'World's Oldest Backpacker' Is 95 Years Old
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10:28am UK, Sunday June 10, 2012
The sprightly pensioner from Burleigh Heads in the state of Queensland is about to set off again, this time on a two-month trip around Europe.
Mr Wright, who believes he is the world's oldest backpacker, has spurned genteel coach tours or cruises for independent travel.
"If you are independent and a bit adventurous it is the best way of doing it," he told Sky News.
The pensioner began backpacking after his wife died
"You see what other people don't see because they have got a set route and go just where they are taken".
Mr Wright began backpacking at the tender age of 85 after his wife died.
He travels light and stays in two star hotels or hostels, sometimes in shared dorms.
His home is full of photographs from his trips including pictures of the many fellow backpackers he has met along the way.
"The young ones are alright, actually they're fantastic" he said. "I think they help me keep young. When they know my age, they go gaga some of them!"
The globetrotting grandad has become something of a celebrity at his local travel agents where staff book his flights.
So far he has visited 23 countries and well over 100 foreign cities.
Linda Chugg from Escape Travel said: "Usually 95-year-olds are at home with cups of tea, knitting, spending time with the family.
"But Keith is off travelling the world, hanging out with people younger than me in bars and nightclubs dancing the night away. So yes, he is definitely a true testament to the Australian go-getter."
Mr Wright goes backpacking every other year, saving up the money to pay for his adventures in between.
He says he wants to encourage other elderly people not to fear travel but to embrace it, and to give independent travel a go.
The only bad experience he has had was in Mexico when his bag got left on a bus which drove off.
His latest trip will take in Spain, France, Germany and Austria. He will also be visiting the UK so he can go to the races at Ascot in June.
He says he will carry on backpacking until he gets "too old".
"I am on a bonus every day," he said. "I don't know what day my number is up so I might as well enjoy myself doing what I want to do."
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