Baby Boomers are actively planning for trips on their personal Bucket Lists. Paris and London, as well as domestic destinations including Palm Springs, Savannah and Los Angeles are ranking high in priority. According to the most recent AARP Travel Trends Survey, the 50+ set will be active travelers in 2015, taking an average of four to five trips in the next 12 months.
The study reports the top reasons for 50+ travel will include escape, relaxation and spending time with family and friends. Traveling Baby Boomers are looking to mainly relax and rejuvenate during their upcoming trips, as opposed to adventure travel. Part of the Palm Springs appeal to Baby Boomers is the wide variety of dining options.
High on the Baby Boomer Bucket List is travel to warm weather destinations like Palm Springs and Myrtle Beach, that offer a wide variety of dining options and affordable group accommodations like all-suites hotels and vacation rental homes. A preference for available public transportation and walkable cities also appeal to the market segment. “We are pleased that boomers remain enthusiastic about travel and are planning for more multi-generational travel next year,” said Stephanie Miles, Vice President of Member Value for AARP.
Multi-generational gatherings are high on the Baby Boomers Bucket List. Travelers in the 50+ market plan to travel to warm weather destinations to spend time with family. Vacation Rental Homes meet the needs of family and small group travelers. A recent study by TripAdvisor, named Palm Springs one of the most affordable domestic destinations for vacation rental homes. “For those traveling with family or a group, vacation rentals can be a great way to cut down on accommodation costs while enjoying some of the creature comforts of home,” said Brooke Ferencsik, director of communications for TripAdvisor.
TripAdvisor and Travel Trends studies by polling 1,000 of its recent 50+ vacation rental guests to determine what they feel is most compelling about visiting the desert city. The most popular responses, in order of popularity were:
- The weather and natural beauty
- The city’s focus on mid-century art, architecture and design
- The ease of navigating the city
- The available selection of luxury vacation rental homes catering to small group travel
- The affordable pricing for vacation rental homes
- The abundance of golf courses, hiking trails and other recreational activities
- The wide selection of dining options
- The city-hosted festivals and special events
- The hiking trails and natural beauty of Palm Springs places Palm Springs high on the Baby Boomer Bucket List
Key highlights from the AARP 2015 Travel Trends Predictions include:
Will the 50+Travel more in 2015 than 2014? 48% of the 50+ say, “Yes!” They plan to travel more next year than this year. What kind of trips are people 50+ planning for 2015?
Extended Family Trips: 33% of travelers 50+ will take at least one multi-generational trip. This trend is expected to increase for Generation X’ers who will begin to join the 50+ next year.
Summer Vacations: 54% will take a summer vacation either domestically or abroad.
Weekend Getaways: 26% will plan weekend getaways for a quick break or family event.
Romantic Travel: Love is in the air with 28% planning romantic travel either domestically or internationally.
Solo Travel represents 28% of planned 2015 trips and could prove to be the ultimate in freedom and rejuvenation when travelers 50+ are in total control of their trips.
Staycation: Four in ten boomers took a staycation this year and anticipate taking one again in 2015. Many find great opportunities to enjoy time in their own backyards.
AARP has been a leader in the field of travel for people 50+ 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+ plan, book, and experience trips they want to take – whether it is a quick getaway or a trip of a lifetime.
For the full report on 2015 AARP Travel Trends, visit http://www.aarp.org/2015TravelTrends.