Editor’s note: Bryce Sanders is a longtime columnist for Rethinking65. Read more of his articles here.

We all know someone who claims their traveling days are behind them. They stay at home, not considering taking a vacation for even a moment. The travel industry knows that Baby Boomers have money and actively caters to this market segment. I’ve always liked the expression WOOFs — “well off older folks.” Let’s look at eight ways you and your older client might have this conversation.
- I don’t like flying. Planes are too crowded. If you fly on a budget airline, this might be the case. Most airlines flying international routes have introduced “Premium Economy.” This part of the plane has more legroom, better recline on seats and better food. It costs more than economy and certainly more than the “no frills” airfares. You board earlier and are more comfortable.
- I don’t like flying. Airports are too chaotic. For starters, get yourself the American Express Platinum Card. One of your perks is a credit for getting TSA precheck. This gets you on the shorter security line. Another perk is airline lounge access. Many airports have American Express Centurion Clubs. Others have clubs accessible through Priority Pass, another platinum card perk. Don’t want to spring for the card? The airline you are flying will likely sell you a one-day lounge access pass.
- I don’t like driving, and I don’t like flying. Train travel is another option. The basic seats on Amtrak have plenty of legroom. The rail cars have bathrooms. Longer-haul trains have roomettes and bedrooms. You could take the train to Florida or get a taste of foreign travel by heading up to Canada.
- Friends take cruises, but I don’t know… This can be an ideal vacation for older people. If you live near a major coastal city, ships might sail out on a regular basis. Cruise ships have no hills. You can avoid stairs by taking elevators. You meet interesting people.
- I don’t like cruises. Too many kids. You are thinking of family-friendly cruise lines. Some cruise lines like Viking and Virgin don’t allow children under 18. Riviera Cruises does not accept passengers under age 50 (unless they are your caregiver!) Other cruise lines like Azamara focus on the adult market.
- I don’t want to walk around ports. That makes sense. Walking can get tougher as we get older. You don’t want to be embarrassed because you are the slowest walker on the tour. Cruise lines usually rank shore excursions on a three-level scale of difficulty. Level one likely has you riding a bus looking out the window.
- I don’t like organized shore excursions. The industry has you covered here too. Years ago, you wandered and explored on your own. Today you can hire a car and driver to give you a personal tour. This should be doable through the ship’s tour office or through your travel agent.
- The armchair traveler. If you want a taste of travel before you book a trip, consider the many travel programs on your local PBS station. Rick Steve’s Europe is famous. Samantha Brown’s Places to Love is good too, as is Joseph Rosenado’s Travelscope. Watching any James Bond movie is a travelogue too, but no one can survive 007’s level of activity!
Your client has worked hard their entire life. They should make an effort to enjoy their leisure years. Remember the expression, “Travel first class. If you don’t, your heirs will.”
Bryce Sanders is president of Perceptive Business Solutions Inc. He provides HNW client acquisition training for the financial services industry. His book, “Captivating the Wealthy Investor” is available on Amazon.