In a recent survey, 67% of Boomers emphasize that mental stimulation and challenge is their motivation for remaining in the workforce. However they are also driven by a compulsion to see it/do it before it can't be seen or done anymore. This is what inspires their desire to fill their leisure time with travel; seeing such sites as: the Great Wall, the Great Barrier Reef, and Venice - boomers feel a need to visit places, species and lifestyles that are vanishing and experience them for themselves. Research shows that Boomers spend $157 Billion on trips every year and travel is ranked the number 1 leisure activity.  

Environmental concerns, such as global warming, seem to have exacerbated these feelings. Seeing polar or spirit bears in their natural environment or visiting Antarctica, for example, are high on the "must-see" list. Boomers desire vacations to destinations with great local cuisine, interesting sights and an opportunity to relax.

While cruises are a great option that presents the traveler with the ability to have adventure and relaxation along with plenty to eat and drink, low-key adventure tours in a foreign land or a laid-back wine and food excursion can be quite pleasurable.

Many Baby Boomers want to take a trip but are uncertain where to go, others are perhaps single and a bit inhibited; a tour is a perfect means of travel for this group.  Tours are defined as a pre-planned package trip to one or more places, which includes two or more travel components (ex. transportation, lodging, or admission to attractions).

There are many factors that affect the cost of tours such as:

1. Tour destination

2. Quality of accommodations

3.  Inclusiveness of tour                                                                                                                                         

4. Time of year

5. Length of tour

 6. To meet people and socialize

7. To minimize the stress and problems of travel. 

Another reason some Boomers choose to take a tour is for personal enrichment. Nearly 84% consider learning as the most important benefit of a tour, while others appreciate the idea of saving money and time. It's a known fact that when traveling, time is money and tour groups have the ability to bypass lines at attractions. In addition, tour companies sometimes get 50%-70% off a hotel's official published rate.

  When deciding on tours here are some details that must be considered:

1. What are the departure dates of the tour?

2. How many days is the tour?

3. Does the tour price include airfare?

4. If air is included, is the air from the passenger's home city or will there be an additional cost for an "add-on" fare?

 

5. Will a tour manager accompany the group for the entire trip or just the land portion?

 

6. Are there any service charges and/or taxes?

 

7. What level of physical activity is involved?

 

8. Is there enough free time for shopping and exploring?