RESEARCH from an over-50s specialist insurer suggests that as many as 775,000 of people aged 55 or over have taken an extended holiday abroad of six months or more.

Two-thirds of those taking such a break chose a long-haul destination with 25 per cent going to Australia or New Zealand.

Janet Connor, managing director of insurers RIAS, which carried out the survey, said: "Many older travellers are not content with simply relaxing in the sun. It's not uncommon to see a 55-year-old embarking on the sort of adventure holiday which only younger people contemplated until recently.

"Our survey shows that as many as one-in-five over 55s would choose an adventure holiday as their preferred holiday option, over a cruise, cultural or beach holiday."

However, finding travel insurance for these trips is not always straightforward. Janet said: "We are seeing an increasing number of older people requesting travel insurance not only for longer periods than the standard one or two-week holiday, but also to cover travel to a variety of long-haul destinations, often requesting additional cover to include adventure activities such as diving and snowboarding."

She said once travellers reach the age of 65 they often find it increasingly difficult to obtain insurance.