senior travel market

Continuing and Emerging Trends of Senior Tourism: A Review of the Literature

• Published: 18 July 2018
• Volume 13 , pages 385–399, ( 2020 )

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• Ian Patterson 1 &
• Adela Balderas 2 , 3  

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The United Nations ( 2015 ) has recognised that the numbers of older people are growing rapidly, and has estimated that over two billion people will be aged 60 years and over by the year 2050, which will account for 22% (or one out of five) of the world’s population, compared to 10% in 2000. As a result of this population explosion it is anticipated that senior tourism will become an evolving and changing market segment. However, very little attention has been given in the literature to the impact of travel behaviour on the well-being of senior tourists and has received insufficient attention in the ageing research agenda. This has resulted in many travel businesses operating with a lack of understanding of the characteristics and concerns of senior travellers, and the different ways that they consume tourism. This article provides an analysis of the literature on the socio-demographics of seniors and their increased desire to participate in new and different tourism experiences; discusses different trends in their leisure behaviour, and draws implications for tourism providers. The literature presented in this review was identified through multiple sources including the use of a range of tourism databases and tracking citations from the research literature. This review has a twofold aim: to provide a deeper understanding of the senior market segment in regard to their expectations, needs and wants when travelling; and an examination of the benefits obtained from leisure travelling which has been linked to concepts such as active ageing and wellbeing. Findings generated by this approach will help create innovative ways for tourism providers to address some of the future trends identified in the research literature.

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Ian Patterson

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Adela Balderas

Cámarabilbao University Business School, Bilbao, Spain

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Patterson, I., Balderas, A. Continuing and Emerging Trends of Senior Tourism: A Review of the Literature. Population Ageing 13 , 385–399 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-018-9228-4

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Received : 27 March 2018

Accepted : 03 July 2018

Published : 18 July 2018

Issue Date : September 2020

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-018-9228-4

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Why You Should Target the Senior Tourism Market

By Kyla Steeves

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What age group travels the most?

For the past fifteen or so years, Millennials (1981-1996) were most likely to go into debt for travel with an average of 35 vacation days per year . But the Baby Boomers (1946-1964) travel an average of 4-5 times per year and are more likely to afford it comfortably. 

And now that the world is slowly opening up again, we’re seeing some surprising senior tourism statistics.

According to a recent survey by Silver Travel Advisor , 77% of senior travelers plan to book and travel within 6 months of getting vaccinated and 46% of respondents said they will make the most of it by traveling as much as possible. Even going as far as saying that they’ve missed overseas travel more than hugging their grandchildren.

And Skift says numerous tour operators have seen an increase in bookings from older travelers already, such as Quasar Expeditions who are receiving inquiries for June onward with 70% of guests being over 65 or Wild Terrains who have seen a 40% jump in bookings, largely from women older than 55. 

So, if your ideal guest is on the younger side, perhaps you might want to try targeting the often overlooked, yet incredibly valuable senior market segment for the opportunity to boost your bookings and stand out from the competition. 

The importance of senior tourists

Beyond the pandemic, the senior tourism segment (ages 50+) has a huge impact on the travel industry. In 1999, over 593 million international travelers were 60 years and older, which accounted for around 1/3 of holiday spending. And this number is projected to reach 2 billion trips annually by 2050 — according to the World Tourism Organization . 

That’s because it’s estimated seniors will comprise nearly a quarter of the world’s population by 2050, compared to only 10% in 2000. Meaning that they will be responsible for more holiday spending in the future than all of the younger age groups combined. 

This is already proving to be true in the United Kingdom where people over 50 drive close to 60% of travel and tourism spend — spending $3 billion more than their Millennial counterparts. And it makes sense. Older travelers have a higher average disposable income and if retired, the free time to go on extended trips (8 weeks or longer).

So as the ageing population grows and becomes the most important tourist group due to their purchasing power and trip frequency, there will be a call for senior-friendly tourism products. Luckily for tour and activity operators, Baby Boomers love leisure travel , often seeking enriching and meaningful experiences, particularly sightseeing.

Why older people like to travel

There are many reasons why seniors choose to spend more of their income on travel and less on other things. Just like most other travelers, they too enjoy the rest and relaxation, sense of adventure, meeting new people, and seeing bucket list places. 

So, this tourism segment isn’t exactly homogeneous. Not in any way, shape, or form. Often, when we think of senior travelers, we picture cruise ship passengers, retiring at sea while traveling the world. But if you want to be successful in targeting them as part of your tour and travel marketing strategy , you must avoid resorting to stereotypes and instead find a niche within this demographic that makes sense for your business.

Because once you have a more accurate understanding of their travel motive — not a generalized assumption — you can better align your tours and marketing messaging.

While there is a broad spectrum of senior travelers, we can essentially break down this travel segment into two categories :

1. Young at heart

Senior travelers who are young-at-heart don’t let their age hold them back. Packing along great physical health and a zest for life, they shatter traditional assumptions by seeking out challenging experiences to push their limits and prove they’ve still got it. 

Valuing a sense of accomplishment and embracing life to the fullest, they are the ones who want to explore the ends of the Earth, immerse themselves into different cultures, and face their fears by doing things they never thought they could do before. 

So, you might see them staying at guest houses and mingling with younger travelers, visiting remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations, or participating in adrenalin-filled and adventurous activities, like rafting, canyoning, scuba diving, and skiing.  

2. Old at heart

On the other hand, senior travelers who are old-at-heart travel for the benefits it provides to their physical, mental, and social well-being. As a change up to their daily routine, they enjoy tourist activities that involve moving at a leisurely pace, learning new skills, expanding their knowledge, indulging in the finer things, and interacting with people. 

That’s why they tend to lean towards staying in luxury hotels or cozy BnBs, taking history tours, cooking classes, or dance lessons, and booking travel packages that guarantee the chance to socialize with other senior travelers while having transport, food, and other trip arrangements taken care of for them.

And since they might have some type of disability — almost 38% of people over 65 do — they are usually more concerned about security and danger, travel plans falling through, and hurting themselves or getting sick in an unfamiliar destination. 

So, this type of senior traveler often takes a more nostalgic approach to travel, visiting destinations they already know and love from a childhood vacation, honeymoon, or ancestry ties. Or, you’ll see them travelling with companions, such as friends, family, or senior clubs, ensuring that if anything were to happen, they’d have support. 

Senior-friendly tourism products

According to this study , the most popular tourist activities amongst the senior age group are city sightseeing (89.3%), visiting historical places (88.1%), restaurant dining (85.7%) and shopping (77.4%). Less popular tourist activities include hunting and fishing (1.2%), water sports and sunbathing (1.2%) and camping and hiking (3.5%).

