Travel Deals
Many people dream of traveling after they retire, and the travel industry is eager to help make those dreams happen. That means there are many senior travel deals which can help make grand dreams possible for a reasonable price.
Before we take a quick industry by industry look at senior travel deals, don’t forget one of the biggest financial advantages you have as a senior traveler: free time. If you’re a retiree, you have the freedom make trips at off-peak times, which can result in significant savings. Travel fares are often lower, whether midweek or off season, and accommodations and dining are often less expensive as well.
And, depending on your destination, off-peak travel has advantages beyond savings. Not only can you avoid crowds, you can also have a more relaxed, intimate and authentic encounter with the people and places you’re visiting. Finding spots open in senior tours and scheduled outings are easier to find. For more discussion on off-peak travel, and senior travel in general, take a look at our section on senior trips.
AARP Membership
Many senior travel deals depend on membership in the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), or are offered through the AARP, so signing on as a member is a good first step toward trip planning. You have to be 50 to join, but don’t need to be retired, so you can start taking advantage of many travel deals for seniors while you’re still working.
Packages, Tours and Cruises
Packages, tours and cruises are a great way to get a lot of travel for a reasonable price. A good travel agent is a big help here – they’ll know which groups are offering the best senior travel deals. If you want to research independently, the AARP website is a good place to start – also take a look at our section on senior tours.
Airlines
Airlines are cutting back in many ways, so senior travel deals on airfares are not as common as they used to be. They’re also not as advertised as they used to be; travel deals for seniors are constantly changing, so it’s always worth asking before you book a flight. Because there are so many airlines out there, it can be difficult to do the research. So, despite the ease of online booking, as a senior it may be worth getting in touch with a travel agent to check into current senior trip deals. Some trips are just better done with agent rather than online.
With airlines, off-peak savings can be bigger than specific senior travel deals, so don’t rely solely on your AARP card. Make the most of your flexibility around time.
Hotels
Many hotel chains offer standard accommodation discounts, though usually only to travelers 60 years and older, so even AARP membership may not be enough to get you senior savings. Senior travel deals at hotels range from 10% at Day’s Inn (available to anyone with an AARP card) to up to 50% off at participating Hyatt Hotels (only for travelers aged 62 and older).
Again, these discounts are not as advertised as they used to be, so when you’re planning an itinerary, make sure you ask in advance about senior travel deals. Discounts are no longer applicable if you’ve already made your booking. If you don’t want to work with a travel agent, the AARP website is a good place to start your online research.
Buses, Trains, National Parks, Cities
Traveling in new places can be nerve racking, especially if you are traveling to a new country. Always remember transportation safety. Buses and trains can be a good domestic travel option for seniors – safer and more relaxing than driving and without the lines and security hassles of airports. See our section on senior transportation. And the major bus and train lines also offer helpful senior travel deals.
On Greyhound buses, if you are 62 and older you may request a 5 percent discount on unrestricted passenger fares. On Amtrak, travelers at least 62 years of age can receive a 15% discount on adult rail fares. Amtrak also runs occasional special senior travel deals discounting travel on particular lines, up to as much as 50% off, so give them a call or keep your eye on their website.
If you are traveling domestically, check into senior discounts at specific destinations, like national parks and cities. If you are driving, and even camping, national parks make great destinations and the government’s senior pass is an exceptional deal. A lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over is only $10, and comes with other benefits.
Many cities also offer a comprehensive look at local senior travel deals on their tourism websites, covering everything from hotel deals to museum prices.
With all these options, spend some time researching and you can plan out a fun and economical itinerary.
