Baby Boomers Redefining How They Vacation
Baby boomers are changing the travel and vacation industry, just as they have changed American business at every stage of their development. Now in their peak earning years, they characteristically want to travel their way.
Baby boomers value their vacations highly and want to make the most of their time away. And they want to take vacations that are interesting, active and meaningful. Here are some of the new types of vacations that are becoming popular with the baby boomer set.
Try Out a New Career
For those who are interested in trying out a new career or doing different work for a while, “vocation vacations” are just the ticket. People can try numerous different careers, such as actor, architect, chef, baseball announcer, boat captain or guitar maker.
Have an Adventure
Baby boomers looking to participate in active sports such as biking, running, rock-climbing, scuba diving and even triathlons are seeking adventures they will remember.
Participate in a Competition
Contest-based reality shows such as The Amazing Race and Survivor have popularized the idea of taking a “Competition Vacation.” Promoters promise “playful rivalry with the other teams by day and cheerful revelry by night.” (Competitours)
Volunteer and Travel
Cause-conscious baby boomers may be especially interested in this type of a vacation. A reaction to disturbing experiences by travelers witnessing extreme poverty, high numbers of orphans, earthquake or flood damage, deforestation, pollution or beach erosion while touring, this type of vacation provides a way to make a difference. There are many opportunities for this type of vacation, just be careful to check out the credibility of the sponsoring agency.
DIY Travel
Lots of baby boomers would prefer to do-it-themselves. There are online services and smartphone apps that make it easier than in the past. If this appeals to you check out mTrip or TripIt apps. You can use these to access currency converters, GPS functions, hotel/restaurant recommendations, map/direction features and, of course, make reservations.
Re-Kindle Your Romance
For empty-nesters or anyone wanting to relight the fire of romance in their relationship, look for trips designed to help bring you closer together.
Practice Your Religion
Trips to the Holy Land (Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Italy, Portugual and France) attract more than 900,000 people over 55 each year. Taking time out to deepen your spiritual beliefs is becoming a common vacation ideal.
Be a Friend to the Environment
Eco-tourism is a growing industry. Environmentally-friendly vacations typically involve camping, hiking, trekking and more.
Experience Culinary Delights
Food and wine are baby boomer passions. Culinary cruises, winery tours or trips themed around particular cuisine are growing in popularity.
Get Married
Baby boomer weddings are on the upswing, and so are destination weddings for this age-group.
Spend Time with the Grandchildren
Grandparents are spending more time with their grandchildren (MetLife) and one way they are doing this is by funding family vacations. Such trips are often tied to big events like anniversaries, birthdays or other milestones.
Take Care of Your Health
A surprising new type of vacation is also knows as Medical Tourism. With the costs of health care in America skyrocketing, and so many foreign doctors trained in the US, many people are heading to places like Singapore, Thailand, India, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jordan, Turkey and Brazil.
Vacations today are limited only by your imagination. Check out BabyBoomerGold.com’s Travel Resources page for helpful information, coupons and travel deals. You can’t beat these deals anywere!
We want to hear from you! What would your dream vacation involve?
