Affordable Summer Travel Ideas for Seniors

Where are the most affordable yet exciting locations for seniors to travel? Summer travel is a booming business with tourist destinations charging a premium to see the sights and sounds of popular vacation spots around the country and overseas. For seniors, travel may be vitally important to enjoying retirement, but you may not have enough available funds to splurge without thinking. You want to plan a vacation that will open your eyes to a new experience but still have the final price fall within the confines of your budget.

Here is a list of cheap vacation ideas perfect for seniors:

U.S. National Park Pass

While adults under 62 years of age must pay $80 for an annual pass to all the U.S. National Parks, seniors can purchase a lifetime pass for only $10. It covers admission to over 2,000 sites managed by the government, including Arches National Park in Utah, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Florida’s Everglades, California’s Yosemite and many more. In addition, seniors enjoy up to 50 percent off camping fees and other services. If you have ever wanted to explore American’s vast landscape, your senior years are the time. Enjoy 15 percent off Amtrak tickets or 5 percent off Greyhound bus tickets on your way to the national park of your choice.

Volunteer Abroad

An international vacation’s price tag can rise quite quickly. Embark on a volunteer vacation experience to keep costs low. Through an organization like Global Citizens Network, you can visit Tanzania for 15 days for under $3,000, including a 15 percent discount for adults aged 55 and older. Teach English to schoolchildren or paint a house, then explore the country and culture and form lasting relationships with the people you meet and work alongside. From Mexico to Peru, or India to Thailand, there is a trip for anyone at any time of year.

West Coast Road Trip

If your bucket list does not include a drive down California’s Route 1, through the breathtaking Big Sur region, it’s time to add this vacation idea to the top. Seniors who are members of AARP enjoy up to 30 percent off National Rent-A-Car services. Rent a convertible and make your way down (or up!) the California coast. Since most sights are free, all you need is gas and food money. See the elephant seals in San Simeon, tour Pebble Beach golf course in Monterey County or watch surfers catch waves at Venice Beach. Don’t forget to ask for senior discounts on hotels if you stop for the evening.

When seniors travel at home or abroad, it is vital to make sure you are protected with the appropriate travel insurance coverage. Discuss your options with one of the team members at My Senior Health Plan today.