More than half (56%) of over-50s already hold a travel booking for next year and 39% plan to travel more in 2024 than previous years, according to new Saga research.
Saga and sister company Titan Travel reported a 20% rise in solo travellers booking holidays for next year versus 2023.
Long-haul touring holidays are the most popular types of trips with 42% of respondents. Cruises are also a popular option particularly with women and those aged over 70.
The proportion expecting to be travelling more in 2024 rises to 43% for people between 50 and 69 years old.
Popular destinations include the UK with two thirds (58%) planning a domestic break in 2024, and 32% looking to take an ocean cruise. European city breaks are also popular, in particular with 50-69-year-olds (22%).
However, just a third (29%) want to go on holidays like the ones they have been on before – most want to see new places and to explore local culture.
Online inspiration is seen as being “incredibly important” for the older demographic, with more than half (58%) saying that travel company websites are the most popular places to seek holiday suggestions.
A quarter are also engaged with travel brands’ social media platforms, online travel influencers or advertising on digital and social media accounts.
Almost 40% are happy to book a holiday online, with this increasing to 58% for 50-59-year-olds, with short-haul trips the most likely bookings.
Almost two-thirds (61%) stated that wi-fi is extremely or very important to them, with 80% unhappy if they must pay for it. Almost all – 96% – expect hotels and cruise ships to offer free internet access.
The poll of almost 3,000 customers by the over-50s brand found that almost a quarter (20%) plan to travel solo next year.
As many as 82% of those solo travellers have already planned to travel outside the UK in 2024, and of that, 68% are female.
More than 90% are experienced solo travellers, who have already taken an average of five trips, while 9% are travelling on their own for the first time in 2024. The average age of the first solo trip is 47 years old.
Women are proving themselves more independent and adventurous, with the study showing that 48% of females and 30% of males are saying they would rather travel now, than wait for someone to come with them.
More than a third (35%) cite the death of a partner as a reason they are travelling solo, but they want to continue to enjoy their travels as they did as a couple.
However, any concerns about loneliness appear to be unfounded as 47% of respondents who have travelled on their own said they had made friends they have stayed in touch with, and 11% made a romantic connection.
Group travel, be that touring or cruises, makes people feel safer too, with 31% of men and 43% of women stating safety as a concern with solo travel, along with 30% of people being worried about organising a trip alone, according to the study.
Saga Travel Group chief executive John Constable said: “Over-50s are an audience often ignored by many brands, including those in the travel industry, yet they make up 38% of the population and as our recent research shows, they are not to be under-estimated.
“Their desire to travel is unabated with 56% already holding bookings and 39% expecting to travel more in 2024 than in previous years. And we’re seeing a rise in solo holidays because they feel ‘if not now, then when?’ and want to have new experiences. Not only will they see the world, but it’s also a great way to meet new people.
“They’re also far more digitally savvy than they’re given credit for through both their booking behaviours and whilst on holiday. A skill that will put them in good stead as the number of active retirees grow in coming years who are likely to choose to work as they travel.”
Saga also identified that by 2027 there will be 15 million people in ‘active retirement’ – a banding that involves a combination of activity that is likely to include some paid work, as well as hobbies and volunteering.
That, combined with changes in the working environment and a move towards more flexibility, is likely to lead to more older people continuing to work as they travel and becoming more digitally nomadic.