Joanna Lumley tops Over 50s poll as favourite travel companion

- Over a third (34%) of over 50s would dream of visiting BBC’s popular drama location for Death in Paradise

- Las Vegas and Brazil (4%), are the lowest priority of travel destinations for the over 50s

- Broadchurch and Downton Abbey top close-to-home TV destinations to visit

London, April 2015: New research reveals that the over 50s have exotic tastes when it comes to travel. 35% of over 50s said that Joanna Lumley would be their favourite travel companion, over Michael Palin, at 25%. The Ab Fab star even beat off crooner, Michael Buble at 10%, and recently sacked, Jeremy Clarkson.

Miss Lumley says of the poll “I am thrilled and delighted to have been chosen and my next travel programme in China, Mongolia, Siberia and Russia (Joanna Lumley’s Trans Siberian Adventure) is just especially for all those sweet but absent travelling companions who voted for me, and who are in my thoughts wherever I go.”

Far from wanting a short hop over the channel for a European getaway, over a quarter of the poll (26%) of over 50s would choose Australia as their holiday destination, if money were no object.

Interestingly, Las Vegas came last in the poll with 4%, indicating the over 50’s Brits have put their gambling days behind them.

TV has a huge impact on destination choice and the popular BBC show Death in Paradise inspires 34% to travel to Guadeloupe. The grizzly goings-on in BBC hit Broadchurch comes a close second with 29%. The stay-cation is still going strong as ITV’s Sunday night regular Downton Abbey draws 10% to Highclere Castle. But only 1% would like a trip to Weatherfield in Yorkshire the home of Coronation Street.

Martin Lock, CEO Silversurfers.com says: “This survey shows that the over 50s are still looking for far flung adventure, and that TV programmes have a big impact on their decisions. As for travel companions, I’d rather go with Michael Palin as my guide, but I’m sure my wife would rather travel with Michael Buble!”