We often hear that senior discounts are dead. In the travel world, this is far from true. In fact, it’s relatively easy to find senior discounts on hotels, museum admissions, car rentals and outdoor activities.
Here are nine senior discounts that will help you save money on your next trip.
Senior Travel Discount #1: Hotel Discounts
A surprising number of hotel chains offer senior discounts, typically ranging from 10% to 20%. Many of these discounts apply to U.S. properties, but some chains, such as Marriott, Best Western, and IHG Hotels, offer senior discounts worldwide. For example, Marriott offers a 15% discount to travelers aged 62 and over, while Best Western offers discounts up to 15% for AARP members. Always book directly through the hotel’s website and choose the “Senior Discount” option to get the best rates.
Read 12 Best All-Inclusive Hotels for Women Over 50.
Senior Travel Discount #2: Ski Lift Tickets
If you enjoy ski vacations, don’t forget to ask about senior discounts. Many ski areas around the world offer discounts to mature skiers. For example, Mammoth Mountain in California offers discounted lift tickets for those 65 and older. Vail Resorts, which includes Beaver Creek, Colorado, and Park City, Utah, also provides senior pricing on multi-day passes. Chamonix, France, and Banff-Lake Louise, Canada offer significant discounts for skiers over 65. Always check with the ski resort in advance for the most current deals.
Read 17 Cozy Winter Escapes and Snowy Retreats for Women Over 50
Senior Travel Discount #3: Rail Tickets and Passes
In the U.S., Amtrak offers passengers aged 65 and over a 10% discount on train travel (excluding Acela Express and some other services). Canada’s VIA Rail gives travelers aged 60 and over 10% off Economy Plus fares. In Europe, countries such as France, Spain, Italy, and the UK offer senior discounts on rail passes and individual tickets. For instance, in Spain, travelers aged 60 and older can buy a Tarjeta Dorada card for €6.40, giving them discounts of 25% to 40% on most rail routes. Eurostar, the “Chunnel” train, also provides senior fares, making cross-channel travel more affordable.
Read 8 USA Train Trips for Solo Women Over 50.
Also read 7 Bucket List Train Voyages in the World.
Senior Travel Discount #4: Car Rentals
Some car rental companies in the U.S. and worldwide offer senior discounts. Hertz provides discounts for AARP members, including up to 20% off base rates and free additional drivers. Avis and Budget also offer AARP members up to 30% off and other benefits, like a waiver of the fee for an additional driver. Always mention your AARP membership or other senior status when booking to take advantage of these discounts.
Senior Travel Discount #5: National Parks
In the U.S., national park visitors aged 62 and older can purchase the America the Beautiful Senior Pass, which costs $80 for a lifetime pass or $20 for an annual pass. This pass offers free admission for the pass holder and occupants of their vehicle at over 2,000 federal recreation sites, plus discounts on some camping and tour fees. In Canada, the Parks Canada Discovery Pass is available to those aged 65 and older at a discounted rate of CAD 69.19. This pass allows unlimited access to over 80 national parks and historic sites across Canada.
Read 13 National Parks to Discover in Canada.
Also read Seniors Guide to the Top 10 U.S. National Parks.
Senior Travel Discount #6: Bus Travel
Taking the bus is a very affordable way to travel. In the U.S., Greyhound offers a 5% discount on unrestricted fares for seniors aged 62 and older. In the UK, the National Express Senior Coachcard costs £15 and offers a one-third discount on standard and fully flexible fares for travelers aged 60 and over. This is an excellent option for seniors exploring the UK.
Read National Park Bus Tours for Seniors
Senior Travel Discount #7: Airfare Discounts
While not as common as in the past, some airlines still offer senior discounts. American Airlines and Delta Airlines occasionally provide discounts for passengers aged 65 and over on certain routes. British Airways offers AARP members up to $200 off round-trip transatlantic flights. Be sure to call the airline or check their website to see if a senior discount is available for your specific route.
Read Travel the World without Breaking the Bank!
Senior Travel Discount #8: City Attraction Passes
Many cities around the world offer special attraction passes for seniors. For example, the New York CityPASS offers seniors discounted admission to several popular attractions. In Europe, the Rome Tourist Card offers discounted entry for seniors to major sites, including the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum. These passes often bundle several attractions at a reduced rate, so look into city passes before traveling to maximize your savings.
Read 8 Best Travel Podcasts for Women Over 50.
Senior Travel Discount #9: Guided Tours
Many tour companies provide senior discounts on guided tours. Companies like Road Scholar and ElderTreks specialize in tours for seniors and offer special rates or discounts for early bookings. Other companies, like Intrepid Travel and Trafalgar, also offer discounts for travelers over 60. If you enjoy organized tours, it’s worth inquiring directly with the tour operators to see what deals are available.
Read 7 Best Senior Travel Groups.
How Can I Find More Senior Travel Discounts?
The two best ways to find senior discounts are, first, to look at the travel provider’s, restaurant’s or attraction’s website and, second, to ask whether senior discounts are offered. Don’t be upset if senior discounts aren’t available, especially at restaurants, where discount policies can vary from location to location.
Are Senior Discounts My Best Deal?
Sometimes. You may be able to save more money by looking at online discount travel agencies, such as Hotwire.com or Priceline.com, or by finding discounts through your insurance company or association memberships. In other words, if you invest a bit of time, you might find a better deal. It’s always worth asking about senior discounts, though; you never know when you might save a little extra.
Have you found a senior discount that saved you money on travel? How did you find it? Share your good deal in the comments section.
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