Fifty-two percent of Britons over the age of 50 have changed their travel habits in the past decade, with two thirds of the respondents of a survey saying they travel more often than a decade ago, according to Saga, the over-50s lifestyle company in the UK.

“The over 50s have thirst for life and that adventurous spirit is evident in their growing importance to the holiday market where they now make up the majority of travel spend in the UK. This survey shows that, over the last decade, people have started travelling more often and further afield. The choices for today's intrepid 50 something is more likely to be Borneo, India or Africa and at a time of year that fits in with their lifestyle,"  said Saga Travel spokesman Louis Myers in a statement.

For those who have changed where they travel, 34% now travel to more exotic destinations than they did 10 years ago - highest among 50 – 59 year old respondents (39% of 50-59 year olds vs. 13% of 80-89 year olds). Almost a quarter now travel to destinations that do not involve long haul flights and 16% now only travel to destinations in the UK.

And when it comes to the time of year over 50s now travel, over half of those who said they go at a different time of the year say they now avoid travelling during school holidays (53%). "For some, (almost a fifth) travelling at times when there are less likely to be other people abroad is a key change to their travelling plans," Saga said.

Persons over the age of 50 account for more than half of all travel and tourism spending in the UK and they are also the biggest buyers of cruise holidays.