Americans love to vacation and most older adults are set to pack their bags for an adventure in 2024.
An AARP survey shows nearly two-thirds (65%) of Americans ages 50-plus plan on traveling in 2024.
About half indicate they will spend more on travel in 2024 than in 2023.
Last year was the first since the pandemic in which intended travel matched the actual number of trips taken.
Also reflecting a changing environment is whats driving decisions among those who plan to opt out of travel.
Destinations and motivations
Travelers are looking for adventure both near and far.
That compares to 69% of adults 6069 and 60% of Americans ages 70-plus.
Americans appear to be increasingly willing to visit unique or off-the-beaten-path destinations than in years past.
When older adults travel, they are most often taking family trips, summer vacations, or weekend getaways.
Among those in the process of planning, 84% have decided on their destination.
Where are travelers headed this year?
Arizona, New York, Chicago, and Michigan were also popular.
Texas, meanwhile, dropped off the list as a favorite vacation destination for the 50-plus crowd.
Americans are game to travel abroad, too.
The survey indicates people are further along in the planning process for international travel than in the past.
Among those international travelers still making plans, 83% have already chosen their international destination.
Consistent with previous years, most travelers are flying internationally and driving domestically.
Meanwhile, 37% plan to save those unused dollars for future travel.
A separate survey was conducted of 352 adults who had no plans for personal travel in 2024.
For more information, just contact Vicki Levy atvlevy@aarp.org.
For media inquiries, contact External Relations atmedia@aarp.org.
Many leverage it across each phase of their travel journey.
Boomers Have Big Travel Plans in 2020
Boomers are avid travelers with strong buying power.
In 2020, they plan to take 4-5 trips and spend around $7,800.
