Just 10% of older travellers say that holiday price increases have led them to change their travel plans this year, according to new research.
And 85% are budgeting the same or more compared to last year, indicating a “healthy financial resilience” among over-50s, Saga Holidays said.
A study conducted by the specialist operator found that 95% of its customers either intend or have already booked to travel in 2025.
The survey of almost 3,000 members of its ‘Experienced Voices’ customer panel was combined with booking data for 2024 and 2025.
More than half (55%) of respondents already have at least one holiday booked for 2025.
Nearly a third (32%) of those asked will be looking to travel four or more times over the next 12 months with 24% taking at least three holidays.
Across all age ranges surveyed, 90% expect to travel more in 2025 than last year, with those who aged between 50-59 demonstrating the strongest inclination to do so (35%), followed by the 60-69 year olds (30%).
Saga’s research indicates “a certain financial resilience and savviness” among over-50 travellers, with just 10% of those surveyed stating that their holiday plans have changed because of price increases.
Rather than forgoing their travel plans, 42% are shopping around more and 30% are waiting for deals or discounts.
Among the five per cent who said they do not plan to travel at all in 2025, ‘financial constraints’ was only the second most common reason (32%) for not doing so, behind mobility issues (49%) and slightly ahead of a preference to stay at home (20%).
Almost two-thirds of those surveyed expressed an interest in holidays geared around a particular hobby or theme, such as birdwatching, archaeology or astronomy.
Unwinding (58%), adventure (47%) and exploring different cultures (35%) are the top motivations for holidaying in 2025, with just 16% of those surveyed wanting to learn something new while they’re away.
As many as 70% of respondents who plan to holiday in 2025 expect to go to Europe, with that majority split evenly across all age ranges.
Among their preferred choices, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, and Croatia stand out as Saga’s top five European destinations for the year.
Touring bookings for Europe are growing in popularity, rising by an average of five per cent year-on-year compared to 2024.
Those aged between 50-69 are seeing the biggest interest in European touring holidays.
River cruising also remains a popular choice for European holidays in 2025.
The operator reported that bookings last week were up 68% compared to the same period last year.
Saga Holidays product director Zoe Tasker said: “Our research this year paints an encouraging picture of the over-50s traveller.
“Despite wider economic uncertainties, they remain committed to their annual holidays and are looking to travel more and increase their spending on travel over the next 12 months.
“The rise in special interest holidays for 2025 shows how travellers are now looking to combine their passions with their travel plans. Rather than learning something new, it’s indulging in what they already love – whether it’s tracing historical footsteps, exploring culinary delights, or engaging in arts and culture – while enjoying a carefully curated holiday experience.
“Looking ahead at the ‘must visit’ destinations for next year, Europe is set to shine, but long-haul destinations are also taking centre stage.
“The USA, South Africa, Costa Rica, India and Japan are all experiencing a surge of demand for 2025 departures across our product range, reflecting travellers’ ever-growing appetite for far-flung, extraordinary adventures.”