What is the Best Way for Seniors to Travel?

Are you ready to explore the world? Whether you’re looking to visit family and friends in another state, take a leisurely cruise, or sail the world, there are lots of senior travel options available. With so many options, how can you find the best senior travel trip for you? In this article, we’ll look at some cheap travel for seniors as well as some tips and tricks on how to make airlines, hotels, and car rentals a safer and less stressful experience when for senior travel.

How to find cheap travel for seniors

One of the biggest concerns for many seniors when it comes to traveling is the cost. But don’t worry – there are plenty of affordable senior travel options without compromising on comfort, safety, and fun. Here are our top 8 tips for cheap travel for seniors.

1. Travel in the off-season.

Avoiding peak season is a great way to save money on airfare, lodging, and activities. Airlines, hotels, and tourist operators lower prices to attract customers in the slower seasons, so you may be able to get a deal if you travel off-season.

If you don’t want to go in the low season because of bad weather, most destinations also offer lower prices during the “shoulder” seasons, which are the periods between peak and low seasons. For example, most tropical locations will have a “peak” season during spring break and summer when kids are out of school. So, you’ll get cheap travel for seniors if you instead travel in the fall or winter.

Keep in mind that there are two types of “slow” seasons. In some cases, the season is slower because fewer people are traveling because of work or school. For example, Disneyworld in Orlando has nice weather year-round (mostly), but it’s less crowded in September and February because kids are in school. This is an excellent option for cheap travel for seniors. However, the other type of “slow” season occurs because the weather is bad or it’s unsafe to travel at that time. For example, Florida’s gulf coast has an off-season from August to October because of hurricanes. Although senior travel will be cheap, it may not be safe (or fun) to visit when there’s a high risk of hurricanes or other bad weather.

2. Use senior discounts.

Many airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and activities operators offer senior travel discounts for adults over a certain age. Ask about these discounts whenever making travel arrangements because this is one of the easiest ways to find cheap travel for seniors. You may have to show identification, but with discounts ranging from 5-30% off, it’s definitely worth asking.

For example, a lifetime senior travel pass to all of America’s National Parks is $80, which is the same cost as a regular annual pass for one year. Other great brands to check for cheap travel for seniors include: Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Alamo, Hertz, (most car rentals), Best Western, Candlewood Suites, Clarion Suites, Hyatt, Marriott, Wyndham, Royal Caribbean cruises, Carnival Cruises, Greyhound, Amtrak, and hundreds of others!

Also, AARP has a lot of great discounts and cheap travel for seniors. If you’re a member of AARP, always start your senior travel research with their website.

3. Book early.

Airlines and hotels tend to charge more for last-minute bookings. So, scheduling travel arrangements early is a great way to find cheap travel for seniors. Book accommodations, flights, and even popular activities and tours in advance to secure lower prices and avoid last-minute price hikes.

4. Consider senior travel tours and companies.

There are a lot of companies out there that offer cruises, tours, or trips specifically for seniors. This is a stress-free way to book a trip, but it’s also a great option for cheap travel for seniors because they make it as discounted and affordable as possible. Some companies that offer senior-specific trips include:

ElderTreks specializes in adventure travel for seniors. They offer small group tours worldwide, including Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa.
Road Scholar offers educational travel programs for seniors, from cultural tours and walking tours to cruises and workshops.
Saga Holidays has a range of tours, from beach holidays to river cruises to city escapades. They also have many special interest vacations, like birdwatching and wine tasting tours.
Grand Circle Travel offers small group tours all over the world, including safe solo traveler options. They provide cultural tours, wildlife tours, river cruises, and more.
Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) specializes in small-group adventure travel for seniors who like hiking and wildlife. They also offer solo options for those seniors looking to travel alone safely and comfortably.
The AARP Travel Center is a great way to find flights, hotels, packages, cars, cruises, activities, and more. This is a great way to find a packaged deal that offers cheap travel to seniors.

5. Use rewards and loyalty programs.

Credit card points and loyalty programs are a hidden gem for cheap travel for seniors. Earned points and miles can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and even some restaurants and experiences. Some great rewards and loyalty programs for senior travel include: AARP, Marriot Bonvoy, Delta SkyMiles, American Airlines AAdvantage, Royal Caribbean Crown, Expedia Rewards, or any hotel or airline that you prefer. Also, check your credit card for perks and points.

6. Pack light.

Packing light will help you save on luggage fees, and you won’t have to lug heavy bags around. You’ll save on checked bags if you can fit all your items in a carry-on bag. However, make sure you feel comfortable lugging your carry-on and hoisiting it into the overhead compartment. If not, ask for assistance. (We’ll discuss airline assistance for elderly more below.)

7. Eat locally.

Eating out can be expensive, especially in high-tourist areas. Consider eating one meal per day at a nice restaurant, and try out local cuisine at local restaurants, street vendors, farmers’ markets, or local grocery stores for your other two meals. This is a great way to lower costs while getting a more authentic and unique travel experience.

8. Use GoGoGrandparent.

GoGoGrandparent is available in all 50 states. If you’re traveling within the U.S., use GoGoRides for your transportation. This is a comfortable and familiar way to get around, so you don’t have to worry about expensive taxis or car rental services.

Airline chaperones for elderly

Along with cost, the greatest barriers to senior travel are comfort and safety. If you’re concerned about your mobility while traveling, consider airline chaperones for elderly.

