Senior Travel Resources

As retirement becomes a reality for the first decade of baby boomers turning sixty, their signature interests and styles are expanding in directions of which earlier decades of senior travelers only dreamed. Twenty-first century boomers are dedicating more money to travel despite the increasing challenges of doing so, but they still demand measurable value for what they spend. With a mission to be more “in control,” many are turning to customized travel rather than set-scheduled tours, preferring to do a lot of personal research, mainly via the Internet, while still working with experts to plan a basic itinerary. Details that address their particular interests and pace of travel are negotiable in order to deliver quality not quantity around every destination. Boomers are also looking for opportunities to build family and friend connections through travel, and more avenues are opening up to encourage that goal.

Older men and women—most particularly women— continue to pursue active, adventurous vacations with a strong learning and service focus. People over 50 make up the vast majority of travelers worldwide with many measuring their travel satisfaction by newly acquired skills, significant stimulation of the little gray cells, and, yes, even proudly worn calluses, blisters, and bruises.

While recognizing that the following recommendations represent only the tip of the proverbial iceberg, they have been selected, with these alternative travel themes in mind, as examples to stimulate personal research. In no other age group is it more important for individuals to realistically define their travel goals and limitations, then ask lots of questions and carefully review the feedback before making travel decisions.

Each recommendation in the Best Senior-Friendly Resource List has been carefully considered. Whether updated from previous years or freshly-added, a high priority has been given to the needs and interests of older travelers with a global perspective. Feedback about these listings and personal recommendations for additional listings under each heading is always welcome.

—Alison Gardner, Senior Travel Editor of Transitions Abroad, is author of Travel Unlimited: Uncommon Adventures for the Mature Traveler, and editor of Travel with a Challenge web magazine, www.travelwithachallenge.com, a richly illustrated travel resource featuring ecological, educational, cultural, and volunteer vacations worldwide.