Top Senior Travel Trends and Experiences

The 60 and older group has much to look forward to. Retired or nearing retirement, their burdens of work and family-rearing are behind them, and there’s more time to dedicate to the things they want to do. Traveling and exploring what they haven’t yet seen in the world is, of course, a top aspiration.

Senior travelers are drawn to luxury destinations that highlight culture, food, art and authentic experiences, where they can dive deep and learn about the country they’re visiting.

Most of AAA travel advisor Jackie Calia’s repeat customers are in this age group, and since she’s this age herself, she can better guide clients to the adventures that define this stage of their lives.

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Most senior travelers no longer worry about penny-pinching and are fully committed to relishing the finest experiences across the globe. Their choices — and budgets — reflect this, and they seek out destinations with luxury in mind.

Nonstop flights, posh hotels and spas, high-end dining that is an experience as much as a meal, and personal tours define these trips. They can avoid the chaos of overpacked attractions that can cause undue stress and truly immerse in and enjoy the local culture.

With time and money on their side, senior travelers still spend wisely and take advantage of off-season discounts to maximize the distance they get for each dollar spent.

“They want premium experiences at this point in their life. They’re fulfilling their bucket lists,” Calia says. “They’ve spent their years already raising kids and making the choices and working hard. So, they want to relish in their time, have other folks make choices for them, and have it all taken care of.”

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Travel by Air, Water and Rail

While senior travelers usually prefer to bypass international borders at 36,000 feet, they will remain in this continent if they can hop aboard a train or boat, Calia says. It’s not inexpensive, she adds, but the white-glove service on a first-class coach across the Canadian Rockies, for instance, has major appeal.

Seniors enjoy being waited on, connecting to their parents’ preferred method of old-world transport in style, and they can see the wonders of the world out the window while relaxing with a glass of wine in hand.

“They like the luxury of train travel,” Calia said. “They like to be well taken care of. At that age, they love to have guided travel with experts who can tell them about everything they’re seeing. We see a lot of Viking Cruises, AmaWaterways cruises and other river cruises with this age group.”

Delegate the Details

These global wayfarers also know their way around a computer. They just want someone else to arrange all the finer details and itineraries.

“They’re very informed travelers on their own. They are not afraid to do the research,” Calia said. “They just don’t want to plan anything. They want to be told when they have to go.”

Where To?

Senior travelers tend to prioritize one big trip each year with multiple generations of their extended family — to celebrate their millennial children’s wedding anniversary, grandchild’s birthday or to simply spend time together away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. In fact, a Morning Consult analysis reports that more than two-thirds of baby boomers say they’ll travel in the next year to spend time with friends and family.

Prime destinations that can cater to these types of multigenerational vacations include Italy or Ireland, where large villas can accommodate groups of travelers, Calia said or a cruise that accommodates myriad culinary, accommodation and destination requests in one place.

Senior travelers also plan quite a few smaller trips solo or with friends, to share a trip to Easter Island, for example, which is “educational but they also meet people of their own age and interests,” Calia said.

Calia once booked a solo trip for a 78-year-old widow, including roundtrip car service to the airports, airfare and a weeklong cruise. “Everything was done, her tips were paid for,” Calia added, “and she basically could go with not a penny in her pocket.”

Exploring destinations like Alaska, Haiti, London and the Scottish Highlands, are deeply appealing to this age group, but they also flock to the beaches of Normandy, France, because many were born during World War II, she said.

“They want to see how the people of Peru live. It’s not a missionary-style trip, but they have an agenda,” Calia said. “They’re not all about relaxation. Anything is a learning experience, you know, they want to experience the culture, the food, the museums. It’s more of an educational experience.”

Travel Tours for Seniors

Viking, Tauk, Trafalgar and Intrepid Travel are among the best senior travel tour companies, according to TourScoop.

Your AAA travel advisor can arrange a vacation with one of these providers or assist with customizing a vacation that’s the perfect fit for you. It’s a free service included with your membership, so take advantage!

Contact a AAA travel advisor to start planning your vacation.

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Are you a senior who loves to travel? Tell us your favorite destinations and travel tips in the comments below.