Travel On The Cheap: See The World After 65?
By Benzinga
Cancun. Paris. The Adirondacks. All fabulous destinations waiting for discovery. According to the AARP, seniors will be hitting the road in record numbers. As of 2017, 99 percent of baby boomers said they’d take at least one trip. Bucket list trips were also popular; 43 percent of senior travelers planned on hitting foreign and domestic shores.
If you count yourself among these adventurous folk, know that you must mind your wallet. But, money doesn’t need to stop you entirely. You can stretch your dollars on the road. Below, you’ll find some of the best strategies for saving money.
Skip Travel Agents
While brick-and-mortar travel agencies continue to disappear across the United States, online travel agencies replaced them. You no longer need to see a travel agent to pay a premium or commission on your travel expenses. If you want to save money, take a do-it-yourself approach.
It will take a little more work, but you can pull it off. Check out travel forums for the best attractions and tips. Peruse Google Flights, hotel websites, and buy tickets for excursions, buses, and trains from the supplier’s website instead of an agent.
Plan To Go During The Offseason
The offseason is one of the best times of the year to travel. Prices and crowds go down during off-peak times. This means senior travelers save money and hassle by traveling when everyone else is at home.
For example, the chicest hotels, like the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, is more affordable. In the off-season, you’ll pay about $270 for a weekend stay as opposed to $500, the normal cost during peak season.
Watch Out For Flight Deals
You don’t need to pay $1,000+ to fly to Europe. If you’re looking for a good deal on airfare, set up multiple alerts with Google Flights. You can set up alerts to be as specific as you’d like. For example, you can set up alerts for May 29-31 from Detroit to Fort Lauderdale, or choose by month and region.
Scott’s Cheap Flights and other travel newsletters provide free email alerts on good international flight deals to travelers.
Be Wary Of Packing And Accessibility
While it’s best to pack and travel light, it’s not always easy. This is especially true as you age. If you need help with luggage or accessibility, ask airlines for transportation help. Same goes for hotels. These types of companies can offer seniors wheelchairs, ground-floor rooms, and other (usually free!) accommodations to make travel go smoothly.
If You’re Traveling Abroad, Consider Travel Insurance
Medicare won’t be an option for out-of-country travel. This means that these travelers will need some supplemental travel insurance. Some countries require proof of insurance upon arrival, so make sure to check. This insurance costs more due to age-bracket and the “extras” like evacuation insurance.
You may also want to consider car rental insurance as well.
For Longer Vacations, You Should Offset Travel Costs
Services like Airbnb allow savvy travelers to live at home while away. However, it’s really the Airbnb hosts who benefit in the end. You can make money on space you already have by renting it while you’re away. The Airbnb site makes it easy to post a listing. It offers suggested prices for your pad and even includes a home insurance policy.
Finally, offset your travel costs by offering to house sit for traveling homeowners. Websites like Mind My House and Trusted Housesitters connect pet and house sitters with gigs around the globe. Sign up and secure a house sitting gig in your destination of choice to enjoy a low-cost vacation.
While You’re There, Don’t Spend Money To Access Your Funds
If you’re traveling abroad, many credit cards companies and banks will charge a premium for accessing your funds along with other bank fees. Instead of paying foreign transaction fees, which are usually a percentage of your purchase, consider finding the best credit card to suit your travel needs.
Last Thoughts
Many people over the age of 65 find that travel suits them. Although travel can rack up expenses, savvy senior travelers know how to curb these with a bit of advanced planning and ingenuity.
Senior travelers can enjoy perks like senior discounts and amenities that make travel more affordable. Money doesn’t have to stop you from taking a grand adventure.
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