A change of scenery is just what’s called for after a long winter and planning a weekend or mid-week summer getaway is one of the great pleasures of the season; even better if you are retired or semi-retired and can take advantage of travel deals while kids are still in school.
Flexible schedules allow older adults to capitalize on travel discounts by flying or booking hotels during less popular dates and times. Be sure to ask for senior discounts on lodging, tours and at restaurants. Many travel and entertainment providers have a discount for patrons over the age of 55 but they don’t necessarily advertise.
Traveling last minute can also open up discounts, watch emails for opportunities or check with online travel sites. Booking a last-minute cruise or hotel room at off-season rates can take costs down substantially. Membership with organizations like AARP or AAA can also give you a discount, make sure to ask for any deals and bring along your association card and photo identification.
Many museums also offer senior admission discounts or have regularly scheduled free days. For discounted theatre tickets, check the show website or learn more about same-day theatre ticket discounts through the Theatre Development Fund website here.
National Parks are also a great destination for older adults with time for travel. Seniors over the age of 62 can purchase a lifetime pass for $10 to 417 United States parks and monuments. Talk of a price hike by the end of 2017 makes now an excellent time to buy a pass which also may get seniors a campground fee discount as well. To learn more about senior and access passes, visit the National Park Service website by following this link.
With a little planning and remembering to always ask about discounts for seniors, travel can be surprisingly affordable. To learn more about planning a trip without breaking the bank, visit travel.aarp.org .
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