Forget The Armchairs; Baby Boomers Are Ready For Adventure

Walking tours and family vacations appeal to tidal wave of travelers age 65+

La Jolla, CA (January 2011) – The adjective "over-the-hill" hardly even registers in the Baby Boomer vocabulary, a clear sign that this coming-of-age segment of the U.S. population has no intention of dialing down its activity level.

The Boomer phenomenon – which will see more than four million Americans turning 65 each year from now until 2029 – is borne out by a recent Ypartnership study of 2500 adult travelers. According to Travel Weekly, the Boomers’ thirst for adventure is alive and well, and they're actively looking to "heap more esoteric knowledge onto the stockpile of what they already know."

Edward Piegza, president and founder of the adventure travel company Classic Journeys, fully agrees with the survey results. "Fifty percent of our guests are now age 60 or over," Piegza observes, "and for this group, sight-doing – a blend of easy-going walks and daily cultural discoveries – clearly trumps sightseeing."

Sixty-somethings like Tom and Anne Barker of New York – currently planning their seventh walking vacation with Classic Journeys – are seeking a total package of scenic beauty, history, and local culture. For them, the biggest draw is the camaraderie among like-minded travelers and the siren song of the untrampled, less-touristed countryside.

In the past five years, the Barkers have literally criss-crossed the globe, from India and New Zealand to Ireland, Italy, Morocco and Zambia. The company’s Sardinia & Corsica walking tour is next on their agenda. As Tom says, "The level of luxury, fine dining and activity in small groups is what we love the most."

Not to be outdone, Boomer grandparents are also getting into the act, opting to explore exotic destinations with their grown children and grandchildren. Couples like the Inselmanns of Houston, Texas, have helped make Classic Journeys' Costa Rica Family Journey the single most popular trip in its tour portfolio. On departures specifically timed for spring, summer and winter breaks, multiple generations enjoy a week of nature hikes, whitewater rafting, volcano spotting, and ziplining through the cloud forest canopy, giving a whole new meaning to quality time with the family.

Readers who want to learn more about how Classic Journeys is reaching out to Boomers in 2011 and beyond may speak to a Guest Services Coordinator at (800) 200-3887 or visit www.classicjourneys.com.


About Classic Journeys:

Classic Journeys offers cultural walking tours, culinary tours and family vacations in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the South Pacific. Guests enjoy luxury accommodations and gourmet meals that reflect the best of each region, coupled with soft adventure activities, daily interactions with locals, and native guides who make countries and cultures come alive. Tours are six to 12 days long with two to four hours of easy-going walking per day. Land-only tour prices range from $2595 to $8895 per person (with discounts for small groups and children traveling with parents). Average tour size is 10, limited to a maximum of 18 guests per departure. Full details and links to itineraries are available at www.ClassicJourneys.com.

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