A couple of weeks ago, my daughter Sarah and I needed to brave an early morning snow storm in order to catch a flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico.  It was touch and go as we moved at a snail’s pace behind two huge plows that plodded along through the almost white-out conditions. And it became even more frightening when the driver of a huge truck to the left of us started exhibiting extreme road rage because he couldn’t travel any faster.

But we made it! And when we finally arrived in the capital of this beautiful Caribbean island, we were rewarded with the warmth and sunshine that we had worked so hard to experience.

Our great vacation was due in large part to our lovely accommodations, the San Juan Marriott Resort and Casino. Right on the Atlantic Ocean, and conveniently close to so many restaurants and shops, this Marriott was a great place to stay for boomers like me who are happy to travel alone or with companions.

So what’s in store for what is starting out to be another good year for boomer travel? AARP  has provided some statistics through an interesting infographic:

 

 

AARP found that travel was the number one aspirational activity for people 50+ and here is what this organization says were the highlights of their survey:

 

Will the 50+Travel more in 2015 than 2014?

• 48% of the 50+ say, “Yes!” They plan to travel more next year than this year.
• 51% say they will save more of their money specifically for travel.

Domestic Versus International Travel

• 97% will take at least one Domestic trip in 2015.
• 47% say they plan for more domestic travel in 2015 than 2014.
• 45% plan to take at least one international trip.
• 23% say they plan more international trips in 2015 than 2014.

What kind of trips are people 50+ planning for 2015?

• Extended Family Trips: 33% of travelers 50+ will take at least one multigenerational trip. This trend is expected to increase for Generation X’ers who will begin to join the 50+ next year.
• Summer Vacations: 54% will take a summer vacation either domestically or abroad with 35% headed to the beach.
• Weekend Getaways: 26% will plan weekend getaways for a quick break or family event with the fall or spring being popular times for those trips.
• Romantic Travel: Love is in the air with 28% planning romantic travel either domestically or internationally.
• Solo Travel represents 28% of planned 2015 trips and could prove to be the ultimate in freedom and rejuvenation when travelers 50+ are in total control of their trips.
• Staycation: Four in ten boomers took a staycation this year and anticipate taking one again in 2015. Many find great opportunities to enjoy time in their own backyards.
  

Bucket List will be the Biggest Motivator for International 50+ Travel

People 50+ plan to fulfill their travel dreams and are actively planning for trips on their personal bucket lists. AARP predicts that 32 percent of people 50+ that will travel internationally in 2015 will do so to check off a destination on their bucket list. Destinations include Paris, Italy, London, Caribbean Islands and other international spots.

Will recent changes in World Politics and Health Crises impact the 50+ Traveler in 2015?

The political unrest and turmoil in certain key parts of the world and the Ebola health scare are not projected to impact people 50+ who plan to travel both domestically and internationally next year. Of the survey respondents an overwhelming 82 percent said the current political and health landscape will not impact their travel plans next year.

So what are the projected barriers to 50+ Travel in 2015?

Cost, Health and Family Obligations will be Biggest Barriers to 50+Travel in 2015.

• 51 percent of 50+ cite cost as the number one barrier to traveling but are determined to plan well in advance for 2015 and take more trips for less.
• Those aged 70+ say health concerns prevent them from taking trips they want to, while those 50-59 are challenged to find the time for travel, primarily due to work and family commitments.

Despite these barriers, it is interesting to see 17 percent of survey respondents say, “Nothing can stop me from traveling,” next year. While there is an acknowledgment of their biggest challenges, in 2015 boomers by large seem determined to overcome these barriers to visit their favorite destinations be it just domestic or domestic and international.