10 Thrifty Travel Hacks for Retirees
J.R.R. Tolkien, the beloved author of The Lord of the Rings series, famously said, “Not all who wander are lost.” Wanderlust doesn’t have an age limit. In fact, many older adults may be more eager to see the world than the younger generation. The only thing that might put a damper on travel plans? Your budget. Fortunately, there are things you can do that will make your dream vacation a reality!
1. Travel in the off-season.
There are quite a few benefits to traveling in the off-season. For one, you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with. Another benefit? You’ll probably save money. Most popular vacation destinations charge higher prices for things like hotels during peak season, but their rates tend to fall as demand decreases. In other words, you can probably score a much better deal on a hotel suite in the off-season.
2. Cook a few of your meals.
I know, I know. Part of the fun of vacation is trying out new foods and dishes that aren’t available at home. However, if you’re a retiree on a fixed budget, sacrifices must be made. Book a hotel with a kitchenette or stove. Then bring a few ingredients from home or shop locally once you arrive at your destination. Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to have every meal in your hotel. Just don’t eat out every day of your vacation. You might save more money than you realize!
3. Be on the lookout for senior discounts.
Senior discounts don’t only apply to breakfast platters and new shoes. You can also reap the benefits of senior discounts when it comes to traveling! For instance, many airlines offer senior discounts on flights: Southwest and United Airlines, to name just two. Many hotels (such as Best Western) offer senior discounts for AARP members over 55. You can also save big on cruises and car rentals! Make sure you always check for senior discounts before dotting any lines or crossing any Ts.
4. Stay in a B&B.
For many, bed-and-breakfasts conjure images of a Victorian home tucked away in a cozy corner of New England. Some might envision mingling with other travelers over a fruit and cheese tray. However, there’s another benefit to staying in a B&B: they’re generally all-inclusive! In addition to a nice suite, you’ll also enjoy homemade meals and other amenities that hotels may not offer.
5. Take buses instead of trains.
Trains are a fun way to travel, but unfortunately, they can come with a hefty price tag. And while public buses often have a bad reputation, the truth of the matter is that they’re often much cheaper. Plus, buses are a safe way to travel, only accounting for 10 percent of yearly road fatalities (according to Bus.com). Refer to tip number three and make sure you ask about senior discounts before paying your fare!
6. Bring reusable bottles and mugs.
We all love fancy coffee, but let’s face it: it isn’t exactly cheap. Sometimes, even bottled water can be a little expensive! The solution? Bring reusable bottles and mugs with you on vacation! If you need your afternoon coffee fix, don’t rely on Starbucks or other coffeehouses. If you’re staying at a hotel that has a coffee station, use it! You can stay hydrated and caffeinated without breaking the bank.
7. Travel in groups.
Traveling alone or with a spouse can be a fun way to travel, but so can traveling in a group! If you have friends or relatives who love traveling, why not invite them to go on vacation with you? Not only will you make a few core memories that you’ll cherish far more than seashells or souvenirs, but you can also save money! If everyone chips in for accommodations or meals, you’ll end up spending a lot less on your vacation.
8. Limit your souvenir purchases.
Buying souvenirs is a vacation staple. Maybe it’s a glass unicorn that would be perfect for your grandchild. Or maybe it’s a pair of wind chimes that would be a wonderful addition to your front porch. Or a bag of saltwater taffy that transports you right back to your childhood. Whatever the case, don’t give in to impulse buying. Limit yourself to three or four souvenirs and try your best to stick to that. Glass unicorns and saltwater taffy are lovely, but no souvenir is worth stressing over your finances later!
9. Look into travel insurance.
Travel insurance is important! This way, you can protect your travel investments, such as non-refundable purchases. Life is unpredictable, so it’s truly better to be safe than sorry!
10. Travel light.
Are you the sort of person who packs everything but the kitchen sink? Do you like to have back-up outfits for your back-ups? While it’s important to be prepared for anything, there’s such a thing as being too prepared. At least when it comes to traveling. This is especially important when you travel by plane, when you may be charged for extra baggage. So, next time you plan a vacation, just bring the bare necessities. You’ll probably be glad you did!
Image Credit: Yana Tatevosian / 500px @ Getty Images | Shutterstock | Canva Pro | Unsplash
Popular Articles About Travel, and Thrifty Tips
Originally published April 21, 2025
Author(s):
