Retirement often brings something many people have spent decades waiting for — time.
Without work schedules dictating their calendars, many older adults are discovering that travel isn't simply about visiting new places; it's about creating new experiences, making friends and continuing to learn.
For many Bucks County seniors, organized group travel has become an increasingly popular way to satisfy that sense of adventure while eliminating many of the stresses that can accompany planning a trip.
"Travel is so important for older people," said Sandy Borowsky, third-generation owner and executive vice president of tours at Starr Bus Charter & Tours. "They want to see the world, to go beyond what they see in their everyday life and learn about new cultures, different neighborhoods and history."
She said today's senior travelers aren't simply looking to check destinations off a bucket list. Instead, they want meaningful experiences that leave lasting memories.
"People like to be engaged when they travel," Borowsky said. "Instead of just having dinner, they want to have a culinary demonstration or hear a personal talk from someone local. They want something that enhances their memory of a place and makes it feel more than just a destination."
According to Borowsky, senior travelers have a desire to immerse themselves in destinations rather than simply visiting famous landmarks.
Whether it's enjoying lunch inside the historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, attending a special anniversary celebration for a favorite television show or learning about local history from residents, today's travelers value experiences.
History, in particular, has become increasingly popular this year.
"Especially now, a lot of people are into history with the 250th anniversary of our nation," Borowsky said. "Everybody has different reasons to travel. It could be going where their ancestors are from or meeting up with a friend they haven't seen in a long time."
While classic destinations remain favorites, many seniors become more adventurous after taking their first organized trip.
Borowsky said first-time travelers often choose destinations such as Cape Cod, Niagara Falls or Savannah and Charleston before branching out to longer vacations.
"Mackinac Island is actually one of our special tours that brings people to us," she said. "A lot of first-timers go on that trip because traveling by motorcoach is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to experience Mackinac Island.”
Other popular destinations include Nova Scotia, Nashville, Memphis and Chicago, while nearby getaways such as Newport, Long Island and Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon also appeal to travelers who don't want to venture too far from home.
Many seniors also enjoy discovering places they may never have considered visiting.
"When you look through our catalog, you'll find destinations that you didn't even know were out there and desirable," Borowsky said.
For many older adults, one of the greatest rewards of traveling isn't the destination at all; it's the people they meet along the way.
Traveling with a group naturally creates opportunities to socialize during meals, sightseeing excursions and time spent on the road.
"It's really nice because you sit down to meals with other people," Borowsky said. "You get to learn about other people, meet other people and engage with other people."
The friendships often continue long after the trip ends.
"By the end of the tour, many of our travelers are literally making plans to go away with the people they just met," she said. "We even have trips that still have reunions multiple years after the trip has happened."
That social atmosphere can be especially valuable for solo travelers.
"We have a huge community of solo travelers," Borowsky said. "I always say you're never alone when you travel with Starr. You can come by yourself, but you're not alone."
Whether travelers are widowed, single, married or simply have different interests than their spouse, group travel allows them to experience destinations while enjoying the company of others with similar interests.
For many seniors, the biggest appeal of escorted travel is convenience.
Planning hotel reservations, purchasing attraction tickets, navigating unfamiliar roads and deciding where to eat can quickly become overwhelming, particularly on longer vacations.
"The reason seniors like going on our tours is we do all the research," Borowsky said. "We find the best things to do, comfortable accommodations and good meal options."
Having an experienced tour director also provides reassurance throughout the journey.
"I read all the surveys when trips come back, and people could have crossed the Mississippi River for the first time ever, and the most important thing they tell me is how much they loved their tour director and driver," she said.
Unlike airline travel, where passengers rarely interact with the flight crew, bus tours allow travelers to get to know the people guiding the trip.
"You're sitting down for meals with the tour director and the driver," Borowsky said. "You're engaging with them, asking questions and they take care of all the logistics."
Traveling with a group also offers additional peace of mind for many older adults.
"Traveling in numbers is always a safety benefit," Borowsky said.
Also, tour directors can help coordinate assistance if someone becomes ill or experiences an emergency while traveling.”
Every Starr itinerary includes information about the amount of walking involved, allowing travelers to choose vacations appropriate for their comfort level.
"We'll have deeper conversations with people," Borowsky said. "“We’ll discuss a traveler’s mobility needs and help identify tours that are the best fit.”
Cruises have also become increasingly popular among seniors because of their accessibility.
"It's a floating hotel," Borowsky said. "You can go to different destinations and sleep in your same bed without unpacking and repacking."
Borowsky encourages anyone hesitant about traveling to start small.
"We often suggest new travelers select a two- or three-day trip to dip their toe into the water," she said. "They can see how great it is traveling on a bus, interacting with other people and having the tour director do all the work."
She noted that Starr Tours' domestic motorcoach tours depart from Bensalem, making them a convenient option for many Bucks County residents. Overseas vacations and cruises also include transportation to and from the airport as part of every package.”
She also advises seniors not to feel intimidated by the planning process.
"My advice to seniors who have never traveled or are hesitant to start is to call and talk to one of our travel advisors," Borowsky said. "We'll help you select a trip that matches your goals and your wishes. Let us help you."
New Starr Tour customers can save up to $50 per person off their first trip. Call for more details at 609-587-0626. For more information, visit starrtours.com.
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