But these senior tourism statistics don’t tell the whole picture. As I pointed out, not every senior traveler is the same. On one side, you might have someone who prefers adventure travel and on the other, someone who wants a more upscale experience. 

For example, a young-at-heart senior traveler might be more inclined to book a ranger-led nature walk in Yellowstone or a horseback riding tour along the beaches of Costa Rica. Whereas a senior in the old-at-heart group might opt for low physical activities, like wine tasting in Italy, taking a pottery class in Sante Fe, or going on a bus tour in Scotland. 

In other words, no tourism product’s a one-size-fits-all for senior travelers. Sure, there might be commonalities they look for — such as all-inclusive packages, hassle-free transport, quality over utility, and well-balanced food options. But for the most part, what appeals to them individually will vary across niches within this demographic. 

So, whether you offer budget vs luxury experiences, guided vs self-guided tours, or adventurous vs cultural activities, you already have the best tourism product for the right senior traveler. You just have to know how to reach them and speak their language.

That is unless you offer something totally extreme, like heli-skiing.

Senior tourism trends for marketing

Most senior travelers don’t like to think of themselves as senior travelers — unlike solo travelers who can’t stop talking about being solo travelers. That’s why they don’t respond well to ageist marketing . I’m referring to stock images showing their limited abilities or use of outdated technology. 

Instead, they need to see imagery of mature adults living their full lives. And who’s better than a tour or activity operator to promote that? You can share photos of seniors kayaking, hiking, dancing, socializing, learning, cooking, doing all the things they imagined doing more of as empty-nesters and retirees. 

But the real magic lies in your copy. Just as you’d point out specific benefits in your tour descriptions for your ideal guest, you can focus on a niche within the senior demographic and highlight the things they care about most in the experience, like:

• A leisurely pace
• Small group sizes or kid-free
• Chance to meet new people
• Range of activity levels 
• Included travel arrangements
• A rewarding challenge
• Authentic cultural experience
• Accessibility
• Wildlife photo opportunities
• Learning new skills 
• Deep dive into history
• Grandkid-friendly
• Flexible food choices
• Walking in ancestor’s footsteps
• Bucket list experience

TourRadar does this flawlessly in their senior messaging. Look at how they target both the young-at-heart and old-at-heart in the below tour description. 

At the same time, you’ll want to make sure to answer any questions they may have on your FAQ page. Since senior tourism is linked to accessible tourism, this will also help you be a more inclusive operator. Here are a few examples:

• Do I need to be physically fit to go on the tour?
• I am a solo traveler, will I need to pay a single supplement?
• I am over 75 years old, can I still join the tour?
• Are there bathrooms?
• Am I able to travel with a wheelchair?
• Can I take my medication with me?
• Can I reserve a specific seat on the coach bus?
• I have a sleep apnea machine, can I bring this with me?

Okay, but how do you reach the senior traveler once you have all of that in place? What marketing channels will you find the most success?

While Millenials are most influenced by online travel marketing , Baby Boomers come second as the group most influenced by travel ads , especially on Facebook, which is the most popular social media platform for seniors . For instance, History Well Traveled discovered that the older generation engages most with their Facebook ads. 

But seniors still spend less time on the internet than their younger counterparts. And many of them still prefer booking their trips through travel agencies. So, you might also want to consider expanding your travel partner network, including reaching out to hotels, DMOs, or other local businesses and promoting your tourism products through offline channels as well, such as newspapers, radio, or brochures. 

Final thoughts

The senior tourism market is often overlooked by tour and activity operators. But as the ageing population grows, they’ll be the top travel spenders in the future, and frankly, they already are. So, if you want to make the most of the upcoming travel boom and beyond, this might be one audience you should pay attention to.

Are you ready for senior tourists to come back?

Grab the Booking Boom Checklist

And learn how you can prepare adequately for a busy and unusual season.

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Silver-Haired and Shameless About Perks: Retirees Take Part-Time Work in the Travel Industry

Spend 15 hours a week loading baggage at the airport or passing out towels at the pool, and you can see Europe for a fraction of the usual cost.

By Debra Kamin

Maria Boyd-Scott turned 60 last month, and she and her wife, Joey Boyd-Scott, 68, celebrated the milestone in style: They flew business class to Amsterdam, staying at a Hilton for two nights, and then headed to France for two nights at the Waldorf Astoria Versailles .

The damage to their wallets? Thanks to their part-time travel jobs, their flights cost $462 total — they paid only the taxes. The Hilton in Amsterdam was $55 a night and the five-star hotel in France was $75 a night. The Boyd-Scotts estimate the trip could have cost upward of $6,000.

The couple are part of a growing class of auxiliary travel workers who are stepping in as airlines and hotels, already struggling with thinned ranks after mass layoffs in 2020, now contend with the great resignation of employees. Many of these new workers are seasoned, silver-haired and shameless about the fact that they’re in it for the perks.

“I have a lot of friends in the airline industry, and I watched them all fly and thought, ‘Well, that would be fun,’” Maria said. “So I applied when I was 58 years old, and I got a call.”

Maria took a job as a ramp agent for United Airlines in May 2021, loading and unloading baggage at Ontario International Airport in California’s San Bernardino County. Most weeks she puts in 15 hours, the minimum to maintain access to the flight benefits afforded to all United employees, which include unlimited standby travel for herself and a loved one — free within the United States and deeply reduced internationally — and discounted standby fares to any location serviced by the airline.

To round out the deal, Joey earlier this year secured a job as a front-desk agent for a Hilton hotel in Riverside, Calif., whose job perks include deeply discounted rooms at the more than 6,800 hotels across Hilton’s global portfolio of 18 brands.

So far, the couple has taken advantage with domestic trips, enjoying a cut-rate staycation at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and a $55-per-night getaway at San Diego’s famed Hotel del Coronado . The European vacation was the first time they combined their benefits, but when Joey completes her training — which is currently five days a week — they plan to make it a regular practice.

“They hired me to work Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” Joey said of Hilton. “So eventually we’ll travel Monday through Thursday. And we’ll travel like we’re rich.”

The couple is not rich. They live in Upland, Calif., a city about 40 miles inland from Los Angeles, and admit that their new reality — where they can head to an airport and casually wait for standby tickets to any city in the world — continues to make them want to pinch themselves.

The travel industry is facing significant labor shortages. In June, domestic employment in the leisure and hospitality sectors was down nearly 8 percent since February 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, leaving hotels, airlines and other travel operators ill-equipped to contend with surging demand. That crunch — playing out in widespread flight cancellations , terminal halls filled with lost suitcases and diminished room service and daily housekeeping — is prompting companies to recruit at job fairs and sweeten their benefits with bonuses and same-day pay. It’s also pushing them to consider seniors for positions that are far from senior.

