Golden Age of Travel: Top Booking.com Destinations Visited by Silver Travelers
After more than a year of travel restrictions, limited adventures and postponed travel plans, it’s no wonder many are dreaming of their next getaway when it’s safe to do so. And of course, wanderlust has no age limit! More than half (58%) of global travelers over the age of 55* revealed that not being able to get away has made them realize how important travel is.
As the world slowly begins to open and travelers begin to plan their future trips to make up for missed time, Booking.com has delved into its over 28 million listings in over 226 countries and territories across the globe to reveal the top destinations visited and loved by those over the age of 55**
Just as wanderlust has no age limit, neither does adventure! Kyoto, formerly the Japanese capital, flourished for centuries as the country’s centre of culture, religion and economy. This era is preserved by intricate Buddhist temples, palaces, beautiful gardens and time-honoured traditions like the geisha of the Gion district. In fact, there are 17 locations that make up the 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto', found all across Kyoto city.
Where to stay: The beautiful surroundings of 22 Pieces are perfect for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. It’s only 3.6 km from Nijo Castle which is one of Kyoto’s largest and best-preserved castles.
For the Silver Travelers who still seek a bit of adrenaline, Queenstown offers a mountain of possibilities for your pleasure including rafting and boating. For those who are more interested in taking in the incredible scenery, you can overlook the calm waters of Lake Wakatipu and be surrounded by peaceful mountain retreats like The Remarkables and Walter Peak.
Where to stay: Copthorne Hotel is located in Queenstown, a 10-minute walk from the resort centre. This 4-star hotel offers spacious accommodation and great views over Lake Wakatipu and the mountains.
Once a major port, Hoi An is nestled along a beguiling riverside, preserved with old temples and ancient tea warehouses. The idyllic town is almost absent of traffic and pollution and you’ll find that life here has changed little with its Old Town heritage still very much thriving. Silver travellers can enjoy the laid back scenery and calm beaches.
Where to stay: Located near the Assembly Hall of Chaozhou Chinese Congregation Hoi An Historic Museum, Hoi An Riverside Villas & Apartments is a welcoming bed and breakfast with a terrace.
With its buzzy vibe and Aussie sense of fun, another top pick for Silver travelers is Melbourne. The city’s most recognizable landmark is Flinders Street Station, whose yellow and green façade matches the colour of the historic Melbourne trams that still run around the world’s longest tram network. Shopping in Melbourne is fantastic too. Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market south of the Equator, while the La Trobe Street shopping centre has over 300 stores.
Where to stay: Surrounded by shops and restaurants in Melbourne CBD, Quay West Suites offers spacious suites with panoramic views over Yarra River. Quay West Suites is a short walk from the Melbourne Arts Precinct, Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne Aquarium, Federation Square, and Victorian Arts Centre. Flinders Street Railway Station is a convenient 10-minute walk from the property.
From the glitz and glamour of the Star City Casino and trendy King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour, to the waves of the Northern beaches, Sydney is full of great restaurants, bars and shopping. Silver travelers can sail under the iconic Harbour Bridge on a ferry and take in a world class performance at the Sydney Opera House.
Where to stay: Overlooking Sydney's historic Rocks area, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is situated in Sydney CBD and features luxurious rooms with panoramic views over the iconic Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who are planning to travel in the next 12 months. In total 28,042 respondents across 28 countries and territories were polled (including 1003 from Argentina, 1002 from Australia, 1000 from Brazil, 1001 from Canada, 1000 from China, 1002 from Colombia, 1001 from Croatia, 1003 from Denmark, 1002 from France, 1005 from Germany, 1004 from Hong Kong, 1000 from India, 1002 from Israel, 1000 from Italy, 1000 from Japan, 1002 from Mexico, 1000 from Netherlands, 1000 from New Zealand, 1003 from Russia, 1000 from Singapore, 1003 from South Korea, 1005 from Spain, 1001 from Sweden, 1000 from Taiwan, 1003 from Thailand, 1000 from UK, 1000 from USA and 1000 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in January 2021.
**Most positively endorsed destinations by Booking.com travelers age 55 and above. Destinations had to have been endorsed a minimum of 200 times by "mature" travelers before being included in this.