How to Find the Best Senior Discounts for Travel
Traveling as a senior comes with great benefits, including exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, transportation, and attractions. Many companies offer special rates for travelers over 50 or 60, helping you save money and enjoy more experiences. Here’s how to find and maximize senior travel discounts on your next trip.
1. Airlines That Offer Senior Discounts
Several airlines offer discounted fares for senior travelers, though policies vary.
✔ American Airlines – Special fares for 65+ on certain domestic routes.
✔ United Airlines – Discounted tickets for 65+, available on select flights.
✔ Delta Airlines – Limited senior fares (check directly with the airline).
✔ British Airways – AARP members get up to $200 off certain international flights.
✔ Southwest Airlines – Special fares for 65+, refundable with no change fees.
How to Find the Best Deals
✔ Check airline websites – Some discounts are not listed on booking platforms.
✔ Call customer service – Senior fares may only be available by phone.
✔ Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare rates.
Pro Tip:
Join AARP or AAA for additional flight discounts on certain airlines.
2. Senior Discounts on Hotels & Accommodations
Many hotels and resorts offer senior discounts, usually for guests aged 50 or 60+.
✔ Marriott – Up to 15% off for travelers 62+.
✔ Hilton – Discounts for AARP members and guests 65+.
✔ IHG (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza) – Special rates for 62+.
✔ Wyndham Hotels – Discounts for travelers 60+.
✔ Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn) – Senior discounts for 60+.
How to Get the Best Deals
✔ Book directly on hotel websites – Senior rates may not appear on third-party sites.
✔ Sign up for hotel loyalty programs to get extra discounts and perks.
✔ Use hotel comparison sites like Expedia and Booking.com to check rates.
Pro Tip:
Use AARP or AAA membership for extra discounts at major hotel chains.
3. Train & Bus Travel Discounts for Seniors
✔ Amtrak (USA) – 10% off for 65+ (60+ for cross-border trips to Canada).
✔ Eurail (Europe) – Senior discounts for 60+ on train passes.
✔ BritRail (UK) – 15% off for 60+ on flexible rail passes.
✔ VIA Rail (Canada) – Discounted fares for 60+, plus extra savings on Tuesdays.
✔ Greyhound & Megabus (USA & Canada) – Senior discounts on select routes.
How to Get the Best Deals
✔ Book in advance – Senior fares may have limited availability.
✔ Check for off-peak discounts – Traveling at non-busy times can save money.
✔ Bring ID – Some services require proof of age at boarding.
Pro Tip:
For European travel, a Eurail Senior Pass offers flexibility and savings on multiple train routes.
4. Rental Car Discounts for Seniors
Many major rental car companies offer senior discounts or AARP member deals.
✔ Hertz – Discounts for 50+ and extra savings for AARP members.
✔ Avis & Budget – Up to 30% off for AARP members.
✔ Enterprise – Senior discounts available upon request.
✔ National Car Rental – AARP discounts plus free car upgrades.
How to Get the Best Deals
✔ Use discount codes from AARP or AAA.
✔ Book online in advance for better rates.
✔ Compare prices on rental car sites like Kayak and Rentalcars.com.
Pro Tip:
Avoid airport rental locations, as they often charge higher fees—opt for city pickup locations instead.
5. Senior Discounts on Cruises & Tours
Cruise lines and guided tour companies frequently offer discounts or special perks for seniors.
✔ Royal Caribbean – Discounts for 55+ on select sailings.
✔ Carnival Cruises – Special senior fares available on certain cruises.
✔ Holland America Line – Senior-friendly cruises with discounts for 55+.
✔ Norwegian Cruise Line – AARP members get extra perks and onboard credit.
✔ Road Scholar – Educational travel programs with senior-friendly pricing.
✔ Trafalgar & Globus Tours – Senior discounts on guided tours.
How to Get the Best Deals
✔ Book during “wave season” (January–March) for the best cruise discounts.
✔ Look for last-minute senior deals on websites like VacationsToGo.
✔ Check for AARP and AAA travel discounts on tours and cruises.
Pro Tip:
Consider repositioning cruises—they often offer lower rates and fewer crowds.
6. National Parks & Museums Discounts
✔ USA National Parks Pass – Seniors 62+ can buy a Lifetime Pass for $80, granting unlimited access to all U.S. national parks.
✔ Canada Parks Pass – Discounts for 65+ on annual park passes.
✔ European Museums – Many museums in Europe offer free or discounted entry for seniors.
✔ Smithsonian Museums (Washington, D.C.) – Free admission for all visitors.
✔ Louvre Museum (Paris) – Reduced tickets for 60+ (free on the first Sunday of the month).
How to Get the Best Deals
✔ Visit on free museum days—many museums offer senior discounts or free entry on specific days.
✔ Check local city passes, which often include senior discounts for multiple attractions.
✔ Ask for discounts at ticket counters—not all senior discounts are listed online.
Pro Tip:
In Europe, always carry your passport or ID, as some senior discounts require age verification.
7. International Travel Discounts for Seniors
✔ Japan Rail Pass – Discounted train passes for foreign senior travelers.
✔ Australia’s Greyhound Bus – Discounts for 60+ on long-distance routes.
✔ Mexico’s INAPAM Card – Exclusive discounts for residents aged 60+, including transportation and attractions.
✔ Singapore’s Senior Citizen Concessions – Reduced public transport fares for 60+.
How to Get the Best Deals
✔ Check official government tourism websites for senior-specific discounts.
✔ Use public transport discount cards in major cities.
✔ Ask for senior rates at hotels and restaurants—some places don’t advertise them.
Pro Tip:
If you’re staying long-term in a country, look into senior resident discount programs for extra savings.
Final Thoughts
Senior travel discounts are widely available, but they’re not always advertised upfront. The key to saving money while traveling is to ask about senior rates, use membership programs, and plan ahead. Whether you’re booking a flight, hotel, train, or cruise, these discounts can help you stretch your travel budget and enjoy more experiences for less.
