With a baby boomer turning 50 approximately every 8.4 seconds, senior travel packages are molding themselves to the needs of seniors as well as recognizing their influence and increased buying power.

With 70% of all US wealth said to be controlled by Americans over 50, seniors account for 50% of all discretionary spending and spend more per capita on groceries, health products, and yes, travel and leisure. Travel agencies are now designing travel packages specifically for the senior traveller. Along with the basic inclusions of transportation, lodging, meals and entertainment, senior travel packages may also include complete baggage handling, extra focus on safety, special dietary needs, and assistance shopping.

Age Limiting Physical Abilities

People in the United States are living longer than ever. When a person reaches 65, the odds for that person reaching their 90's also increases. So with seniors having so many years ahead of them combined with a greater percentage of purchasing power, travel is certainly a choice many seniors are and will be making. The physical limitations of age become more of an issue than most other things; walking slower, lifting, carrying items, and tiring easily. A seniors travel package with complete baggage handling at every phase of the trip is essential for boomers. With many seniors traveling independently into their 80s and even their 90s, not having to pull heavy suitcases around, or lift large bags into overhead luggage compartments is an aspect most senior travel packages will want to include, or that seniors will demand be included.

Senior travel packages must take into account that many seniors may require using the rest room more frequently than younger people. Bus tours can accommodate this need with more frequent rest stops at locations that have facilities with more than one washroom for men and more than one washroom for women. It goes without saying that buses should include spacious rest rooms for seniors who can't wait for stops.

Safety Questions

A complete senior travel package should put at ease any concerns about the safety of a pre-selected destination. Safety is first on the mind of most seniors who travel. Selected destinations should be those approved for travel by the United States Department of State. Companies that arrange travel packages for seniors should include a detailed review of the hotel and the neighborhoods surrounding the hotel. A seniors travel package, or any travel package for that matter, should never involve residing in questionable areas or low-security housing. Seniors should book travel packages for vacations with established, reputable agencies who have clearly done their homework.

Dietary Restrictions

A senior's travel package should have pre-arranged dining locations that are willing to accommodate the dietary restrictions of many seniors. Whether these restrictions are based upon beliefs, personal preference or a medical condition, dining establishments selected as a part of a tour should remain flexible in order to meet the needs of the senior consumer. Seniors should certainly ask about pre-set arrangements for dining when booking their travel package.

Added Assistance when Shopping

With disposable income higher for some seniors, and bargain hunting an everlasting passion for others, a travel package that offers additional assistance to help carry shopping purchases back to a hotel or ship, is certainly an attractive added bonus. If this option is not offered, shipping purchases back home is sometimes another answer for seniors, as it saves having to deal with additional items while traveling.