“We’re open to anything,” said Dan Bienstock, chief people officer for EOS Hospitality, a hotel management company. “We have more job openings across the company than ever before, and we’re thinking outside the box on how to retain talent.”

More than half of the 38 properties in EOS’s portfolio, which includes Red Jacket Resorts on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and Cape Arundel Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine, rely heavily on seasonal guests — and seasonal hiring. The company is not actively targeting older workers for summer jobs, he said, but they are focusing recruiting efforts on their hotels’ local communities to supplement the summer work force long filled by international workers on H-2B visas.

“The labor pool for the hotel industry has been hit very hard, and these entry-level jobs have become harder to fill since the pandemic,” said Eric Rubino, chief development officer for Extreme Hospitality, an asset management company working with more than 300 hotels. “For senior citizens, who maybe don’t mind working so hard, they can say, ‘I don’t need the money, but that travel benefit means a lot.’”

Even those who don’t need the money might now see the appeal of a little extra cash, however. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of hospitality workers over the age of 65 has outpaced that sector’s population growth since 2012, rising to 590,000 from 418,000. The increase comes as inflation hits record highs, a phenomenon that hits retirees and those on a fixed income the hardest.

Mr. Rubino estimates that since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 65 percent of new hires at the properties he works with are either post-retirement, or older than 50. Representatives for several major airlines, including United, Delta and American, say they either are not tracking these demographics or have not noticed a shift. But hotel hiring managers are.

“I’ve seen an influx of older workers,” said Stephanie Guibert, head of human resources for the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa in Florida. She noted that while her property had seen the number of applicants rise over all, “the biggest struggle is getting people to show up for the interviews or show up for their first day.” Older workers and those nearing retirement age, she said, are showing significantly better follow-through, and hence, being hired more often.

And at the Hilton Garden Inn resort in Fort Walton Beach, a small city in the Florida Panhandle, the general manager Rhiannon Reynolds is getting flexible with older workers’ desire to clock fewer shifts. Ms. Reynolds has hired multiple older workers over the past two years, including one employee who works a single shift each week passing out towels at the hotel pool. All are transparent about why they are there, she said.

“At first you question when someone comes in for an interview and only wants to work one day a week, especially when they have a lot of experience,” she said. “But in this labor climate, it’s awesome just to have somebody who is professional and reliable.”

With their new part-time jobs, some older workers have found a chance to break in a passport for the very first time.

Renae Mattimoe, 49, worked for her father’s trucking company in Montana for 20 years, and when he sold the business in 2020, she felt unmoored. Married with seven children, her only international travel had been to Canada in the 1990s, when Americans could still enter with just a driver’s license or birth certificate.

“When you have seven kids, you can’t afford to fly,” she said. Earlier this year, she took a part-time position with Envoy Air — a regional carrier for American Airlines — at the Bozeman, Mont., airport. She checks people in, takes baggage and occasionally works on the ramp. She also can now fly for free, or just for taxes if the destination is international. In January, she and a co-worker went to Madrid on American Airlines for $46 each. The trip marked the first use of her passport. A visit to London followed.

She makes only $20 an hour and is quick to point out that she could never have taken advantage of the job, or its corresponding perks, if she wasn’t already financially secure.

“You can’t pay your mortgage with flight benefits. You have to be in a position to be able to afford this,” she said. “But it’s surreal. I never imagined this would be my life.”

In Madrid, she said, she felt spontaneous and bold, adding that she and her friend walked around all night and based their restaurant choices on the length of the lines outside.

Others entering the travel industry are seasoned pros: Denise McGinnis, 57, worked in hotel management in her home state of Wisconsin for 17 years before retiring — or trying to. Divorced with three children, Ms. McGinnis is also a longtime foster care mother, and she found that she missed the benefits of her old job too much when she retired. She now works two shifts per week at the front desk of a Wyndham hotel, and plans to cash in her benefits — which at Wyndham, play out in terms of both discounts and acquired points — at an all-inclusive Wyndham Resort in Cancun.

“As a foster mom, I would often get kids who would come to me and had nothing. So I know how to be savvy and thrifty. This just plays into it,” she said.

52 Places for a Changed World

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

Debra Kamin covers real estate for The Times. More about Debra Kamin

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

MyTravelResearch.com

Easy to use market research and marketing tools for the travel and tourism industry.

Cashed Up, Time Rich – The Travelling Senior

by Bronwyn White 5 Comments

Senior Tourism – Did you know, that in our lifetime, we will never see another demographic that has as much disposable cash to spend and as much free time as our current seniors?

Between us at MyTravelResearch.com, we have interviewed, researched, and ‘studied’ thousands of seniors and their travelling habits. How they plan, their pain points, and what excites them. They have big dreams and a bucket list to smash.

Cringe-Worthy Seniors Travel Image

Yet, I still see the travel industry not really taking them seriously.  Still talking to cringe-worthy stereotypes that most seniors cannot really relate to – or more importantly, ‘see’.  I only see a smattering of travel brands truly connecting with this market with meaningful marketing messages.

The senior tourism market segment is often looking for immersive and authentic experiences and more importantly, looking to learn. Seniors come with a natural intrigue and a zest for life that we rarely see in any other segment of the market.  

It is time to remind ourselves and possibly a few Gen Y advertising account managers that this is the generation that forged societal change like no other generation in living memory.  Today’s seniors were a product of ‘the swinging sixties and the seventies.  They were a generation that saw liberated sexual experiences, the pill, the rise in feminism, all sorts of experimentation with substances, and new freedom never experienced before.  They were wild, adventurous, and exploratory.  Many are looking to rekindle the fire through travel adventures once the kids leave home.

Today’s seniors were our first backpackers, The Lonely Planet generation, exploring corners of the globe way before the internet could tell us what was there or our friends on social media could tell us it was cool or not.  

It was a long time before Tripadvisor and review sites.  They actually had to go to a destination to find out what was there.

Today’s travelling seniors deserve travel kudos and respect – and don’t call them seniors…unless there is a nice discount involved – you may discreetly mention it then.

How to market to seniors?

Here are our top changes that you can make to your senior tourism marketing campaign.

Use ageless marketing, particularly with imagery.

Seniors don’t think they are seniors and therefore do not relate to images of seniors or text that talks to seniors.  Aged-based marketing is increasingly counterproductive in senior tourism as age does not define values, attitudes, or behaviours.  Also, ageless marketing reaches and talks to a broader audience because it is not exclusionary.  Ageless marketing uses universal core values like: 

• Dreams personal growth

Contrary to popular myth, the senior traveller is not obsessed with finding the cheapest of everything.  They are very clear about this.  This market is well researched – after they have plenty of time on their hands and often they find as much pleasure in research as they do in the holiday itself.  When they do their research, they are looking for value for money – this could be anything from travelling in off-peak periods with the added benefit of fewer children around to perhaps value-add deals,  bonus night offers, food and beverage deals, late check-out, or deals with other local operators.

