My passion is traveling and I try to do it as much as I can. If I’m not out of town, I write about where I live in Los Angeles because it’s a world in itself. Baby Boomer travel is on the rise as our kids leave the house and some of us move into retirement. If you scroll down below, you’ll see some of the over 50 travel trends I’m talking about.
Traveling over 50 is enriching and stimulating and it’s always exciting to discover new destinations and explore other cultures. Boomers, focused on remaining active and healthy aren’t content to just sit on a chaise lounge and let ships pass them by. They’re on the move and ready to see as much as they can in the world. I know I am. How about you?
Click on the links below to read posts about the many destinations I and some of my guest authors have visited on our travels. Browse my travel photo galleries, read useful travel tips, and check out my Baby Boomer travel recommendations for booking, hotels, flights, tours, and favorite travel accessories. I’d love it if you’d also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Baby Boomer Travel – Abroad
My very favorite destination abroad is Europe. I love visiting small villages, old town centers, historical locations, and I’m obsessed with their old doors. But, let’s face it, there’s so much wonder to explore on Earth, I love it all!
Baby Boomer Travel – USA
As a citizen of the United States, I’m proud to live in such a beautiful and wonderful mixture of cultures, scenery, and people. Check out where I’ve been in America the beautiful.
Ya Gotta Love Los Angeles – Yep! That’s Where I Live!
I’m an LA girl through and through and I adore my city. There’s so much to do in the city of the Angels and the weather is almost always perfect. When I’m not out of town traveling, I get a kick out of seeing what’s up in my neighborhood.
Travel tips, photos, and other adventures
I love to take photos of the places I’ve been whether it’s on a cruise or land. And, as you’ll see below, I’m a diehard foodie.
My Favorite Travel Resources for Baby Boomers Who Love to Travel
Favorite Travel Products for Baby Boomer Travelers – Recommended sites for flights, transportation, hotels, tour companies, travel gear, insurance, and more.
Travel Trends for Baby Boomers
Now that Baby Boomers have more freedom from dealing with children and parents many are taking advantage of their time to travel. According to AARP, people over 50 take an average of 4-5 trips per year both internationally and domestic.
And just because we’re older it hasn’t stopped us from being adventurous. We are hiking, biking, walking, mountain climbing, scuba diving, skiing, motorcycling, camping, glamping, and even flying through the air. There are no limits to what Boomers can do if we want it bad enough. Even if you have physical challenges doesn’t mean you can’t venture out. You can take a cruise, ride the rails, sail, go road tripping in an RV, or relax at a spa. I’m always ready to drop what I’m doing to discover new places and things to do.
Experiential travel
One aspect of travel that’s trending with Boomers is to interact with locals and become immersed in the local culture. Our generation as a general rule prefers to stay in hotels or cruise ships as opposed to rented homes and hostels mostly for comfort and service. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a given that we book rooms at large and familiar hotel chains. Some of us opt for locally-run boutique hotels, which are unique, smaller, and provide a more authentic experience. And likewise, some choose to take small and eclectic group tours or private tours to soak up the local flavor rather than crowded tourist excursions.
Purposeful travel has also gained popularity with Boomers who have time on their hands. You can go on nature or wildlife expeditions to learn about conservation or cultural explorations where you volunteer as part of your trip package. Discover Corps is dedicated to just that and was founded by a former Peace Corps volunteer.
Baby Boomer travel spending
Older people tend to spend more money on travel than younger people. One reason is comfort. Unless you’re in great shape, you probably don’t want to climb into the upper bunk of a sleeper car squeeze into a tiny Tokyo cubical or hang out in a hostel when you can get your Z’s sleeping on a nice cushy hotel bed. And think about it, do you want to clean your sheets and do dishes when you’re on vacation? I sure don’t.
For those who love nature and camping but prefer not to rough it, there are glamping, houseboats, and RV experiences, you can enjoy making it easier and more comfortable. Don’t forget to purchase your National Park Senior Passes because there’s nothing as amazing as National Parks.
Where there’s a will, there is a way
Boomers who are retired are enjoying long-extended trips without worrying about going back to work when they come home. Others, who never saved up a large nest egg are finding creative ways to travel for free or at low cost. Some have left life-long careers or businesses to become travel writers, private tour operators, or seminar speakers on cruise ships.
Connecting with family far away
Not everyone has dreams of seeing the world and would rather travel to visit family members who live far away. They may also offer to give their children a break and take the grandchildren or other relatives on trips.
Multi-generational travel is also a wonderful way to spend quality time with multiple family members. The entire family may choose to rent a lodge to enjoy a ski vacation, enjoy an inclusive resort, a cruise, or gather in an ancestral location for a family reunion.
Health and travel
Health is always an issue with Baby Boomers who travel so it’s important to purchase adequate travel insurance. Not every insurance company offers emergency services for people 65+ and Medicare may not cover you overseas so make sure to do your research to get what you need. We’ve always had good experiences using Travel Guard, but make sure to find an insurance program that fits your individual needs.
Wellness travel is also a trend. Boomers with aching bones are enjoying relaxing wellness retreats or traveling to foreign countries to seek alternative medical treatments.
Travel alone or with a friend
Solo travel, as well as girlfriend getaways, have become popular with older women, especially those who have lost a loved one or just need a getaway. The advantage of solo travel over 50 is that you can take your time, tour at your own pace, and seek experiences that are of interest to you and you alone. Traveling with a girlfriend is fun too and you can look out for each other in case of an emergency.
Ride the waves
Cruising has always been a popular way for older people to travel. It’s easy because you only unpack once and the ship will take you to visit multiple locations. Tours and activities are provided to please everyone’s interests. River cruising has become especially popular because there are usually only 150 passengers as opposed to thousands. You can walk out of the ship into a quaint little village and return without going through crowded security checkpoints like you do at big ports. You’ll get to know your shipmates because everyone eats together in a smallish dining room. And rivers are smooth, so you don’t have to worry about getting seasick.
Taking vacation selfies
20 somethings aren’t the only ones who are posting their vacation photos on Instagram. Boomers are memorializing their vacations and posting photos on their IG accounts using their smartphone or light-weight camera. They may not be showing off their booties like some of the younger travelers do and may choose to find objects to hide behind, but they aren’t afraid to be their authentic selves in photos.
Happy traveling!
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