Travel For Seniors: Money-Saving Tips For Traveling

Pros: Less crowds, airfare and other travel expenditures are often cheaper 
What You Need: Off-season accommodations, airfare, etc.
Cost: 23% cheaper airfare*

According to the financial gurus over at NerdWallet, airfares are 23% cheaper, on average, when you book during the off-season than in peak season for travel. When considering a destination, check to see when “shoulder season,” as it’s known, is.

©Daniel Rodriguez/stock.adobe.com

Traveling off-season won’t just get you a cheaper ticket on your American Airlines flight; it will also cut down on how many crowds are at your destination. The only downside to traveling during shoulder season is that some things might not be open. Still, a vacation destination won’t lose its charm just because a few of its attractions are “closed for the season.” 

Pros: Premium travel perks, protection, insurance, and points back on trip-related expenditures 
What You Need: Travel rewards credit card 
Cost: $0-$550 annual fee*

You might’ve picked up traveling as a hobby after your retirement, and, if you’re truly passionate, you’d be wise to get a travel rewards credit card. These credit cards work like any other, except they give you points for travel-related purchases (dining, accommodations, adventures, etc.).

Travel Credit Card ©Scanrail/stock.adobe.com

According to The Points Guy, a whiz when it comes to picking out the best credit cards, the top travel rewards card is Chase Bank’s Sapphire Preferred Card, which gives you premium travel protection and a lot of rewards (between two and five points per dollar spent) on travel purchases, dining, and more trip-related items. The Chase Preferred won the TPG Award in 2022, and it is one of the most popular travel credit cards on the market today.

Pros: Easier to move around and explore
What You Need: Select the essentials for your trip and pack in a small carry-on bag
Cost: $0*

Are you an over-packer? Consider this your wakeup call. While we’re not telling you to forget the essentials, we will suggest packing a bit lighter. Packing light allows you to move around more easily, and you won’t incur any nasty “overweight baggage” fees at the airport check-in counter.

Pack Slippers ©New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Even baggage-friendly airlines like Southwest charge $75 for an overweight bag. When making your packing list, stick to the essentials and things you’ll need. When in doubt, have your spouse or a friend help you pack. They’ll keep you on track with what you need and don’t need. Less baggage means an easier travel experience.  

Pros: Can meet new people, stay with a local family and learn local customs and travel advice 
What You Need: Homestay accommodations 
Cost: $30-$50 per night*

A homestay is an alternative accommodation to an Airbnb or hotel. This form of hospitality allows visitors to stay with a local family at their vacation destination, sharing a residence with other people who are familiar with the lay of the land.

©iofoto/stock.adobe.com

There are many benefits to a homestay, including the ability to socialize while on your trip (very important if you are traveling alone). You can meet new people and have built-in tour guides, if the family with which you’re staying offers you that service. Fees tend to be cheaper than rentals and hotel rooms, and the host is there to welcome you into the home, making it far warmer than staying at a place alone, where you don’t know anyone.   

Pros: Takes the stress out of trip planning and logistics
What You Need: A good tour guide
Cost: $50-$200 per tour*

If you’re traveling to a destination for the first time, it would be a great idea to book a guided tour. An expert tour guide will ensure that you don’t miss any must-sees, and they will lead the way as you explore cities and other locations. You’ll also, depending on the guided tour, get to skip lines to see sights.

Tour Group ©Ilene Perlman/Shutterstock.com

Also, you will get to meet other travelers, so traveling with a guided tour group is a fantastic way to meet new friends. Rather than spend all your time trying to Google information about the site you’re seeing and where to go next, choose a tour guide who will give you the inside scoop. 

Pros: Have access to exclusive deals, they can make your planning process as efficient and cost-saving as possible 
What You Need: Travel agent
Cost: $100 flat fee*

There are many benefits to choosing a travel agent. For one, they are usually affordable, as most charge a flat fee of around $100. Additionally, according to Travel With A Plan (don’t you love the name of that blog?), travel agents often have access to one-of-a-kind, exclusive deals and vacation promotions.

Travel Agent ©Viktoriia Hnatiuk/Shutterstock.com

Travel agents can advise you of the best time to book, where to book, and how to organize your trip. Sure, you can get a Hilton reservation yourself online, but are you really getting the best deal? With a travel agent, you can be sure you’re saving as many pennies as you can. 

Pros: Create lasting memories with your friends, there is safety in numbers 
What You Need: A group who loves to travel as much as you day
Cost: $0*

Traveling with a group of like-minded people who love to adventure as much as you do will only increase the quality of your trip. You can venture off the beaten path together, creating new memories and trying new things.

Travel In a Group ©goodluz/Shutterstock.com

Plus, there is safety in numbers. To facilitate an easier group trip, consider creating a private Facebook page for the trip members. That way, you can share your ideas, thoughts, and plans all on one forum only you all can see. Also, when you travel in a group, there is always someone there to take your photo!