Insight to Action: Focus on value rather than sell than price – value is quality for money well spent.  The price must stay within the range of competition BUT value is more persuasive.

How do seniors use search engines?

Like everyone else.  It is not necessary to use the term senior on your site unless you are referring to a discount in your pricing, they will then happily become senior.  The secret is to learn to talk to a mindset and attitude rather than an age group.   If you are paying big bucks for the term “Seniors Travel” through Adwords or any sort of pay-per-click campaign, think again.  Those who do actually include the search term ‘senior’ tend to be cheap and will have a very  – low conversion.

MTR Insight To Action:   Too much use of the word senior becomes alienating and offputting to the broader market.  Use discreetly when referring to pricing only.

Don’t alienate through language and words.

In her book “Turning Silver into Gold” Mary J Furlong tells us that seniors are  “Less interested in acquiring material assets, more interested in acquiring life-changing experiences”.   This is particularly the case when it comes to travel and must be taken note of in your senior tourism marketing agenda.  

Language has never been more important in marketing to seniors.  As a marketer to need to leverage internal needs such as:

• Relationship facilitation and reconnection “ Get to know your husband again”
• Enrichment and improving oneself “You now have the time to learn”
• Health and wellness travel “This is your time ”
• Having fun .  “ You have done the hard yards, kids are gone – you owe it to yourself”

Market to Single Seniors.

We have seen rapid growth in senior singles wanting to travel.  The majority are women.  They may be newly divorced or newly widowed.  We have often come across a married single senior whose husband or partner has no interest in travel.  

Often they have been inspired to travel solo by others.  They may have always wanted to travel but never had anyone to travel with. This now is less of a concern. 

Contrary to popular belief, it is not the single supplement that is the most important factor.  Many of them are willing to make that trade-off being fully aware that there are now plenty of operators and companies catering to this market – cruise lines, tours, hostels, etc.   It is important to appeal to a sense of security.  Common single seniors’ pain points include:

• “I have no one to sit at the dinner table with”
• “It will be full of happily married couples and I will be the only single one there”
• “I am self-conscious – for this generation, it is hard to be single and proud”
• “Will I be safe travelling on my own?”

MTR Insights to Action :  Talk to the single seniors.  Can you help solve the single senior’s pain points?  Talk about these on your websites and promotions. Be subtle but show them you understand.  They will reward you through loyalty and word of mouth.

From a marketer’s perspective, we believe seniors are very sexy indeed – just don’t call them seniors!  But broadly speaking, they are attracted to many of the same experiences as the broader travelling community.  They just have more time and money to indulge.  Do justice to your destination or business and do not forget this.

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About Bronwyn White

Bronwyn White is one of the co-founders of MyTravelResearch.com. After 7 years with MyTravelResearch.com, Bronwyn moved on to pursue her passion for the burgeoning over 55s market through a specialist consultancy in this area: NewYoungConsulting.com. She remains a close friend and great supporter of MyTravelResearch.com and we are delighted to continue sharing her insights…

August 30, 2018 at 9:28 pm

I’ve only just come across your blog post, Bronwyn, via a link from ETB Travel News, and I found that ironically doing a search for “senior travel”. Your research only confirms what we have intuitively known: i.e. most seniors don’t identify themselves as seniors, and if they do, they think of themselves as 10-15 years younger.

I work with two other retired Australian travel writers producing content for xyzAsia magazine which focuses on senior travel in Asia, but like I note you do with your own blog, we downplay the senior angle as much as possible and only make references to seniors when we are maybe talking about treks or other activities that are too strenuous for all but the fittest seniors.

Some articles don’t even mention the word ‘senior’, and may only have one reference to something that might “appeal to the older traveller”.

You are right that seniors have a lot more time to spare than most younger travellers (digital nomads excepted) and value for money and rewarding experiences are what they are looking for. Relaxation and peace (e.g. spas, good food, nature walks) are what they are looking for rather than excitement and noise (e.g. bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, all-night parties) which might appeal to younger travellers. So it’s very much what we write about that differentiates senior travel blogs and magazines from the vast majority of other travel blogs out there.

In writing about senior travel it’s a fine line we have to tread. On the one hand we want to make sure that seniors know we are writing for them, but on the other hand we don’t want to turn them off by over-emphasising the age factor. Avoiding those cringe-worthy photos is a good start!

November 30, 2018 at 8:12 am

David – it is a hard line isn’t it? You might like to know Bron is now running a specialist seniors consulting New Young Consulting. We loved this sector so much we split the company! We will continue to provide great seniors commentary – particularly via our trends but you should add us both to your lists!

August 18, 2015 at 2:44 pm

Great insights Bronwyn and we wholeheartedly agree.

Who wants to be called a “senior”? Not any of us on the TruBlu Team, that’s for sure.

Also agree that not all older travellers care about FREE stuff. In fact, we hear the exact opposite from many TruBlu travellers, who are put off by all the infighting and negativity in many of the online platforms that focus on FREE camping.

There is a place for everyone though, and the online world sure allows for more single, first time or cautious travellers to connect with those that have been around the block a few times. We love seeing them chatting away on TruBlu’s FB page or sharing stories on our Grapevine. One thing about TruBlu is that we don’t tolerate any negativity, and that creates a great place for retirees, families and young travellers alike to feel safe and share their travel tales.

It feels like what you’re really talking about is understanding and respect. Understanding and accepting each other’s difference opinions, needs and travel dreams tells us all we need to know about communicating with the different market segments.

Respect and manners go a long way, whether it be online or on the road.

August 18, 2015 at 2:52 pm

Hi Nicole Thanks for taking the time to make such a thorough comment and to share your experiences on your platform. You are right in so many ways. I often think in all the research of all the age groups we do, that seniors are the most youthful of all. They often seem younger than our Gen Y’s who can be serious young insects indeed. I have just gone and joined your site and had a look around wha ta great concept. So Nicole am I right in saying that your members write and create the stories – they do this voluntarily? Bron

August 19, 2015 at 12:23 pm

Nicole – Like Bron, we couldn’t agree more. Respecting your customer is such a fundamentally important value in business but we see SO many examples where this is not delivered. The ‘New Young’ sector is a particularly egregious example, but there are plenty of others. You’ve inspired me to do a little video for the site on this – so keep the comments coming!

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Statistics Proving the Rise of Senior Travel

Embracing the new age of senior travel.

Much of the influencer generation focuses on young beautiful people traveling the globe. However, senior travel statistics reveal an underserved market.

The travel industry is ignoring an unexpected trend: the significant rise of senior travel. With the baby boomer generation easing into their golden years, the landmarks of popular destinations are witnessing a delightful surge of elderly travelers.

