Gen Xers, Millennials, even their predecessors the Greatest Generation complain about how Baby Boomer’s change industries and norms to their will because of their sheer size and economic clout. And travel is no different. A recent study by AARP highlights the boom in Boomer travel and why this matters to travelers.
According to the report, US Boomers are planning on traveling about the same this year as last year with 53% planning an international trip. This contrasts with millennials where 80% said they wanted to travel internationally in a recent survey.
Boomers also travel for very distinct reasons.
But when Boomers travel, they plan on spending significant dollars.
Here are the Key Findings of the Report
- Boomers continue to be avid travelers, planning to take a total of 4-5 leisure trips in 2019 on which they will spend over $6,600. A small portion will only travel internationally while the rest are fairly evenly split between traveling only domestically and traveling both domestically and internationally.
- Travel planning is taking place earlier as compared to years past with more Boomers already having booked international trips and more of those in the domestic trip planning phase having already chosen a destination.
- Connecting with locals for an authentic experience on vacation is of interest to Boomers, especially over meals and on tours on international trips.
- And while the majority tend to travel with a smartphone on domestic trips, about half will bring them on international trips Among those who do travel with their smartphone, most say they “can’t travel without it.” The top use for these phones while on vacation is to take photos.
- When it comes to mixing business and pleasure, working Boomers are still not big fans. Most do not feel it is important to stay connected to work while they are away. Among those who will bring work with them, they will not let it consume much of their vacation time. Also, few have extended work trips for pleasure or intend to do so in the future.
- So it is not surprising that work is not the biggest barrier to travel for Boomers. Cost and health issues/concernsare mentioned most often.
In essence it looks like the boom in Boomer travel isn’t going to end anytime too soon.
