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Americans age 50-plus are eager to travel in 2025 and are showing renewed interest in destinations abroad, according to a new AARP survey. The national poll of nearly 2,000 older adults

reveals 70 percent are planning trips this year, up from 65 percent in 2024. Those ages 50–59 are slightly more likely to travel (73 percent) than those over age 60 (68 percent). AARP

discovered greater enthusiasm for international travel, with 44 percent eyeing a trip outside the United States, up from 37 percent last year. Also tracking with the projected overall uptick

are reports that people traveled more than expected last year. Notably, for the first time in AARP’s tracking history, the number of trips taken in 2024 (3.9) has surpassed the average

number of trips anticipated (3.6). Nevertheless, adults once again indicated they expect to take, on average, 3.6 trips next year (defined as spending at least two nights 50 miles from

home). Respondents ages 50–69 are more committed to booking domestic trips in 2025 than those age 70-plus. DESPITE COST BARRIERS, OLDER TRAVELERS CONTINUE TO REAP THE BENEFITS OF TRAVEL.

Travelers are hesitant to commit to spending more. AARP reports adults anticipate travel expenses of $6,847 this year, compared to $6,659 in 2024. Cost remains the biggest barrier to travel

for 45 percent of respondents, followed by health (29 percent) and weather (23 percent). Inflation, meanwhile, appears to be less of a factor. This year’s survey, which was conducted in

November/December 2024, shows financial uncertainty due to inflation was the reason 20 percent say they won’t travel, down from 24 percent in the previous year. For another 19 percent,

family obligations will keep them from traveling, up from 15 percent in 2024. Still, those needing travel accommodations for a disability or health condition expect to take as many trips as

those who do not, according to the survey. The majority of older Americans recognize that travel provides a boost to their well-being. The survey shows 95 percent believe travel is good for

their mental health and 85 percent agree it is good for their physical health. Most respondents say they travel to spend time with family or friends, escape everyday routines, and relax.

MORE ARE TAKING TO THE SKIES WITH AN INCREASED PREFERENCE FOR AIR TRAVEL. As travel rebounds, more people are opting for air travel over road trips. In 2025, 46 percent of respondents say

they’re planning a plane trip, compared to 38 percent in 2024. Car trips are expected to dip from 49 percent in 2024 to 43 percent this year. Yet, preferences vary by age. Those 70-plus like

traveling in their own vehicle (50 percent) more than taking an airplane (42 percent). Adults 60–69 favor flying (45 percent) to driving (43 percent), and those 50–59 prefer flying (50

percent) over driving (37 percent). The survey shows about 33 percent of adults ages 50-plus are somewhat or very likely to travel by train, and just 13 percent are planning a trip by bus.

50-PLUS TRAVELERS EMBRACE INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC DESTINATIONS. Just 7 percent of travelers age 50-plus will take a cruise in 2025. Top draws for cruises include being able to visit

multiple destinations, avoiding hassles, and relaxing. For international travelers, Europe is the most popular destination (42 percent), followed by Latin American and the Caribbean (33

percent). Top European countries are Italy (9 percent), Great Britain (7 percent), France (5 percent), and Spain (4 percent), while new to the list this year is Ireland (4 percent). In Latin

America, Mexico is the most cited planned destination.  Those traveling in the United States are most likely to head to the South and West. Florida is a big draw (15 percent), followed by

California (11 percent), Las Vegas (6 percent), New York (6 percent), Texas (6 percent) and Arizona (4 percent). TRAVELERS ARE WILLING TO USE EXPERTS FOR A TAILORED TRIP BUT ARE CAUTIOUS

USING AI. When it comes to mapping out the details of their trips, many older adults are open to help from travel professionals, but not many are leveraging the latest technology. AARP

reports about 40 percent of adult travelers are interested in organized group trips while, once introduced to the concept of a curated trip —  that is, having someone creating a personalized

itinerary — 55 percent expressed an interest in the idea. Only a few (8 percent) have embraced artificial intelligence (AI) to find travel deals or accommodations, yet 94 percent of those

who did found it useful. While most older adult travelers (98 percent) are aware of AI, 40 percent don’t use it because they have data privacy concerns. Overall, just 16 percent of

respondents say they are somewhat or very likely to use AI for travel in the future. METHODOLOGY Interviews were conducted online from November 8–December 2, 2024 among 2,970 U.S. adults age

18-plus using Dynata’s research panel. Respondents sampled had taken at least one trip within the past two years, 50 miles or more away from home, with at least a two-night stay. They also

were required to have used an online travel site within the past two years and expected to travel for pleasure in 2025. For more information about this survey, please contact Lona Choi-Allum

at [email protected]. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at [email protected].