Seniors are embracing the journey more than ever before. An AARP survey from March 2025 revealed that over 70% of adults aged 50 and above are planning to take a trip within the year, with 45% looking forward to international adventures. In the 60-69 and 70+ age brackets, 68% have their travel bags packed for 2025.
This survey suggests that 95% of respondents believe travel boosts their mental health, and a nearly equal number credit it with enhancing their physical well-being. With cost being the primary hurdle to travel, retirees are striving to make every dollar count. Searching for discounts through AARP, Costco, Auto Club, and other membership organizations that specialize in travel is a smart starting point.
Utilizing my personal travel insights and expert consultations, I’ve compiled a list of tips to maximize your vacation savings without compromising the joy, health benefits, and educational experiences of travel.
Travel in the shoulder months.
While traveling in the off-season often means fewer tourists and reduced prices, the ideal time is during the shoulder season—the delicate balance between the low and peak travel periods. Savvy travelers often visit during this period to enjoy the best conditions and deals. Conducting research on your destination’s climate, festivals, and fluctuating rates can lead to exceptional deals with shoulder-season travel.
Embrace the rail journey.
Explore the great outdoors with camping, glamping, or RV-ing.
Outdoor enthusiasts, road-trip aficionados, and RV enthusiasts save on accommodations and transportation while adventuring. Services like those offered by The Dyrt simplify travel for on-the-go retirees. The website allows travelers to search for free or low-cost campgrounds, read reviews, view maps, and discover discounts and amenities. Ryan Fliss, The Dyrt’s growth head, advises, “Camping provides ample opportunities for memorable experiences, but planning is key.” The platform offers research tools for locating RV parks, glamping sites, and campsites, many near national and state parks. Users can input their desired driving time or distance to receive recommended stops, local attractions, and activities, as well as gas stations, rest stops, and services for a well-organized, fulfilling road trip.
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Secure the best airfares.
For air travel, dedicating time to find the most affordable fares is crucial. Travel expert and T+L contributor Chris Dong shares his top tips. “One of the best ways to stay updated on airfare deals is to sign up for services like Going or Thrifty Traveler Premium—these companies will alert you in real time as deals arise. The best deals often vanish quickly, so set your preferences for the types of offers you want to see.” Retirees often have the flexibility to capitalize on last-minute deals. Dong also recommends using credit card points and airline miles wisely, so don’t overlook these benefits when planning your travels.
Book travel at the last minute.
“One of the best-kept secrets in travel today is that booking windows are shrinking,” Alex Alioto, co-founder and head of growth at Whimstay, explains. “This means incredible vacation rentals are still available—often at better rates—within 30 days of your trip.” Whimstay offers properties similar to mainstream sites but always at lower prices within a 30-day window. For retirees with flexibility, this can be an effortless way to extend their travel budget without compromising quality.
Join a travel group.
For retirees who’ve put travel on hold while waiting for more leisure time and flexibility, group trips that handle all transportation, lodging, meals, and tours might be the ideal solution. Many travel groups cater to seniors’ interests, needs, and budgets, providing upfront cost transparency and the opportunity to meet new people, especially beneficial for solo travelers.
Embrace lifelong learning opportunities.
“Many older adults today are embracing adventure and approaching life with excitement, curiosity, and discovery,” says Maeve Hartney, chief program officer at Road Scholar. As the world leader in educational travel for adults, Road Scholar offers immersive experiences through curated, expert-led programs, transcending typical tourist trips. Thanks to generous supporters, these experiences are accessible at low cost, with many programs in the U.S. and across seven continents available to budget-conscious travelers. Financial assistance in the form of scholarships and Caregiver Grants is available for Road Scholar programs priced under $2,500.
Experience all-inclusive resorts.
In my role as a travel writer and a retiree, I’ve discovered resorts that offer comfort, hospitality, and luxury at affordable prices. A visit to an all-inclusive island destination can be surprisingly budget-friendly, so retirees shouldn’t dismiss a tropical resort vacation as unattainable. All-inclusive resorts enable guests to plan their expenses in advance and can be a great deal with clear pricing on what’s included and how it suits their needs.
Find a place like home.
Staying in a home instead of a hotel, particularly for longer vacations, can significantly cut down on dining expenses since you can shop at grocery stores, cook your meals, and keep snacks on hand. HomeToGo offers vacation homes at various price points. For luxury stays in high-end homes, HomeExchange Collection allows members to swap lodgings directly, with options worldwide. David Bucci, head of HomeExchange Collection, notes, “Retirees often have the flexibility for longer stays and off-peak travel, making the unlimited exchange model highly cost-effective. The authentic ‘living like a local’ experience also appeals to retirees seeking immersive cultural experiences rather than typical tourist accommodations.”
Discover the beauty of national parks.
For retirees, exploring national parks often tops the list when they finally have the time to travel. Seniors over 62 can opt for annual or lifetime passes at special rates, entering parks for free and participating in conservation efforts with volunteer commitments. Intrepid Travel offers attractively priced national park trips led by environmental activists, combining volunteerism and group exploration. Those visiting parks independently can opt for road trips or, for those who prefer not to drive, there are Amtrak-accessible parks and others that can be visited without a car.
Save on snacks and airplane meals.
As a travel writer and frequent traveler, I’ve developed strategies to save a few dollars on trips. A refillable water bottle is essential, as most airports offer refill stations and water fountains. Bring snacks like small bags of pretzels or crackers; airline snacks seem to be shrinking. For longer flights, pack some grapes, protein bars, a sandwich, or cheese (just avoid tuna or blue cheese). Airlines may sell snack boxes, but they’re not the most economical option, so packing your own snacks is the way to go.
Explore quaint towns, near and far.
With overtourism on the rise in many popular destinations, it’s a great time to consider discovering America’s charming small towns. These towns offer nostalgia, walkable downtowns, wholesome attractions, and, in most cases, affordable prices. County fairs, farmers markets, local festivals, summer theater, and museums provide low-cost entertainment, and many retirees can uncover hidden gems in their own states that they’ve never considered visiting before.
Cruise into retirement.
With five river cruises under my belt, I highly recommend this mode of travel for retirees. Budget travelers can find a range of cabin options, and most activities are included, making it easy to plan actual costs in advance. Excursions range from low-impact guided walks to hikes and bike rides. One of the great advantages of river cruising is being close to shore, allowing for a closer look at small towns, cities, hills, and mountains. In most cities, you can simply step off the ship and you’re in the heart of a new destination—with no need to pack or unpack. Ocean cruises are also exciting, offering ships with entertainment, gaming, restaurants, lounges, and expansive staterooms. Many cruises are adults-only, with activities tailored for mature travelers.
