Senior travellers enjoying the views after hiking Kings Canyon Rim trail, Red Centre – Australia
The Independent Senior Travellers
Our Story
Welcome to The Independent Senior Travellers.
For more than sixty years, we have explored the world as independent travellers, creating unforgettable memories through road trips, hiking adventures, and authentic travel experiences. This website shares our favourite destinations, practical travel tips, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
The first fifty years of our lives were spent in Germany, where we developed a lifelong love of hiking, nature, wildlife, wildflowers, and mushroom foraging.
Our early travels took us throughout Europe, from Denmark in the north to the former Yugoslavia in the south. Flying was uncommon in those days, so most journeys were made in our trusty Volkswagen Beetle. Travelling by car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace and discover places beyond the usual tourist routes.
At the age of fifty, we migrated to Australia and began exploring this remarkable country. Retirement opened even more opportunities to travel, taking us throughout Australia and on to New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and North America. Wherever we travelled, we sought beautiful landscapes, memorable hiking trails, fascinating wildlife, and genuine encounters with local people and cultures. Although we have slowed down a little over the years, our curiosity and passion for discovering new places remain as strong as ever.
Why We Choose Independent Travel
Independent travel has always given us the freedom to create journeys that reflect our own interests and pace.
Planning a trip is part of the adventure. Long before we leave home, we enjoy researching destinations, studying maps, reading about local history and culture, and discovering scenic walks and hiking trails. Arriving well prepared allows us to experience far more than simply visiting the major tourist attractions.
Travelling independently also gives us complete flexibility. We can change our plans whenever we choose, spend extra time in places we love, and avoid rushing from one destination to the next.
Rather than staying exclusively in hotels, we often choose holiday homes, cabins, caravan parks, and motorhomes. Preparing our own meals, enjoying a barbecue, or sharing a camp kitchen with fellow travellers often becomes just as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Over the years, we have travelled by car, rental car, motorhome, ferry, train, and plane. While independent travel remains our preferred style, we occasionally join local day tours or hire expert guides to gain a deeper understanding of a destination’s history, culture, and hidden gems.
Above all, independent travel gives us something we value most—the freedom to explore, the flexibility to follow our curiosity, and the opportunity to create lasting travel memories.
Explore Our Travel Destinations
Australia – Our Home and Adventure Playground
After moving to Australia more than 40 years ago, this remarkable continent quickly became—and still is—the perfect place for us. As outdoor people, we love hiking, nature and a good beach, and over the years we have explored almost every corner of this vast country, always looking for adventure and enjoying the wonderful people we met along the way.
We have loved hiking in Tasmania, exploring the tropical north and driving through the colourful landscapes of the Red Centre. We flew into the Bungle Bungles and walked among the iconic beehive-shaped domes, canoed the Ord River in the Kimberley, and snorkelled on both the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef.
Hiking in Western Australia was another unforgettable experience—although we were rarely on time because we had to stop constantly to photograph the spectacular wildflowers. Australia has also given us the chance to experience its rich wildlife, discover Aboriginal rock art dating back more than 20,000 years, explore its endless coastline and camp in beautiful national parks.
And whenever we needed a break from nature, Australia’s vibrant cities were never far away.Explore Australia
Europe – History, Culture and Scenic Journeys
Europe – History, Culture & Scenic Journeys
This is not a European travel guide, but a collection of our travel memories. After many years living in Australia, we returned to Europe to revisit places we loved, explore destinations we had missed, and catch up with family and friends. In Germany, we returned to Nuremberg and the Black Forest, remembering the wonderful hikes, spring wildflowers and relaxing stops at traditional pubs. We finally explored Berlin, once a divided city that we had never visited. What a fantastic surprise it was—a vibrant and exciting capital filled with history, impressive architecture, museums and a lively atmosphere unlike any other city we visited.
Greece brought us ancient history and beautiful islands, while Istanbul became one of the most fascinating and enjoyable cities we have ever visited—although three days were far too short.
New Zealand – Landscapes, Adventure & Hiking
New Zealand – A Land of Natural Wonders
From the volcanic wonders of the North Island to the dramatic mountains and fiords of the South Island, discover scenic hikes, outdoor adventures, rich Māori culture, and unforgettable travel experiences across one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
North America – Scenic Drives and Hiking Adventures
