New AARP Report: Older Americans Plan More Travel in 2026 as They Embrace AI and Deal Hunting

WASHINGTON—Older Americans are planning for a big year of travel in 2026 despite persistent cost concerns, according to new AARP research. The latest Travel Trends report shows travelers age 50 and older are not only planning nearly four trips, but also embracing new tools, including AI, to stretch their travel dollars further than ever.

The latest findings show that nearly two‑thirds (64%) of adults age 50-plus expect to travel in 2026, continuing the strong demand seen in recent years. Actual travel once again outpaced expectations in 2025: Older adults took an average of 4.2 trips, compared with the 3.6 they had originally planned. Looking ahead, travelers anticipate taking 3.9 trips in 2026.

A notable shift this year is the rapid rise in technology‑assisted planning. The share of older adults using AI tools to find travel deals has doubled—from 8% to 16%—as more travelers turn to digital tools to stretch their budgets and make smarter decisions.

“Even with cost pressures, adults 50-plus are finding creative ways to keep exploring, whether that’s using rewards, shopping for deals, or turning to AI for smarter trip planning,” said Carey Kyler, Sr. Director of Consumer Insights at AARP Services, Inc. “For many older Americans, travel is how they stay connected to the people who matter most.”

More major findings from the survey include:

• 86% of adults age 50-plus say travel is a top discretionary spending priority, and more than half of their 2026 trips were already booked or planned by the end of 2025.
• Cost remains the biggest barrier for older travelers. About 45% are concerned about high airfare, and 39% cite cost overall, including 49% of those with annual incomes under $100,000.
• Older adults are budget conscious. 89% shop for bargains, and more than half used loyalty rewards or discounts on recent trips.
• Use of AI tools for travel planning has doubled in one year, rising from 8% to 16% as travelers look for the best available deals.
• Family travel continues to lead leisure priorities, with 57% motivated by time with loved ones and one in four trips including three generations.

AARP Travel, a valuable resource for Americans 50-plus, who spend over $236 billion annually in leisure travel, provides expert travel advice, the latest news and travel insights. AARP.org/travel has a wealth of articles available to anyone on vacation ideas, travel tips, and destinations to make travel simple. 

The annual AARP Travel Trends survey examines the travel behaviors, expectations, and motivations among adults 50-plus – this year with a sample size of 1,189 respondents.  View the full 2026 survey results here.

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About AARP 

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.