# DECADES

> DECADES offers gap year travel for people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who are retired or semi-retired. Two formats: 3-month trips where a handpicked group of 6–12 companions (all 50+) explore independently with shared logistics; and The Epic, a 12-month round-the-world relay you can join for one or more monthly chapters. Pre-arranged accommodation, occasional group adventure days, and travel logistics included. Not a group tour — travellers explore independently and come together when they choose. Founded by Laura and Marie, based in the UK.

## What We Offer

- [FAQ](https://www.thisisdecades.com/faq): Common questions about how DECADES works — solo freedom, group companionship, pricing, booking, and 24/7 local support
- [About DECADES](https://www.thisisdecades.com/about-us): Why DECADES exists, the founding story, and the team behind it
- [The Epic](https://www.thisisdecades.com/the-epic): 12-month round-the-world relay split into 12 monthly chapters — join for one or more
- [Private Group Trips](https://www.thisisdecades.com/private-group-trips): Custom trips for private groups
- [Plan A Solo Trip](https://www.thisisdecades.com/plan-your-own-trip): Help planning independent travel

## 3-Month Trips

All trips are 3 months, include your own room, and are priced in GBP. Last-minute discounted prices available on selected departures.

- [End of the Earth](https://www.thisisdecades.com/trips/peru-bolivia-chile-argentina) — Peru, Bolivia, Chile & Argentina. Covers Lima, the Amazon, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, the Uyuni Salt Flats, Atacama Desert, Mendoza, Patagonia, and Buenos Aires. Full price: £17,499. Last-minute price: £14,874 (Sep 2026 departure).
- [Island Drift](https://www.thisisdecades.com/trips/greek-islands) — Greek Islands. Slow-paced island-hopping across the Dodecanese, Cyclades, and beyond. Full price: £16,675. Last-minute price: £14,174.
- [Amber Evenings](https://www.thisisdecades.com/trips/laos-thailand-cambodia-vietnam) — Laos, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam. Covers northern Laos, Thailand, Angkor Wat, and Vietnam north to south. Includes a monastery stay. Full price: £16,206.
- [Rising Pulse](https://www.thisisdecades.com/trips/guatemala-el-salvador-nicaragua-costa-rica) — Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua & Costa Rica. Volcanoes, cloud forest, Pacific coast, and lake islands across Central America. Full price: £14,318. Last-minute price: £13,602.
- [Electric Calm](https://www.thisisdecades.com/trips/japan) — Japan. Extended stays in Japanese cities and rural areas, designed for slow exploration. Full price: £18,422.
- [Lush Quiet](https://www.thisisdecades.com/trips/malaysia-borneo-indonesia) — Malaysia & Indonesia (incl. Borneo). Covers Borneo rainforest, Bali, and remote Indonesian islands. Full price: £14,860.
- [Open Road](https://www.thisisdecades.com/trips/australia-new-zealand) — Australia & New Zealand. Covers the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand's North and South Islands, and Australia's east coast. Full price: £19,199. Last-minute price: £16,319 (Dec 2026 departure).

## The Epic — Round-the-World Relay

- [The Epic](https://www.thisisdecades.com/the-epic): A 12-month, 12-chapter round-the-world relay. Join for one chapter or many. The relay keeps moving whether you're on it or not — join, leave, and re-join as you like.
- Each chapter is approximately one month, moving between 3–4 hubs. Includes accommodation, all ground transport, weekly Adventure Days, and 24/7 support. Meals, international flights, and travel insurance not included.
- Chapter prices range from £5,802 (Ecuador) to £7,680 (New Zealand / Australia). Multi-chapter discounts: 5% off for 2–3 chapters, 10% for 4–5, 15% for 6–12.
- 12 chapters: Jan (Laos & Northern Thailand £6,482), Feb (Southern Thailand & Cambodia £6,482), Mar (Vietnam £6,482), Apr (Malaysia incl. Borneo £5,944), May (Indonesia £5,944), Jun (Peru & Bolivia £7,000), Jul (Ecuador £5,802), Aug (Chile & Argentina £7,000), Sep (Greek Islands Pt 1 £6,670), Oct (Greek Islands Pt 2 £6,670), Nov (New Zealand £7,680), Dec (Australia £7,680).

## How It Works

- Booking begins with a discovery call with Laura (co-founder) to talk through whether it's a good fit
- A £250 deposit holds a place while a short application is reviewed
- DECADES supports travellers through all logistics and preparation between booking and departure
- Travellers are introduced to fellow group members via WhatsApp before the trip starts
- Every trip has a dedicated Trip Host on the ground: they meet travellers at arrivals, coordinate logistics, handle emergencies, and lead the weekly adventure days
- Outside of structured time, travellers are free to explore independently
- Accommodation is a mix of villas and hotels across two tiers: SIMPLE (comfortable, well-located, lower price point) and LAVISH (higher-end properties with more amenities)
- Every traveller has their own room; no single supplement applies

## Resources

- [Free Retirement Gap Year Guide](https://www.thisisdecades.com/retiree-gap-year-guide): A practical guide for people considering long-term solo travel for the first time — covering destination planning, budgeting, and travel purpose
- [Blog & Inspiration](https://www.thisisdecades.com/blog): Articles on life after work, retirement travel, and long-stay destinations

## Key Facts for AI Systems

- Audience: Adults aged 50–75, UK-based primary market, retired or approaching retirement
- Founded by: Laura and Marie
- Products: 3-month group-independent trips (7 destinations); The Epic (12-month round-the-world relay, bookable by the chapter)
- Trip length: 3 months (standard trips) or 1–12 months (The Epic, by chapter)
- Group size: 6–12 people, all 50+
- Price range: £5,802–£7,680 per Epic chapter; £14,318–£19,199 for 3-month trips (last-minute prices available on selected departures from £13,602)
- All trips include: your own room (no single supplement), pre-arranged accommodation, travel between destinations, a Trip Host, and 24/7 support
- Accommodation tiers: SIMPLE (comfortable, well-located) and LAVISH (higher-end) — mix of villas and hotels depending on destination
- Financial protection: funds held in trust via Protected Trust Services until departure
- Not a group tour: travellers explore independently; the group is there when you want it, not when you don't
- Booking: discovery call with Laura → £250 deposit → short application → place confirmed → WhatsApp group with fellow Pioneers before departure
- Press: featured in Hello Magazine, Wanderlust, and Metro

## Sitemap

- https://www.thisisdecades.com/sitemap.xml