There are many ways for seniors to save when traveling in addition to cheap travel options such as cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages. Senior travelers are in a unique position to travel for less.
Studies have found that travel helps senior citizens live longer lives. Senior years are often an excellent time to travel since many seniors are retired and usually have flexible schedules.
The following are money saving travel tips for seniors from the Independent Traveler:
Before making a reservation always inquire if there is a special discount for seniors. Although such discounts frequently go unadvertised, you can often uncover them simply by asking. While many hotels offer seniors discount of 5 to 10 percent, Hyatt hotels frequently discount rooms for travelers age 62 and above by up to 50 percent.
Airlines generally no longer offer discounts for senior flying. However, it never hurts to be friendly to an airline agent and inquire if there is an upgrade or other perk available. Be aware that the senior airline rate is not always the most discounted rate. You should compare senior rates to other discounts, such as those offered to the American Automobile Association, best available, and early booking discount.
Membership in American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) comes with plenty of travel discounts, including savings on many cruises, car rentals, vacation packages and hotels as well as activity and restaurant discounts. Although you do not need to be retired, you must be at least 50 years old to join AARP and pay a modest yearly membership fee.
Traveling off peak periods of time results in cheaper prices, often milder weather, and certainly fewer crowds. Seniors are ideally suited to travel during such time frames because they usually do not have to plan their travel around stringent work, school, or holiday schedules.
Take your time in getting to your destination. So long as you do not need to rush back to work, traveling by train is sometimes a cheaper option than flying. Travelers 62 years and older save 15 percent on most Amtrak fares and do not have to pay baggage fees. Another approach would be to rent a car and take a self guided and self paced scenic trip.
Look into travel insurance since this could end up saving you a considerable amount of money if anything goes wrong while planning or on your trip. Trip cancellation insurance covers people for unforeseen events that prevent you from traveling or when you have to come home during your trip.
Consider traveling with your children, grandchildren or other friends not only for the company but because larger groups can realize significant travel savings especially if you share a vacation rental vs. booking separate hotel rooms.
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