50+ Lifestyles

Ultimate Senior Travel Guide

By Jake Pearring
MillionMileSecrets.com

Who says being a senior means you can’t still travel like you’re young? If you’re older and looking to make the most out of your travels, there are plenty of ways to have an adventure – in comfort and style – without breaking the bank!

What Are Your Travel Goals and Style?

The first question for any traveler is typically the toughest: What type of vacation is next on my list? For our more mature readers, you might want to consider whether you prefer skydiving in a remote location, exploring our national parks, or relaxing on the beach close to home. It’s really up to you!

Another consideration for any adventurer is how active they want to be. Do you love hiking, waterfalls, and breaking a sweat, or does your ideal vacation involve being pampered by the pool and saving your cardio for after you return home?  And do you have any medical conditions to keep in mind?

No matter your preferences, here are a few senior-friendly vacations that you might enjoy – and tips to help keep your costs under control!

RV Trips:  For Active Seniors

If you’d rather avoid flying, consider a road trip or RV vacation to explore the continent.  For folks in the US, there are 59 national parks that boast incredible scenery and some of the most astounding nature you might ever witness.  And although the more famous parks (Yosemite, Glacier, the Grand Canyon) get most of the publicity, the other parks are quite spectacular too. And if you’re still active and wanting to spend your vacation strengthening your legs, many national parks offer some of the US’s very best hikes. For seniors, visiting national parks is very affordable. A lifetime senior pass (for folks 62+) costs $80 plus a $10 handling fee. Or you can pick up an annual pass for just $20! A road trip can also be incredibly cost-effective, especially for those who opt to utilize an RV (Recreational Vehicle) to combine their transportation and overnight accommodation!  Renting an RV can be a fun adventure, and is perfect if you prefer a slower and more relaxing travel environment.

If you decide to take an RV vacation, the RV rental will likely be the heftiest part of your vacation budget. So we recommend that you use any available discounts to reduce the cost of your RV rental. Associations like AAA and AARP often provide discounted rates, so be sure to mention these over the phone or select the checkbox when searching for RV rentals online. You might also save money on rental cars or hotels if you’re a government employee, so it never hurts to ask ahead or do your own research! Note: No matter your age, you can join AARP.  It can come in handy for rental savings, discounts on dining, and more!

Be sure to plan out your trip in advance so you know about available rest stops, gas stations, and RV parking areas. You’ll also want to be sure to pack necessary medications and figure out whether you’ll have access to medical care (in case you’re driving long distances!)

Resort Vacations:  For Seniors Who Prefer to Relax

If a nature-inspired road trip doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, never fear!  No matter your age, pina coladas and catching some rays by the pool or beach are always a great idea! If you don’t already live in a tropical paradise, you might need to fly to reach your exotic destination. But it doesn’t have to cost a fortune! As a general rule, try to focus on securing your flights first and then move on to your hotel, rental cars, and other expenses.

When deciding on your destination, consider proximity to good medical care, ease of access, and how difficult it might be to travel to your destination. You probably don’t want to stay in a cliffside villa in Santorini if your body can’t handle going up and down dozens of steps!

There’s also something to be said for visiting a relaxing resort close to home. The US has dozens of gorgeous resort towns (from Florida to California, and lots of places in between) that are only a quick flight or drive away.  The shorter and cheaper flight might also make it more feasible to fly up front in First or Business Class.  And for more mature travelers, the extra legroom on a flight can be a huge benefit!

Don’t forget to pack your medications and necessary supplements, especially if you’re traveling far from home! And for folks with mobility limitations or disabilities, visit travel guides for more information on the easiest airports to navigate through. Contact your airline prior to travel for wheelchairs, passenger loading lifts, personal assistance throughout a connection or escort assistance for minors.

Cruises:  For Seniors of All Types

If you’ve never enjoyed the simple, relaxing luxury of a cruise, your golden years are the opportune time to indulge. Once you’ve paid for your passage and boarded the ship, your accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment are taken care of! Cruises also offer a great opportunity to see many places in a short amount of time! If you like to hop around, a Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise will be much more cost-effective than booking train travel or flights between the several destinations that you can see on a single cruise! And cruising can be a great way to scope out ports of call for your next extended vacation (or for an upcoming retirement). Some cruise lines offer cruises specifically catered to seniors who prefer a quieter, more laid back experience.

If you have mobility challenges, keep in mind that most cruises also offer accessible staterooms that make traveling with a wheelchair or other disability a breeze. Most cruise lines also have an on-board doctor / medical staff as well as anything else you might need in case of an emergency.

For folks with dietary restrictions, I recommend calling the cruise line in advance to ensure that they can meet your personal needs.  And be sure to let the cruise line know well ahead of time if you’ll require additional assistance. Also, remember to plan ahead and bring extras of any necessary medications or supplements that might be tough to find onboard or in foreign cruise ports.

Bottom Line

No matter your age, don’t let mobility or health concerns prevent you from taking trips you’ve always dreamed of!  With the increased time flexibility (and wisdom!) that can come during your golden years, it’s a perfect opportunity to make new memories and adventure beyond your comfort level.