1、AARP.ORG/RESEARCH|2026 AARP ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDDOI:AARP RESEARCH2026 TRAVEL TRENDS:A SURVEY OF U.S.ADULTS AGE 50-PLUSMarch 2026https:/doi.org/10.26419/res.01061.001AARP.ORG/RESEARCH|2026 AARP ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDAARP RESEARCH2Table of contentsExecutive Summary3What Will Travel Look Like in 2026?62026
2、 Domestic Travel132026 International Travel172026 Transportation&Accommodations Preferences21The Importance of Family Travel27Travel Planning Influences31Implications41Appendix43AARP.ORG/RESEARCH|2026 AARP ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDAARP RESEARCH3 3EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AARP.ORG/RESEARCH|2026 AARP ALL RIGHTS RE
3、SERVEDAARP RESEARCH4Leisure travel in 2026 will remain a top priority for adults age 50-plus.Nearly two-thirds(64%)of adults age 50plus expect to travel in 2026,consistent with intention levels seen in recent years.For a second straight year,the number of actual trips taken(4.2)surpassed what was ex
4、pected(3.6)in 2025,with the 2026 study showing anticipated trips rising from 3.6 in 2025 to 3.9 in 2026.More specifically,most older adults(86%)identify travel as one of their top three priorities for their discretionary income.And their behavior reinforces their intent:More than half of domestic an
5、d international trips were already booked or in the planning phase by the end of 2025,giving many something positive to look forward to.Air travel has re-emerged as the preferred mode of domestic travel for 2026,even though 45%say the high cost of airline travel gives them pause and challenges with
6、airlines continues.Though cost has decreased as a possible barrier to travel,it is still the most common threat to 2026 travel plans(39%),and most specifically for those with annual incomes of under$100k per year(49%).Hence,travelers are trying to make the most of their dollars.Most adults age 50-pl