In the last several years, before the pandemic period, there has been a gradual uptick trend of more seniors travelling overseas for their vacation either with their families or friends.
Director of Eden Tours and Travels, Peggy Wong, adds that ever since countries opened up their borders post-pandemic, demand for overseas travel has ballooned, more so for the seniors.
While demand has increased for travel, there has also been a corresponding increase in demand for non-traditional travel packages. This is where Eden Tours has had to pivot to address the changing demand.
“With a surge in seniors travelling, the latest trend also indicates that the cost of travelling overseas has risen. However, seniors are nowadays more knowledgeable and savvy about their travel plans. This is where we offer customized tour packages for our clients that help minimize the cost while still providing them with the experience they want,” Wong explained.
A CUSTOMIZED EXPERIENCE
Wong, an avid traveller herself, has been working in the tour and travel industry for over 20 years.
In her experience dealing with elderly clients, she noticed a shift in the types of travel the seniors tend to go for in the last decade.
“In the past, most seniors tended to just pick a tour package to their favourite country destination and be contented to visit the tourist attractions. Recently, there has been more interest among seniors for special interest tours like religious pilgrimages and sports tours like attending tennis or golfing tournaments,” she elaborated.
Customization of travel plans may soon become a norm for seniors. A customized travel plan allows them to address their concerns like diet restrictions, mobility, travel time, pacing and cost.
“Under Eden Tour’s customized travel plan, for example, we help pick and book restaurants that suit the senior’s diet restrictions. We make sure to order in smaller portions as most seniors tend to eat less. So, we give them quality food over quantity. We can also help create a tour package where we only recommend the food and help book the restaurant. We then leave it to our clients to order whatever food that suits their taste. This will ultimately push the cost down and minimize food wastage.”
“We also take note of our clients’ mobility and interests. While traditional tour packages would have the group sightsee several places in a week which would require them to change hotels almost daily, a customized one would instead give the seniors a hotel that’s nearer to the place of interest and local amenities. This means fewer hotel changes and moving about, thus allowing them to enjoy a longer and fuller experience at their choice of attraction,” as Wong further explained through her company’s brochures.
PEACE OF MIND
According to Eden Tour’s data, the top destinations preferred by seniors in 2023 were Korea, Japan and Taiwan. However, for 2024, Wong predicts that China will be the top destination. This is because last year, the Chinese government announced visa-free entry for several countries including Malaysia.
The average tour length for seniors is between 5 to 7 days. While a week of travel is a short time for an average person, it feels longer for families whose elderly parents or grandparents are out touring by themselves. Wong has many instances where the seniors’ family approached her personally to ask about their elderly parent’s safety.
Wong shares that Eden provides a full itinerary as well as emergency contacts to the family. A local guide is also always with the group during the tour. She has dealt with cases where seniors had a bad fall or fell ill while on tour but fortunately, these incidents are infrequent. She attributes this to the seniors themselves taking an active role in making proper travel plans and a growing trend of seniors willing to opt for travel insurance.
“Travel insurance is a must, especially for the elderly as they are more prone to mishaps or complications due to their age. I’m happy to say that the seniors themselves are the ones insisting on travel insurance. They are now so much more aware of the benefits of travel insurance as compared to those seniors 20 years ago. Despite the additional cost, they say it gives them peace of mind. They even scrutinized the coverage given by the insurance companies,” Wong beamed with pride.
THE PERFECT GETAWAY
One of the many questions posed to Wong is at what size a group is the most cost-effective.
“The perfect size for a group to keep the cost to a reasonable level is 8 to 15 people. 2 to 6 people will see a higher cost. To save more, please make your travel plans during the off-peak season. Sometimes the money you save from a lower airfare is enough to add another day to your trip,” Wong happily divulges the open secret.
Wong encourages seniors to travel if they’re still fit. She believes that being a senior is just the start of a new chapter in life.
“I believe the elderly will gain much from travelling. Travels with friends and family help keep their minds active, more open-minded, hearts full, and above all, a long life. And the bonds that are formed with their loved ones through travelling together is priceless.”
– Patrick Chin
