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| December 2009 |  |
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of the happiest travelers these days are older people who have learned
to take advantage of discounts, travel in groups and negotiate their
own perks. Perhaps you or an older relative have decided that a vacation you’ve dreamed of taking has become too expensive—because of higher air fares and lower exchange rates for the dollar. But the recent decline in tourism can actually work to your benefit. Here are some ideas for making your travel adventure—or a reasonable alternative—happen at a price you can afford. Look for the bargains The best ways to get a travel bargain are to plan well in advance of your trip or pick up a tour, cruise or plane tickets at the last minute. If you book at the last minute, of course, you run the risk of not reaching your preferred destination and perhaps going somewhere else. So this approach requires a level of flexibility that may or may not suit your personality and temperament—or your life. Take advantage of senior fares. If you are 62 or older, you can get a $10 lifetime pass to parks through the National Parks Service. Buses and Amtrak trains offer discounted fares for seniors. Many cities offer reduced fares on their public transportation systems—and, if you’re 65, you can ride free on Philadelphia’s subway, buses and trolleys. Make sure you’re getting the best deal. Don’t assume that 10 percent off is the best you can do—or that you will always find the lowest price on the Internet. Check out Joan Rattner Heilman’s book Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can’t Get Unless You’re Over 50. Heilman’s advice: “Don’t expect anybody to offer you anything. You need to ask.” For example, call a hotel’s 800 number. Ask if it has any special deals that aren’t listed online and what its policy is regarding last-minute cancellation opportunities. Talking directly to a tour operator or company can also result in more savings.
Look for all-inclusive packages. Cruises are one way to figure your costs in advance, since meals and lodging are included. But many group travel packages also include hotels, air fares, guided tours, and two meals daily (breakfast and dinner). On a ship, just think of your cabin as a place for sleeping and showering—not entertaining. Spend less on your cabin and more on your experiences on and off the ship. River cruises may be a little more expensive, but they’re smaller and can be a lot of fun. Bus travel has improved Taking a bus can be more affordable and more enjoyable than flying. These days many tour buses have comfortable leather seats, Wi-Fi, and even an attendant with soft drinks. Bus travel can relieve older people of stressful long-distance driving, and bus stations are typically located in or near the heart of a city. Broaden your concept of vacation Consider volunteer opportunities. More and more seniors these days are opting for trips that combine traditional travel activities with some volunteer work. These might be as varied as collecting data in a rain forest to visiting a hospice. For example, an Indiana couple spent a month in Mexico—relaxing and doing building repairs part-time at a Yucatan orphanage. “We loved the kids and the people we helped were so grateful,” said Tom. “Plus, the weather was great and we got to practice our Spanish.” A retired couple wanted to leave New York City and see the autumn leaves upstate. They found the government website www.seniorcorps.gov and signed up to be “horse leaders” at a therapeutic riding center (walking beside a horse and helping disabled riders keep their balance). The couple took a bus and checked into an inn near the riding center that gave them a great deal including breakfast and home-cooked dinners. They enjoyed their work as volunteers a couple of hours a day and made new friends in the process.  |
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