Did you know that traveling could actually be good for your health and longevity? Several doctors seem to agree that traveling can help older individuals actually live longer. Your later years are also a great time to travel anyway.
We’ve got some good news when it comes to the expense of traveling, too. As a senior citizen, you may very well be privy to certain deals and discounts. If retired, there’s also a good chance you have more flexibility than the average traveler, too.
Whether you’re looking to see the world, go on a relaxing vacation, or just visit family, we’ve got some tips.
1. Take advantage of senior discounts.
Whether you’re booking a cruise, a flight, accommodations, or ground transportation, always look for and ask about discounts. Not all senior discounts are well advertised, so it never hurts to ask if one is available.
While many airlines don’t offer senior discounts, there may be other perks or upgrades available if you ask nicely.
2. Compare various discounts.
Don’t assume one discount is the norm or that the senior rate is the lowest either. Some discounts are simply better than others, and the senior discounts aren’t always the best. Compare the senior rate to other offerings, such as discounts available through memberships you may hold, like AAA or AARP.
3. Become an AARP member.
AARP offers all sorts of discounts and special travel offers to senior citizens. Additionally, there are also restaurant and activity discounts galore. This is a great program for seniors considering all the savings that it makes available.
Of course, as always, you should check various discounts and rates against each other. The AARP discount may not always be the most generous.
4. Travel in the off-season.
By having a flexible schedule, you can often find some of the best deals. Traveling in off-peak travel or “shoulder” seasons, based on your destination, will often save you a significant amount of money.
5. Consider alternative transportation methods.
While many travelers try to save time in reaching their destination, those who aren’t in a rush have more options. Instead of booking a flight, you might consider traveling by railway instead. Not only can you avoid many of the hassles of flying, it’s also often much cheaper.
Plus, in many instances, you won’t have to pay for your baggage either. If traveling by train, don’t forget to ask if there’s a senior discount. Many popular rail lines do offer reduced fairs for those over a certain age.
6. Bring along friends and/or family.
Many vacation rentals, hotels, and other accommodations tend to offer senior, and/or group discounts. This means senior citizens can often pass along some of their savings to their travel partners. Seniors may also be able to get discounted national park passes as well that cover multiple guests.
Traveling with a friend, your children, or grand children also makes for a great opportunity to create lasting, priceless memories.
