Adults 45+ are planning their fall getaways and, according to a recent study by AARP, a majority will be traveling via car. The survey found that 87% of adults 45+ will take at least three road trips this year.

 

Fall is prime travel time for the 45+ because many popular travel destinations are less crowded. However, while other demographics may prefer to travel by air or train, this survey found that 72% of the 45+ said that road trips are their favorite form of transportation. The majority said traveling by car provides them with transportation when they get to their destination, offers them greater flexibility and is more cost efficient.

 

Below are some of the highlights of the survey as well as some great discounts and tools AARP members can use when they hit the road this fall:

Key Highlights of AARP Road Trips Survey:

 

Key findings include:

• On average, the one-way drive time for a Road Trip is 9 hours.  Upon arrival at the final destination, road trippers spend approximately 5 days, making the total Road Trip a 7-day excursion.
• Regardless of drive time, the 45-plus road tripping audience consistently cites their trips involve 2-3 family members driving together in only one vehicle (95%) – likely a car (55%) or SUV (30%).

 

Road trip activities show some differences between Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers:

• Boomers are more likely than Gen-Xers to do some routine maintenance on their vehicle prior to their trip.
• Boomers are more likely to use a car on their road trip, while Gen-Xers are more likely to drive an SUV.

 

Some common Road Trips must haves:

• Water, sunglasses and snacks top the list of non-tech items.
• And when it comes to tech must-haves (beyond a cell phone), 62% cite cell coverage as imperative, followed by an iPad/Tablet (40%) and a digital camera (39%).

 

Survey Link: http://www.aarp.org/research/topics/life/info-2015/Road-Trip-Research.html

 

AARP Fall Travel Discounts:

• Best Western – AARP members save 10% and earn 10% bonus points

o   http://discounts.aarp.org/offer/index/offerid/77227/uSource/SCNAM/categoryId/401/subCategoryId/402

• AVIS – AARP members save up 30% plus $30 off weekly car rentals

o   http://discounts.aarp.org/offer/index/offerid/719179/uSource/SCNAM/categoryId/401/subCategoryId/403