A growing number of older adults are increasingly spending their savings on travel and experiences rather than preserving wealth for their heirs, a trend that has drawn attention from industry experts and market analysts. Often referred to as “SKI-ers” — an acronym for “Spending the Kids’ Inheritance” — this demographic is reshaping the travel landscape with its enthusiasm for frequent vacations and lifestyle spending.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of Abta, the UK travel trade association, noted that the recent surge in holidays taken by those over 60 partly reflects a desire among this group to enjoy their wealth while alive, rather than leaving large sums behind. “There may be a bit of them thinking, ‘I just don’t want to leave this to my kids,’ but they certainly don’t want to leave it to the taxman,” Tanzer explained. He suggested this mindset is driven not only by the wish to experience life but also by concerns about inheritance tax reducing what is passed on to descendants.

Data from an Abta survey this year supports the assertion that older travelers are on the rise. According to the research involving more than 2,000 adults, 82 percent of individuals aged over 65 had taken a holiday in the previous 12 months, marking a five percentage point increase compared with two years prior. Additionally, the number of people in this age group traveling abroad increased by 9 percent over the same period. An independent report from YouGov found that approximately 55 percent of respondents aged 55 and above preferred to spend their money on personal or shared family holidays, rather than increase their inheritance.

Many in this demographic highlight the freedoms and financial conditions enabling these choices: children are independent, mortgages are paid, and work-from-home arrangements make travel easier. Supplementary income from property rentals or other investments often funds these trips, facilitating an active lifestyle well into later years.

Those adopting the SKI lifestyle describe it as an opportunity to embrace spontaneity and enjoyment, often undertaking multiple trips per year. Destinations range from European cities like Copenhagen and Berlin to leisure spots including Ibiza and the Greek islands. This period of increased travel in retirement is sometimes framed as a “Geriatric Gap Year,” emphasizing the desire to seize experiences while health and mobility permit.

While some younger family members express concern about the consumption of inherited wealth, others understand it as a natural stage of life and a way for parents to exercise autonomy over their finances. As one traveler described, adult children may view these trips with a mixture of bemusement and quiet unease, recognizing that each journey potentially diminishes future inheritance.

Overall, the rise of older travelers prioritizing personal fulfillment over financial legacy reflects broader shifts in retirement planning and lifestyle choices, highlighting the evolving ways in which individuals seek to balance self-enjoyment with familial responsibilities.