Whether you are a recent retiree that finally has time to travel, or you have saved up enough vacation days to take the trip of your dreams, great planning is key to getting the most out of your vacation. We’ve answered some of your most frequently asked senior travel questions to help you get ready for wherever your travels take you.
What are the best U.S. travel destinations for seniors?
With well over 3.5 million square miles, the continental United States has a lot to offer almost any traveler. However, a 2018 AARP study found that Baby Boomer travelers prefer Southern states the most, and it is easy to see why. Besides having warmer winters, the South offers a ton of options all relatively close to one another, meaning you could visit multiple destinations on a single trip.
Two popular destinations for travelers were New Orleans, Louisiana, and Orlando, Florida. New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind city that beautifully blends European and American cultures, which is reflected in the city’s architecture and incredible cuisine. Meanwhile, Orlando is perfect for those couples looking for a golf getaway or a multigenerational get together, thanks to the plethora of theme parks and family-fun activities.
What are some great travel packing tips and tricks?
During your travels, you have probably seen people dragging their heavy bags through the airport or onto a bus. Unless you plan on permanently moving to your vacation destination, you can get away with a lot less. Pack a roll-aboard suitcase with a few outfits that you can mix and match. For example, a few causal pieces that you could pair with a fancy shirt or slacks.
It’s also important to take a full supply of your medications. Make sure you get a list of the generic names of your meds from your doctor, as other cities or countries may not recognize specific brand names. If you’re traveling internationally, many cities in Europe can easily fill prescriptions, but you don’t want to spend your entire vacation at the pharmacy.
What are some air travel tips for senior?
According to the study, Boomers are more likely to travel on an airplane to both international and domestic destinations. If you want to save some money on air travel, AARP members get access to highly discounted airfare, as well as hotel and package deals through the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia®. You’ll find discounts on a variety of vacation packages as well as inspiration for your next trip.
There are a few other things you can do to make air travel easier. Don’t worry about packing your medications in your carry-on as they are not subject to the 3.4 ounce/100 milliliter limit. We talked about packing lighter earlier, but you also should pack smarter. Find out about the security measures at your airport to get through the process with less hassle. Make sure to pack your liquids into a separate plastic baggie, so you can remove them easily from your carry-on, and be ready to take bigger electronics out of their cases. Tablets usually do not have to be taken out, but it may vary airport to airport.
If you find all the security screenings a hassle, signing up for TSA Precheck will help you avoid some of the more frustrating ones (like removing your shoes and belt).
What are the benefits of tours or group travel?
Tours and groups are a great way to see a lot on your trip without having to plan everything yourself. Many cruises offer group tours and excursions. All you have to do is sign up and get your camera ready. Even for solo travelers, cruises can be a great way to meet new people that have the same affinity for travel as yourself.
Tours can also be a fantastic way to get a more authentic experience, especially if you pick a tour that is led by a local. You won’t have to worry about the language barrier if you are traveling internationally, and you still get the opportunity to see what life is like for people that live in your vacation destination year-round.
Need more travel tips on how to save money or why vacations are great for your health? Make sure to check out part one in our series of answers to your most frequently asked travel questions.
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