Explore the world with a trusted companion. Get on our Jetsetter list and we’ll handle the rest.

The baby boomer senior travel statistics reveal a story of exploration and renewed passion. Retirement no longer signifies slowing down; for many, it marks the commencement of grand adventures, with retirement travel planning becoming a cherished activity.

The growth isn’t just an interesting tidbit for family discussions – it holds weighty implications for the travel industry, pushing professionals to adapt and embrace this aging, yet vivacious, demographic.

Whether driven by cultural excursions or the serenity of eco-friendly senior travel, the statistics demand attention. Dive in as we unveil the landscape, the reasons, the impact, and the future of senior travel in this comprehensive exploration.

The Landscape of Senior Travel: By the Numbers

Baby boomer travel spending.

• As of March 2022, 83% of older travelers plan to spend as much or more on vacations than pre-Covid. 1 (graphic)
• Baby boomers spend 157 billion on travel each year!
• Income is a much more important indicator than age when it comes to international travel. 21% of baby boomers travel internationally yearly if they make $150,000+ versus just 8% of under $50k earners. 2
• Boomers plan to spend more than any other generation on travel, over $6,688 in a 12 month period. 3 (graphic)

About Boomer Travelers

• In the United States there are 57,794,852 people 65+ 4
• 67% of baby boomers are traveling to see family. 5
• Only 19% of a senior citizens last vacations were outside of their own country. 6
• 74% of older travelers plan to take 2 or more vacations in the up coming year. 7 (graphic)
• 43% of senior citizens plan to travel both in their own country and internationally this year. 8 (graphic)
• 40% of baby boomers have taken a solo trip. 9
• Chronic health conditions affect 94.9% of baby boomers. 10

Senior Citizen Travel Behaviors

• Baby boomers travel an average of 27 days per year. 11
• As of March 2022, 74% of older travelers intend to travel as much or more than pre-pandemic. 12 (graphic)
• Informative content online influences 66% of baby boomers planning vacations. 13
• 44% of travelers go into vacation planning without knowing their destination. 14
• Baby boomers use online travel booking sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, or Priceline as their main source of travel reservations. 15
• In terms of lodging, 62% of baby boomers plan to stay at a hotel while on vacation. 16
• 70% of solo group travelers aged 55+ report taking a group tour because it allowed them to travel to a destination they wouldn’t be comfortable traveling to themselves. 17
• However, 57% of solo senior travelers prefer to do what they want when they want on their vacation. 18

Popular Senior Travel Destinations

• The most popular domestic destination for American senior citizens is Florida. 19
• American baby boomers traveling to Latin America are most likely to pick Mexico. 20
• Elderly American travelers heading to Europe are most likely to visit Italy, which is a top destination for travelers with limited mobility . 21

A Surge in Senior Wanderlust

In recent years, the world has seen a transformative shift in travel demographics. Today’s senior travel trends reveal an undeniably vibrant picture: more elderly individuals are embracing travel than ever before.

Women are finding inspiration to travel at a much higher rate than men . Some of this can be attributed to the higher widow rate of woman over men .

If you compare today’s senior travel statistics with those from a decade ago, the percentage leap will astonish you. Tourism trends for aging adults are largely taken for granted within the travel industry.

Preferred Destinations: Seniors Paint the Map

Seniors no longer limit their vacations to local retreats or passive experiences. Modern elderly travel destinations span continents.

From the tranquility of Asian wellness retreats to the vibrant streets of European cities, seniors are leaving footprints worldwide. Their travel choices reveal a preference for a mix of relaxation and culture, affirming that age is no barrier to exploration.

Chasing Experiences

When it comes to travel, it’s not just about the destination – it’s about the journey and experiences. Senior travel statistics suggest that cruises, often linked with luxury and convenience, top the list.

However, a rise in cultural excursions and wellness retreats suggests a desire for immersive, enriching experiences. The trends highlight a shift from passive to active involvement, from mere sightseeing to diving deep into local cultures.

Budgeting for Adventures

Think seniors are scrimping on their travel budgets? Think again. Today’s retirement travel budget statistics might raise a few eyebrows.

The elderly, bolstered by a lifetime of savings and financial planning, often have a generous budget allocated for their wanderlust. Interestingly, they don’t just match younger age groups in spend but often surpass them, particularly when prioritizing luxury and unique experiences.

Reasons Behind the Rise in Senior Travel

Travel is an industry that shifts and moves very quickly as consumer requirements change. Senior travel statistics are always a step behind when reporting what has already happened.

Living Longer, Traveling Further

The narrative of old age has experienced a remarkable shift. Increased longevity coupled with enhanced health in the senior years means our elderly are not just living longer, but they’re living better.

And what better way to celebrate this gift of extended years than by exploring the world? With more energetic and healthy years added to their calendars, seniors are seizing the day and embracing travel as a means to relish their vitality.

The Financial Pillar

Financial stability plays a pivotal role in shaping senior travel trends. Retirement, for many, is no longer synonymous with tightening purse strings.

Instead, thanks to robust retirement disposable income and prudent financial decisions made over a lifetime, many seniors find themselves equipped with the resources to explore destinations previously only dreamt of. This financial liberation paves the way for them to indulge in their long-held travel aspirations.

Connections That Transcend Boundaries

For the elderly, travel isn’t merely a leisure activity; it’s often a journey of the heart. Many want to connect with family, especially when separated by vast distances.

Some want to revisit nostalgic places, perhaps tracing back to moments from their youth or significant events in their lives. Checking off bucket list items before they become unable to is a major motivator. These emotional journeys serve as powerful catalysts, fueling the rise in senior travel.

A Lifelong Pursuit of Learning

One’s zest for learning needn’t dim with age. If the booming trend of senior-enrolled educational trips is any indication, the elderly are keen on continuing their learning odyssey.

From art classes in Florence to culinary workshops in Thailand, seniors are enthusiastically signing up. This lifelong learning approach showcases that the elderly travel not just to see but to immerse, engage, and educate themselves.

Impacts on the Travel Industry

Staying up to date on senior travel statistics can affect future tourism. Senior citizens know how to talk and spread the word about destinations and strategies that work well for people of their generation.

A New Demand Curve

With the influx of senior travelers, there’s an undeniable pressure on the travel industry to reshape and remodel. The demand for senior-friendly accommodations has surged, prompting hotels, resorts, and rental properties to reevaluate their facilities.

Ramps, accessible rooms, and special assistance have now become essential amenities, ensuring seniors have both comfortable and memorable stays.

Medical Assistance on the Go

Health remains a priority, even on vacation. Recognizing this, many insurance companies are integrating medical assistance for traveling seniors into their packages.

Whether it’s immediate medical attention, assistance with medication, or even specialized care, the travel industry is progressively gearing up to ensure seniors can venture out with peace of mind.

