The USA has topped the list of dream holiday destinations for over 50s, with ‘sunshine’ and ‘value for money’ the top priorities when booking a getaway, according to the latest research from SunLife.
SunLife’s new Life Well Spent report surveyed 2,000 over 50s and has revealed that almost 9 in 10 (87%) take at least one holiday in the UK or abroad every year. Nearly two thirds prefer to go somewhere new, while 37% prefer going back to somewhere they’ve been before.
When it comes to dream destinations, the USA tops the ‘holiday bucket list’, followed by Australia and the Maldives. Italy is the only European country to make the top ten apart from the UK, with Cornwall coming in at number 8.
Top ten holiday destinations for over 50s:
- USA
- Australia
- Maldives
- Caribbean
- New Zealand
- Italy
- Canada
- Cornwall
- Japan
- Barbados
And when quizzed on what they look for in a holiday, 72% of over 50s prioritise sunshine for trips abroad. And when it comes to staycations, value for money is crucial for 67%.
Top ten priorities for over 50s’ holidays abroad:
- Sunshine
- Value for money
- Authentic food and drinks
- Beaches
- Historic or cultural and art attractions
- Exciting attractions
- Walking and hiking
- Luxury
- Mountains and lakes
- Shopping
Other priorities that don’t make the top ten include music and entertainment, and skiing.
The research also found that spending money on holidays makes us happy – three quarters feel happier after spending on a break abroad or in the UK.
The Life Well Spent report looked at both holidays abroad and in the UK, finding the typical cost of each.
Over 50s spend an average of £2,572 when heading overseas, and for staycations, the cost drops to £705. Those that plan to take a ‘bucket list’ trip expect their dream holiday to cost an average of £11,402 – this is the equivalent of four international holidays or 16 UK breaks!
While over half of over 50s plan to take their dream trip at some point, SunLife found that only 31% of over 50s think they’ll be able to afford it. 1 in 4 (24%) aren’t sure it’s within their budget, while 36% don’t think they’ll ever be able to afford such a trip. And 9% aren’t convinced it’s worth the money.
