A new survey from Allianz Partners USA finds that travelers age 55 and older are driving growth in travel trends pioneered by younger Americans last year, including traveling solo and with pets.
According to the 2024 Annual Holiday Confidence Index, solo travel now appeals to 23% of seniors (up 6 percentage points), while those ages 35-54 planning to travel alone has increased by 4 percentage points to 35%. Among younger travellers, 42% remain committed to solo travel.
When it comes to traveling with pets, a quarter of seniors (24%) are bringing their pets with them, up four percentage points from last year, while 41% of 35-54 year olds are bringing their pets with them, up five percentage points.
Meanwhile, “paycations” (a new trend identified by Allianz last year as “work on holiday”) and wellness travel are sticking around. Self-care is a priority for 54% of younger travellers, 42% of 35-54 year olds and 24% of those 55+. Meanwhile, work on holiday travellers saw the biggest growth among 35-54 year olds, who saw a 9 percentage point increase to 35% of travellers planning a paycation this year. For the 18-34 age group, that figure rises to 40%, with mature travellers making up just 14% of this trend.
Related: Inside the burgeoning 'blended travel' trend: What are these travelers looking for?
This year for the first time, the survey asked about the influence of social media on travel planning and found that 39% of younger travellers seek inspiration through social media, while 24% of 35-54 year olds say they use social media as a source of inspiration, while only 5% of those over 55 say they do so.
“Trends first identified in last year's Vacation Confidence Index – from traveling solo and with pets to a focus on self-care – were validated in this year's survey results,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications for Allianz Partners USA. “Wellness has emerged as an essential component of our daily health and happiness and is often integrated into travel, with Americans finding value on social media through inspirational travel experiences.”
The survey was conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Allianz Partners among 2,010 Americans in April of this year.
Editor's note: This article was created by AI based on a press release distributed by Allianz Partners USA and has been fact-checked and reviewed by TravelAge West editors.