Pros: Saves money on accommodation costs
What You Need: An RV
Cost: $100-$180 per night*

This one simply makes good financial sense, depending on where you’re going. If you rent an RV, you can save on accommodations and airfare. An RV is a cheaper way to travel, and you have a place to stay that is all your own.

Mino Surkala/Shutterstock.com

According to NerdWallet, the average hotel price is around $194. You can rent an RV for far cheaper than that. RVs range from small RVs built on a Ford or Chevy chassis to luxe camper vans. For those who travel very frequently (or plan to), you might even consider purchasing a Recreational Vehicle of your own to use as your on-the-road lodgings. 

Pros: B&Bs have local charm and are often cheaper 
What You Need: B&B accommodations
Cost: $80-$150 per night*

It goes without saying, but we’re going to say it—it is integral to your trip where you stay. If you don’t like your accommodations, that can ruin the whole vacation. Luckily, there are many different options for travelers on the market today.

Bed & Breakfast ©Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com

If you’re not interested in a hotel or ABNB, you should consider a bed & breakfast. These establishments have local charm, and you can meet new people and enjoy a home-cooked meal each morning. Close quarters ensures your stay will be quite personal, and you’ll have the inside scoop from your local host on the best places to see and things to do. 

Pros: Helps recoup costs for unexpected travel emergencies
What You Need: Travel insurance plan and agent 
Cost: 5%-6% of your trip costs*

Generally, travel insurance costs between 5% and 6% of the price of your trip. If you’re someone who considers the saying, “Better safe than sorry” to be law, travel insurance is a must-purchase. While we have all seen amazing Netflix and Amazon Prime documentaries about vacationing in and exploring exotic locations, these documentaries rarely cover all the money you lose if you can’t go. 

Travel Insurance ©Viktoriia Hnatiuk/Shutterstock.com

Travel insurance can help cover your costs for unexpected events, such as delays, cancellations, and even medical care, protecting against accidents and risks that can occur while traveling. You never want to expect the worst, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan for the “just in case.” 

Pros: It is far cheaper than private transportation, you get a taste of local customs 
What You Need: Bus, subway, or train tickets
Cost: $1-$3 per ride*

Public transportation is far cheaper than renting a car or bringing your own while on vacation, and you can certainly get a taste of local life if you take the bus, subway, or train during your travels.Don’t worry. Though “public transportation” might not sound as glamorous as driving a luxury Lincoln or Mercedes, it’s very cost-effective and just as efficient. 

Public Transportation ©Jason Ligon/Shutterstock.com

The only downsides to using public transportation is that there could be a learning curve. Each city (and country) has its own rider schedules and ticketing system, so make sure you do your research on that before arriving. That way, you’re prepared to touch down and start exploring. 

Pros: A great way to relax, includes a lot beyond lodging in the price 
What You Need: All-inclusive resort accommodations 
Cost: $150-$430 per night*

An “all inclusive resort” is a holiday-type resort that includes lodging, food, drinks, and other services in the price. If you are the type of vacationer who wants to relax on the beach and enjoy resort activities, then paying for an all-inclusive might be worth it.

All Inclusive Hotels ©goodluz/Shutterstock.com

Brands like Marriott have all-inclusive resorts in beautiful locations like Barbados, Jamaica, and Cancun. That said, if you’re a traveler who wants to explore the local area, eat at nearby restaurants, and do off-site activities, paying for an all-inclusive might not make sense. Consider your traveling style and goals before choosing to stay at an all-inclusive resort.

Pros: It’s easier and faster to get on the plane, as you don’t have to wait at baggage claim 
What You Need: Carry-on bags  
Cost: $0-$60*

According to ShipGo, the average time that people wait at baggage claim for their bags is fifteen to twenty minutes. But, some passengers have reported waiting almost an hour to get their luggage back (a nerve-wracking wait, no doubt).

Carry On Luggage ©maroke/Shutterstock.com

There are a lot of benefits to only traveling with carry-on luggage. Sure, you’ll have to travel light, but you won’t have to worry about the airline losing your bags. You’ll also be able to get on and off the plane relatively quickly, no long, tiresome baggage claim wait needed. Traveling with only a carry-on is a great way to save time (and money, depending on the airline with which you’re flying).

Pros: You’ll be prepared ahead of time and know what you want to see before you get there 
What You Need: Travel guides, Internet resources, etc. 
Cost: $0*

There are two types of travelers. The first category flies by the seat of their pants, so to speak, deciding what they want to do the day that they arrive at their travel destination. The second group plans (or at least get a rough idea of) their vacation and what they want to see and do while there.

Travel Research ©Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

We urge you to consider being part of the second group. Going into a trip well-researched will ensure you have the best experience—you’ll know what you want to do and when, and you’ll be able to keep a structure to your day, rather than aimlessly wandering around, feeling as though everyone knows where they’re going but you.