Travel

. Want Discounts With That?

Tips Tricks to Cheaper Senior Travel

With the Baby Boomer generation now coming of age, cut-rate no longer means low-rent.

Now more than ever, major tourist destinations, hotels and airlines are realizing the economic power of the over-55 crowd and are making a special point of offering bargain travel discounts to lure the senior adventurer.

Be sure to sign up with AARP Travel before making your travel plans since some programs require membership.

However, no matter what age you happen to be right now, discounts should be the first thought that springs to mind when planning your travel itinerary. whether you're on a limited budget or already rolling in retirement riches.

Find out more about a world of tourist 'gimmes' and special perks in our special look at scouting the Web for senior travel savings.

Hotel Discounts for Seniors

Deals and discounts can vary from location to location, so be on the lookout for where the next bargain might be found on your next trip. Check out these U.S. national hotel chains offering special discounts to seniors, but in any hotel you're reserving with be sure to inquire about senior programs or discounts.

Hyatt Hotels Senior Rates - For seniors age 62 or older save from 25 to 50 percent at participating hotels in the US and Canada.

Marriott Hotels Senior Discounts - American seniors (62 and older) can save at least 15% off normal rates when booking. Just present valid ID with date of birth on check-in, and get the cheaper rate at Marriott's Fairfield Inns, Courtyards by Marriott and Marriott's Residence Inns.

Days Inns Senior Discounts All hotels offer 10% off standard rates to senior citizens with valid proof of age (60 or over). Blackout dates some restrictions apply.

Howard Johnson Senior Discounts - Seniors 60 years and older can get discounts at all Hojos coast to coast. Other discounts are available with your AAA or your AARP card, although each separate offer cannot be combined with others (or you'd probably be staying for free!).

Ramada Inn - AARP members enjoy up to 10% off regular rates at participating hotels.

Senior Airfare Discounts

Gone are the days when major airlines offered discounts to seniors, although there are still a handful left which continue to reward the older traveler, including Virgin Atlantic . This customer-focused airline no longer processes senior discounts online, but one may be offered at their discretion - just for the asking - on certain routes and fares for passengers age 60 or older. Use their contact form to inquire.

Bus Train Travel Discounts

These major ground transportation carriers also present discounts with additional savings for seniors:

Greyhound Travel Deals Discounts - U.S. passengers age 62 and older may request a 5 percent discount on unrestricted passenger fares, while veterans can enjoy a 15 - 25 % discount. The Veterans Advantage program applies to active duty, National Guard Reservists and their family members .

Amtrak Passenger Discounts - Seniors - Amtrak travelers at least 62 years of age can receive a 15% discount on adult rail fares on most Amtrak trains. Be sure to check out additional discounts on go-as-you-please rail passes for seniors.

And remember specific destination senior discounts.

For example, the official New York City tourism site offers a special section devoted to NYC Welcomes Senior Travelers explaining the many bargains available for senior transportation, information about senior savings on theater tickets, sightseeing tours, and individual discounts on top New York attractions.

Once you have your travel destination picked out, it makes sense to scout out possible discounts offered at other official city travel sites worldwide .

Happy travels!

About the Author: At 83, Kathi Merkenich is a great-grandmother is indulging her love of travel, photography and writing. She has a unique perspective on the challenges facing older travelers which she shares with us as the Chiff Senior Travel Editor.

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