Guided Exploration

The popularity of guided tours has seen a resurgence, predominantly driven by senior travelers. These tours, curated keeping in mind the interests and physical capabilities of the elderly, provide the perfect blend of adventure and safety.

The growth in these guided limited mobility tours for elderly tourists signifies a trend where seniors are seeking both exploration and enlightenment, but with the added reassurance of guidance.

Travel Sidekick

Combining the piece of mind of guided travel with the one-on-one attention of a travel companion is the new normal. Hiring a personal travel sidekick allows your trip to be all about you and your unique needs as an elderly traveler.

Boomers aren’t interested in catering to the whims of others in their travel group. When using a travel sidekick their personal preferences reign supreme.

Seasonal Shifts

Seasonality in travel often hinges on work schedules and school holidays. However, seniors, with their newfound flexibility, are redefining peak seasons. This potential for off-peak senior trips offers the travel industry an opportunity to stabilize demand throughout the year.

Destinations previously overlooked during specific seasons are now gaining traction, thanks to this elderly brigade who aren’t bound by conventional timetables.

Traveling Safely and Smartly: Tips for Seniors and Their Loved Ones

Insurance : your travel safety net.

Venturing into new horizons? It’s wise to have a backup plan. Senior travel insurance options have expanded considerably, with packages tailored to cater to specific needs of the elderly.

Insuring against trip cancellations and medical emergencies ensures unforeseen circumstances won’t overshadow cherished adventures.

Prioritize Health First

As the adage goes, health is wealth. When on the move, it’s paramount for seniors to keep their well-being in check. Regularly monitoring health, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet can make all the difference.

After all, the goal of any trip is to enrich the soul without compromising the body. Hence, health tips for senior travelers are not just recommendations but essential guidelines.

Stay Connected and Informed

While traveling provides an escape, staying connected to loved ones remains crucial. Modern technology tools for elderly travelers bridge this gap effortlessly.

From instant messaging apps to location-sharing features, these tools ensure seniors can share experiences and keep their families updated, fostering peace of mind for all.

Research: Your Best Travel Companion

A well-planned trip can avert potential hiccups. This becomes especially important for seniors who might have specific needs and preferences.

Pre-trip preparation for seniors involves thorough research, from understanding local cultures to familiarizing oneself with destination facilities. Knowledge, in this case, truly empowers, turning potential obstacles into mere stepping stones for an unforgettable journey.

The Future of Senior Travel: Predictions and Trends

Solo sojourns on the rise.

The future seems bright and bold for senior wanderers, with an anticipated surge in solo senior travel trends.

Empowered by a blend of technology, confidence, and an insatiable curiosity, more seniors are expected to set out on solo adventures, proving that exploration truly has no age limit.

A Dive into Digital Realms

While physical travel offers unparalleled experiences, the virtual realm is not far behind. With advancements in technology, virtual reality experiences for seniors are predicted to gain traction.

These VR journeys will allow elderly individuals, especially those with mobility constraints, to traverse global wonders from the comfort of their homes.

Holistic Wellness Vacations

The emphasis on health and rejuvenation is projected to grow even stronger. Travel agencies are refining wellness travel packages for the elderly, focusing on holistic experiences.

From yoga retreats in the Himalayas to therapeutic spa getaways in Bali, the coming years will witness a blend of relaxation and revitalization at the forefront of senior travel.

Green Travels Gain Ground

As the world shifts towards sustainable practices, so does the travel sphere. Industry experts predict that eco-friendly senior travel will become a dominant trend, with seniors looking for destinations that emphasize ecological conservation.

Their travel choices will likely revolve around places and packages that harmonize with nature, highlighting a growing consciousness about the planet’s well-being.

How the Travel Industry is Adapting

As the population ages and boomers represent not only the largest budgets but account for the most bodies on a plane, destinations need to cater to this demographic.

Packages Tailored for Seniors

Seniors no longer settle for one-size-fits-all travel packages. Recognizing the distinct needs and preferences of this demographic, many travel agencies are now crafting specific travel packages for elderly patrons.

Whether they prefer slow-paced cultural tours or thrilling adventures with ample rest periods, these tailored experiences let seniors find their ideal travel pace. Senior travel statistics show that all-you-can-eat buffets are not gonna cut it anymore for boomer marketing.

Digital Accessibility and Support

As seniors become more tech-savvy, the travel industry is striving to ensure their digital platforms are user-friendly for all ages. Designers are creating websites with simpler interfaces, larger fonts, and clear instructions.

Additionally, companies are enhancing online support for senior travelers with 24/7 chatbots and helplines to address queries and concerns promptly.

Training Staff for Senior Care

Understanding that seniors might have specific needs or concerns, many in the travel sector are investing in specialized staff training.

From flight attendants to hotel managers, the emphasis is on empathetic, patient, and knowledgeable service. This not only enhances the travel experience for seniors but fosters trust and loyalty towards service providers.

Infrastructure for Seamless Mobility

Physical infrastructure plays a vital role in accommodating senior travelers. Airports, train stations, hotels, and tourist spots are increasingly being equipped with ramps, elevators, and senior-friendly facilities.

Efforts are being made to ensure that the joys of travel remain unhindered by mobility challenges, making destinations more accessible and enjoyable.

Embracing a New Era of Travel

Instead of a Instagram influencer sitting next to you on a plane, get ready for a wave of crochet loving grannies traveling well into their golden years.

A Boon for Seniors and the Industry Alike

The rise in senior travel isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a testament to the evolving landscape of global exploration. As more seniors tap into their wanderlust, they’re not only enriching their lives but reshaping the travel industry.

With their desire for cultural excursions, wellness retreats, and lifelong learning, the elderly are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive travel environment.

A Mutual Evolution

The travel industry’s proactive adaptation to cater to this burgeoning demographic signifies its recognition of seniors as a potent force in the realm of tourism.

From tailor-made packages to digital support for senior travelers, these measures are not mere business strategies. They’re reflections of an industry that’s evolving in tandem with its audience, ensuring that travel remains an inclusive joy, accessible and enriching for all ages.

A Bright Horizon Ahead

With senior travel on the ascent, the horizon looks promising for both the elderly community and the travel sector. As seniors continue to seek out experiences, learn, and connect, they’re setting a precedent for future generations, highlighting that the spirit of adventure truly knows no age.

FAQ: Senior Travel Statistics

The main factors include increased life expectancy, better health, financial independence, and the desire for new experiences.

Making travel easier for senior citizens has included a shift towards specialized packages, dedicated travel companions, and increased digital support tailored for seniors.

Senior citizens are heavily marketed to by North American destinations such as Arizona and Florida. However, most seniors choose destinations based on where their family members reside. There has been a rise in traveling to family heritage sites and following social media inspiration to see major tourist destinations.

