Over 50% of seniors rank vacation and travel as a top priority for disposable income. Seniors comprised close to 40% of last year’s travelers, proving that retirement is the perfect time to travel.
The best part is that travel doesn’t have to cost the big bucks. Of course, you can use some of the money you saved working with UMA agents on your Medigap plan, but there are also handy travel discounts available for seniors.
If you have the travel bug but no time to scour the internet for deals, no worries — we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Here are some senior travel discounts that help you stick to your budget while still making the most of your retirement.
Senior discounts for airlines
A few of the major airlines offer discounts specifically for seniors. The best way to find discounts is to work with a travel agent or call the airline directly, but here are a few known airline discounts for seniors:
- United Airlines offers senior fares for select flights. While booking, select “Senior 65+” to see whether your flight qualifies.
- British Airways offers discounts to AARP members only.
- Delta senior discounts are available only in certain markets and can’t be found online.
- American Airlines senior discounts are only available in select Latin American markets and vary depending on the flight’s origin.
Other airlines like Southwest and Frontier don’t have an active senior discount program, but you may still be able to get a good deal on certain seats or travel dates.
Rental car discounts
Some rental companies like Avis, Budget, and Enterprise offer discounts through AARP, while others offer member discounts. Be sure to call the car rental companies to get more details, as terms and conditions apply.
- Hertz offers up to 20% off base car rental rates for travelers over 50 as part of the Hertz Fifty Plus Program.
- Thrifty provides 5% discounts on time and mileage charges to 50+ renters who are members of their Silver Club Program.
- Dollar gives AAA members up to 15% off car rentals (and an additional 10% off prepaid fuel).
If scenic views and domestic travel are more likely to scratch your travel itch, Amtrak offers a 10% discount to seniors on most routes.
Hotel discounts for 55+ travelers
There’s no shortage of hotels and motels that provide discounted accommodations for seniors. If there’s a particular hotel you love to visit, call them to ask what discounts they offer. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of hotels that offer senior discounts:
- Best Western Hotel and Resorts: Discounts for guests 55+ at participating locations and based on availability.
- Extended Stay America: Discounts available for senior living community members 55+.
- Hilton: Discounts of 6% off the Best Available Rate for guests 65+ and their families at participating locations.
- Marriott: Guests aged 62 and older can join the Marriott Senior Discount Program to receive discounted rates at Marriott brand hotels.
- Motel 6: Guests 60 and older receive 5% off the best available nightly rates.
Discounted tickets and activities for seniors
Whether you’re at home or abroad, there are lots of cost-effective entertainment options available for you.
- U.S. National Parks offer a Senior Lifetime Pass for $80 or a Senior Annual Pass for $20 a year.
- Many cruises offer discounts, including Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC Cruises.
- Through the Theater Development Fund, seniors can get discounts on Broadway and off-Broadway tickets.
- Tour packages are available for Grand European Tour and Explorations by Collette with an AARP membership.
Senior discounts at your favorite restaurants
If you’re road-tripping or visiting other cities domestically, there are a ton of food options that offer senior discounts.
- Chili’s gives 55+ seniors 10% off their meals.
- IHOP and Fazoli’s have a discounted senior menu for people 62+.
- El Pollo Loco offers guests 60 and older 10% off.
- Denny’s, Outback Steakhouse, and Rainforest Cafe offer discounts to AARP members.
Senior travel on a budget
The cost of travel ebbs and flows. Currently, the cost of travel is down by about 2%. Still, costs can add up, and senior travel discounts aren’t as generous as they used to be. Thankfully, a few airlines, car rental companies, and even trains have deals just for seniors, so you can join the ranks of well-traveled seniors without breaking the bank.
*Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical consultation or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
United Medicare Advisors does not endorse or recommend any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned in this article. Reliance on any information provided in this blog post is solely at your own risk. We encourage you to discuss any health concerns or questions with your doctor before making any decisions about your health, wellness, or treatment.
