Senior Travel Trends
One of the best things about retirement has to be the ability to get up and go wherever you like, whenever you like. Now that the “Baby boomers” have come of age it has been identified that travel is one of their top priorities, and why not? As a result there is a growing trend in the market as consumers look for something a little bit different, more exotic and nostalgic. Smart travel providers are realising the potential of this ever growing market and with so many different options to suit everyone, the only thing holding you back is to trying to decide where to go. Having sat down with a group of lovely retirees, I was able to determine four main reasons why travel in the later years was so rewarding and important.For many it was their chance to tick things off that “bucket list”, to explore and realise lifetime dreams. For others it was more nostalgic, to visit the family, rekindle old friendships and revisit old places. Sort of an homage to the past and a nod to the present. Then there are those that like to do family trips with the grandkids, making special memories while they can and for others, the chance to indulge in that special interest; gardening, a love of castles, War History, culinary pursuits. Small group trips seemed to be the preference either on an arranged tour, or a small group travelling independently together. One thing that was prevalent was the desire to have everything organised so there were no hidden surprises. Budget accommodation on the whole was out and comfortable, reputable hotels were in. I am not saying all travellers stay in five star hotels, but on the whole the feeling was that they had done the hard yards through their working lives, so why not relax and enjoy the fruits of their labour? The feeling that they should get on and do those adventurous trips while they were mobile and fit enough to enjoy them was also a popular thought. Asia, Africa, Canada, South America, all those more active destinations were top of the list as were longer trips in excess of 4 weeks to see as much and do as much as they can. The Europe River Cruises could wait until they were a little older and less mobile as traditionally these are a little less active. There are no limits to where you can go, the only limits on travel are those we impose on ourselves. With this in mind there are so many options to cater for every style of traveller. Small group, intimate tours of no more than 10 or 12 that are perfect for singles looking to go away. While not all companies embrace the single traveller there are many who will happily pair up a single with a travelling mate, or waive the single supplements on some tours so the cost isn’t ridiculous. A very popular option for small groups is organising a bespoke tour to meet your specific requirements. This way you can tailor make your itinerary and your guide can amend it as you go along to suit your needs. Cruises are extremely popular as they offer an all-inclusive option, provide plenty of opportunities to meet others and have entertainment and activities all organised. Again there is the ability to choose your level of luxury, from family friendly 3 star cruise companies to the luxury of the mega liners and majestic sailing vessels. Or why not charter your own yacht with a group of friends. River cruising, ocean, expedition, large ship, small yacht. It’s all there to be realised. The perennial rail is perfect for travellers with lots of time and a penchant to rekindle those old, romantic days of train travel. The Venice-Simplon Orient Express, Rovos Rail, Belmond, Golden Eagle and the Ghan…all bring to mind visions of excess, fur, suit and tie extravagance and the finer things in life. While the Rocky Mountaineer, Glacier Express, Trans-Mongolian and Andean Explorer all cater to those a little more wild at heart. All capital cities have direct flights into Asia or via the Middle East which will connect to pretty much everywhere. If you need to, or like a stop, there are now so many options for a few days layover to break your journey. Some people like to break a journey, others prefer to get to their destination as quickly as possible. Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, First Class, the choices are all there depending on your budget and itineraries can be tailor made to suit your requirements. In the words of Mark Twain, “... throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover”.