An encouraging 81 per cent of older travellers are keen to travel again, of which 36 per cent don’t see any change at all in their plans, according to a new survey conducted by Silver Travel Advisor.

Fifty-two per cent of older travellers have not been affected at all by the economic implications of coronavirus (Covid-19) and another 30 per cent are cautious but not “feeling the pinch”.

Findings also revealed how only 4 per cent say that they have been hard hit economically by the coronavirus pandemic and 55 per cent expect that travel will return to a version of ‘normal’ in 2021. 

In terms of ocean cruising, 44 per cent have enjoyed an ocean cruise before and are already rebooked; would like to cruise again when things return to normal; or have never taken an ocean cruise but would like to (12 per cent of the 44 per cent).

In terms of river cruising, 55 per cent have enjoyed river cruising before and are already rebooked; would like to return when things are back to normal; or have never taken a river cruise but would like to (37 per cent of the 55 per cent).

Thirty-one per cent of respondents expect to book a flight in six to 12 months, while 29 per cent expect to book a UK holiday and 35 per cent expect to book an overseas holiday.

The survey was completed by more than 800 older travellers, with 79 per cent aged between 60-80, between 15 and 30 April 2020 about how the coronavirus pandemic has affected their holiday plans and future travel intentions.

The survey findings also identified four emerging categories of older travellers, including the stay-at-home Nesters; the cautious Belt & Bracers, the optimistic Believers; and the get-out-there Avengers.

The Nestlers are stay-at-home people, mainly in the vulnerable category, who prefer to await a vaccination or other medical protection before travelling, while the Belt & Bracers want to know all the facts before they travel again.

Meanwhile, the Believers are optimistic travellers who have faith that the companies who have looked after them well or have been recommended will get it right. Finally, the Avengers feel they have lost months of their lives as well as their travel plans and so want to get out as soon as they can.

Of the destinations people are most looking forward to visiting when once travel restrictions are lifted, Greece and the Greek islands, Spain, France and the USA are in the top five.

China tops the list of destinations people would not be prepared to visit this or next year, with Asia and the Far East generally also noted as places people would avoid.

The full Silver Travel Advisor report can be found here.