest consumer fair targeted at this group - the 50+ Singapore Expo 2009, to be held this weekend at the Suntec Convention Centre, Halls 401 to 404.
Joy Fang speaks to three avid travellers - one in his 70s, another in her 30s and the last one in her 20s - about their travel experiences.
He's "retyred", not retired
DANIEL KOH, 71
SPRIGHTLY traveller Daniel Koh maintains that he is "retyred" and not "retired".
He cites Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, and the Amazon forest in Peru as examples of places he has trekked to.
As a recognition of his zest for life,Mr Koh won the Prudential Prime Award for active ageing in November last year.
Previously a group general manager from Times Publishing, he retired at age 54, and is now a director in his son's outdoor- adventure business.
Asked who his role model is, he promptly cited his grandfather, who cultivated the joy of the great outdoors in him since he was six. "I was exposed to the sea and taught life skills and values by him," he reminisced.
And when queried what his spouse, Lucy Koh, 70, thinks of his vigorous travelling, Mr Koh said his wife of 49 years is "totally supportive and has no fear" about his trips because of his accident-free experiences.
Keeping himself physically and mentally fit is his priority.
He plays two hours of badminton four times a week.
"I am also constantly thinking, planning and talking to people, keeping in touch with the things around me," he said.
The inter-generational bonding that he gets to enjoy on his trips is what he values - what he terms as "an indispensable and valuable part of ageing".
Following his grandfather's footsteps, he also tries to motivate his grandchildren to adopting an active lifestyle.
To do so, he brings them out on educational trips three to four times annually, to countries such as New Zealand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.
He agrees that there is a need to be more thrifty when it comes to travel during these tough times, but he says it will not prevent him from embarking on his trips.
He said: "There are many affordable opportunities for travel, especially in the region."
Debunking the myth that the elderly cannot lead active lives, he quipped: "Old age can be very valid and meaningful, and not invalid."
