AARP’s Annual Travel Survey shows Boomers are spending on travel and headed to new destinations – both domestically and internationally.
WASHINGTON – With 99% of Americans age 50 and older traveling for fun and spending roughly $125 billion on leisure travel, it is no wonder Boomers are using their vacation days to travel south of the border and domestically, according to AARP's new 2017 Travel Trends survey.
The majority of Boomers plan to take, at least, one leisure trip in 2017 and the average Boomer plans to take five or more leisure trips throughout the year. Sound like a lot, huh? Well Boomers are on the move, both, domestically and internationally!
Among domestic destinations, Boomers still favor Florida, California and Las Vegas, much like previous years. But among international destinations for Boomers, Latin America is heating up! While European travel is cooling off, significantly.
AARP Travel Ambassador Samantha Brown thinks many factors may be influencing this shift.
"Boomers have been travelling to Europe since the 1960s – it was probably their first big trip. They slept on trains and stayed in hostels and have been going back again and again. And now they want a change," Brown says.
Latin America has emerged as the most popular destination for Boomers traveling internationally – with 3 of the Top 5 destinations falling south of the U.S. border!
Top 5 Destinations for International Boomer travel include:
- Mexico
- The Caribbean
- England/UK/Ireland
- Central/South America
- Italy
According to Brown, "Latin America could be a closer flight or an easier flight. And it's an easier time change, for the most part. There are travel trends that Latin America speaks to more than Europe, like wellness. That could be anything from yoga retreats, hiking or helping out the community."
Boomer travelers are intrigued by the idea of an authentic or "off the beaten path" travel experience, both, domestic and international.
- 50% of Boomers want to eat a meal with locals
- 23% of Boomers want to tour with locals
- 18% of Boomers want to stay with a local host/host family
People are travelling to feel included in the world, so they don't want to ride on tour buses anymore or wait in long lines. They want to be in the moment and to go where the people are," Brown said.
44% of Boomers want to take more domestic trips in 2017. And according to Brown, the popular domestic destinations remain popular because of their expansive landscapes and varied price points.
"California could be its own country; it offers deserts, mountains, forests. There are endless possibilities for adventure, culture and fun. And Florida has over 2K miles of coastline; so you can go on a budget or you can go all out."
But Boomers aren't too concerned about budget.
Only 40% of the Boomers set a budget – as opposed to 62% of Millennials and 54% of GenXers. In addition, the majority of Boomers don't seem to be deterred by high priced airfare. And those who are do not let it stop them. They take a road trip instead.
Nonetheless, very few travelers encountered major issues with leisure travel plans.
Most Boomers are members of one or more travel loyalty programs. And they usually book directly through those programs online. However, AARP is making travel simple with trip planning and helpful travel information on how to plan your next getaway or vacation.
"AARP Travel uniquely focuses on Boomers and those over the age of 50-plus. Our content is curated for mature travelers, diverse in thought and experience – we offer information for those taking their first trip and those who've been travelling their entire lives," says Stephanie Miles, SVP of Integrated Marketing and Member Benefits at AARP.
AARP has been a leader in the field of travel for people 50-plus and their families since 1958 and identifies emerging trends that influence how their members dream, plan and book vacations. AARP Travel provides information, tools, and gives access to discounts to help people 50-plus plan, book, and experience trips they want to take – whether it is a quick getaway or a trip of a lifetime.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
