Over-55s opt for adventure over 'safe' destinations: Maldives in, USA out

The over-55s generation is opting for adventure and cultural immersion over traditional and 'safe' holiday destinations, according to a new report from Forward Travel.

Maldives, Colombia, Congo, Scotland and Bangladesh are trending, with the former jumping 257 per cent in the popularity stakes.

But it's farewell to once popular destinations including Cook Islands, China, Switzerland and Hong Kong, with declines in interest of up to 97 per cent.

"Once attracted to traditional, well-known destinations, this demographic is now exploring lesser-known parts of the world, driven by an appetite for meaningful and authentic experiences," the report said.

Forward Travel founder and director, David Smyth, said Boomers have "time and income on their side" and were "shunning traditional holidays".

"Not content to sit still, they are redefining what it means to retire, immersing themselves in diverse cultures, landscapes and experiences with an energy and enthusiasm you'd expect to see in people decades younger," Mr Smyth said.

Older travellers are drawn to Congo for its raw wilderness, untouched rainforests and the opportunity to have experiences like trekking with gorillas, according to Mr Smyth.

Colombia is a "rising star" for adventurous travellers, enjoying a "certain mystique, along with colonial charm, breathtaking natural beautiful and a thriving cultural scene", Mr Smyth said.

The USA is losing appeal due to its over-commercialisation, overcrowded tourist spots, and the unfavourable exchange rate against the Aussie dollar, the report said.

Mauritius, once loved by the older crowd for its luxury resorts, was falling out of fashion as Boomers moved away from resort-based tourism in favour of more immersive and culturally engaging experiences.

Meanwhile, more Australians plan to travel solo in 2025 than travellers from any other country, and Gen Z (adults aged 27 and under) are leading the charge, according to SiteMinder's Changing Traveller Report 2025.

The report found 24 per cent of Gen Z travellers planned to go on a solo adventure in the new year.

The most popular international destinations for solo adventurers will be the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand and Japan, the report said.