Finding Senior Travel Discounts
A Travel Agent's Take on the Good, the Bad, and the Lesser Known
Oct 11, 2007
No one wants to spend more than necessary on airfare, hotel rooms, cruises and other travel components. If you're over 50, make sure that you're getting all of the senior discounts you deserve, without being deceived by false promises. Here are a few tips:
Remember you don't have to be "old." "Senior" is a relative term. You don't have to be of retirement age in order to qualify for many "senior" discounts. Some discounts are offered to those as young as age 50.
Join AARP. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a great source of travel discounts. Anyone age 50 and older may join, and members qualify for discounts on thousands of hotels, tour packages, cruises, and airfare. The membership fee is very reasonable; you'll recoup it with your first hotel stay. A caution, however: don't assume that the AARP price is the lowest price. Sometimes it is; sometimes there are lower fares and room rates.
Ask for discounts. Many senior discounts are offered, but not advertised. Make it second nature to ask for a discount at hotels, museums, car rental counters, retailers, and even restaurants.
Compare discounts. As I mentioned above, the so-called "senior discount" is not always the best price. Make sure to compare the senior discount with other promotional rates, particularly when making hotel reservations.
Travel by Amtrak. Amtrak, America's rail system, offers one of the most generous—and consistent—senior discount programs. The company gives a flat 15 percent discount on all tickets, except sleeper accommodations and the autotrain, to those 62 and older. Plus, traveling by rail is a more relaxed and more scenic way to travel around the country.
Buy an America the Beautiful Senior Pass. Another generous discount is the lifetime pass offered by the National Park Service to U.S. citizens and permanet residents age 62 and older. This pass is $10 and is good for admission to all of the Federal Recreation sites that charge an admission fee. The pass also entitles bearers to a 50 percent discount on extra fees for things such as camping, swimming, and boat launches. Passes are available in person at any national recreation site.
Consider purchasing an Entertainment Book. If your travel plans are centered around a major city, consider purchasing an Entertainment Book for that city before you travel. Though not limited to seniors, the books feature hundreds of discount coupons for everything from museums to performing arts to restaurants. Most coupons are of the "buy one, get one free" variety.
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- Is AARP Membership Worth it?
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