6 Travel Hacks for Retirees on a Budget
Written by
Joel Lim
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Retirement provides newfound freedom and allows you to run off and do the things that have been on your travel bucket list for years.
It’s also a time to spend carefully, given most retirees are living on a fixed income. Being able to plan travel without breaking the bank can actually open the door to some amazing experiences and things that you may not have otherwise done.
Here are six travel tips for retirees who want to get the most out of travel on a budget.
Make the Most of Senior Discounts
Access to senior discounts is one of the biggest benefits of retirement, and it can really save you on travel expenses. There is also special pricing available from many airlines, hotels and car rental agencies for seniors. These deals can often be found on dedicated platforms like Silver Travel Advisor.
“Many airlines, hotel and tour operators offer senior discounts beginning at age 60 or 65,” said Dana Yao, a travel content creator and expert. “These discounts aren’t always advertised, [so] inquire everywhere you go.”
Join senior-oriented membership programs such as AARP to save further. Often, reduced travel costs, exclusive deals and discounts on vacation packages are included in these memberships. Mentioning that you are a senior is enough to discover many benefits.
Choose Off-Peak Seasons
Timing is everything in travel, especially when working with a limited budget. Retirees can plan trips during off-peak seasons so they can enjoy popular destinations at a fraction of the cost compared with what they would pay in peak seasons.
Summer and holidays bring so many tourists to so many places that hotel rates, flight costs and other attraction costs skyrocket.
Traveling off-season helps keep the costs down. Plus, there will likely be smaller crowds at tourist sites. For example, booking a trip in parts of fall or spring for European destinations will provide a much richer, less expensive travel experience than peak summer months.
Opt for Long-Term Rentals Over Hotels
When choosing alternative hotels, extended stays can be really economical. Retirees can rent apartments or vacation homes that are temporarily available for longer-term stays. This approach can help retirees save on accommodation costs, and it provides a “home away from home” feel, with the added benefit of a kitchen for preparing meals.
“Retirees can enjoy traveling without financial stress by using a variety of cost-saving strategies, maximizing senior discounts and targeting affordable destinations,” said Silvia Lupone, CEO of Stingray Villa. Lupone advised renting apartments or vacation homes for an extended stay at a lower nightly rate.
In addition, using vacation rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo and booking through verified sites for authentic listings are great ways to travel affordably while staying in neighborhoods filled with locals — providing a much more authentic travel experience.
Use Travel Credit Cards With Rewards Programs
Retirees who travel often are finding that travel credit cards have become a valuable asset. “Retirees can save significantly by using travel-focused credit cards that offer cash back, points or miles on every purchase,” said Mohan Babu, a savings specialist at Dealhack. By making purchases with these cards, retirees can earn points that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays and even rental cars.
Additionally, Babu said that finding a card with no foreign transaction fees can save retirees a small fortune while traveling internationally and can provide some financial flexibility. And more often than not, cards for travelers are designed with extra perks, like free travel insurance or access to airport lounges.
When picking a travel credit card, think of annual fees, interest rates and how to redeem points.
Embrace Public Transportation
The best way to minimize travel costs when it comes to transportation at your destination is to use local public transportation. Retirees can easily and affordably get to main attractions and city highlights in most popular travel destinations with well-developed transit systems. And many cities also have discounts on public transport fares for seniors.
“Using buses, trains or even ferries can be a more affordable way to see a country rather than constantly booking flights or taxis,” Yao said.
Public transportation also gives you the opportunity to connect deeper with the local culture and view some parts of a destination you may miss out on when using private transportation.
Prioritize Affordable Destinations
Retirees who want to stretch their travel budget may find choosing destinations with a lower cost of living makes traveling more financially manageable.
In many countries in Southeast Asia, Central America and Eastern Europe, food, accommodations and activities are more affordable. Along with their affordability, they offer stunning scenery, welcoming communities and rich cultural experiences in their own right, with little of the price tag that comes with Western Europe or North America.
Retirees can carefully choose a destination to protect financial stability while also ensuring a positive travel experience.
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