Retirement Travel Tips: Explore More, Spend Less

Retirement is the perfect time to explore new places, but many retirees worry about the cost of travel and how it fits into their fixed income. The good news? With smart planning, you can still enjoy meaningful adventures without overspending.

We’ll walk you through practical retirement travel tips designed to help you stretch your budget while still experiencing the joys of exploring, whether that means crossing the ocean or discovering hidden gems along Lake Michigan.

Maximize Travel Rewards

One of the easiest ways to make budget-friendly travel possible in retirement is to take advantage of travel rewards. Credit cards that offer points or miles on everyday purchases can translate into free flights, hotel stays or rental cars. 

Get the most out of your rewards:

• Concentrate Spending: Use one primary card to rack up points faster. Consider using it for your larger expenses.

• Pay in Full: Always pay your balance each month to avoid interest charges.

• Look for Bonuses: Many cards offer large sign-up bonuses if you meet minimum spending requirements.

Even if you prefer to travel regionally, rewards can help cover gas, dining or lodging along the way.

Travel Off Season (The Power of Slow Travel)

Timing is everything when it comes to affordable travel for retirees. Take advantage of flexibility in your schedule. Popular destinations often have peak and off-peak seasons. By traveling just before or after the busy months (like May or September), you’ll benefit from:

• Lower Airfare and Hotel Rates: Savings can often range from 20% to 50% compared to peak holiday weeks.

• Fewer Crowds and Shorter Lines: Enjoy a more relaxed pace and a better experience at museums and attractions.

• Long-Term Stay Discounts: Consider "slow travel," like renting an Airbnb or VRBO for 30 days or more. Many hosts offer substantial monthly discounts, making extended stays surprisingly affordable and allowing you to live like a local.

For example, visiting Door County in early fall offers beautiful scenery at a fraction of the summer price.

Tap Into Senior Discounts and Memberships

Don’t be shy about asking for senior discounts – they add up quickly and are a huge benefit of travel in retirement. Many airlines, hotels and attractions offer reduced prices for those 55+, 60+ or 65+. You can also find deep savings through memberships like AARP or AAA.

Must-Have Senior Travel Discounts:

• National Parks Lifetime Senior Pass: For a one-time fee of $80 (for U.S. citizens/residents 62 and over), you get lifetime access to all U.S. National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands(Opens in a new window), plus discounts on some amenity fees. This is a massive value for nature lovers.

• Transportation Discounts: Inquire about discounted Amtrak fares, regional bus services and even select international rail passes. 

• Cruise Line Senior Rates: Many cruise lines offer exclusive rates or onboard credits for passengers over a certain age.

Always ask at the time of booking or check online. You may be surprised how many opportunities exist!

Explore Local and Regional Destinations

Not every trip needs to be a cross-country flight. Some of the best travel experiences are found just a short drive away. Local and regional trips often mean lower costs and less planning.

Wisconsin Dells: Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” the Dells offers much more than slides. Take a relaxing Dells Boat Tour or a land-and-water "Duck Ride" to experience the dramatic sandstone cliffs and gorges, like Witches Gulch. For history and low-cost fun, visit the H.H. Bennett Studio, stroll the accessible Scenic River Walk for free river views or explore the quaint shops and German clock in the Bavarian Village. You can also enjoy a hike at nearby Mirror Lake State Park. 

Lake Geneva: A perfect weekend getaway destination with a serene, upscale atmosphere that is surprisingly affordable. The highlight is the Shore Path, a free, 26-mile public trail that runs along the entire lakefront, passing through the yards of historic mansions. Find affordable lodging in the off-season or just blocks from the water. Enjoy charming downtown shopping, visit the Geneva Lake Museum for local history, or spend an afternoon at Big Foot Beach State Park for a low daily fee. 

Charming Cedarburg: Spend a day or a weekend exploring this historic town north of Milwaukee, known for its preserved limestone architecture, unique boutiques and relaxed, walkable downtown area. Many of the town’s museums, like the Cedarburg Art Museum and the Cedarburg History Museum, offer free admission or senior discounts. You can stroll or bike a section of the paved, accessible Ozaukee Interurban Trail, or visit the nearby Cedarburg Covered Bridge for a free photo op. Time your trip for one of the city's free annual festivals, such as Strawberry Festival or Oktoberfest. 

Day trips and regional getaways give you the chance to enjoy travel in retirement more often without breaking your budget.

Health and Safety Travel Tips for Retirees

While a focus on savings is important, neglecting health and safety can lead to unexpected, catastrophic costs.

• Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable: Because medical emergencies are more common with age, securing comprehensive travel insurance for longer distance trips is smart. Look specifically for policies that cover pre-existing conditions and offer high limits for emergency medical evacuation.

• Manage International Fees: If traveling abroad, avoid dynamic currency conversion (paying in U.S. Dollars instead of the local currency).

• Stay Connected: Always carry a charged phone and share your daily itinerary with a friend or family member back home.

Manage Expenses While Traveling

Keeping costs in check while you’re on the road helps you stay within your travel budget without feeling deprived. 

Some simple tactics include:

• Book Accommodations With Kitchens: Preparing a few meals yourself saves money and allows you to experience local grocery stores and markets, a form of cultural immersion itself!

• Plan Free Activities: Look for walking tours, public parks or free local events that add richness to your trip without extra cost.

• Use Public Transportation: Buses, trains and trams are usually cheaper (and more fun) than taxis or rideshares, offering a true sense of the destination.

The Bottom Line

Travel in retirement doesn’t have to be expensive. By maximizing rewards, traveling off-season, using senior discounts and exploring local destinations, you can enjoy meaningful experiences without straining your budget. Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or a weekend getaway close to home, these strategies will help you stretch your dollars and make every journey memorable.

Before you book your next flight, make sure your retirement fund is built to handle it. Landmark Investment Center’s financial consultants can help you budget for travel and explore options like generating monthly income streams, all while keeping your core retirement goals on track. Connect with us today to start planning a secure, travel-filled retirement.

Plan Your Retirement Travel Budget