Getting older isn’t always a walk in the park. While time seems to move faster, our bodies seem to move slower. Our routines and responsibilities shift, and life starts looking a little different than it did when we were younger. However, while change is inevitable, some things stay the same, including our desire to see the world and connect with others. In fact, according to a 2025 survey from AARP titled “Soaring into 2025: Travel Plans Take Flight Among 50-Plus Travelers,” older adults are traveling more, with 70% of respondents saying they’re planning to take one or more trips this year. Similarly, in a March 2025 press release, AARP shared that Americans ages 50+ have big spending power in the leisure travel demographic, shelling out a cumulative $236 billion on the segment each year.
With their interest in travel surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and adults 50+ taking more trips than anticipated for the first time in AARP’s tracking history in 2024, it’s important for travel advisors to understand how to best serve this highly active, incredibly diverse group. And, while the population of “older” or “aging adults” comprises a huge age range, Amy Goyer, family caregiving expert at AARP, says advisors shouldn’t make the mistake of assuming they all have the same requirements — or travel aspirations for that matter. “(The term) ‘older adults’ encompasses a broad age range from those in their 50s to those in their 90s and older,” she said. “Everyone in that category doesn’t have the same needs. Some in their 50s or 60s are still very active and doing the same things that younger people are doing, and some in their 80s may be more active than those in their 40s!”
All this is to say, age is just a number, and growing older looks different for everyone. Here are a few ways advisors can meet aging travelers where they’re at and continue making vacation dreams come true.
Where They’re Going
For many older adults, domestic escapes — like Florida, California, Las Vegas, New York, Texas and Arizona — are a clear choice. This becomes especially true for those with mobility concerns when planning or booking travel, with 66% of respondents telling AARP they prefer to remain closer to home or that they intentionally seek out destinations that require less walking. Of course, this isn’t the rule, and many travelers ages 50+ enjoy international vacations too, with AARP finding 44% of adults are eyeing a trip outside the U.S. in 2025, citing bucket list and multi-generational adventures as their top motivators for going overseas.
Speaking of motivators, over half of respondents (56%) shared that spending time with family or friends was a top incentive for leisure travel, in addition to escaping daily routines and focusing on rest and relaxation. Further, 95% of respondents said they believe travel is good for their mental health, while 85% said it is good for their physical health.
How They’re Getting There
Interestingly, how older adults prefer to get from point A to point B also varies, with AARP finding vacationers 70+ like traveling in their own vehicle, while those under 70 favor flying over driving. Similarly, 33% of respondents said they were somewhat or very likely to travel by train, and 13% said they are planning a trip by bus. While air travel is enjoying a bump in popularity among this demographic — up 38% in comparison to 2024 — AARP says the hassle of flying can leave travelers feeling worn out, especially those who struggle with age-related disabilities, conditions or mobility challenges. Despite this, there are a few helpful solutions in place, with the group citing special ticketing lines, more access to wheelchairs and special TSA screening lines that shorten wait times as the most effective. Additionally, 49% of older travelers with mobility challenges, hearing loss and anxiety said they want the ability to self-identify as someone who might need accommodations at the airport and while flying.
Don’t know which transportation method is the right fit for your client? Goyer says it’s ok to ask. “Ask what is their preferred/easiest way to travel — train, plane, personal vehicle, chartered bus, etc.,” she said. “Get specific information about their needs. Explain that the more information you have, the better you can help them plan their trip.”
And good planning is essential. Working with airlines to arrange wheelchair and other necessary assistance in advance or supporting initiatives like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to help travelers self-identify as someone who might need additional support are good ways advisors can get ahead of potential pain points for their clients. AARP also points to the TSA Cares call center as a valuable resource, and advisors can use it to discuss questions regarding medical devices, service animals, medications, mobility aids and more — just make sure to do so 72 hours prior to travel for the smoothest experience.
Avoiding Hotel Hassles
Of course, getting to the destination is only one piece of the puzzle. For older adults who face mobility challenges, age-related disabilities or travel with a service animal, finding the right hotel can sometimes prove to be complicated. In an article titled “Tips for Hassle-Free Travel With Older Parents,” AARP outlined its advice for booking the right property for special needs travelers, and we think it can double as a guideline for advisors.
Beginning with location, the nonprofit recommends looking at potential hotels on a map to compare their proximity to the places your clients want to visit. “A hotel that’s accessible but inconvenient might create more problems than it solves,” said AARP. Next, the organization says it’s vital to book early as many hotels have a limited number of accessible rooms, and they can fill up quickly. Locking in your reservation as soon as possible helps to ensure your client gets the accommodations they need. Lastly, don’t be afraid to call to talk specifics. From elevators and lifts to dimensions and grab bars, AARP says any property should be happy to share necessary accessibility info over the phone.
More To Consider
In addition to the above factors, Goyer says there are specific questions advisors should ask their clients ages 50+ to ensure they can plan the best vacation possible. And while what you decide to ask will vary from person to person, Goyer gave the below examples of qualifying questions to consider:
- What is their goal for the trip? Is it a lifelong dream? A family history trip? Do they want to see and do it all or are they happy being more low-key?
- Do they have any health concerns that will impact trip planning? What about medicines?
- Have they had any recent injuries from which they are still healing?
- How much do they walk every day? Do they exercise or go to a gym? How many hours do they spend being active before they want to rest?
- Are they a caregiver for a loved one and do they want to build in time to check in on them via phone or computer? Do they want to add on travel insurance in case they need to cancel due to caregiving responsibilities?
- What are their computer skills like? Can they make online reservations, research things on their own and receive communication from you? Would they rather get written or mailed information?
- Will this be a multi-generational trip? How old are the other family members coming along?
The ability to connect with others and see the world is one of life’s greatest joys, and Goyer says advisors have the power to help people continue to experience that joy, no matter their age. “View your job as empowering people to choose how they live as they age,” said Goyer. “And with the right planning and resources, traveling with older adults or loved ones is very feasible and that they can have rich and active travel lives.”
Originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of The Compass magazine
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