Travel experts are expecting a ‘grey tsunami’ this year. No, it’s not a new and terrifying weather event to worry about. In fact, it’s something wonderful. A grey tsunami refers to one of the most popular 2026 travel predictions: the surge in baby boomer travel. As we wrap up the year and look ahead to the next, here are just some of the ways the industry will cater to the baby boomer generation.
What This Guide Will Cover:
- Tips for senior travel
- Best tours for seniors traveling alone
- Why baby boomers should consider trip insurance
- Top plans for retirees traveling
5 Tips for Senior Travel
In 2026, baby boomers will be between the ages of 62 and 80. With more financial resources and collective free time than any other generation, older people will make up a significant percentage of travelers. If you’re a baby boomer, you might be thinking about getting out there yourself.
Definition: A baby boomer is an individual born between the years 1946 and 1964, called “boomers” due to the increase or “boom” in birth rates following World War II.
Here are five essential tips for baby boomers to experience safer, more enjoyable travels.
Tip #1: Look for travel discounts for seniors
There are plenty of perks for being an AARP member but one of the best ones is all the travel discounts you can get. From flight discounts to hotel deals, you’ll find a way to cut down travel costs without cutting down your itineraries. Even if you aren’t a member of the AARP, many hotel chains like Best Western and Marriott offer discounted room rates to older adults. Major airlines like United and British Airways sell plane tickets to seniors at a reduced cost.
Tip #2: Use mobility devices and accessibility aids
One of the not-so–fun things about growing older is that our physical abilities weaken. We don’t walk as well as we used to and we don’t see or hear as well as we did when we were in our twenties. The good news, though, is that there are plenty of mobility devices and accessibility aids available to us.
From hearing aids and wheelchairs to audio tours and motorized scooters, there are plenty of options to help you explore your world. While some of these options might be intimidating to travel with, especially when you’re on your own, a little online research should put you at ease. Airlines have a protocol in place for helping wheelchair users, museums offer audio devices, and hotels should have ramps and accessible bathrooms. Give your airline, hotel provider and every place on your itinerary a call before you depart to confirm their accessibility services, resources and regulations. Pack and plan accordingly.
Tip #3: Embrace travel technology
Boomers consistently disprove the tired stereotype being technologically-inept. What you might not know is that there are tons of apps and smart devices you can rely on during your travels to help you stay in touch with your loved ones back home, navigate foreign lands, and keep you and your luggage safe. Tools like WhatsApp, smart luggage, translation apps and more are designed to keep travelers of every age safe.
Tip #4: Don’t pack more than you can carry
While you definitely want to be prepared for anything that may come your way, you also want to do your best to ensure that you can easily travel with your luggage. Once you’ve researched weather conditions and itinerary essentials, make a list of everything you absolutely need for a safe trip. Think travel docs, extra medication (That’s right, extra. Always take another week’s worth of medication with you in case your return home is somehow delayed), IDs, medical alert bracelets, smartphone, money, weather-appropriate clothes and toiletries.
Once you have these essentials down, close up your suitcase and walk around with it for a few minutes. If you feel pretty good after that, then you can add a few nice-to-have travel accessories.
Tip #5: Know your limits, but don’t limit yourself
Traveling when your older comes down to striking a balance between pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and backing off when something becomes too physically demanding. If you want to walk the steps of the Colosseum, awesome. If you fear your knees might buckle or you’ll lose your balance, there’s no shame in taking the elevator (yes, the Coliseum has one!).
What Are 5 of the Best Tours for Seniors Traveling Alone?
If you’re traveling alone, joining a tour group is one of the safest ways to travel; it’s also one of the best. Here are just some of the amazing tours you can take next year.
1. Volunteering + traveling = 1 unforgettable experience
What could be more meaningful than volunteering to improve the lives and environment of the countries you visit? VolunteerWorld offers seniors an opportunity to do exactly that. Want to care for orphaned baby baboons? How about assisting with medical care? There’s a tour for that.
2. Combine learning & travel
There are a number of tours that involve a mix of experiential learning and sightseeing. Tour groups like Road Scholars cater to older travelers who want to learn a bit about the countries they’re visiting. The company even promotes multi-generational travel between grandparents and their grandkids. What could be more important than introducing your grandchildren to new cultures and histories during their formative years?
