'World's oldest backpacker' books two-month Europe trip - at 95
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Keith Wright will visit Paris on his two-month trip around Europe. Photo: PA
At an age when many people are cosied up on a rocking chair with their pipe and slippers, an adventure-seeking 95-year-old man is about to embark on his eight backpacking trip in 10 years.
Keith Wright, from Queensland, Australia, has booked a two-month tour of Europe, beginning at the end of May, in which he will visit Madrid, San Sebastian, Vienna, Munich, and Paris, as well as a stop-off in Britain to see his favourite Aussie horse, Black Caviar, race at Royal Ascot.
The pensioner started travelling solo 10 years ago after his wife Barbara passed away.
The World War II veteran had always wanted to visit Gallipoli in Turkey for Anzac Day, and so decided to sell his house and put the extra money towards a holiday.
He saves all his money so he can go travelling, where he stays in hostels and two-star hotels.
According to the Telegraph, he said: "I have seen things that most tourists haven't seen, because I walk the back streets and take trains or buses to nearby towns for the day.
"Most people I meet are surprised when I tell them my age and amazed that I have come all the way from Australia."
Mr Wright, who wears his Australia cap wherever he goes, said he thinks older people should travel independently, telling news.com.au: "They can choose where they want to go, not where the bus company takes them and it's not as regimented.
"If you have 20 people on a bus you get one bad apple and you're stuck with them for 20 days.
"I can do it on my own much better than the young ones I meet in hostels.''
Keith books his trips through the Flight Centre and Escape Travel, and some agencies have even paid to upgrade his flights to business class so he can travel in style and comfort.
Flight centre travel consultant Christina Kerr told news.com.au: "Every booking I have made for him has been an inspiration to me,''
"Keith has become more like a friend over the years and when he travels he even asks the staff of the hostel to send me an email, just to let me know that he has arrived safely.''
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