4 Travel Hacks Retirees Can Use To Save Hundreds — All Under $75
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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The idea of traveling more in retirement often comes with a question: How can it fit into the budget? The answer: Find clever ways to save.
Here are four proven strategies — all under $75 — to help save hundreds of dollars on travel over the next year.
Sign Up for a Travel Rewards Credit Card
Retirees who don’t have a travel rewards credit card are missing out. Several top travel cards are available without an annual fee. For example, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card with a $0 annual fee is offering a 20,000-mile signup bonus for spending $500 in the first 90 days after account opening. Additionally, cardholders will earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Another added benefit of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is that it gives cardholders access to Capital One’s travel portal, which uses price prediction technology based on historical data to help decide whether it’s a good time to book. It also includes free price drop protection, which automatically refunds the difference if the flight price drops after purchase.
Join AARP
AARP is poised to enact its first rate increase in 15 years. Beginning in January 2025, members will pay $20 per year instead of the current $16. However, that’s still not a bad deal considering all of the benefits offered, including travel-related ones. AARP members can save up to 30% off car rentals, up to 10% off hotels, a $100-$200 onboard credit for select cruises and a $50 gift card when booking any flight package.
Pay for Travel Insurance
Retirees probably don’t need travel insurance for every trip, but it can be helpful in some instances. During heavy travel seasons, like the summer or certain holidays, flight cancellations and delays are more likely to occur, which can leave them footing the bill for a hotel room and meals while they wait. Additionally, medical conditions that could potentially flare up and cause them to cancel their travel plans are also a concern. [4] In either scenario, travel insurance could save hundreds of dollars.
Additionally, retirees who become ill while traveling overseas can benefit from travel medical insurance. Unfortunately, most U.S. health insurance policies don’t cover international medical care, according to U.S. News & World Report.
For travel insurance under $75, check AXA, which offers plans starting at $16. Other affordable options under $75 may include Berkshire Hathaway’s ExactCare Value plan or Travelex’s Essential Plan.
Sign Up for Going
Going is a service that finds flight deals for members at 40%-90% off. Membership options include Limited (free), Premium ($49 annually) and Elite ($199 annually) tiers. Limited is free, but premium is the most popular. Premium members receive all of Going’s economy-class domestic and international flight deals, including Hawaii, Alaska and U.S. territories. They also get access to mistake fares, economy points and miles deals, and customizable destination alerts from their watchlist. According to the Going website, premium members saving an average of $550 on international flights and $200 on domestic ones.
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