Money Saving Tips For Older Travelers

By Author: Steve Robinson
Total Articles: 467
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While everyone can find cheap travel options, including cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages via Internet travel websites (such as Cheapfares or Expedia), seniors often can save even more than their younger counterparts when traveling.

Some experts contend that traveling helps some senior citizens live longer lives. Older travelers often find that they have plenty of time to travel. Given that many seniors are retired, their schedules tend to be more flexible, meaning they can often find better deals.

The following are ways seniors can save money when traveling, according to Independent Traveler:

• Before completing your reservations it is always smart to ask if there is a special rate or discount for seniors. Be aware that such discounts are not always advertised. The significance of such discounts varies widely by travel provider. Although many hotels offer discounts of between 5 to 10 percent, Hyatt Hotels often discount rooms by as much as 50 percent to travelers at least 62 years old.

• Airline senior citizen discounts have pretty much disappeared. ...
... Still sometimes all it takes is a smile and a friendly word to an airline representative at the airport to be given an upgrade or another perk. Remember it never hurts to ask.

• Members in American Association of Retired Persons have access to savings and discounts on many types of travel, including cruises, car rentals, vacation packages and hotels, as well as activity and restaurant discounts. Members must be at least 50 years old to qualify.

• Travel during non-peak times when destinations tend to be cheaper, the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller. Seniors often are well positioned to travel during less busy times of the year because they are typically not tied to stringent work, school, or holiday schedules.

• Take your time and consider renting a car at your destination to enjoy a self guided and self paced scenic trip.

• Protect your travel investment by purchasing travel insurance. Trip cancellation insurance comes in handy when due to unforeseen events someone has to cancel a trip after making nonrefundable reservations or has to return home midway through a trip. Travel insurance can provide replacement value on lost luggage and coverage when travel providers go out of business. Supplemental health insurance sometimes covers expenses Medicare or your current health care provider might not, especially when traveling abroad.

• Seniors can save on expenses by bringing along their children, grandchildren, or other travel friends, particularly when shaving a vacation rental.
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