Travel is the number one most sought-after experience after Americans turn 50, according to a new online poll by Exodus Travels.
Exodus conducted the survey through OnePoll, asking 2,000 passport-holding Americans about life after turning 50.
According to the report, one in three Americans surveyed found their second wind after an inspiring travel experience, while one third of respondents confirmed they have become more active overall since turning 50, which may lead to more active travel opportunities in the future.
More than 80 percent of Americans surveyed said that travel is more important to them than ever before and one third have booked a trip of a lifetime since turning 50 – a number that increases the older the respondent becomes.
While three quarters of respondents said travel has already played an important role in the life so far and influenced who they are, almost 90 percent said there are still plenty of destinations they’ve yet to experience that are on their must-see lists. Some of the most popular included Australia, France, Italy, Germany and China, as well as the Galapagos, Patagonia, and India.
Many survey respondents said their new lease on life has ignited a passion for experimenting with different cultural cuisines, Exodus said. Furthermore, there has been a significant trend in multi-generational travel over recent years — the study showed that nearly 70 percent of research revealed that nearly 70 percent of Americans over 50 find themselves vacationing with family as part of their renewed energy.
Other key findings from the report:
- 75 percent agreed that travel has played an important role in their life so far and influenced who they are today.
- Most said travel gave them a new perspective or world view, helped them appreciate and connect with different cultures, broadened their horizons, and learn something new
- 70 percent have budgeted travel into their retirement plans
- 70 percent of respondents said they have considered going on a small group tour abroad
- The older they are the more they considered a guided small group tour
- One in four people who considered going on a guided group tour abroad, said they would go own their own/solo
When making travel decisions, the top 5 factors are:
- Budget/Price
- Accommodation
- Quality of Itinerary/tour
- Cuisine
- Traveling with likeminded people