| Debra Fortosis Would you believe that 76 million baby boomers have begun to retire? It's true, but some claim pessimistically that most will be forced to continue working full-time well into their 70s. Don't you believe it. Of course, the economy has clearly hurt everyone and some baby boomers will have to continue working. But the Dell Webb claims that about half of the boomers will be able to spend retirement money on some serious travel.
Carol White, co-author of Live Your Road Trip Dream, predicts that there will be an increasingly massive market for travel of all types. Boomers are the most affluent U.S. demographic, with 44 percent having an annual income of $75,000 or more. Already, they generate more travel in the U.S. than any other age group, and rank travel as the number one expenditure in their coming retirement. As early as last year they registered more than 241 million household trips. Some trips combined business with pleasure, but that, again, shows their travel ingenuity . They also spend more per trip than any other group (average $491 per). Many want to travel internationally, but they must also plan to travel nationally: they own the most RVs of any other group.
Much anecdotal evidence indicates boomers' dreams of travel. More and more are taking to the highways of North America as well as south of the border. Some are even trading it all in to live on the road long-term. Others are "road trip dreamin'" of vacations they've longed to take for decades.
Where do baby boomers plan to travel internationally? Well, Asia is possibly tops on the list. Japan, China, and Hong Kong are intriguing, and many are learning the charms and inexpensive luxuries Thailand offers. Also high on the list are Australia, Europe, and Brazil. Travel to Japan and Hong Kong, in particular, was up a full 40 percent last year.
Attractive activities include shopping, outdoor sights and adventures, spa delights, cultural events/museums, and beaches/national parks. So don't kiss the boomers goodbye. During the next few decades they will again show their muscle and, as in earlier eras, their activity will probably affect the paradigm of life in the West significantly. Hook up your seat belts, people. Boomers are about to take off on another wild ride. |
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