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World's Oldest Backpacker To Travel Europe This Summer
When most people think of backpacking, they picture a bunch of youths in their mid-20s eating street food, hiking to city sites and sleeping in dorms of 10 or more travelers. Australian nomad Keith Wright is breaking the stereotype, and at 95 years old, has planned a two-month backpacking tour of Europe for this summer.
Nicknamed the "world's oldest backpacker," Wright began backpacking when his wife passed away 10 years ago. Since the age of 85, the Aussie has been exploring the world solo, selling his home, staying in hostels, sipping brews with fellow travelers and trying as hard as he can to get off the beaten path.
"I have seen things most tourists haven't seen, because I walk the back streets and take trains or buses to nearby towns for the day," he told The Daily Mail.
Travel has become a large focus of Mr. Wright's life, as he carefully budgets all year long for these special trips. Starting May 28, the backpacker will spend his summer visiting Madrid, San Sebastian, Paris, Munich, Vienna and London.
Filed under: Stories, Europe, Budget Travel, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Fredric Ciner May 16th 2012 7:24PM
How can I be this guy, wow, an inspiration.
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John O'Donnell May 17th 2012 12:11AM
I'm 74 and backpacked in Europe, N. Africa and the Middle East for a year in 1963-4. Don't know if my get up can go anymore. I applaud him and look forward to hearing/reading about the trek.
Jessica Festa May 16th 2012 7:26PM
Agreed. I hope I'm still backpacking and exploring when I'm 95!
Grady May 17th 2012 2:40PM
Oh Yeah! This chap is still taken his stroll through life by seeing Europe. This is so enchanting and exciting. He doesn't look or act his age. This way of life keeps him going.
HarChr May 17th 2012 10:24AM
Age catches up with us all but that doesn't mean that we lose our sense of adventure. Keith inspires me. I'm hoping to backpack a 50 mile loop solo in Kings Canyon, something I did a number of times when I was younger. If Keith can do it, hopefully, so can I.
Calvin May 17th 2012 12:39PM
I am 62 now. I am about to embark on a journey to Spain, Russia, then China and on to the Philippines. That will complete my journey around the world. I will then retire when I get to the Philippines, that is my last trip.. but heehee they have 7,300 islands to explore !!
Calvin May 17th 2012 1:37PM
I am 62 years old now. I am about to embark on a trip to Spain, Russia, China and then to the Philippines. That will complete my trip around the world. I have been to France and Italy, across the USA, Hawaii, Guam and the Philippines so far. I will then stay in the Philippines for my retirement. Don't feel sad for me about stopping my journey, they have 7,300 islands to explore. LOL
bmitche May 17th 2012 2:39PM
He is probably in better condition than the average 40 year old.
hierome May 21st 2012 9:55AM
so true
Thai Songs May 23rd 2012 7:00PM
I've always been attracted to Thai traditional arts including Thai dancing and music based on court entertainment and religious rituals. Thai boxing, an indigenous sport originating from military training of Thai warriors, is very popular among the local, though I personally find a bit brutal.