As we get older, traveling may seem more complicated. But there are many benefits to being a senior traveler. Not only can you save big with age-specific discounts, but your schedule may be more flexible than when you were younger. Best Life spoke to several travel experts to offer travel tips for seniors who want to have fun and explore the world without breaking the bank.
Alice Photo/Shutterstock
Thomas Renaud, Frenchbee Airlines’ director of sales for the US and Pacific, recommends choosing itineraries that maximize your time at your desired destination, such as late-night flights and trips to Eastern Europe. Choosing itineraries this way allows you to save money on air travel and spend more on the ground over long weekends or short trips. For example, an outbound flight from Miami to Paris departs at 9pm and arrives at ORY at 11:40am the next day. The return flight departs ORY at 2:30pm and arrives at MIA at 6:45pm.
Maurice Norbert / Shutterstock
Renaud recommends choosing an airline that offers ticket options that can be customized to fit your budget and needs. While it may be tempting to choose a more all-inclusive flight option, make sure you actually intend to use the services. “Seniors can book a standard all-inclusive ticket that includes checked baggage, but to save on extra expenses, book a ticket without the frills and extras and work your plan from there,” he recommends.
Shutterstock
Also consider traveling outside the most expensive cities, especially if you’ve already been there. “There’s more to France than Paris. Avoid the crowds by going to areas outside the City of Light and rent a house instead of a five-star chateau,” he says. “Booking plane and train tickets together can allow senior travelers to enjoy discounted fares and guarantee their trip in case of delays or cancellations.” ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb
Shutterstock
If you’re retired and have flexibility in your travel plans, consider giving up your seat on a fully booked flight. “When airlines ask for volunteers, there’s no limit to what they can offer (usually a voucher and sometimes a guaranteed upgrade), but it really depends on the timing and the route,” says Dave Grossman, an expert on maximizing both the earning and use of miles and points. For example, if they can accommodate everyone they need to board a flight within a few hours, the airline can get volunteers at a relatively low cost (such as a ticket voucher worth a few hundred dollars). If it’s the last flight the night before Thanksgiving and the alternative flight won’t make it in time for Thanksgiving, the amount offered will be significantly higher. “So, like any negotiation, you need to know your leverage before volunteering. A few years ago, a member of the MilesTalk Facebook group received a voucher worth over $20,000 from United Airlines. While very rare, situations like this do happen,” he says.
Shutterstock
Some airlines offer senior discounts on certain flights. For example, if you book travel with United Airlines, select “Seniors 65 and over” as the traveler when booking your ticket. “All prices displayed will include the discount, if available,” the airline states. Air France, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways also offer perks or discounts for seniors.
Shutterstock
You’d be amazed at the discounts available through AARP, says Grossman. “For example, being a member of AARP can help you get discounts on British Airways tickets. If you purchase a round-trip transatlantic ticket online, AARP members can save $65 on World Traveler (economy) and World Traveler Plus (premium economy) fares and $200 on Club World (business class) fares,” he explains.
Shutterstock
You probably already know that being an AARP member gives you access to a ton of travel discounts. But did you know you can maximize your savings and get lots of other perks when you book your trip directly with AARP? When you book through the AARP Travel Center, powered by Expedia, you’ll get exclusive member-only deals, seasonal offers, and special discounts.
Shudra/Shutterstock
If you’re retired and have a more flexible schedule, travel during the off-season to save big. Hotel and airfares fluctuate with demand, so traveling during the off-season and on weekdays can give you better prices and the chance to score perks like free nights and hotel credits.
JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
When booking a hotel, Grossman says to always double-check discounted rates: “You might assume that the AARP rate is the cheapest, but sometimes the AAA rate or a promotional rate might be cheaper,” he says.
Related: 2 Alternatives That Are Just as Effective as Walking 10,000 Steps
Shutterstock
Especially as you get older, there are a lot of things that can happen that are out of your control, which is why Grossman suggests paying a little more for refundable fares and fares. “The savings you’ll get from a non-cancelable fare are unlikely to outweigh the possibility of your plans changing, so be sure to choose a fare that can be cancelled,” he says.
