On my 50s trip, no-one talked about jobs or dating. We just laughed a lot

I did my first trip with Flash Pack to Peru in 2019, and it was the vacation of a lifetime. Then Covid happened and by the time we could travel again, I had become too old for the age category (I’m 53). I was gutted. But then last year, I spotted that Flash Pack had launched a new 45-59 range – fantastic.

I think there’s a real gap in the market for my age group. It’s great for people who, like me, are fairly fit and welcome the idea of adventure travel and dynamic experiences.

Flash Pack trips aren’t the cheapest on the market; we all know that. Yet for me, the value lies in not having to think about anything. From the moment you land – wherever you happen to be – you’re picked up, taken to your hotel and the itinerary is all set for you.

There’s a real gap in the market for people in my age group

In my day-to-day life, I head up an early careers department in financial services. It’s a demanding role and I personally wouldn’t want the stress of planning a solo trip on top of that. It’s so appealing to have a readymade itinerary brimming with experiences – like ziplining, or kayaking – that you may never think of trying alone.

Plus, the structure of Flash Pack is such that you’re guaranteed to meet like-minded people. And I like having the support and knowledge of a local guide, too.

This time round, I chose the South Africa adventure: I liked that it offered a good blend of activities and downtime. I’d previously been on a cruise where I thought I’d meet loads of people; but that didn’t end up being the case. By contrast, everything about the Flash Pack setup is geared towards a bonded experience.

In your 50s, you’re less worried about what people think of you

It helped that my South Africa group was quite small – just six people – so we had plenty of time to get to know one another. We were all totally different characters, from different backgrounds, but we were all there for the same reason; to have a great time and explore together. 

I think there’s something about being in your 50s (or late 40s) that makes you more chilled, too. You’ve got to that point in life where you really know yourself well. And, as a result, you’re less worried about what other people think of you. The whole thing of traveling with strangers becomes less awkward. It’s a different, more comfortable and relaxed dynamic. 

We had great conversations and I really enjoyed the fact that we didn’t really talk about work. People had interesting jobs, but it wasn’t what we were there for. And no-one asked whether I was single, either. It was just not a topic that we got into. It felt so refreshing not to be grilled on my choices. Instead, we focused on being in the moment, and all the amazing activities we managed to pack into one single trip. 

I’m always keen to travel but I lack other single friends to go with

One of the things I enjoyed most about the trip was our sunrise hike up Lion’s Head mountain in Cape Town. It was such a nice way to start the day. The views from the top were beautiful, and it was also a good bonding experience – we all ambled along at our own pace. 

I also really loved our bush walk through a game reserve surrounded by giraffes. It was incredible to be able to get up-close to these wild creatures: a real “wow” moment. Everyone else there was in jeeps, but we were on foot with giraffes strolling past from every angle. You’re just observing them, and they’re observing you right back. 

Other highlights of our time in South Africa included wine blending, a Cape Malay cooking class in a local chef’s home (we made samosas and chicken curry) and the chance to meet Nelson Mandela’s security guard. 

We were a close knit group, with a real sense of camaraderie

Our guide, Lucien, was incredibly dedicated, passionate and proud of his country. He went out of his way to look after us and show us everything South Africa had to offer. Since we were such a small group, we got to know him very well. He was incredibly knowledgeable and fun! 

Being in a group helps you to push yourself, too. For example, a few people in our gang were apprehensive about the idea of ziplining in Tsitsikamma National Park. But since we were such a close knit group, there was a sense of camaraderie. So, they ended up giving it a go. And I think that’s a perfect example of how Flash Pack helps you experience things you may never try on your own. 

I’m always keen to travel but because a lot of my friends have families, I lack other single friends to go with. Flash Pack gives me that structure: it means I can continue exploring, seeing the world and meeting new people as I go. It’s about having fun with other solos of a similar mindset. 

I know it sounds cheesy, but I laughed so much during my trip in South Africa. I’m quite a hard person to make laugh, but somehow, our group ended up in stitches a lot. When I came back, I said to a friend, “I’d forgotten how good it is to do that.”

Surrey-based Charlotte Antell works as head of early careers in financial services. She traveled with Flash Pack to Peru and South Africa.