The number of delays, cancelations, and health obstacles make using travel insurance an eventuality. You will be very thankful for insurance when one issue causes a domino effect that costs thousands to rectify.

There is a rise in active senior travel groups. However, for every senior excited to join a group trip, there are multiple that avoid traveling for various reasons.

Technology simplifies travel for seniors through online bookings, real-time updates, and apps for connectivity and navigation.

Seniors should have pre-trip health check-ups, carry essential medications, and invest in comprehensive travel insurance.

Future trends point to virtual reality offering an immersive travel experience from home.

With the flexibility retirement offers, many seniors are embracing off-peak travel to enjoy quieter destinations, reduced costs, and authentic experiences.

• https://www.calameo.com/silvertraveladvisor/read/0044274231677a12c8b3f ↩︎
• https://usa.visa.com/partner-with-us/visa-consulting-analytics/senior-travel-wanderlust.html ↩︎
• https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/life-leisure/2023/2023-travel-trends.doi.10.26419-2Fres.00592.001.pdf ↩︎
• https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-national-detail.html ↩︎
• https://skift.com/2017/10/02/u-s-millennials-travel-the-most-but-gen-z-is-on-the-rise/ ↩︎
• https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/life-leisure/2017/2018-travel-trends.doi.10.26419%252Fres. 00179.001 .pdf ↩︎
• https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4088224.html ↩︎
• https://www.ncoa.org/article/the-inequities-in-the-cost-of-chronic-disease-why-it-matters-for-older-adults ↩︎
• https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/life-leisure/2017/2018-travel-trends.doi.10.26419%252Fres.00179.001.pdf ↩︎
• https://solotravelerworld.com/about/solo-travel-statistics-data/ ↩︎

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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2024 federal budget's key takeaways: Housing and carbon rebates, students and sin taxes

Budget sees nearly $53b in new spending over the next 5 years.

What's in the new federal budget?

Social sharing.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland today tabled a 400-page-plus budget her government is pitching as a balm for anxious millennials and Generation Z.

The budget proposes $52.9 billion in new spending over five years, including $8.5 billion in new spending for housing. To offset some of that new spending, Ottawa is pitching policy changes to bring in new revenue.

Here are some of the notable funding initiatives and legislative commitments in budget 2024.

Ottawa unloading unused offices to meet housing targets

One of the biggest pillars of the budget is its housing commitments. Before releasing the budget, the government laid out what it's calling Canada's Housing Plan — a pledge to "unlock" nearly 3.9 million homes by 2031.

The government says two million of those would be net new homes and it believes it can contribute to more than half of them. 

It plans to do that by:

• Converting underused federal offices into homes. The budget promises $1.1 billion over ten years to transform 50 per cent of the federal office portfolio into housing.
• Building homes on Canada Post properties. The government says the 1,700-plus Canada Post offices across the country can be used to build new homes while maintaining postal services. The federal government says it's assessing six Canada Post properties in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia for development potential "as a start."
• Rethinking National Defence properties. The government is promising to look at redeveloping properties and buildings on National Defence lands for military and civilian use.
• Building apartments. Ottawa is pledging a $15 billion top-up to the Apartment Construction Loan Program, which says it will build 30,000 new homes across Canada.

Taxing vacant land?

As part of its push on housing, the federal government also says it's looking at vacant land that could be used to build homes.

It's not yet committing to new measures but the budget says the government will consider introducing a new tax on residentially zoned vacant land. 

• Freeland's new federal budget hikes taxes on the rich to cover billions in new spending
• Are you renting with no plans to buy? Here's what the federal budget has for you

The government said it plans to launch consultations on the measure later this year.

Help for students 

There's also something in the budget for students hunting for housing.

The government says it will update the formula used by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program to calculate housing costs when determining financial need, to better reflect the cost of housing in the current climate.

The government estimates this could deliver more aid for rent to approximately 79,000 students each year, at an estimated cost of $154.6 million over five years.

• Updated Federal budget's funding boost for defence spread out over multiple years
• Liberals pledge $9B in new money for Indigenous communities in 2024 budget

The government is also promising to extend increased student grants and interest-free loans, at an estimated total cost of $1.1 billion this year.

Increase in taxes on capital gains

To help cover some of its multi-billion dollar commitments, the government is proposing a tax hike on capital gains — the profit individuals make when assets like stocks and second properties are sold.

The government is proposing an increase in the taxable portion of capital gains, up from the current 50 per cent to two thirds for annual capital gains over $250,000. 

New investment to lead 'housing revolution in Canada,' Freeland says

Freeland said the change would impact the wealthiest 0.1 per cent.

There's still some protection for small businesses. There's been a lifetime capital gains exemption which allows Canadians to exempt up to $1,016,836 in capital gains tax-free on the sale of small business shares and farming and fishing property. This June the tax-free limit will be increased to $1.25 million and will continue to be indexed to inflation thereafter, according to the budget.

The federal government estimates this could bring in more than $19 billion over five years, although some analysts are not convinced.

Disability benefit amounts to $200 per month 

Parliament last year passed the Canada Disability Benefit Act, which promised to send a direct benefit to low-income, working-age people with disabilities. 

Budget 2024 proposes funding of $6.1 billion over six years, beginning this fiscal year, and $1.4 billion per year ongoing, for a new Canada Disability Benefit.

Advocates had been hoping for something along the lines of $1,000 per month per person . They'll be disappointed.

According to the budget document, the maximum benefit will amount to $2,400 per year for low income individuals with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64 — about $200 a month.

• Federal government plans to lease public lands for construction through new housing strategy
• Alberta premier says she's prepared to take Ottawa to court over housing deals

The government said it plans for the Canada Disability Benefit Act to come into force in June 2024 and for payments to start in July 2025.

Carbon rebate for small businesses coming 

The federal government has heard an earful from small business advocates who accuse it of reneging on a promise to return a portion of carbon pricing revenues to small businesses to mitigate the tax's economic costs.

• What's behind the carbon tax, and does it work?
• Federal government scales back carbon tax rebates for small businesses

The budget proposes to return fuel charge proceeds from 2019-20 through 2023-24 to an estimated 600,000 businesses with 499 or fewer employees through a new refundable tax credit.

The government said this would deliver $2.5 billion directly to Canada's small- and medium-sized businesses.

Darts and vape pods will cost more 

Pitching it as a measure to cut the number of people smoking and vaping, the Liberals are promising to raise revenues on tobacco and smoking products.

• Just Asking  wants to know:   What questions do you have about quitting smoking or vaping? Do you think sin taxes will encourage smoking cessation?  Fill out the details on  this form  and send us your questions ahead of our show on April 20.

