Senior Spotlight: Travel Trends 2025

One of the things that older adults and retirees look forward to most is travel! With less commitments to young children and more financial freedom, older adults can finally do the things they want to do – and where! In AARP’s 2025 Travel Trends research study, a national poll revealed that the number of adult aged 50+ planning to travel has not only risen year-over-year but now surpasses pre-pandemic levels. Results show that 70% of those aged 50+ are planning one or more trips in 2025, and the rate of travel is slightly higher in those aged 50-59 than 50+. 

So, what are the top reasons for travel? Trending trips? Preferred transportation types? We’ve compiled the top 10 for you based on data from AARP, Next Avenue & Phocus Wire. 

#1: In 2025, those aged 50+ planned to take 3.9 trips and spend about $6,847 per person. 

#2: Over 55% of those surveyed indicated that spending time with family & friends was a top motivator for travel. 

#3: Most older adults were also motivated to travel to focus on rest and relaxation and escape daily routines. 95% of travelers say it is good for their mental health and 85% report it is good for their physical health! 

#4: Top US destinations for older adults are Florida, California, Las Vegas, New York, Texas and Arizona. 

#5: Top international destinations are Europe (Italy, Great Britan, France & Spain), Latin America the Caribbean. 

#6: “Slow” travel is taking hold, with some travel providers seeing an increase in trip duration. More older adults are taking longer trips of one-month duration or even 6-8 weeks. It’s also a great way to sample living abroad. 

#7: As traditional cruise lines decrease in popularity for older adults, river cruises are increasing in demand. Along the lines of the slow travel trend, river cruises replace 6,000 passenger mega-ships with the experience of a former barge transformed into a floating hotel. Think smaller European waterways, 20 passengers or less and one-week minimums. 

#8: Older travelers are also becoming more spontaneous – booking dates less close to their intended travel times. 

#9: Most 50+ travelers also use hotel (83%) and airline (73%) websites. 98% are also aware of AI but less than 10% are using to plan and book vacations.

#10: Seniors seek community in their travel, and experiences that foster similar core values and organic friendships – rather than guided tours. 

Do any of these travel trends surprise you? Sounds like your lifestyle? What do you think could change in 2026 and why?

Nothing is certain… except that you never know until you try! We encourage you to try one new form of travel or one new destination as you strive to live longer & live better. 

All my best,

Bobbi

Resources Used: Older Americans Are Traveling More Than Ever, Says 2025 AARP Study, Soaring into 2025: Travel Plans Take Flight Among 50-Plus Travelers,

Senior Travel Trends - Adapting To Technology & Finding Community, Tap Into the 'Slow Travel' Trend on a Barge

Bobbi Decker
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