Roger Sands covers travel, culinary trends and hospitality design.

All eyes have been on Greenland recently after President Trump announced an interest in possibly purchasing the world's largest island from Denmark. The picturesque country in the Arctic Ocean, northeast of Canada and northwest of Iceland with a population approaching 57,000, was already a popular destination for the cruise ship industry with many vessels choosing Greenlandic towns for their ports of call.

The number of active travelers over 60 is growing at a rapid pace as many seniors are shunning the perception of being couch potatoes. These travelers are still looking for adventure and new places to discover, but many well-known locations have become too crowded with tourists in recent years. Despite its often harsh and often mercurial weather, Greenland has become a popular tourist destination for adventurous senior travelers.

The best time to visit Greenland depends on what you wish to experience. Each season has its own characteristics. For seniors, summer is often the most suitable time. Winter can be long, with heavy snow and often icy roads, which can make it difficult to get around and requires extra caution.

Greenland is undergoing significant development. With the opening of the international airport in Nuuk and new flight routes, traveling to Greenland has become easier than ever. For American travelers, it will become even more convenient when United Airlines launches a new route in the summer of 2025.

Gill and Alistair Campbell, authors of the Bradt Guide to Greenland, the first English-language guidebook dedicated to this country, are both in their mid-70s and have been traveling the world for more than 50 years. Alistair says, "The guide's aim is to enable others to enjoy their own epic adventures in this wild, beautiful and untouched Arctic land. The guide combines essential information - such as getting around on an island lacking roads connecting the major settlements - with advice on what to see and do, and where to stay and eat. Every chapter is infused with Greenland's remarkable combination of pristine nature and traditional culture, which sets it apart from Arctic neighbors - and which makes a trip so rewarding."

With breathtaking scenery and a wealth of culture, there is so much to explore. Greenland is an Inuit nation, they have lived on this island for thousands of years. Their inspiring story is told in tiny town museums, each set against the spectacular and pristine Arctic landscape. The world's longest fjords cut deep gashes into mountainous terrain, the Arctic's largest ice sheet stretches north for nearly two thousand miles, but it may be the history of a people who have prospered in this unforgiving land that is most inspiring.

Alistair adds, "Dog sledding is hard to beat. Warm under reindeer skins, skimming across a frozen fjord pulled by a dozen eager dogs heading out for some fishing or to stay the night in a remote lodge or even an igloo. The coastal ferry is a favorite. It gets you from town to town along the coast while providing good food and accommodation and great company. We've traveled with children leaving their villages to attend school in the city, mothers returning from the birth of their first grandchild, workers off to start a new project in the far north and, of course, one or two tourists. Flying, too, can be fun. No big terminals nor planes seating hundreds. In Greenland your local flight is as likely to be by helicopter as by plane and, either way, the views are spectacular."

There is a surprising amount of wildlife in Greenland, from musk oxen and caribou to arctic fox and white-tailed eagles and as many as 15 different species of whales. The Campbells have been known to just sit on a terrace with a local beer keeping a look-out for those whales while giant icebergs float past.

There are many activities well-suited for seniors. Boat trips in the fjord systems around Nuuk or among the icebergs near Ilulissat are very popular. Additionally, you can experience Greenlandic culture at museums or by participating in a "kaffemik" with a local. For those who enjoy walking, there are great opportunities to explore nature. Greenland officials have also created a guide specifically designed to help seniors experience the best of Greenland. The guide includes activity suggestions, travel tips and practical information.

The Campbells offer the following advice:

* Dress in layers and always accept the offer of specialist clothing when going on a trip. Wear shoes with good grip soles and take walking poles.

* Pick up a local SIM card for your phone.

* If you choose to cruise then select one that starts or ends in Greenland so that you can add a few days at either end, you'll not regret it.

* The best advice we received was say "yes." Greenlanders are genuinely pleased to meet you and may invite you to join them for a meal - local food is as surprising as it is wonderful. You might also be invited to a 'kaffemik' - coffee mornings that go on all day - or to join them on their boat, sled or all-terrain vehicle. Say yes and you get to experience a part of their life, something you'll never forget.

No matter the destination, seniors are traveling in record numbers to all corners of the world. Gary Murtagh, president of ElderTreks, which offers Exotic Adventures for Travelers 50 and over, says, "The demand for senior travel has increased. The tail end of the Baby Boomers is now in their 60's. Many are looking at retirement, semi-retirement or for some, just a shift in life's priorities. For many, this includes exploring the world and to experience some of its most precious and fascinating wildlife, landscapes, cultures and ancient sites. Many have no desire curb their curiosity and wanderlust as long as they stay healthy."

He explains that in late eighties, adventure travel was still viewed as somewhat fringe or niche in the travel industry. He adds, "Those days are long gone and one of the main reasons is the continual interest and demand from seniors who are looking for an unforgettable experience and adventure from African safaris, trekking in the Himalayas, Andes or Rockies, Polar exploration and to ancient sites of Egypt, Greece or Iran."

One of the main considerations in terms of finding the right company for you digging deeper in terms of: Comfort level; What's actually included from meals to activities, tipping, etc. Many companies advertise a very low price but then have meals and activities that you are continually paying for even after you paid for your trip; How much effort is put into creating well-thought-out, unique itineraries versus any company that can pretty much go online and rip off any run of the mill itinerary; Find out a little bit about the guides or tour leaders as your tour leader or guide can often make or break your travel experience.