Starting Wednesday, the total tobacco excise duty will be $5.49 per carton. The government estimates this could increase federal revenue by $1.36 billion over five years starting in 2024-25.

The budget also proposes to increase the vaping excise duty rates by 12 per cent effective July 1. That means an increase of 12 to 24 cents per pod, depending on where you live. 

• 'Stay the hell away from our kids': Health minister vows to restrict nicotine pouches — but how?

Ottawa hopes this increase in sin taxes will bring in $310 million over five years, starting in 2024-25.

More money for CBC 

Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge has mused about redefining the role of the public broadcaster before the next federal election . But before that happens, CBC/Radio-Canada is getting a top-up this year. 

The budget promises $42 million more in 2024-25 for CBC/Radio-Canada for "news and entertainment programming." CBC/Radio-Canada received about $1.3 billion in total federal funding last year.

The government says it's doing this to ensure that Canadians across the country, including rural, remote, Indigenous and minority language communities, have access to independent journalism and entertainment.

Last year, the CBC announced a financial shortfall, cut 141 employees and eliminated 205 vacant positions. In a statement issued Tuesday, CBC spokesperson Leon Mar said the new funding means the corporation can balance its budget "without significant additional reductions this year."

Boost for Canada's spy agency 

As the government takes heat over how it has handled the threat of foreign election interference, it's promising more money to bolster its spy service.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service is in line to receive $655.7 million over eight years, starting this fiscal year, to enhance its intelligence capabilities and its presence in Toronto.

• CSIS chief defends his spies' work after PM casts doubt on reliability of agency's reports
• Trudeau says it's his job to question CSIS intelligence, call out 'contradictions'

The budget also promises to guarantee up to $5 billion in loans for Indigenous communities to participate in natural resource development and energy projects in their territories.

These loans would be provided by financial institutions or other lenders and guaranteed by the federal government, meaning Indigenous borrowers who opt in could benefit from lower interest rates, the budget says. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catharine Tunney is a reporter with CBC's Parliament Hill bureau, where she covers national security and the RCMP. She worked previously for CBC in Nova Scotia. You can reach her at [email protected]

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On The Red Carpet

Jeezy, common and more talk hip-hop and politics in new hulu documentary.

'Hip-Hop and the White House' shows the relationship between the genre and presidential policies

LOS ANGELES -- The evolution will be televised.

The new documentary, "Hip-Hop and the White House" explores the relationship between the music genre of hip-hop and the politicians who shape the policies of this nation.

"We feel that this is really timely because we've had the 50th anniversary of the creation of hip-hop and then we have this election. And hip-hop has more influence than it ever had before," writer/director Jesse Washington told On The Red Carpet.

"We really had to set the stage for what hip-hop came out of and the political consciousness that was baked into the culture from the beginning just by virtue of existing in this country and being on the receiving end of presidential policies since the 1970s," he continued.

KRS-One, Roxanne Shante, Bun B, YG, Common and Waka Flocka Flame are among those featured in the documentary, along with Jeezy, who narrates the film.

Their stories go back to the 1970s and 1980s, from the war on drugs, which so many rappers wrote about, to NWA to Eazy-E attending a Republican group's luncheon with then President George H.W. Bush, to rapper YG's anthem railing against former President Donald Trump.

"The first rapper to engage meaningfully with a president was Eazy-E. And then you go all the way to the other side of the spectrum and you've got YG, another LA dude," Washington said. "And so when you approach a YG, when you approach a Jeezy, who has probably the most powerful political anthem in history with "My President," I think they welcomed the opportunity to talk about the making of these records and what was behind it and what they were thinking and their own personal political evolutions."

In the documentary, Jeezy reveals how months prior to the 2008 election of President Barack Obama, he kept hearing this beat in his head, singing to himself, "my President is Black," and decided to go to the studio right then to record it.

"What we want people to take away from this film is this is the history of where hip-hop comes from. It's not just trivial, a lot of the artists that you think might not have a political consciousness really have something to say," Washington continued.

"We want people to think that we, as a hip-hop community, those of us who live and love and respect and appreciate the culture have a power and a voice in this political process that we may be underestimating. And so this year in particular and in future years moving forward, hip-hop has something to say and that means you the hip-hop audience as well have a role to play in this process."

"Hip-Hop and the White House" streams on Hulu April 22.

Disney is the parent company of Hulu and this ABC station.

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Russia's Nuclear Deterrent Command Center Imperiled by Winter Freeze—Report

A Russian nuclear deterrent command center in Moscow has been imperiled by power outages that have impacted more than one-quarter of the region's cities amid freezing temperatures, a Russian Telegram channel has reported.

The VChK-OGPU outlet, which purports to have inside information from Russian security forces, reported that the 820th Main Center for Missile Attack Warnings—part of the Russian Space Forces, a branch of the country's Aerospace Forces—near Solnechnogorsk in Moscow is without power.

It serves as the space forces early warning network against potential ballistic missile attacks.

The development comes as Russians are reported to be suffering from power outages in their homes in the Moscow region caused by technical issues at plants amid subzero temperatures.

On January 4, a heating main burst at the Klimovsk Specialized Ammunition Plant in the town of Podolsk, which is about 30 miles south of central Moscow. Since then, tens of thousands of Russians are reported to have no heating in their homes.

Affected areas include the cities of Khimki, Balashikha, Lobnya, Lyubertsy, Podolsk, Chekhov and Naro-Fominsk, a map published by a Russian Telegram channel and shared on other social media sites shows.

Other Russian media outlets reported that in Moscow, residents of Balashikha, Elektrostal, Solnechnogorsk, Dmitrov, Domodedovo, Troitsk, Taldom, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Krasnogorsk, Pushkino, Ramenskoye, Voskresensk, Losino-Petrovsky and Selyatino are also without power.

The Telegram channel said that at the 820th Main Center for Missile Attack Warnings, "the crew...is on duty around the clock."

"It is here that the decision on a retaliatory nuclear strike is executed," the channel said.

Newsweek could not independently verify the report and has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry by email for comment.

Power outages have also been reported in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, in the country's western Voronezh region, in the southwest city of Volgograd, and in Rostov, which borders Ukraine, a country that Russia has been at war with since February 24, 2022.

On Sunday, two shopping malls in St. Petersburg were forced to close because of problems with light and heating, reported local news outlet 78.ru. Hundreds of other homes in the city have had no electricity, water or heating for days amid temperatures of -25 C (-13 F).

Russian authorities have also been forced to compensate passengers of a train that ran from Samara to St. Petersburg (a 20-hour journey) without heating during -30 C (-22 F) temperatures. Videos circulating on social media showed carriage windows frozen over. A passenger also said the toilet didn't work during the trip because of frozen pipes.

Do you have a tip on a world news story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the Russia-Ukraine war? Let us know via [email protected].

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