With pensioners spending an average of €42.37 a week on heat and light last year – up 32% on the previous year, according to research by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice – it’s no wonder that moving abroad for the winter is so popular. In fact, 15% of the 246,000 people entitled to the State pension last year claimed it from abroad, mainly from Spain, Italy, Portugal and Cyprus. While this includes those who have permanently retired abroad, it also includes those who simply spend the winter in sunnier climes.

Abroad
“There are certainly some great accommodation deals for people looking to stay abroad longer than the usual two-week holiday,” says Louise Jordan of Sunway Travel. “February, March and April are the best months for good deals and some of the most popular low-cost winter spots include Turkey, Tunisia and Lanzarote.”

The seniors “flexi-stay” market is highly developed in the UK, with around 871,000 Britons registered as living part, or all, of the year abroad. Dozens of websites offer special off-season deals between November and April each year and, with sterling currently so low against the euro, Irish holidaymakers can pick up some great deals.

Senior travel specialist www.latedeals.co.uk offers 35 nights in self-catering accommodation in the Costa Blanca for around £336 (€358) based on four people sharing. For those who want to book flights and accommodation independently, other websites offer three-bed villas in locations such as Estepona, a westerly resort in the Costa del Sol, for as little as €60 per week, while cheap mid-week flights are readily available at this time of year.

The main drivers for older adults spending the winter abroad include better weather, lower living costs of up to 30%, a slower pace of life and the Mediterranean diet. In addition, the large number of older Europeans spending the winter in holiday resorts abroad means that there’s a well-established network of social and cultural activities on offer, from keep fit to ballroom dancing.

With the recession, the tourist industry is keener than ever to attract people off season, so there should be good value for money.

Late last year, the Spanish tourist authorities announced plans to re-brand the Costa del Sol as a place to be during the colder months. Their “Winter in Spain” campaign aims to attract older Europeans and Americans to the region, which saw trade fall 8% during last year’s peak summer season. As part of the campaign, the Spanish government has pledged more than €5 million to upgrade some of the tattier resorts and run more cultural events.

Top tips

• Research the area before you go.
• Check that your travel insurance covers you for being flown home in the event of an accident.
• Make sure you are close to a medical centre, public transport and shops.
• Learn a bit of the local language before you arrive.
• Transfer your pension or have it paid into your bank account at home.
• Ensure your ATM card works overseas.