Travel for the Higher Generations

Baby boomers consider travel to be a necessity, not a luxury, and they prefer getting out of the daily grind regularly. Post-retirees, however, have more time on their hands, but they might be less interested in travel, or have tighter budgets.

Post-retirees also usually prefer less active vacations, although the likes of Sandals resorts is more for the middle-aged groups, and those younger, and more romantic. Baby boomers don't really like packaged tours as much, but they do like interactions and activities.

The most popular destinations for older generations, because they've been to the most popular places already, are Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.

Discounted travel for being over a certain age, usually no less than 50 for any discount, is not all that easy to come by sometimes. Airlines occasionally offer reduced-fare rates for those over 65, and sometimes also their traveling companion of any age. Auto rental companies also offer senior discounts, although they're usually in the ballpark of only 5% or so. Train travel usually demands a 15% discount, or 10% in Canada. Europe is far more generous with their discounts, however, often 25 to 30% off!

Those 62 and over can visit state and national parks free when they use a Golden Age Passport, which also admits the spouse and children free. The card also allows for a 50% discount on camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. It's only $10 and available at the federal park payment places. Just bring proof that you're at least 62.

Apparently there are quite a few outdoor activities in which those who are called seniors can partake. Long distance riding and walking trails, hiking, skiing, golf, cultural heritage touring, and ecotourism.

Cruising is also widely popular with those of the higher generations, although it's quickly filtering down to the baby boomers, generation x's and y's, teenagers, and even kids. You may get a discount on a cruise do to your age, or the age of one of the guests. There are always things to do onboard the large vessels, and the smaller ones are considerably more intimate. River cruises are great for those who can't stomach rougher seas, although you still can't feel much on the large ships unless the waves are truly massive (over 25 feet).

As much as you might like to stroll a sandy beach, hike a mountain trail, or snorkel a coral reef, many older adventurers prefer slower paces, and more educational opportunities. You can stay and travel with other elders, and you can even go to classes with them. Some cruise lines offer a semester at sea. Many church groups have religion-based tours to Israel and around the Mediterranean, while some might just do fundraising tours or vacations to not-so-religious areas. Garden tours are quite popular in the south, and over in the old country, where you can see very beautiful foliage, as well as flowers you might never get to see again! Also, they're much calmer, and take frequent stops and opportunities to rest.

Some people go on vacation for the purpose of having an almost never-ending shopping spree while on that vacation. Some cities I've never heard of being shopping meccas include, but are in no way limited to, Portland/Freeport ME, Cape Ann MA, Hoboken NJ, Pittsburgh PA, Old Charleston WV, Lexington/Berea KY, Ashville NC, Fairhope AL, Natchez MS, Cleveland OH, Frankenmuth MI, Deadwood SD, Sandpoint ID, Port Townsend WA, Mesilla NM, and Tubac AZ.

Now that you know where to go, and how to get there, and what to do, don't ever let your age stop you! :) And make sure to visit www.kingarthur.myttn.com to discover and book your travel vacation of a lifetime!