Senior discounts: the cheapest way to travel for seniors
As seniors are becoming a larger part of the traveling public, hotels, airlines, cruise lines and dining establishments are now offering special discounts for seniors. To find the most economical strategy for travel, seniors can save millions upon millions of dollars when they travel extensively with senior fare reductions. While there are so many deals for seniors on offer, it pays to shop around for the best deals. Also, don’t discount the savings that are available to all vacationers, as they can sometimes be better than those that are specifically targeted like senior discount rates.
Travel. Amtrak has reduced its fares for passengers 62 and older by up to 15%. Greyhound’s discount fares are for the equivalent ages, but are usually only 5% off, but they serve more places 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 updates. As of 2009, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Air are the last two commercial airlines to still offer senior discount fares, as most domestic airlines have lowered their senior discount fares. For local transportation you can find discounts for seniors in several places, but when buying local it is best to go to the ticket vendors and request 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 restaurants in your hometown. The way to find out about discounts at a restaurant for the elderly is by calling beforehand.
Hotels. All the major chains have senior discounts on room rates, most commonly in the 10% pool. Some, like Best Western, offer a frequent travel club card that allows you, as a member, to accumulate points toward free room nights and upgrades. Discounts for seniors can differ quite a bit here, as on occasion, for example in 2008 when travel was quite depressed, discounts were as high as 40%. One more thing to anticipate will be the age the 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 take advantage 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 seniors, as their enrollment fee is small to join the program, but you are eligible for their benefits, which are quite substantial, at age 50.