Here I am – right now – in Luang Prabang, Laos, a stunning historical slice of French Colonial architecture, a town that could double for a movie set it's so perfect, filled with the chanting of monks, a spiritual peaceful city by the hypnotic Mekong River.

On Yer Bike Grandad (right)

So much to see, so little to do. Culture and scenery everywhere. Just take it in. Yet what has had the biggest impact on me is all the, um, older tourists. You know, your parents;grey hair and backpacks, the so-called future of tourism.

Apart from the Chinese and Indian of course. Wouldn't want to steal their thunder.

The are hundreds if not thousands of Grey Nomads from Germany, France, Australia, Britain, USA, traipsing all over Luang Prabang dressed in the sort of modern camouflage gear a certain type of well-prepared tourist wears.

Well that's the men I'm talking about. As for the women, well they look great – for 70-year-olds. Stylish, well-dressed, thoughtful – looking for a little adventure.

They outnumber the younger, more 'traditional' backpackers by about 2-1. And most are doing it as independent travellers, not part of a group. It's quite something – and the trend will only accelerate.



Full story and more images:

www.traveltrends.biz/ttn555-get-on-your-bike-lets-go-travelling