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The generation known as Baby Boomers began retiring in 2011. With time on their hands, many new retirees attempt to compensate for the years spent confined to an office or workplace. Many do so by traveling.
Today, we’re looking at five of the most popular travel destinations in America for Baby Boomers. If you’re a Baby Boomer or not, we’ve got some excellent spots you should consider for your next big adventure.
What Is a Baby Boomer?
The term “baby boomer” refers to the generation born between 1946 and 1964.
The American population saw exponential growth in the years preceding World War II. The brave men and women returned home from the war, and many jumped into starting families that they had delayed due to the war.
How Much Do Baby Boomers Travel?
Baby Boomers are one of the most frequent traveling generations of all generations. They average four to five leisure trips each year and typically spend about $6,300 for their trips. They stay busy flying to and from their international bucket list trips and enjoying retirement.
Many boomers put traveling on the backburner in recent years due to the chaos of changing travel restrictions. This number could slightly increase as they make up for canceled trips and lost time.
The 5 Most Popular Baby Boomer Travel Destinations in America
So while Baby Boomers enjoy traveling internationally, they also don’t mind exploring some first-rate locations here in the states.
So what are the must-see travel destinations among this generation? Let’s find out.
1. Florida
The Sunshine State is a favorite travel destination for all ages. Whether you want to experience the sandy beaches, world-class theme parks, or diverse cultures, Florida has just about everything.
Cities like Orlando, Miami, and Tampa are hits among Baby Boomers. Florida has warm temperatures year-round and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
What Draws Baby Boomers: Baby Boomers love Florida for the warm weather and abundance of activities. Many love Florida so much that they end up becoming seasonal residents.
The state has no state income tax and a massive retirement community known as The Villages. Florida estimates that nearly 25% of its population will be over 65 years old by 2030.
There’s also certainly no shortage of golf courses for those who want to retire and play a daily round of golf. It’s a paradise for those who want to spend time with folks with a lot in common.
2. California
Baby Boomers flock to the Golden State of California. The wine country in the north to the idyllic climate of San Diego in the south is hard to match.
You can enjoy many adventures, from epic cliffs along the Pacific Coast Highway to watching mountain climbers scale the granite in Yosemite National Park.
What Draws Baby Boomers: California is a large state with nearly 40 million people. Baby Boomers looking to experience and explore some of the best landscapes and sceneries in the country find them in California.
Traveling through the state, Boomers can experience a mixture of rural and urban settings and the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. The state has the most national parks and many opportunities to slow down and enjoy nature.
3. New York
New York City is a massive concrete jungle with 8.8 million people. However, with all those people come many opportunities. The city has a reputation for world-class dining, art, and fashion.
New York City is also a massive sports city. Additionally, many often described it as the world’s capital for investing and international diplomacy.
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What Draws Baby Boomers: Boomers love visiting New York because of the variety of options available in and around New York City.
You have unique cities like the Bronx and Staten Island and other experiences like walking in Central Park. You can relax and explore anything, from visiting museums and theaters to national parks and the Statue of Liberty.
4. Alaska
The 49th state is the most difficult to access and one of the most rugged terrains you could imagine. Massive mountains and glaciers cover the land, and it has a unique culture, historical mining communities, and big-game wildlife.
When the snow melts in the summer, Alaska becomes an incredible and adventurous playground for those who love the outdoors. Getting to experience Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that Boomers may have on their bucket lists.
What Draws Baby Boomers: Baby Boomers love the idea of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, checking out the glaciers, seeing wildlife, and the towering mountain peaks.
Even better, you don’t have to step foot on the frozen Alaskan soil to enjoy them. Many choose to cruise through the Alaskan waters and experience this beautiful state in a unique and luxurious way.
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5. Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. It may not be the deepest or longest canyon in the world, but the colorful landscapes provide an incredible view.
Hiking down to the bottom of the canyon allows guests to enjoy a unique point of view that not everyone gets to see. You may have seen the massive canyon in pictures or videos. But seeing it with your own two eyes is an unforgettable experience.
What Draws Baby Boomers: Boomers love visiting the Grand Canyon because it’s another spot they may have seen their entire lives but never had the opportunity to experience in person.
Arizona is a popular state in the winter. You’ll find so much to see, do, and learn at the Grand Canyon. You can even pay for rafting, hiking, and off-road excursions to improve your Grand Canyon experience.
How Do Boomers Travel?
Boomers, like many others worldwide, plan to spend more time traveling. Some sources say 94% of boomers plan to fly domestically soon. This allows them to reach some of their bucket list destinations extremely quickly.
Planes aren’t the only mode of transportation popular among this generation. Some estimate that 27% of boomers have loyalty memberships with the various cruise lines.
However, some want to sell it all and hit the road in large motorhomes. They may take road trips they never had time to take when they dove into their careers. Regardless of how Boomers travel, they’re making the most of their retirement.