3. Take a riverboat tour
Riverboating can be a relaxing and unique way to see the world. Imagine rolling on the Rhine and stopping in France, Austria and Germany along the way. Because of their small size, riverboats can go where ocean-liners can’t. This allows you to get a more unique, more intimate travel experience.
4. Go on a hiking tour
If you live a fairly active lifestyle, there are plenty of hiking tours that might be perfect for you. Companies like TravelStride cater to senior hikers who want to tour the world.
5. Customize your tour
Earlier we mentioned knowing your limits, but that doesn’t mean you have to limit your travel experience. There are a number of companies like Adventures Abroad that offer tours for seniors of all physical abilities.
Beyond tours, there’s no shortage of places and activities to put on your itineraries. If you’re looking for senior travel ideas and inspiration, we’ve got five amazing tours you can book right now. Want more inspiration? We got you.
Out of any other generation age group, baby boomers have the most financial resources and freedom to travel the world. It’s clear boomers will continue to drive the travel resurgence in 2026. Now’s the perfect time to put your 2026 trips on the calendar and plot out your dream itineraries.
Why Do I Need Travel Insurance As a Baby Boomer?
Travel insurance can be crucial when it comes to traveling at an older age. With health conditions, physical restraints, and a need for support, travel insurance can be a great safety net for baby boomers.
Travel insurance can cover nonrefundable and prepaid travel expenses, including flights, hotels, tours, and activities. For seniors worried about medical situations and emergencies, travel insurance can offer coverage for:
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Can provide coverage for costs for transportation to the nearest medical facility if you are injured or ill
- Accident and Sickness: If you fall sick or injure yourself, medical expenses can be covered.
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Policies may offer coverage for a health emergency related to a pre-existing condition.
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment: Coverage for travelers in the case of death or loss of limbs due to an accident.
What Are The Best Travel Insurance Plans For Baby Boomers?
Best Travel Insurance For Seniors Seeking Medical Coverage: iTravelInsured Travel LX
Best Affordable Travel Insurance For Retirees: iTravelInsured Choice
Best Overall Travel Insurance Plan: Pathway Premium
How Can I Find the Best Senior Trip Insurance?
If you’re interested in insuring your trip before your next baby boomer adventure, the licensed insurance experts at VisitorsCoverage are happy to help. Head on over to the site to find the best trip insurance for baby boomers.
- Baby boomers will be between 62-80 in 2026, and will make up a significant percentage of travelers.
- Seniors should look for travel discounts, use accessibility aids, use technology, pack essentials, and know limits before travel.
- If you are a senior traveling alone, joining a tour group is one of the safest ways to travel.
- Travel insurance can be beneficial for seniors seeking medical coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Boomers Traveling in 2026
Is travel insurance required for seniors traveling?
While not required, travel insurance is highly recommended for seniors. Being of older age, seniors may deal with medical situations or emergencies, making travel insurance essential. Travel insurance may cover situations like medical evacuation, accident and sickness, pre-existing conditions, and accidental death and dismemberment.
Why should baby boomers consider traveling with a companion?
Traveling with companions can offer another layer of security and support, especially for older travelers. Not only can shared expenses and accommodations be a perk, but having someone to have shared memories and experiences with can make your journey more enjoyable.
How far in advance should seniors purchase travel insurance?
To receive the best coverage and benefits, seniors should consider purchasing travel insurance right after making their initial trip deposit. This is especially important for seniors who are seeking pre-existing condition waivers, which must be purchased within 14-21 days of your initial payment.
Is there an age limit for baby boomers purchasing travel insurance?
While most plans will have lower maximum age limits, some plans will extend their limits up to 99 years, which is better suited for older travelers. Coverage limits and options may change once a traveler is past the age of 80, so be sure to check plan details.
Can someone else purchase a travel insurance plan for me as a senior citizen?
Yes, someone else can purchase a travel insurance plan for you as a senior, as long as you are listed as the traveler on the policy. If you do need to file a claim for any reason, it will be you who is reimbursed, not the purchaser.
As a senior, can I get coverage for pre-existing conditions?
Yes, seniors with pre-existing conditions can get travel insurance that includes the pre-existing conditions waiver. There are travel insurance policies that have age limits and maximums, so it is important for seniors to double check eligibility requirements for the policy they are considering.
Is it worth it for baby boomers to purchase trip insurance?
Yes, older travelers can benefit from purchasing trip insurance for their next journey. From medical conditions to trip interruptions or cancellations, travel insurance can provide a safety cushion for seniors seeking a safe, successful trip.
