After years of higher-than-normal inflation, American retirees are still interested in travel, and according to AARP, they are adapting to inflated prices, rather than pulling back from traveling altogether. Lona Choi-Allum reports:
Travel remains a priority for Americans age 50-plus — and in 2026, it’s evolving in meaningful ways. The 2026 Travel Trends study explores how older adults are planning, prioritizing and paying for travel in a shifting economic and cultural landscape, revealing a traveler who is both resilient and strategic.
Despite cost concerns, nearly two-thirds of adults 50-plus plan to travel in 2026, with anticipated trip volume on the rise. Rather than pulling back, travelers are adapting — planning earlier, comparison shopping, and leaning on loyalty programs and digital tools to stretch their travel dollars. Notably, use of AI for travel planning has grown, particularly for finding deals and customizing itineraries.
Family remains at the heart of leisure travel. Family and multigenerational trips continue to be among the most common — and most meaningful — types of travel, valued for strengthening bonds, creating shared memories and even helping manage costs and caregiving needs. These trips are often annual traditions, bringing multiple generations together around a single destination.
At the same time, interest in international travel is rebounding, with bucket list experiences, cultural immersion and heritage travel shaping destination choices. Travelers are committing early, often finalizing international plans well in advance.
Action Line: Your Survival Guy is a proponent of prior planning. And when you’re spending your money somewhat foolishly, it’s important not to go overboard on the foolishness. Enjoy yourself, but make sure you have a plan that will leave you with enough. When you want to build a plan for your retirement life, email me at ejsmith@yoursurvivalguy.com. And click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter.
