Senior Travel Deals

Most seniors plan to travel and take more frequent vacations once they retire. Thanks to the internet, today's seniors have many deals and competing offers to choose from, so getting the best value is easier than ever. Airlines, hotels, and rental car agencies are all taking notice of the ever expanding senior demographic and are offering specials suited to their needs. While most places honor AARP cards and give an automatic discount, others give discounts if a person is age qualified, but not an AARP member.

Many airlines have discounts off of the regular price of tickets or special senior fare rates that are available only by calling the airline directly. Some recognize seniors at age 60, such as Air Jamaica, while others acknowledge seniors to be anyone age 65 and over, like Alaska Airlines. For a paid membership other places such as United Airlines offer the Silver Wings Plus program for seniors age 55 and over. This membership offers discounts on hotels, airfare, and other travel expenses, plus it offers bonus miles which are redeemable for airfare and cruises.

If traveling on the ground is more suited to your taste, both Amtrak and Greyhound offer discounts ranging anywhere from 5 - 15% passenger fares. Rental car companies offer excellent discounts as well. Dollar's Silver Dollar Club is designed to give people age 50 and over up to 10% off most vehicles and unlimited rental car mileage (certain restrictions apply). Hertz, on the other hand, requires AARP membership for their discount, but seniors receive 5-15% off their rental, depending on the type of vehicle and other promotions that are being offered. Thrifty recognizes seniors at any location by giving a 5% discount. The best discount, by far, that I have found has been with National. AARP members save up to 30% off and the discount is valid at National's US, Canadian, and International locations.

Now that getting to your destination has been covered, the question is where to stay. Most of the chain hotels offer AARP members discounts ranging anywhere from 10-20% off, but there are also some extremely good deals out there for the taking. La Quinta offers AARP members, as well as people age 55 and over, up to 30% off. Huge savings can be found at Radisson Suites where seniors can save up to 40% of the price of their room. If a free club membership interests you, consider joining the Hilton HHonors program where discounts include senior travel deals and the ability to book two rooms at the senior rate, if you should be traveling with a large party.

If a discount is not advertised on a businesses' website, call them directly to see what kind of senior promotion, if any, they are offering. Another helpful hint to make travels more affordable is to ask if the hotel's restaurant provides a dining discount for seniors. This way, the more money you save, the more frequent your travels can be.