Some of the Best Travel Options for Seniors

One of the best perks about becoming a senior citizen is that we may now have the time to travel to some of those places we've always wanted to visit. Here is a guide to some of my favorite travel destinations, and hopefully many of you seniors out there will agree with me, so grab that AARP card and let's get going.

1. Caribbean Cruises: A Caribbean cruise is one of my favorite travel destinations, whether it's to the Eastern or Western Caribbean. Everything you need, once you step foot into that cruise ship is included in your cruise package. Dining, entertainment, sleeping accommodations, spas, shopping etc. are all right there for you to enjoy. There are a number of extras available that one can purchase while on board if you desire, such as cocktails and off shore sightseeing packages, but all the basic items you will need while on board are all wrapped up in one neat little package for you to enjoy for the duration of your cruise. If you've never cruised before and you just want to "test the waters", try a 3 or 4 night cruise. You can find some fantastic deals on last minute cruises, or if you prefer to book way in advance, some cruise operators also offer real deals. If you need airfare, that can also be arranged for you. There are a number of cruise operators like Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean, just to name a few. I have found the best to book a cruise is through someone like 800 Cruises.com, where you have a number of options on different cruise lines available. Above all, don't forget to mention you're a senior citizen to get some of the best deals out there.

2. Las Vegas: I love Las Vegas and Las Vegas is no longer just for gamblers. In this city that never sleeps, there is top-notch dining and entertainment as well as plenty of casino options for the gambling buffs. This senior city haven is loaded with very reasonably priced accommodations weather it's a 5 star hotel you may be looking for a 2 star property, you're sure to find exactly what you want in Las Vegas. If you need airfare to get to Las Vegas, I suggest you booking your hotel and airfare together to get the best deals. Traveling midweek rather then on weekends can also help you seniors save money. Most airlines offer this option to their customers.

3. Washington D.C.: If you're a senior citizen and just the the least bit interested in our nations history, I highly suggest you consider a trip to Washington D.C. There are a multitude of attractions to see in Washington D.C. including our Nations Capitol, the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, just to name a few. One of the most beautiful times to visit Washington D.C. is during their Cherry Blossom Festival. It's absolutely gorgeous down there at that time of the year. For the budget minded senior citizen, there are also a number of free concerts at places like DAR Constitution Hall, National Mall, Kennedy Center and the National Gallery of Art. Tour buses are readily available for your sightseeing which usually run from 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. and a number of pass options can be purchased for your travel enjoyment. Senior fares are also available for some of those passes to save you a few extra dollars. I was able to find a 3 night Washington D.C. pkg. that included hotel accommodations , a dinner cruise on the Potomac River, and a 2 day city sightseeing pass on a double decker bus for a total of around $750.00 for 2 people through Vacations made easy.com. For more information check out the Washington D.C. dept. of tourism for travel in this area.

4. Branson, Missouri: This is an ideal senior travel destination for the country music fans. Some of the many things to do and attractions to see in Branson include Silver Dollar City, Veterans Memorial Museum and the Shepard Of the Hills Historic Homestead. Marty Stuart, Andy Williams and the Gatlin Brothers are just a few of the many entertainers available for your music enjoyment in Branson. There are numerous hotels in the area for very reasonable prices. You can even arrange vacation packages in Branson which can include not only your accommodations, but also show and attraction tickets. Branson.com is the site to visit for this travel destination.

5. Chicago: Senior friendly attractions in Chicago include the 24.5 acre Millennium Park which has beautiful gardens, lots of art, and free summer concerts for you to enjoy. The Chicago Trolley provides day-long tours allowing you to hop on and off and visit places like the Navy Pier, Sears Tower, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago etc. A senior 3 day pass for the trolley is $45.00 or $24.00 for a single all day pass. Purchasing online may also save you even more. The Chicago International Film Festival in Oct., The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Tree Lighting at Daley Center in Nov. and the Chinese New Years Parade held on the first Sun. of the lunar year are some of events you may want to consider on your trip to Chicago. Hotels in the city itself like the Grant Park and Lincoln Park area are safe and close to many tourist attractions. Dining options downtown include Gino East and Pizzeria Uno which are famous for that Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Chinatown is also a good place to visit for a variety of inexpensive restaurants.

I have had the opportunity to visit a number of these travel destinations and would highly recommend them for all you senior citizens out there looking to experience the ultimate in travel.

Sources: Branson Tourism.com
800 Cruises.com
Vacations Made Easy.com
Washington D.C. Dept. of Tourism
personal experience