Travel Discounts for Seniors

Whether you’re visiting family or taking a vacation, there are many travel deals available for senior citizens. Some travel discounts for seniors are available online, while others come when you call or join an organization. Be ready to read the fine print or ask for details to make sure you are eligible. You will often be required to show proof of age, such as an ID or membership card. Check out these senior travel discounts when booking your next trip.

The best senior travel deals include discounts on off-season travel, senior friendly tours, last minute travel, AARP travel, ocean and river cruises, airlines, train travel, National and State parks, Disney World, volunteer trips and many more.

Tips to Finding Senior Travel Deals

1. Check with the hotels, resorts or other accommodations for their off-season rates which can be a substantial savings.

2. The best time to book a flight is 4 months to 3 weeks before your departure date. Also, you should check different departure days of the week if you can be flexible as a retiree. Most airline companies have senior discounts.

3. Always check for senior citizen discounts or AARP discounts (if you are a member) with cruises, train travel, airlines, bus travel, hotels and motels, restaurants, parks and campgrounds.

Discounts On Airline Tickets

In addition to airline miles you might accumulate through a credit card, you can look for senior deals when booking a flight. For best deals call the airline. These airline deals are not always available on-line and they do not always apply to every flight destination. Always call the airline directly if interested in receiving this type of discount. Some airlines change their policies occasionally, so it is best to ask if you don’t see a discount offered online. Here are a few airline senior discounts to consider:

Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)

American Airlines: Various discounts for 65 and up (call directly about possible senior discounts, only available for certain markets and flights). Southwest Airlines: Various discounts for ages 65 and up (call to apply senior discount). United Airlines: Various discounts for ages 65 and up (call to apply senior discount). Air France: Offers a Senior Pass to customers who are at least 65 years old. The pass costs 49 euros a year, and includes benefits such as flexible tickets and discounts on flights.

British Airways: AARP members can receive between $65 and $200 off round-trip flights.

Delta: Gives a senior discount in certain markets. Call to ask about availability.

JetBlue: Discounts of 5% for retired military and veterans are available for those enrolled in Veterans Advantage.

ParkRideFly: Gives AARP members a 12% savings when booking airport parking.

United Airlines: Offers a discounted price to passengers who are 65 and older for selected destinations.

Click this link for more information: http://www.cheapflights.com/travel-tips/senior-airfare-discounts/

Hotel Discounts

Many chains and local places will grant older guests a deal or discount. You can ask when making a reservation or look as you book online.

Best Western Senior : up to 15%% or more for AARP or senior guests (55+)

Cambria SuitesSenior Discount: (Choice Hotels) “Senior Rate”: If you are 60+ or an AARP member, you’ll save up to 10% with advance reservations. Just select “Senior/AARP” from the special rate dropdown or request the Senior Rate* when you call 800-4CHOICE (800-424-6423). (60+)

Candlewood Suites: Discounts vary (62+)

Clarion, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn Hotels – (Choice Hotels) “Senior Rate”: If you are 60+ or an AARP member, you’ll save up to 10% with advance reservations. Just select “Senior/AARP” from the special rate dropdown or request the Senior Rate* when you call 800-4CHOICE (800-424-6423). (60+)

Crown Plaza: Discounts vary (62+)

Days Inn: Discounts vary (60+) You can also call 1-800-225-3297 and request the “senior rate”

Hampton Inn & Suites – AARP members save 10%

Holiday Inn Senior Discounts: Discounts vary (62+) or with valid membership ID of a retired persons organization. Howard Johnson Hotel Discounts: Discounts off best available rate (60+) You can also call 1-800-225-3297 and request the “senior rate”.

Hyatt Senior Discounts: Up to 50% off (62+)

La Quinta Inn Senior Discount: Discounts vary (65+)

Marriott Senior Discount: 15% off (62+)

Super 8: Seniors save 10% off (up to 20% with AARP card)

Wyndham Hotels: Up to 20% with AARP card, AMAC members 20% off

Train Discounts

If you want to see the U.S. or Europe by rail, there are offers available to seniors. Look for online details or call ahead and ask. You could save between 10% and 30% on your next trip.

Amtrak: 10% off most rail fares for travelers age 65 and up.

Eurail Passes: 10% off for Europe train travel if you are 60 and older and purchase a Senior Pass.

Grand Canyon Railway: Offers a 15% discount on train tickets to those who are 50 and up.

Senior Rail Card: One third off of UK rail travel for ticket purchasers who are 60 or older.

Vacations by Rail: Gives a 5% discount and other benefits to AARP members.

Car Rental Discounts

Many car rental locations will grant seniors a discount. When you rent a car, ask about possibilities based on age.

Avis: AARP Members can save up to 30% off Avis base rates.

Auto Europe: Gives a 5% senior discount to those who book online.

Budget: Up to 30% off at participating locations for AARP members.

Sixt: Provides a 5% discount for seniors who are 50 and older.

Thrifty: Offers 5% off time and mileage charges to those age 50 and older.

Hertz: Savings of up to 20% off base rates for travelers 50 and over at participating locations.

Cruise Discounts

Some cruise lines will offer deals when you call and ask. Other discounts might be available on the website as you book a trip.

Carnival: Offers cruises for seniors at lowered rates, although exact prices depend on sailing dates and destinations.

Collette Cruise Tours: AARP members receive discounts on select river cruises.

Grand European Travel: AARP members can save up to $100 per person on river cruises.

Royal Caribbean: Special prices are available on select cruises for guests age 55 and older.

Celebrity Cruise Line-over age 55 on select itineraries

AARP on select cruises-members over age 50

Cruise Direct is an online search engine for cruises that allows customers to compare prices and see the trip options.

National Parks and Campgrounds

One of the best senior travel deals is the Lifetime Senior Pass for United States citizens.

It will provide you with free entry into all National Parks for the rest of your life.

· If you are on a fixed budget you can obtain a Yearly Senior Pass for entry into all of the National Parks for $20 for one year.

· Besides giving entrance to the National Parks, your camping fee is reduced by 50%.

· AARP members receive a 10% discount at some campgrounds.