5 Budget-Friendly Getaways That Are Perfect for Retirees in 2026
Written by
Dawn Allcot
Edited by
Brendan McGinley
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Luxury travel continues to grow, even amidst inflation. Spots that were once affordable, including glamping locations near National Parks, are getting pricier as Instagram influencers seek the ultimate outdoor getaways.
Research from Bain & Co revealed that millennials and younger cohorts will make up roughly 80% of luxury spending by 2030. While younger generations are willing to spend more on travel to get that Insta-worthy content (and, of course, make memories), travelers on a budget can find quiet luxury, beachfront towns, fine dining and unique experiences across the U.S. and abroad by looking off the beaten path.
“You have to be willing to get away from some of the major cities,” said Matthew Noteboom, owner of Terra Explored Travel.
Likewise, if you’re seeking a National Park adventure getaway or a beach trip, you don’t have to stay in a luxury resort or at a gimmicky glamping retreat, Noteboom pointed out.
“There are a lot of aesthetic resorts opening,” he said. “Those can be more expensive. A cheaper stop is going to go back to your normal hotel. Your Holiday Inns and La Quintas are going to be a lot more affordable.”
Take a look at these budget-friendly vacation spots ideal for retirees, recommended by our travel experts. No selfie sticks or feet-on-a-beach pics required.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
New Mexico blends art, culture, cuisine and nature, ideal for retirees who want a blend of city life and natural beauty on their vacation. Noteboom suggested flying into Alburquerque and then driving to Santa Fe or Taos for “absolutely gorgeous views and vistas.”
Flights from New York to Albuquerque frequently run as low as under $200. There’s plenty to do and see across the state, including the international hot air balloon festival and the Whole Enchilada Fiesta in the fall, with tons of local Indian and Spanish markets during the summer, which is also peak tourist season. Visit in the winter or the shoulder seasons if you want to save money and enjoy moderate temps.
“I think New Mexico offers a lot of value,” Noteboom said.
Charleston, South Carolina
Nearly any U.S. city is going to be cheaper in the off-season and the further south you travel, the milder the winter weather. Charleston, South Carolina, offers plenty to do year-round for retirees on a budget.
“Charleston is surprisingly affordable, depending on the time of year,” Noteboom shared.
Wander the historic district, walk the beaches and sip cocktails on one of many rooftop bars. Take a ghost tour at the height of spooky season in the fall or tour the USS Yorktown at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum.
To save money, stay further inland, avoiding beachfront properties and trendy boutique hotels. Expedia.com shows plenty of choices in popular chain hotels for $70 to $130 per night, double occupancy.
San Antonio
If you’re considering a Texas trip, San Antonio delivers a ton of value at a lower price than other major Texas cities like Austin, Dallas or Houston. As with any major city, costs can add up if you choose upscale restaurants and pricier tourist stops.
But seniors may enjoy strolling the city’s famed River Walk, sipping wine slushies and listening to live music at The Rock at La Cantera, a community space that also houses the San Antonio Spurs training facility and enjoying affordable local cuisine inspired by San Antonio’s Mexican and German communities.
A two-hour drive toward the coast will bring you to Corpus Christi, an affordable beachfront location. Noteboom suggested even driving as far north as Galveston. “If you stay on the mainland, you can find something against a lagoon that’s much cheaper,” Noteboom advised.
The real savings? You can find flights to San Antonio from Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta or Denver for $61, 49 and $29 (one-way), respectively, on Skyscanner.
Ocean City, Maryland
If you’re looking for a beach city on the East Coast but don’t want to pay waterfront prices, you can also find savings in Ocean City, Maryland, said Beverlyn Fleming of Best Ever Vacations.
“If you don’t stay right on the beach, Ocean City, Maryland is much cheaper than the Jersey Shore,” Fleming said.
Lazy days on the beach followed by tax-free shopping at the outlets can fill a day. More active seniors will enjoy Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.
“You can go oceanside for waves or bayside for canoeing and kayaking,” Fleming said. “Rent a bike for free and ride trails through the historic barracks and lighthouses or walk Lewes Georgetown Loop Trail.”
You can find hotels at Kayak.com for under $200 in May. You’ll want to fly into Salisbury Regional Airport or, better yet, fly into Baltimore or Dulles and drive to the beach, giving you flexibility to tour more of the region.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is an up-and-coming vacation spot, but prices haven’t skyrocketed yet. Retirees can enjoy hidden gems in Pigeon Forge and the sister city of Gatlingburg while benefiting from the overall lower cost of living in Tennessee, which is roughly 10% below the national average.
Fleming recommended a ride on the Gatlinburg Trolley and a stop at Parrot Mountain and Garden of Eden, a tropical paradise nestled in the Smoky Mountains. Of course, there’s also Dollywood, with roller coasters and Southern-inspired cuisine that exceeds most people’s expectations for theme park food.
“My parents visit Pigeon Forge all the time,” Fleming said. “It’s one of their favorite places. The weather is mild. They just love to walk the streets, eat and stay in a cabin with rocking chairs and people watch. It’s perfect for seniors!”
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