Baby Boomers are still on the move. In AARP’s newest national study, 68% of adults 60–69 and 68% of adults 70+ say they plan to travel in 2025, evidence that older Americans continue to prioritize trips even as prices remain a concern.
Budgets are steady to rising among older segments. Average anticipated travel spend climbed to $7,028 for ages 60–69 and $7,807 for 70+, helping to power a strong year for multigenerational trips, bucket-list itineraries, and longer international journeys.
Key Stats: Baby Boomer Travel
- Baby boomers take 4–5 leisure trips a year on average, making them one of the most active travel segments.
- Their annual travel budget typically exceeds $6,600, giving them strong spending power in the tourism market.
- In Europe, boomers take around 3.1 trips per year, with many planning multiple international vacations.
- They favor longer holidays, averaging 10.5 days per trip—significantly more than younger travelers.
- An overwhelming 99% of boomers say they plan at least one leisure trip every year.
- 81% travel with a spouse or partner, making them one of the most companion-oriented groups.
- Boomers account for about 80% of luxury travel spending, driving much of the premium tourism industry.
- Nearly 44% prefer using a travel agent to handle most or all of their trip planning—far higher than younger generations.
- Only 42% book transport through mobile apps, highlighting their slower adoption of mobile-first travel tools.
- A growing share seeks nature-focused and environmentally conscious trips, reflecting shifting preferences in this age group.
How much do Boomers spend, and how is that changing?
AARP’s year-over-year view shows stable total budgets, with a notable increase among 70+—linked to more international intent in 2025 versus 2024. Highlights below:
Average anticipated travel spend (USD)
| Age band (proxy for Boomers) | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 60–69 | $6,865 | $7,028 |
| 70+ | $6,987 | $7,807 |
Source: AARP 2025 Travel Trends (50+ study). Figures are per traveler, total annual spend.
Are Boomers staying domestic—or going abroad?
International travel interest is up across the 50+ audience for 2025, with a corresponding dip in “domestic-only” plans. Bucket-list motivations rank high for overseas trips, while family-time and relaxation lead domestically.
How do Boomers prefer to get around?
Transport choices shift with age:
- Ages 70+: prefer driving their own vehicle (50%) over flying (42%).
- Ages 60–69: lean slightly toward flying (45%) versus driving (43%).
- Train travel interest persists across 50+ (about one-third are somewhat/very likely); bus travel sits near 13%.
What keeps Boomers from traveling more?
Across older travelers, cost is the top blocker, followed by health and weather. Inflation anxiety has eased since 2023, but transportation and accommodation costs still shape decisions.
Top barriers for older travelers
- Cost
- Health (self/others)
- Weather
- Financial uncertainty (declining versus prior years)
Why does cruising matter—and are Boomers still the core?
Cruising remains popular with many older travelers, but generational mix is changing. CLIA’s latest global data shows about 67% of cruise travelers are Gen-X or younger, signaling a younger skew than the “boomer-only” stereotype. Boomers still cruise—but they no longer dominate the market by share.
What do Boomers value most in trip planning?
AARP finds 50+ travelers overwhelmingly view travel as good for health, and many are open to guided group trips or curated itineraries once the concept is explained. However, AI usage for planning remains low (8%), with privacy the top concern among non-users.
Quick table: At-a-glance 2025 stats for Boomers
| Measure | 60–69 | 70+ |
|---|---|---|
| Planning to travel in 2025 | 68% | 68% |
| Avg. annual spend (USD) | $7,028 | $7,807 |
| Fly vs. drive preference | Fly 45%; Drive 43% | Drive 50%; Fly 42% |
FAQ: Baby Boomers and travel
How many Boomers plan to travel this year?
Using AARP’s closest age bands, 68% of 60–69 and 68% of 70+ plan trips in 2025.
What’s a realistic annual budget for Boomers?
Averages are ~$7,028 (60–69) and ~$7,807 (70+), per traveler, for all 2025 trips combined.
Do Boomers prefer to fly or drive?
It depends on age: 60–69 lean to flying; 70+ lean to driving. Train interest is steady at about one-third across 50+.
What most often limits trips?
Cost leads, followed by health and weather. Inflation concerns have eased from the 2023 peak, but prices still matter.
Sources
- AARP Research — Travel Trends: A Survey of U.S. Adults Age 50-Plus (PDF)
- AARP — Soaring into 2025: Travel Plans Take Flight Among 50-Plus Travelers
- AARP Newsroom — Older Americans Are Traveling More Than Ever
- CLIA — State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025
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