New Study: Top U.S. Destinations for Senior Travelers

  • High Travel Intent Among Seniors: A significant 70% of adults aged 50 and over are planning to travel this year, with accessibility being a key factor for many.
  • Rhode Island Ranks First: Rhode Island is ranked as the best U.S. state for senior-friendly travel due to its high scores in healthcare access, safety, and accessibility.
  • Focus on Practical Needs: The study uniquely evaluates states based on seven factors crucial to older travelers, including healthcare, safety, accessibility, meal costs, and climate.
  • Top States Offer Diverse Options: Florida, New Jersey, and other states in the top ten provide a range of attractive and accommodating options for senior travelers.

A new study by Mirador Living is wonderfully illuminating the best U.S. travel destinations for senior travelers, empowering them with the information needed to plan their journeys with confidence and ease. As a remarkable 70% of adults aged 50 and older plan to travel this year, this research moves beyond typical travel rankings to focus on what truly matters: accessibility, healthcare, safety, and comfort.

The insightful analysis reviewed all 50 states on seven key factors and shines a spotlight on destinations that excel in meeting the practical needs of mature travelers. Rhode Island beautifully emerges as the number one state, celebrated for its high access to healthcare, low crime rate, and excellent availability of wheelchair-accessible accommodations.

Following closely are Florida and New Jersey, which are praised for their accessible lodging options and sunny climates. The top ten also includes Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Hawaii, Delaware, North Carolina, and Virginia, each offering a unique blend of strengths.

Retired couple, vineyard and communication with winemaker, guide or instructor on a wine tasting tour. Luxury liquor, agriculture and happy senior man and woman talking to grape farmer at winery.

This study champions a new way of looking at travel, one that prioritizes a seamless and secure experience. As Dharam Khalsa, CEO of Mirador Living, noted, seniors deserve destinations that meet their real needs, not just ones that look good on social media. By providing this data-driven guide, the report helps ensure that the well-deserved travel adventures of older adults are both enjoyable and worry-free, opening up a world of destinations that are ready to welcome them.

Top 10 U.S. States for Senior-Friendly Travel

RankStateNo. of Active Primary Care Providers per 100kNo. of Sunny Days per YearViolent Crime Rate per 100kCost of Meal per Person ($)No. of Wheelchair-Accessible Accommodations per 1000 sq kmNo. of Accommodations with Toilet Grab Rails per 1000 sq kmNo. of Wheelchair-Accessible Tours per 1000 sq kmScore
1Rhode Island372.8981721936.7521.2822.2484.59
2Florida310.51012592058.1126.1824.7883.24
3New Jersey236.5942031943.3828.6913.3380.27
4Maryland305.31053982036.1629.366.2875.59
5Massachusetts395.1983222533.4626.1534.1075.19
6Connecticut321.5821502021.4815.705.3774.38
7Hawaii277.7902602435.6514.6381.5872.97
8Delaware332.8973841628.7327.193.0871.58
9North Carolina307.21094051812.7910.942.2666.90
10Virginia274.31002342010.8410.183.7766.87