Airline chaperones assist passengers during air travel. This can include luggage handling, check-in, boarding, wheelchair mobility, disembarking, and more. In some cases, they may also be able to assist with basic in-flight tasks like eating, drinking, and using the restroom. They can also be a great companion if you find flying to be stressful or emotionally draining. Although airline chaperones for elderly are not medically trained and do not take the place of professional caregivers, they may be able to help with basic needs, like reminding seniors to take their medication or staying hydrated and walking around during the flight. These airline chaperones for elderly are professionally trained to provide specialized assistance to ensure a smooth, stress-free senior travel experience.

Many airlines offer chaperone services for elderly, including Delta, United, American Airlines, Southwest, and JetBlue. Some airlines provide airline chaperones for elderly free of charge, while others charge a fee. When booking a flight, inquire about the availability and cost of airline chaperones for elderly. You should also alert the airline about any specific needs you have, like wheelchair assistance or oxygen supply.

Common airline assistance for elderly

Alert the airline at least 48 hours in advance if you have any airline assistance for elderly requirements. This will ensure you have chaperones and accommodations to meet your mobility needs and medical concerns when you get to the airport.

Here are some of the common airline assistance for elderly you’ll want to alert the airline to in advance:

Wheelchair assistance in the airport and/or in-flight (this is free at most airlines)
Priority boarding, which allows you to board before the other passengers, so you have time and space to store your luggage and get settled (some airlines offer this airline assistance for elderly for free, but others may charge for priority boarding)
In-flight assistance; some flight attendants may be able to assist with tasks like getting to the bathroom, eating, or walking around to prevent clots
Special seating arrangements like seats near the restroom or with extra legroom
Assistance with connecting flights to ensure you make your flight on-time
Airline assistance for elderly getting through customs and immigration, like filling out customs forms, walking through screening, and retrieving luggage

Moreover, make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time for check-in, security, and boarding. Giving yourself plenty of wiggle room will allow for a relaxed, stress-free senior travel experience.

Tips on staying in hotels for senior travel

You want to kick back and relax once you get to the hotel. But hotels can sometimes be stressful or unsafe. Here are our top tips for a safe, comfortable hotel stay for senior travel:

Choose a hotel with accessible features like wheelchair accessibility, grab bars in the bathroom, and easy-to-use door handles. Most hotels in the U.S. are required to offer a certain number of ADA-accessible rooms, so make sure you request these rooms for your senior travel stay.
Request a ground-floor room if stairs are a concern. In case of a fire, you can’t use the elevator, so if you cannot easily take the stairs, it’s critical to stay on the ground floor.
Bring your medical information and supplies. Keep on-hand a list of medication and health issues. Don’t forget to pack medical equipment you will need on your trip like insulin, inhalers, oxygen, walking tools, and more. You should also pack a travel first-aid kit.
Request extra pillows and blankets for a more comfortable sleep. If you’re not used to sleeping in your own bed, this is the simplest fix to feel more relaxed and get a better night’s sleep.
Bring a small nightlight. Not all hotel rooms are well-lit, especially at night. A nightlight will help allow for safe movement around an unfamiliar room.
Check for bedbugs in the bed and furniture. Look for small, reddish-brown bugs or tiny white eggs on the mattress or bedding. Even fancy hotels can get bedbugs.
Know the hotel’s emergency procedures, like fire exits and nearby hospitals. Get acquainted with who and how to call for help in case of an emergency.
Be aware of potential hazards in the room, like loose rugs, uneven flooring, cracks, or wobbly railings. If there are any hazards or concerns, inform the hotel staff immediately.

Tips on transportation for senior travel

Transportation can feel daunting in a new place, especially if you have mobility issues. Here are our tips for senior travel transportation:

Use GoGoRides. GoGoGrandparent is available in all 50 states, and you don’t have to be in your home state to order a ride. This is a great way to have familiar, consistent service with a professional, reliable company you know and trust. You can get rides to and from anywhere – including to and from the airport – so you can feel confident you always have GoGoGuardians looking out for you on your travels.
If using public transit, ensure the bus or train offers accessibility features like wheelchair ramps, lifts, low floors, safety mechanisms, and handrails.
Consider private transportation like taxis or ride-sharing apps if GoGoGrandparent is not available (like when traveling abroad). However, ensure you are working with a reputable company, and always take precautions to stay safe when in the car with someone you don’t know.
Send your location to a loved one who isn’t traveling with you. With an iPhone, you can even share your location indefinitely. This will allow your loved ones to track your rides and ensure your safety. Plus, they can see all the fun places you’re going!
Allow extra time for transportation. Don’t try to catch the bus or train at the last minute.
Plan rest stops to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and get fresh air. Don’t try to push yourself too hard during long travel days. Stress can worsen medical conditions and your senior travel experience, so schedule in rest time.
Always carry medications on hand. Don’t pack your medications in carry-on luggage that will be stowed. Keep your medical supplies in your purse or backpack in case you need it or your luggage gets lost.
Use luggage with wheels so it’s easier to transport. Also, consider packing light so you have less weight to lug.
Ask for assistance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether that’s from airline chaperones for elderly, hotel front desk, GoGoGuardians, or a local police officer. Avoid asking strangers for assistance, as they could take advantage of senior travelers.