Retirement travel business booms in new millennium

|tab|

The image of retired persons used to be one of mild, white-haired folks whi-ling away the hours in La-Z-Boy recliners, venturing out occasionally to visit the grandkids. But that's not the case any- more. Most of today's seniors don't collect stamps or even know how to knit. |ret||ret||tab|

In fact, their idea of retirement may just redefine the word. Retirees in the new millennium are on the go from Alaska to Australia and almost everywhere in between.|ret||ret||tab|

Marvin McDaniel, owner of McDaniel Travel in Springfield, reports a "major shift" in senior travel. Mc-Daniel remembers that when he began his career in 1974, retired persons traveling for leisure typically were age 65 and up. Their destinations were limited, due in part to the fact that the travel industry itself was in its early growth stages, he said.|ret||ret||tab|

A lot has changed since then. People now retire as young as their early 50s. They're healthier, more active, and have more discretionary income than the seniors of previous generations. |ret||ret||tab|

Apparently, they have more energy as well. Jane Thomas, a vacation specialist with Great Southern Travel, notes that modern retiree activities include skiing and water sports.|ret||ret||tab|

Thomas believes that today's senior travelers also are savvy they're more educated and have a broader base of experience. |ret||ret||tab|

Many of them have lived in several states and have been exposed to a wider variety of culture and activities. |ret||ret||tab|

"They know what the world is about," Thomas said, and now they want to do all the things they didn't have the time or money for when they were nurturing ca-reers and children.|ret||ret||tab|

Mary Newell of Sunshine Travel Inc. said the attitude of clients she encounters is, "Now we have the time, why don't we go?" |ret||ret||tab|

They've worked and saved, and now that they're retired, "they decide they want to see something they haven't been a lot of places, (and) now they think they ought to try (new things)," Newell said, adding that today's seniors plan to make their golden years exactly that.|ret||ret||tab|

This changing face of senior America also means change and growth for the travel industry. Gina Glessner, also of Sunshine Travel, estimated that nearly 40 percent of the company's business comes from retirees. |ret||ret||tab|

People age 55 and up account for more than half of McDaniel Travel's leisure travel clientele, making them more than a quarter of that agency's overall business.|ret||ret||tab|

|ret||ret||tab|

Travel trends|ret||ret||tab|

After the Sept. 11 attacks on America, travel industry activity was subdued. But while the political climate and concerns for safety still influence the destination choices of senior travelers, McDaniel says his company's business is experiencing a solid rebound. Other agents agree that business is on the upswing. |ret||ret||tab|

There's no denying, however, that the business is different. Like other travelers, retirees are playing it safe and sticking a little closer to home. European travel is down significantly this year and some international tours have been canceled altogether, making the new hot spots either in the Caribbean or on American soil.|ret||ret||tab|

Cruises are by far the most popular packages sold to seniors. Their appeal is multifaceted: no packing and unpacking each day, no hotel reservation hassles, no lost luggage or switching flights. With one reservation, vacationers can arrange for a few nights to several weeks of rest and relaxation, fun and adventure.|ret||ret||tab|

By taking a cruise, retirees keep their options open. There's food, entertainment, food, gambling, food, dancing, food, and workout facilities (to compensate for the food) right on the ship. Vacationers also can go ashore to sightsee and soak up the local culture.|ret||ret||tab|

The most popular cruises with seniors, according to Thomas, are to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Re-tirees from all walks of life are setting sail. |ret||ret||tab|

There's a cruise package for every budget from a seven-night package for $500 per person to a 21-day, $10,000 Australian extravaganza.|ret||ret||tab|

Guided motor-coach tours are another popular senior selection. Many travelers are interested in historic sites; others just want to have fun. |ret||ret||tab|

Domestic packages are surprisingly affordable. For example, a four-night package trip to Las Vegas, including airfare, starts as low as $350.|ret||ret||tab|

While destination and activity interests vary widely, one feature seems overwhelmingly desirable. |ret||ret||tab|

From cruises to resorts, the convenience and simplicity of an all-in-one vacation package is what retirees are looking for.|ret||ret||tab|

|ret||ret||tab|

A fare' future|ret||ret||tab|

A growing senior population means the travel industry can look forward to its own "golden years." As the large baby boomer generation moves toward retirement, travel specialists predict the leisure travel business will be as booming as the generation it serves. [[In-content Ad]]