Traveling freely (and often) is one of the joys of being retired. Use these senior travel tips to make your trips as luxurious as possible.
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5 Savvy Senior Travel Tips
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Are you planning a getaway this year?
You should throw caution to the wind and join the rest of your generation in leisurely travel. Simply put, boomers love to vacation. In recent years, the average senior takes four to five trips per year. And why not?
Use the following savvy senior travel tips to take the vacation of your lifetime, and then many more.
1. Buy Travel Insurance
If you’re thinking of cutting costs, budget to your heart’s delight, but don’t skimp on travel insurance.
Get a Free online Travel Insurance quote, Prices starting at $23
Though it seems like a trivial expense, travel insurance provides coverage in cases where your own healthcare won’t kick in. For example, if you’re traveling out of the country, say goodbye to Medicare during your trip.
Travel insurance also covers any lost funds in case you need to cut your trip short or skip it altogether. It may be an added expense, but travel insurance is a safety net you can’t afford to skip.
2. Skip The Hotel
Where are you going to stay during your travels?
Here’s a hint: Skip the hotel. Hotels are outrageously expensive, and there are few discounts for seniors in the ritzier locations. Also, hotels are crowded, and they boast diverse demographics–a factor which is lovely in general but can be bothersome to a person of a certain age.
BUT if hotels are your thing, that’s okay to and here are 4 things to look for when booking a hotel.
Seek out private accommodations instead. Look for lodging that’s luxurious but not too pricey. These rentals offer reasonable pricing with top-notch features, for instance.
Also, if your trip falls outside of the traditional school year, some schools rent out dorm rooms to traveling seniors. Dormitories are often cheap, private, and easily accessible. Choose a single room unless you’re traveling with good friends as roommates.
3. Travel During Shoulder Season
Are you wondering when is the best time to travel? Take advantage of a time that’s not too hot, not too cold, and not too crowded. There is actually a term for these off-season periods in the travel industry: shoulder season.
This sweet-spot season for traveling happens from April to Mid-June and also from October to mid-November. During this time, you can also count on cheaper flights and other travel-related bookings.
4. Take Advantage Of Senior Travel Discounts
Speaking of discounts, there’s an upside to being a senior citizen. Most industries are quick to offer senior discounts, and the travel industry is no exception. Hunt around for any discounts you can find as you plan your trip. Don’t be too proud to take advantage of them; you deserve to enjoy this benefit.
If you don’t find a senior discount for something you want, ask about it. Sometimes, a simple question goes a long way. Booking agents are privy to offering discounts that aren’t normally available online.
5. Pack With Purpose
Do yourself a favor and pack light for your trip. At least, try to stay minimal in terms of your carry-on baggage. The more luggage you put through to baggage claim, the less you’ll have to carry on your own.
Don’t forget to keep the following essentials in your carry-on, though:
- Necessary medicine
- Your ID and other documents
- One change of clothes, just in case
- Any other medical essentials you need to function on a daily basis.
Don’t forget to ask for assistance at airports, bus terminals, and beyond. You can get an assistant with a wheelchair at all American airports, for example. Traveling light can make your trip a lot easier for you.
If you liked this, you should also read 3 Best Jet Lag Tips.
Are You Ready To Travel?
What are your latest travel plans? For more senior travel tips or travel advice in general, return to our blog each week or subscribe to our newsletter. We’re committed to helping you see the world in style.