Some people love to travel at all stages of life. For seniors, in particular, travel is a great way to stimulate the mind as well as to stay physically active and socially engaged.1
Tips for senior travel
Take advantage of discounts2
- Only 18% of Americans have specifically saved for retirement travel.3
- Consider joining the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the American Seniors Association or the Association of Mature American Citizens, all of which offer travel-related discounts to members.
- Schedule travel for off-season times of year to save money and avoid crowds.
- Many airlines offer discounted rates for seniors, but they are not advertised or widely available online. Call and make reservations in person, and ask about the availability of discounted fares.
Start planning early4
- Only 18% of Americans have specifically saved for retirement travel.3
- Consider joining the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the American Seniors Association or the Association of Mature American Citizens, all of which offer travel-related discounts to members.
- Schedule travel for off-season times of year to save money and avoid crowds.
- Many airlines offer discounted rates for seniors, but they are not advertised or widely available online. Call and make reservations in person, and ask about the availability of discounted fares.
Think about travel insurance5
- Travel insurance is an important consideration if plans include leaving the country. Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover care outside of the U.S.
- Travel insurance is a good idea if a trip involves high prepaid, non-refundable costs, like a cruise or a bus tour.
- According to the AARP, travel insurance is best purchased from a broker rather than directly from a tour operator or cruise line.6
- Check credit card benefits before purchasing travel insurance. Sometimes the protection offered by the credit card company is sufficient.
Pack lightly and intelligently7
- The waits, fees and uncertainties of checking luggage at the airport may be avoided if everything fits in 1 cabin-sized roller bag.
- Carefully consider what is essential to pack. It is often possible to do laundry or have clothes cleaned while traveling, or consider rinsing out essentials in the hotel bathroom.
- Make sure all the necessary documents are packed in hand luggage, along with local currency if traveling internationally. A secure and easy-to-use passport holder or travel pouch can keep credit cards, ID and cash handy, and some can be worn around the neck to keep hands free.
- Don’t forget things like a magnifying glass to read fine print or extra batteries for hearing aids, if applicable. Remember a travel pillow and blanket for chilly airplane cabins.
Consider security8
- Arrange to have someone check your home while you’re out of town.
- Don’t announce travel plans on social media.
- Don’t hang “please make up my room” signs on the hotel room door. Instead inform the front desk that you’re going out and housekeeping is welcome to clean.
- USA Today reminds travelers not to put their home address or nationality on luggage tags. Consider creating a unique email address specifically for that purpose and placing that information, along with a cell phone number, inside the luggage in case it is lost or stolen.9
- Leave a copy of the itinerary with 2 reliable people and pre-arrange check-in times via email or phone.
Opt for guided tours and senior travel clubs10
- Many seniors prefer to travel with groups or on guided tours. They feel safer, appreciate the company of like-minded individuals, and enjoy the convenience of having many travel details handled for them.
- Many tours are geared specifically to the needs of older adults. There are organizations that publicize accessible tours for those with mobility issues.
- Cruises are popular because they are all-inclusive, fun for multiple generations, and allow travelers to unpack once while visiting many different destinations.
Get a pre-trip medical check-up and pack medications11
- Before travel, checking with a primary care physician may ensure there are no physical barriers or medical concerns that could impact plans.
- A doctor can also give advice on how to manage medical conditions, if any, during travel and how to adapt an existing medication regimen for a different time zone.
- Some destinations require—or strongly advise—certain vaccinations.
- Make sure to obtain and pack an adequate supply of any necessary or regular medications.
- Bring a list of the generic names of medications if traveling abroad, as some pharmacists in foreign countries may not recognize American brand names.
An American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) study of adults between the ages of 54 and 72 found that virtually all of them planned to take at least 1 domestic trip in the coming year, and nearly a third were planning 4 or more trips. Almost half expected to travel both within the U.S. and internationally.12 So use these tips, and have a great trip!
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1Alissa Sauer, “Benefits of Traveling Later in Life,” Leisure Care, last accessed July 28, 2022,
2Jeff Hoyt, “Senior Travel and Vacations,” Senior Living, last accessed July 28, 2022,
3Hoyt, “Senior Travel and Vacations.”
4“Senior Travel Tips: How to Have Great Adventures as an Older Adult,” Great Senior Living, last accessed July 28, 2022,
5Hoyt, “Senior Travel and Vacations.”
6“Travel Tips for Seniors,” TripAdvisor, last accessed July 28, 2022,
7“Senior Travel Tips: How to Have Great Adventures as an Older Adult.”
8“Senior Travel Tips: How to Have Great Adventures as an Older Adult.”
9“Senior Travel Tips: How to Have Great Adventures as an Older Adult.”
10“Senior Travel Tips: How to Have Great Adventures as an Older Adult.”
11“Senior Travel Tips: How to Have Great Adventures as an Older Adult.”
12“Senior Travel Tips: How to Have Great Adventures as an Older Adult.”
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