Amanda Marks, managing director of our supplier, Tribes Travel: “Don’t be afraid, be brave and go for it. I haven’t ridden a horse for about 30 years. I became scared. Then I saw a brochure about horse riding in the wilds of Namibia. I knew I had to do that, so I am now re-learning to ride. It might be a year before I feel strong enough and confident enough to take the Namibia trip, but I will do it. Not only will I have the joy of the vacation, but I’m already revelling in my renewed love of horse riding. Travel offers you experiences that are very well worth making an effort for.”

Catherine Mack, guide author at Responsible Travel and 50-something travel writer: “I am blessed with my job, because I find myself constantly taking on challenges on my travels that I might not have even attempted in my 20s. I am not into triathlons or super adrenaline sports. But being pushed out of my comfort zone, with the helping hand and encouraging smile of an expert guide, is something that I hope to continue doing throughout my 50s, 60s, 70s… as long as I can still swim, kayak, hike, cycle and smile at the end of it all. And that goes for sharing new cultures too. I find it easier to speak with people whose language I don’t share now that I have a bit of life experience behind me. If I just show a mother pictures of my kids, that opens up a whole world of joyful communication. You just have to take that first step, learn a few basic words and you’re off.”