Baby boomers aren’t the kind of generation to stay at home. According to data from the AARP, many Americans aged over 50 prioritize travel quite a bit, and they often budget around $6,600 annually for their vacations. They also expect to go on around four to five leisure trips each year. However, despite all this traveling, they’re a generation that makes quite a few travel mistakes, and Gen X could learn from these mistakes.
1. Building trips around bucket lists
Many boomers focus on going on vacation to somewhere they’ve always wanted to go, rather than trying something new or even considering how difficult it might be to get there. AARP’s 2020 Travel Trends survey found that 36% of boomers who travel internationally will stick to visiting places they’ve dreamed of going to for a while. But that often causes them to create overly ambitious itineraries, where they try to pack too much into their “dream” holiday. It doesn’t take into account the limitations of how much energy they have to do these activities, or whether they have enough vacation days. Gen X could learn to be realistic about their trips, rather than focus on what they’ve been dreaming of.
2. Packing for every scenario
Quite a few boomers travel with the idea that they’ll pack everything just in case. Their suitcases usually contain extra outfits and spare shoes, along with full-size bottles, because they don’t want to be caught off guard. Yet that’s an issue. It’s unlikely that they’ll actually use half the stuff they take with them, and taking so many things only gives you more things to worry about. It’d be better for Gen X to pack for what’s on the itinerary instead of every possible weather or surprise dinner. You can always buy extra stuff when you’re there, anyway.
3. Timing flights too close to cruises and tours
Older travelers sometimes book flights that land shortly before they leave on a cruise or start a tour, with the goal being that they don’t want to waste a night in a hotel. They think it’ll save them some money, too. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report found that 1.3-1.4% of flights are canceled on average each year, and airports like Washington Reagan National have delays on nearly 30% of flights. It’s better to leave some buffer room and perhaps pay for accommodation than try to avoid staying overnight. After all, it’ll be cheaper in the long run.
4. Ignoring the effects of a “few” steps
It’s relatively normal for boomers to book hotels or vacation rentals without thinking about how much walking they might have to do when they’re there. How many stairs are there? Is there an elevator to make it easier? Without thinking about these, many boomers are stuck lugging suitcases up a flight or more, and that causes numerous issues. Researchers like Claudia Luiu have found that people tend to suffer from changes in their balance & stability from the age of 50 onwards, causing stairs to become a more serious hazard. You should think more carefully about your mobility when you choose somewhere to stay. Either ask for a ground-floor room or request step-free access to make sure your vacation is as relaxing as it should be.
5. Thinking jet lag is a minor nuisance
What harm could jet lag do? That’s what many boomers think, and they sometimes believe that a nap or two will sort them out, even after they’ve crossed several time zones. But research from Mayo Clinic has found that jet lag can cause long-lasting issues like insomnia and fatigue, even changes in mood. These are only going to be worse among older adults. As such, you’re better off arriving a few days before any big event to give your body time to adjust naturally. You may also want to factor in rest time or start things slowly, rather than trying to do things immediately.
Every generation has something to learn from the previous one. Travel is no exception, nor is Gen X. Some of these habits may not reflect the current reality of going on vacation, and they may create issues for you in the long run. Any Gen Xers planning their vacation alongside boomers should pay careful attention to each other’s choices and try to avoid making the same mistakes.
