Boomers and the silent generation are spending their nest eggs now to create memories and connections instead of leaving money on the table
What Are SKI Trips, and Why Are They on the Rise? (Hint: They Have Nothing to Do with Snow)
Published on Oct. 22, 2024
Parents and grandparents are no longer content to amass a fortune for future generations—they’re spending it on themselves, especially when it comes to travel. A new Booking.com trend report shows both baby boomers (ages 60 to 79) and the silent generation (over 80) are increasingly determined to skip a restful retirement and enjoy the fruits of their decades of labor. According to the report, which surveyed 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories, parents and grandparents are ditching their excess savings and instead embarking on SKI trips.
And no, we’re not talking about snowy mountains and moguls—SKI stands for “spending kids’ inheritance.” Though playful, the term underscores how boomers and the silent generation are serious about drawing down their bank accounts in the pursuit of pleasure. Around two-fifths, or 41%, of American parents would rather splurge on a bucket-list trip in 2025 than leave more money behind for their offspring. That’s the case for 45% of baby boomers and 40% of members of the silent generation.
Sandy Tegnelia, 74, makes her home base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but she has no problem spending on travel in her retirement. “It’s now or never!” Tegnelia insists, explaining that while keeping enough savings to pay for her later years is important, “it is foolish to not do what one wants just to increase our children’s inheritance.”
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Why are SKI trips on the rise?
The definition of the word legacy is getting a modern makeover. “It’s no longer just about passing down wealth,” says Booking.com U.S. Managing Director Ben Harrell. “Older generations are recognizing the importance of creating lasting memories and inspiring meaningful experiences for the next generation.”
There are endless reasons to travel, but for boomers and the silent generation, enjoying those experiences with others is particularly important. “The joy of travel is best shared not just through individual adventures but through multigenerational trips that foster deeper connections and create stories that last a lifetime,” Harrell says. “By embracing travel experiences in the year ahead, older generations are leaving a legacy of memories that can inspire and strengthen family bonds for years to come.”
Tegnelia’s family has benefited from her travels. When the mother of three recently attended a wedding in New York City, she enjoyed an extended stay in the Big Apple that included shopping at Chelsea Market with her daughter and eating at Eataly and other restaurants. “Gathering the family around a large table and talking, talking, talking while enjoying an amazingly wonderful meal is one of life’s greatest gifts,” Tegnelia says.
Younger generations are enjoying SKI trips too
The Booking.com report also indicates that while older relatives are spending on trips for themselves, they’re also paying their good fortune forward to younger generations in what has been a dicey period of inflation and economic uncertainty. “Many are choosing to invest in travel moments that bring their families closer together, with more than three-quarters (77%) of boomers covering travel costs for their children and 81% for their grandchildren,” Harrell points out.
And 51% of the survey’s respondents admit that as adults, their parents had either paid for part or all of a vacation—a practice that shows no signs of slowing down. Mati Vassos, a 94-year-old retired hairstylist and instructor who emigrated to Toronto from Greece in 1951, is one silent generation traveler who had no problem funding a multigenerational vacation to Greece last year. “I really wanted to celebrate my birthday by taking my whole family, including my grandkids, back to Greece so they could see where I grew up, which was important to me,” Vassos says. “Money was no object, and I was willing to spend as much as it cost to have my whole family with me while I could still enjoy traveling with them in my home country.”
Where are older generations going on SKI trips?
Boomers and the silent generation are taking advantage of their flexible retirement schedules to get out and explore the world more than ever, and there are a growing number of destinations happy to accommodate this new golden age of senior travel.
Istanbul
Straddling both Asia and Europe, Turkey’s vibrant Istanbul has become a favorite for senior travelers. The city’s rich history, spanning millennia, offers endless intrigue, with iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Istanbul’s walkable streets and enchanting sights are ideal for bucket-list travelers to explore at their own pace while soaking in the rich and unique tapestry of its Byzantine, Ottoman and modern Turkish cultures.
Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
Japan, home to one of the world’s oldest populations, is known for its safety and accessibility, making the Asian nation an ideal destination for active seniors eager to explore. From strolling through Tokyo’s modern, neon-lit Shinjuku neighborhood or savoring authentic Japanese cuisine in one of the capital’s many restaurants to wandering around Kyoto’s historic temples and parks, there’s something to suit every pace of travel. As tourists continue to flock to Japan, the country has smashed recent records in both visitor numbers and tourism dollars spent.
The Galápagos Islands
Luxury cruises cater especially well to older travelers, especially those interested in nature and eco-tourism. Seniors appreciate the chance to cruise the Galápagos Islands in comfort, with onboard accommodations and guided excursions tailored to varying activity levels. While visiting these islands off Ecuador, they can seek out once-in-a-lifetime close encounters with unique wildlife, such as giant tortoises and marine iguanas, without having to do extensive hiking. Taking a cruise here is a perfect way to explore the captivating but far-flung destination.
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this piece, Aaron Rasmussen tapped his experience as a longtime travel writer and travel guidebook editor to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Ben Harrell, U.S. Managing Director of Booking.com; email interview, October 2024
- Sandy Tegnelia, traveler based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who goes on SKI trips; email interview, October 2024
- Mati Vassos, traveler based in Toronto who goes on SKI trips; email interview, October 2024
- PR Newswire: “Defying Convention to Deepen Connections: Booking.com’s Predictions for Travel in 2025”
- Booking.com: “From Seaside Sanctuaries to Cool Culture Capitals: Booking.com Reveals 2025’s Trending Destinations”
- JTB Tourism Research & Consulting: “Japan-bound Statistics”
