As retirement approaches, many senior citizens look forward to exploring new destinations, visiting family, or simply taking the time to relax and enjoy the world around them. Fortunately, travel companies offer a variety of discounts specifically for senior travelers, making trips more affordable. Whether it's flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, or train rides, senior citizens can benefit from significant savings. Below is a guide to travel-related discounts available to seniors.
1. Airline Discounts
Several airlines offer senior discounts, although the specifics can vary:
- American Airlines: Offers senior discounts on certain routes for travelers aged 65 and older. These discounts can be accessed by calling the airline directly.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta provides senior fares on select routes. Call their customer service to inquire about availability.
- Southwest Airlines: While Southwest doesn't have a specific senior discount, they do offer "Senior Fares" for travelers aged 65 and older, which are fully refundable and come with additional flexibility.
- United Airlines: Offers senior fares on select routes for passengers aged 65 and older. These fares are usually available online or through customer service.
When booking, it’s always a good idea to ask about any current senior discounts, as airlines may not always advertise them prominently.
2. Train and Bus Discounts
Train travel can be a scenic and relaxing way to explore the country, and both Amtrak and bus services like Greyhound offer discounts for senior citizens:
- Amtrak: Offers a 10% discount on most fares for passengers aged 65 and older. This discount can be applied during the booking process online or at a station. Note that some restrictions may apply, and the discount may not be available on certain high-speed trains.
- Greyhound: Greyhound offers a 5% discount on bus fares for seniors aged 62 and older. This discount is available for both online bookings and in-person purchases at the terminal.
3. Car Rental Discounts
Several major car rental companies offer discounts specifically for senior citizens, helping to make road trips more affordable:
- Avis: Offers discounts of up to 30% for AARP members, which is available for drivers aged 50 and older.
- Budget: Also offers up to 30% off car rentals for AARP members, making it a popular choice among senior travelers.
- Hertz: Provides a senior discount of up to 20% for travelers aged 50 and older who are AARP members.
- Enterprise: While Enterprise doesn't have a specific senior discount, they often offer discounts through partners like AARP, so be sure to inquire when booking.
Always check the company’s website or call ahead to confirm the discount and terms, as they may change.
4. Hotel Discounts
Many hotel chains offer senior discounts, making it easier to find affordable accommodations while traveling:
- Marriott: Offers discounts of up to 15% off room rates for guests aged 62 and older. These discounts can be applied when booking online or in person.
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts: Provides senior discounts for guests aged 65 and older, with up to 10% off the best available rate.
- Best Western: Offers discounts of 10-15% for guests aged 55 and older. AARP members can also receive additional discounts and perks.
- Hyatt: Offers up to 10% off room rates for seniors aged 62 and older.
- Choice Hotels: Offers a 10% discount for guests aged 60 and older, available at various brands within the Choice Hotels family.
5. Cruise Discounts
Cruises are a popular vacation choice for senior citizens, and many cruise lines offer special discounts:
- Carnival Cruises: Offers special rates for seniors aged 55 and older on select sailings. Check the website or speak to a booking agent for details.
- Royal Caribbean: Provides discounts for seniors aged 55 and older on select cruises. This discount can often be found when booking online.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Offers senior rates for passengers aged 55 and older on select itineraries.
- Princess Cruises: Provides special senior discounts on certain sailings, often for travelers aged 60 and older.
Since discounts can vary based on destination, duration, and time of year, it’s always a good idea to consult the cruise line or your travel agent to find the best deals.
6. Tours and Attractions
Many tours and attractions offer discounted rates for seniors, making sightseeing more affordable:
- National Park Service: The America the Beautiful Senior Pass is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 and older. For a one-time fee, seniors can enjoy free entry to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.
- City Tours: Many city tour operators offer senior discounts. For example, Gray Line Tours often provides reduced rates for seniors on its bus tours in various cities.
- Museums and Zoos: Many museums, zoos, and cultural attractions offer discounted admission for seniors. Always check the venue’s website or call ahead to inquire about their senior rates.
7. Travel Insurance Discounts
As travel insurance becomes an essential part of trip planning, especially for older travelers, some companies offer discounted rates for senior citizens:
- AARP: Partners with various insurance providers to offer special deals on travel insurance for members.
- Allianz Travel Insurance: Provides plans tailored to the needs of senior travelers, including discounts for AARP members.
- Travel Guard: Offers insurance options specifically designed for senior citizens, often with discounts for early bookings or AARP members.
Conclusion
Traveling as a senior citizen comes with numerous opportunities to save money. From airfare and hotels to car rentals, cruises, and attractions, there are discounts available at every step of the journey. Many of these discounts can be accessed through membership organizations like AARP, while others are available directly from travel providers.
The key to maximizing savings is to research and ask about discounts during the booking process, as they may not always be advertised. With a little planning, senior travelers can enjoy all the adventures they’ve dreamed of while keeping their budget in check.