United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
More over 50s taking short breaks, says Holiday Inn
A survey by Holiday Inn has revealed that three out of four couples over the age over 50 are planning four or more ‘romantic breaks’ this year, compared to one per year when they were in their forties.
Between the years 2005 to 2007 there was a 25% rise in the number of ‘golden oldies’ heading off on weekend breaks.
The study of almost 4,000 Holiday Inn customers also showed that older couples now spend around £1,363 a year on domestic breaks.
Holiday Inn spokesman Chris Hale said: ”By 50 most people have paid off their mortgage, their kids have left home and all of a sudden they have enormous freedoms they haven’t enjoyed for years.
”While people in their 30s and 40s are tied down with debts and family life, the over-50s are packing their bags and heading off for romantic weekends, with great big grins on their faces.
“There’s been a huge surge in the popularity of weekend leisure breaks in the UK. In 2006 just over half of us took a weekend break – last year this had shot to almost three quarters. And the over-50s are travelling and spending more than anyone else.
“Although they’re keen on short city breaks across Europe, what they really love is driving a couple of hours from home, checking into one of our hotels and using it as a base camp to explore.”
By Bev Fearis
Related News Stories:
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled