Travel Tips For Seniors

5 Smart Travel Tips I've Learned After 50+ Years On The Road

I started traveling internationally when I was 17. Back then, the challenge was figuring out how to see Europe on $5 a day. I still remember a hostel in Austria where I paid 17- cents to sleep — and breakfast was included. Bread and jelly.

Today I'm older — and, I hope, a little wiser. I still love traveling, discovering new places and having memorable experiences. But these days I want a little more comfort and quality.

I've also discovered something else: saving money doesn't mean you have to sacrifice either (comfort and quality).

Over more than five decades of traveling, I've picked up plenty of tricks, shortcuts and lessons. Here are five of my favorites.

1. I Embrace "Shoulder Season" Travel

One of the great advantages of being retired is that we're no longer tied to school schedules. That makes traveling during shoulder season—typically April through May or September through October—a terrific opportunity.

The weather is often milder. Crowds can be dramatically smaller. Lines at popular attractions are shorter. And, perhaps best of all, you can often find lower prices on flights, hotels and cruises.

I've learned that sometimes the best time to visit a place isn't when everyone else is going.

2. Look For "No Single Supplement" Deals

Solo travelers are everywhere. And even when you're married or partnered, it's not uncommon for one person to love traveling while the other would rather stay home.

That's where what I call the "single traveler tax" can really hurt. Many hotels, tours and cruises price their rooms based on two people sharing. If you're traveling alone, you can wind up paying almost as much—or sometimes more—for one person.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

There are quality tour and cruise companies that offer no-single-supplement departures or special pricing for solo travelers. Finding them can make a surprisingly big difference in what your trip ultimately costs.

3. Don't Assume The First Airfare You Find Is The Best

BEFORE YOU GO: Don't stop with the first airfare you see.

Compare different travel dates, airlines and, when practical, nearby airports. Check the airline's own website before purchasing, too. Sometimes the best deal isn't the one that first appears in your search results.

And here's another lesson I've learned: flexibility can be worth money. Moving your departure or return by a day—or even a few hours—can sometimes make a meaningful difference in the fare.

One trick I've used is searching in an Incognito or private browser window. It can prevent your browser from retaining certain cookies and browsing history, and I find it gives me a clean starting point when comparing fares. I wouldn't rely on it alone, though. Compare dates, airlines and nearby airports—and always check the airline's own website.

4. Optimize Airport & Transit Logistics Early

BEFORE YOU GO: If walking long distances through an airport is difficult, request airline wheelchair assistance or golf-cart transportation between gates before your trip.

Some airports are enormous, and international connections can involve a lot of walking. Airlines and airports offer assistance services at no additional charge, and using them isn't something to be embarrassed about.

There's another potential benefit: depending on the airline and circumstances, travelers receiving assistance may be offered early boarding.

My advice? Make the request when you book or well before departure—not when you're already standing in the terminal wondering how you're going to get to Gate 47.

5. Look For Public Transit "Senior Fares"

BEFORE YOU GO: Don't automatically assume that taxis and ride-shares are your only options.

Many major destinations have Metro, subway, bus and train systems that can be considerably less expensive. Some also offer discounted senior fares, sometimes beginning at age 60, 62 or 65.

The catch? You may have to follow specific steps to qualify. Some systems require you to apply online or obtain a special card before you leave home.

A little research before your trip can turn into substantial savings once you arrive.

MEET JESSE

I'm Jesse, The
Thrifty Senior Traveler

Traveling is full of sweet finds. This one — “the chocolate nectar of the gods” — was discovered while wandering the streets of Palermo, Italy.

Why I Created The Thrifty Senior Traveler

I've been fortunate to travel a lot. Along the way, I've learned that you don't have to spend a fortune to have an incredible travel experience.

I created The Thrifty Senior Traveler to share some of what I've learned—and some of what I'm still discovering—with other travelers who want to see the world without paying more than they have to.

I'll share travel tips, money-saving ideas, deals I think are worth knowing about, and the occasional lesson I've learned the hard way.

My goal is simple: help you travel smarter, spend wisely and enjoy the journey.

Because being thrifty doesn't mean settling for less. Sometimes it means knowing where to look.

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