IHG Hotels & Resorts highlights 2024 as a peak year for retirements in the U.S., with many embracing “retirement reinvention” through travel and new pursuits.
ATLANTA, GA – The same way nuptials or newborns are celebrated, IHG Hotels & Resorts is commemorating another one of life’s biggest moments, retirement. 2024 is a record-breaking year for the retirement age milestone in the U.S., with an average of 11,000 Americans a day expected to celebrate their 65th birthday through yearend.
A new survey by IHG, in collaboration with Talker Research, polled 2,000 Americans who have retired, or will retire, between 2020–2029 and found 60% of respondents plan to, or already have, undergone a “retirement reinvention” – stepping into a completely new version of themselves during their golden years. Many retirees (40%) have taken, or plan to take, the trip of a lifetime to celebrate retirement. In fact, the majority (59%) are planning on traveling more during retirement than they traveled during their working years.
Connor Smith, Vice President of Masterbrand Strategy at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “One of people’s biggest fears when heading into retirement is being bored, but now we’re seeing that retirees have countless ideas on how to make the most of their hard-earned time. Whether that’s traveling, starting a side hustle or picking up a hobby, retirement can be an opportunity for adventure and reinvention and anything but boring.”
Of those who have or will take a retirement celebration trip, top stops are destinations within the U.S. (59%), Europe (31%) and other locations across North America (23%). A few intrepid adventurers are even trekking to Antarctica for their retirement trip.
“The reality is, people put their careers and families first. So, in their retirement era, it’s inspiring to see them live their best lives. We love that travel came up as a top priority and at IHG, guests can come as they are whether they’re adventurers, foodies or just want to be taken care of,” says Smith.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
