2018 saw a shift in how Boomers travel; to start, seniors are now far more interested in a homely stay in an Airbnb over a hotel. So the question on everyone’s mind is what will 2019 bring?
AARP recently released a summarising 2019 Boomer travel trends. Seniors are expected to take 4-5 leisure trips next year, spending over $6,600, mostly on cruises. For those going abroad, 31% have booked their 2019 trips by September 2018, up from 23% by September of the previous year in 2018 and 17% in 2017, according to the online survey.
Of those in the planning phase of their domestic travel, 88% have already selected a destination, an increase from 72% in 2018. For those going abroad, 31% have booked their 2019 trips by September 2018, up from 23% by September of the previous year in 2018 and 17% in 2017, according to the online survey.
Top international destinations include Europe (41%), the Caribbean (20%), and Asia and the Middle East (11%).
The most common kinds of domestic trips expected are summer vacations, weekend getaways, and multi-generational trips. The most population destinations for Americans are unchanged from last year, with the top-mentioned locations once again being Florida (17%), California (11%), New York (5%), Texas (5%), and Las Vegas (5%).
Jonathan Breeze, CEO of AardvarkCompare.com, a travel insurance comparison site for seniors and an expert on all things senior travel, comments: "For the Baby Boomer generation, it’s time to spend. Student debt does not exist, they have paid off their mortgages, and saving money is no longer a concern. Boomers want to make the most of their golden years and travel the world. 2018 already demonstrated this and I believe 2019 will be no different. A recent AARP report estimates that seniors are expected to take 4-5 leisure trips this year, spending over $6,600. And it’s not just cruises, and domestic family visits. I predict this year will see even more seniors exploring the globe like tech savvy 20-year olds. The majority are traveling with a smartphone, seeking out authentic experiences, and are more interested in AirBnB than hotels.
