Active senior Carmel Helman is one of the thousands of over 60s who has been firmly bitten by the travel bug, having just completed the gruelling Camino de Santiago, an 800km pilgrimage across Europe.

The Ingenia Lifestyle Lara resident, Carmel said the trip was very liberating, and the first time she was travelling part of the trip on her own, which fuelled a sense of excitement.

“It was certainly the most challenging trip I’ve done, walking every day from point A to point B on the Camino Trail is difficult but the beautiful scenery is worth it,” Carmel said.

“I found the Camino Trail very liberating and rewarding, I came home feeling calmer and with a great sense of achievement.

“I was nervous that my feet wouldn’t hold up at the beginning, but each night after a little rest you just felt fantastic and rearing to go again the next day.

Carmel is one of thousands of Australian’s aged 60 plus who are increasingly catching the travel bug compared to the younger population. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics people 60 years and over was the only group to show an increase in overseas departures at 17.2 per cent in 2015-16, a rise of 4.1 percent compared to the 2005-06 period.

“Coming from a different generation, travel was not as accessible in our 20s as it is for those today.  There were different expectations, so I can see why so many who are 60 plus are booking those trips away. It also helps that I don’t have a huge home to worry about while I am away – I can lock and leave and enjoy my trip.”

“Ingenia Lifestyle Lara is great for people who love to travel, you can lock up and leave knowing that there are plenty of people to check in on your home.”

Ingenia Lifestyle Lara Project Sales Manager Kerri Hughes said the flexibility that the lock and leave homes provide, allow residents to lead the life they want with the security knowing that their home is being looked after while they’re away.

“We encourage our residents to be adventurous and connect with like-minded friends and neighbours in a safe and secure community,” Ms Hughes said.

As Carmel increased her training, she walked the community grounds daily with her backpack and walking boots, making all the neighbours very curious as to what she was doing.

“The facilities at Lara were a real asset to Carmel’s training as she was able to use the gym to build her strength with some weight training and the pool for additional training,” Ms Hughes said.