Senior Discounts: The Cheapest Way to Travel for Seniors
With seniors becoming a larger part of the traveling public, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and dining establishments are now offering special senior discounts. To find the most economical strategy for travel, seniors can save millions and millions of dollars when they travel a lot with senior fare reductions. While there are so many senior deals on offer, it pays to shop around for the best deals. Also, don’t discount savings that are available to all vacationers, as they can sometimes be better than those specifically targeted as senior discount rates.
Trip. Amtrak has reduced its fares for passengers over the age of 62 by up to 15%. Greyhound’s discount fares are age equivalent, but are generally only 5% off, but service more locations than Amtrak. Many rental car providers offer senior discounts, but by using senior membership organizations, senior discounts can lead to even better rates. They could be used for free upgrades. As of 2009, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Air are the last two commercial airlines still offering senior discount fares, as most domestic airlines reduced their senior discount fares. For local transportation, senior discounts can be found in many places, but when buying locally it’s best to go to ticket vendors and ask for the least expensive method of travel.
Food. Not only can you find senior reductions on food to contribute to your most affordable way to travel, but these discount fares will be available at your hometown restaurants. The way to find out about restaurant discounts for seniors is by calling ahead.
Hotels. All major chains have senior discounts on room rates, most commonly in the 10% pool. Some, like Best Western, offer a frequent flyer club card that allows you, as a member, to collect points toward free room nights and upgrades. Senior discounts can differ quite a bit here, as at times, say in 2008 when travel was pretty depressed, discounts were as high as 40%. One more thing to anticipate will be the age at which senior discount rates start, as La Quinta’s, for example, start at 55, but Marriott’s start at 62.
The age at which you can get the benefits of senior discounts varies, generally from 55 to 65. In Europe, I’ve noticed that senior discounts in Britain usually start at 62, but in Germany age is 65 for senior discounts. For the cheapest way to travel, I would suggest organizations that cater to the elderly, as your enrollment fee is small to join the program, but you are eligible for its benefits, which are quite substantial, at age 50.
