Retirement isn’t what it used to be.

Forget cruises, coach tours and two-week holidays. A growing number of over-50s want something different – longer, slower, more meaningful travel that feels like living, not just visiting.

Enter DECADES – a new UK-based travel startup helping over-50s live abroad for three months at a time. The company officially launches this month, opening bookings for its first “gap year” style adventure in Southeast Asia, departing February 2026.

The concept is simple: immersive travel designed for people who still feel like they’re 25, but want the comfort, connection and support traditional options rarely offer.

“Retirement should be about what’s possible, not what’s typical,” says Laura Cannon, founder of DECADES. “I want people to finally live the adventures they’ve always dreamed of.” 

Not a Tour. Not a Cruise.

DECADES isn’t a group tour, nor is it a retirement community. It’s something new: a slow-travel experience built around freedom, belonging and purpose.

Each chapter runs for three months, with a handpicked group of 8-12 like-minded people. Travellers live together in beautiful homes – complete with air conditioning, shared spaces and pools – while exploring local cities, cultures and landscapes at their own pace.

There’s no rigid itinerary. Instead, DECADES offers four curated experiences each month (think: local cooking classes, hikes, or market tours), with plenty of time for independent discovery.

A trained, UK-based host lives onsite or nearby, providing on-demand support for logistics, safety and planned weekly experiences.

“Many retirees are fit, curious and eager for more,” Cannon adds. “They want to build genuine connections and explore the world at a slower pace. DECADES curates three-month gap year style adventures for small, handpicked groups of like-minded individuals – no tour buses, no big groups, no rushed schedules.”

Built for the Second Half of Life

This is for the people who’ve spent decades raising families, building careers or caring for others – and are finally ready to focus on themselves.

DECADES is designed for:

  • Over-50s who still feel adventurous but don’t want to go it alone
  • People looking for deeper connection, not surface-level sightseeing
  • Travellers who want comfort and safety without sacrificing freedom

And the price? Founding Member rates start from £864 per week – up to 50% cheaper than many similar cruises or premium tours with private accommodation. Members also get lifetime perks and the chance to co-create future chapters, helping shape what comes next.

Why Now?

Generations of parents have watched their children take gap years. DECADES asks: why shouldn’t you?

It’s not a holiday. It’s not a tour. It’s your next chapter.

Spaces for DECADES’ inaugural Southeast Asia trip are strictly limited to keep the experience personal.

To learn more or apply, visit thisisdecades.com