As the largest generation in the U.S. currently, it comes with no surprise that Baby Boomer travel is on the rise. Sure, Millennials have backpacking adventure travel on lock, and Gen Xers have mastered the art of bleisure (business + leisure = bleisure) trips and traveling with young kids, but at a whopping estimate of $157 billion being spent on trips each year, Baby Boomers are making their mark on travel.

From making the most of flexible schedules to finding ways to splurge on travel and make time for themselves and their families, here are the top three Baby Boomer travel trends to watch out for this year. (Millennials – take notes!)

Checking Out

When it comes to taking time off, Boomers take the cake for embracing the true out-of-office spirit. Although 50-to-70-somethings that are still in the workforce tend to use less of their vacation days than their Gen X and Millennial colleagues, they’re also the ones that are more likely to unplug while traveling for leisure. So, while Baby boomers may not be taking as many holidays as the rest, when they do jet set out of town, they’re all about the triple R’s – rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

Even when it comes to planning their trips, more and more Boomers are ditching the hectic itineraries and long lists of to-dos and opting instead for easy tours and packages that allow them to experience their destinations and participate in local culture and activities, stress-free. And unlike their younger counterparts that tend to stay plugged into their jobs through their mobile devices, taking time away from their holidays to check and respond to work-related emails, messages and calls, traveling Boomers instead use their phones to take pictures, check in with family and check out from the stresses of their daily lives back home.

Big Spending

Step aside Millennials. While you may be posting up a storm on your social media accounts with pictures from your fabulous and luxurious travels, the true big-spenders are the Boomers. While 20-to-30-somethings seek out affordable accommodations and basic fares, Boomers stick to booking trips with their go-to’s – which in this case probably means a quality 3-4-star hotel, car services to and from the airport, and round trip flights with their favorite carrier. These days, Boomers are projected to spend about $2,000 more than both Gen Xers and Millennials on travel.*

But the spending doesn’t stop there. Between having a relatively flexible schedule enabling them to travel when they can find a good rate and keeping an eye out for those senior discounts and deals, avid Baby Boomer travelers have both time and money to spend – and they’re willing to spend both. At an average of about 4-5 trips a year*, Baby Boomers spare no expense for their trips (especially if their leisure and/or bucket-list ones), beating out the rest in clocking in both longer and more expensive trips. The best part? This age group is also the most likely to travel with a partner or family and pay for most of the trip, meaning all that big-spending is also a way for them to share experiences and offer travel opportunities to their loved ones!

Early Bird Booking

“The early bird catches the worm.” “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” “Better to start early than finish late.” You get the idea. But for boomers, they don’t just recognize all the benefits of hopping on the bandwagon early on, they’re turning those ideas into actions.

Last, but trust us when we say it’s certainly not the least, the biggest Boomer travel trend is planning early…really early. This year, many Boomers traveling domestically have already chosen their destinations. And for those traveling internationally, many have already booked their trips! Whether it’s a simple weekend road trip to see the grandkids, or the international, bucket-list destination of their dreams, Boomers are taking full advantage of their flexible schedules to plan ahead and book earlier than ever.

FAQs:

Q: Are Baby Boomers really traveling more than previous generations?  

A: Yes, Baby Boomers are embracing travel like never before, seeking unique experiences and adventure in their retirement years.

Q: What kind of destinations do Baby Boomers prefer?  

A: While they still enjoy classic destinations, Baby Boomers are increasingly exploring exotic locations in Asia, Africa, and South America.

Q: Is adventure travel common among Baby Boomers? 

A: Absolutely, many Baby Boomers are opting for adventure activities like hiking, kayaking, and even skydiving.

Q: How do Baby Boomers ensure their health and safety during travel?  

A: They visit their doctors before the trip, carry necessary medications, and invest in travel insurance for added protection.

Q: What types of accommodations do Baby Boomers prefer?  

A: Baby Boomers often choose boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals that offer comfort and local experiences.

Q: Are guided tours popular among Baby Boomers?  

A: Yes, guided tours provide Baby Boomers with structured travel experiences, insights from experts, and the chance to socialize.

Q: How can Baby Boomers make the most of their travel experiences?  

A: By embracing new activities, interacting with locals, trying local cuisine, and being open to cultural differences.

Have any Boomer travel trends for this year to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!