My
SourcePoint | MySourcePoint.org
Set your own course to thrive after 55
COMMUNICATOR Vol. 25, No. 6
November/December 2017
Hit the Road, Jack!
Destination and socialization are just two reasons more older adults are taking up traveling. Jeff Robinson, Editor, My Communicator
You may have heard that as we get older, we tend to lose that "get up and go." If that's true, don't mention it to the large number of older adults who are doing just that—getting up and going via daytrip, overnight trip, weeklong (or longer) excursion, and just about anything in between. About 99 percent of baby boomers are expected to take at least one leisure trip in 2017, according to AARP, with five or more trips expected throughout the year for that age group. And while the majority of those (51 percent) will travel domestically, a significant portion (43 percent) are hoping to travel internationally, as well. "Why travel? It will do many things for you," said Sandra Dillon, a travel consultant with World of Travel who has nearly 25 years in the industry. "It will educate, excite your senses, allow you to explore other cultures, and possibly create in you a fullness or satisfaction you have never known before. But more than anything, I believe it will awaken your spirit to a world much bigger than ourselves." Travel Trends Many travelers in the boomer age group and beyond cite traveling as a way to relax and spend time with friends and family. According to data from AARP, international destinations are viewed more as "bucket list" trips (popular destinations include Mexico, the Caribbean, and the British Isles), while domestic trips are a combination of summer vacations, weekend getaways, holiday travel, and multi-generational trips (Florida and California top the list of domestic destinations). There also are those who prefer traveling alone. According to an article on seniorplanet.org, solo travelers say they love their own company, prefer to travel at their own pace, and would rather make their own itineraries. If traveling internationally, solo travelers also are more likely to interact with the locals within their destination of choice. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20...
Find us at MySourcePoint.org and follow us on