If there is one thing retirees like to do, it’s travel. Almost all baby boomers are planning to take at least one leisure vacation in 2017, and they are anticipating an average of five trips, according to an AARP travel trends online survey.
“We’re seeing a lowering in travel to Europe and an increase in Latin America,” says Stephanie Miles, senior vice president for integrated marketing and member services at AARP. The organization found bucket list trips were a motivation for going overseas, while those traveling domestically may be meeting up with family for multi-generational trips or planning shorter weekend getaways.
No matter whether your travel is a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a more modest excursion, here are seven top destinations with discounts for retirees:
[See: The Top Travel Destinations for Retirees.]
Florida. Florida continues to be a favorite destination for seniors, and the state offers a variety of experiences at various price points. Many destinations have senior discounts as well. For instance, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa offers 15 percent or more off room rates for those ages 62 and up.
Other destinations offer programs that cater specifically to older travelers and retirees. Panama City Beach runs a number of social events, including a senior prom and mystery golf challenges, for its winter residents. The city has also arranged special discounts on activities such as fishing, golf and dolphin tours for visitors.
U.S. Virgin Islands. Those planning a trip to the Caribbean this year may want to make the U.S. Virgin Islands their destination of choice. In honor of its centennial commemoration, the territory is offering $300 to $400 in spending credits to those who book an eligible vacation package through the U.S. Virgin Islands website. As of the first week of May, nightly rates as low as $105 were available at participating hotels.
The U.S. Virgin Islands can be an ideal destination for those who want to visit the Caribbean, but don’t have a passport. U.S. residents don’t need one to visit the territory. Retirees can save even more on this trip by looking for senior discounts on airfare.
South Africa. While Europe is often a first choice for a big trip, Greg Geronemus, co-CEO of smarTours, says now may be the right time to think outside the box. “The surge of the U.S. dollar versus the South African rand has made this bucket list destination extremely accessible for budget-conscious retirees,” he says.
The current exchange rate can make an African safari possible for those without very deep pockets. Retirees traveling through smarTours can take a 14-day excursion to the country for as little as $2,799, including airfare and taxes. The trip includes time in Kruger National Park, one of the oldest and best maintained parks on the continent, according to Fodor’s.
[Read: 6 Baby Boomer Travel Trends.]
Thailand. Geronemus says Thailand is another bargain for retirees. “Where else in the world is it possible to enjoy a two-week vacation, including airfare, for well under $2,000?” he asks. “Thailand has arguably distinguished itself as the best value destination in the world.”
It’s an exotic location that can be made more accessible by booking a vacation with a tour group. Since retirees typically aren’t tied down by a school calendar, they are free to take off early in June and beat the rush of the July crowds.
Britain. The strong U.S. dollar means much of Europe is on sale for travelers right now. However, in the wake of the Brexit vote, the U.K. is a particularly good value. There are also plenty of senior discounts, also called concessions, available for travel to and in Great Britain.
Retirees age 60 and older can purchase a Senior Railcard, which saves them one-third off standard and first-class rail fares. The card also entitles holders to discounts on other activities such as sightseeing tours and dining. AARP members can receive up to $200 off airfare on British Airways purchased through AARPAdvantages.com. They also have access to discounted rates for hotel rooms and rental cars.
[See: 10 Places to Retire Overseas in 2017.]
South Carolina. Ava Roxanne Stritt, a travel writer and blogger at Spa Travel Gal, likes South Carolina as a go-to destination for retirees. “The state, as a whole, gives a lot of senior discounts,” she says. It is also a destination that can be easy to reach for retirees who want to drive a recreational vehicle or road trip to their destination.
While Charleston is getting a lot of attention as a travel destination, Stritt likes Columbia for its mix of cultural and outdoor activities. The Columbia CulturePASS offers discount admission to the Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina State Museum and Historic Columbia. At Congaree National Park, an elevated boardwalk loop trail offers a smooth path for seniors to enjoy the great outdoors.
Cruises. Cruises are another perennial favorite for retirees and for good reason. “These can be a bastion of super last-minute bargains,” says Gabe Saglie, senior editor for Travelzoo. “Retirees with extra time to travel on their hands can find both experiences and savings with cruises.”
What’s more, a cruise can check a lot of boxes off a vacation experience. “Seniors have been trending toward multi-generational travel with their families and genealogical travel to find their heritage,” says Jayme Montgomery, an agent with Triplemint who frequently travels with the seniors in her family. Many cruises offer activities for all age ranges and can take families to destinations all over the world.
While these aren’t the only discounted travel options for retirees, these seven choices offer great value for destinations both on and off the beaten path.
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7 Top Travel Destinations With Discounts for Retirees originally appeared on usnews.com
