KEY POINTS:
You're not averse to doing a little bit of independent exploring, but you also like to have some sort of safety net in place, whether that's in the form of a local guide, a guided tour or a nice hotel to come back to. You're interested in seeing the sights, trying the local wines and learning about the history of the place you visit. You also like a bit of authenticity to your travel, but not if it comes in the form of a flea-infested hovel, an upset tummy or any kind of extreme sports.
This year
You went to France and Italy for culinary tours, wine tasting and cooking schools, Eastern European destinations like Prague and Vienna for the culture and history and maybe Australia to see the kids and a show.
Next year
You'll want to see Alaska on an icebreaker cruise or India by luxury train.
The prosperous mature tourist, armed with a credit card, guide book and the urge to see something a little different is a rapidly growing market and travel firms know it. The destinations are adventurous, the mode of travel is fairly fancy. For instance, on that cruise ship charting the icebergs, passengers are going into one of the most inhospitable climates on earth to see some of the most unique wildlife and breathtaking scenery. But not on a sled or in a kayak. They gain a new perspective and a few pounds because of the great food coming out of the five-star galley.
Dream destination
A week-long rail journey through the parts of India you most want to visit. Except you'll do it in the style of visiting royalty. Because these "Palace On Wheels" train tours through India are an initiative of the various state governments involved, you'll get a right royal greeting complete with Indian trumpeters and dance troupes every time you stop. Then after your cultural experiences you'll spend the rest of your time in the air-conditioned comfort of your train cabin, the size of a small hotel room, or in the onboard spa, lounge, bar or ornate dining room where you'll have the option of eating cuisine from the region you're passing through as well as European fine dining.
Sample prices: Around $3000 for seven days, based on twin share.
