Word has it that 65 is the new 25 when it comes to taking time out to travel the world. Age Concern found that today's backpackers are as likely to be the recently retired as they are new graduates or school leavers.

Last year Age Concern found that sales of annual worldwide travel insurance increased by 41%, proving that not only as the over 65s travelling further afield, they are planning multiple trips to long-haul destinations. The number requesting winter sports cover also shot up 20% as more and more older people plan adventurous winter pursuits.

So are golden-oldies the new globetrotters?

Age Concern says they are. The firm, which markets products to those aged over 65, saw its fastest year-on-year growth in the 65 to 74 (16%) and 75 to 87 (40%) age groups.

It also found that mature Brits have also become far savvier when purchasing travel insurance. Not only are they watching the pennies by purchasing annual policies when going on multiple trips, they are also increasingly using the internet to shop around before buying, at sites like this one. Supporting Ofcom research, which found there has been considerable growth in internet take up by the over 65s, web sales of Age Concern Enterprises Travel Insurance increased by 35% last year.

Joe Young from Age Concern Insurance Services says, "Globe-trotting is no longer the reserve of the young. Over 65s are as likely to be travelling the world as younger generations as they search for ways to bring excitement to retirement. And as the population ages, we predict a travel boom which will see even more mature people exploring far flung destinations.

"We are delighted that so many older people are fulfilling their travel dreams in later life. Our travel insurance was specifically designed with the mature traveller in mind, as appropriate products for this market were not previously available. With no age limits, we look forward to providing travel insurance to customers of all ages."