ATLANTA, GA – The same way nuptials or newborns are celebrated, IHG Hotels & Resorts is commemorating another one of life’s biggest moments, retirement. 2024 is a record-breaking year for the retirement age milestone in the U.S., with an average of 11,000 Americans a day expected to celebrate their 65th birthday through yearend.

A new survey by IHG, in collaboration with Talker Research, polled 2,000 Americans who have retired, or will retire, between 2020–2029 and found 60% of respondents plan to, or already have, undergone a “retirement reinvention” — stepping into a completely new version of themselves during their golden years. Many retirees (40%) have taken, or plan to take, the trip of a lifetime to celebrate retirement. In fact, the majority (59%) are planning on traveling more during retirement than they traveled during their working years.

One of people’s biggest fears when heading into retirement is being bored, but now we’re seeing that retirees have countless ideas on how to make the most of their hard-earned time. Whether that’s traveling, starting a side hustle or picking up a hobby, retirement can be an opportunity for adventure and reinvention and anything but boring. Connor Smith, Vice President of Masterbrand Strategy at IHG Hotels & Resorts

In Their Retirementmoon Era

For those seeking to travel for their Retirementmoon, IHG is ready to care for them in their next chapter by offering a discounted senior rate to those 62 years or older. With hotels and resorts across the globe, IHG also provides age-defying experiences retirees will enjoy no matter where their travels take them:

Of those who have or will take a retirement celebration trip, top stops are destinations within the U.S. (59%), Europe (31%) and other locations across North America (23%). A few intrepid adventurers are even trekking to Antarctica for their retirement trip.

The reality is, people put their careers and families first. So, in their retirement era, it’s inspiring to see them live their best lives. We love that travel came up as a top priority and at IHG, guests can come as they are whether they’re adventurers, foodies or just want to be taken care of, says Smith.