Reno Gazette-Journal Sunday, October 30th, 2022
For senior adults, the thought of planning for a trip can sometimes be overwhelming. As we age, we sometimes believe that we are too old to travel and even lament missed opportunities in our youth. Not to mention the notion that travel must be expensive.
The benefits of travel, whether it’s a refreshing weekend getaway or a month-long trip to a new destination, are undeniable. And for retirees or seniors who have time and a travel budget, the opportunities are nearly endless. The world and even their own city, state, or country are waiting to be explored.
“When did you last take a fun trip?” asked monthly seminar series organizers Annette & Brett Junell. “The good news is there are fun travel opportunities for us no matter our age or budget,” Annette continued. “Let’s have some fun and discover all that is available in travel for seniors.”
That’s their plan for this month’s Retired Living Truth Seminar Series topic, “The Truth About Planning Travel in Retirement.”
Seniors travel to visit family, learn about the countries of their ancestors, or explore new destinations. Many seek immersive experiences, educational opportunities, or adventure. And travel companies are responding to their needs and wishes with tours, from independent to guided options, budget to luxury, and group to individual.
Age doesn’t diminish wanderlust, but it sure affects the way we travel.
For starters, as we get older, we travel a lot. An AARP study of Baby Boomer Travel Trends found that older travelers anticipated taking four to five trips the following year. Most respondents (97%) planned at least one domestic trip and nearly half (45%) planned international ones. While most research on over-50 travelers focuses primarily on boomers, data on the Silent Generation (those born between 1925 and 1945) suggests that with improved health and increased longevity, these folks, too, are opting to travel – as opposed to retreating to recliners.
How does travel change as we get older? Many older travelers feel they no longer have to “see it all” – so the pace of travel becomes more leisurely. They have more time to dig more deeply into a destination, perhaps staying for weeks or a month, rather than days.
But, do you need to travel far? Are you missing travel opportunities in your own backyard? Travel Nevada reminds us of the many wonders the Silver State has to offer with its own personality, wildly different landscapes, and prospects for unique new experiences. What are the best ways to learn about these local opportunities? Are there group travel opportunities to make the excursions even more fun?
What are the best resources for planning and going on a trip? To start, look for organizations which offer senior travel discounts. Americans who join the AARP can often get senior discounts on plane tickets, hotels, and other travel-related costs.
What are some other ways to learn about travel options for seniors?
Are there ways to travel on a limited budget?
Senior discounts still exist, although they tend to be small. Most major hotel chains in the U. S. offer senior discounts of 5 – 15 percent off their rack rates. You may find that you can save more money by looking for a weekend hotel package or staying in a suburb.
Seniors often qualify for discounts, again of the 10 to 15 percent variety, on train travel. Do some research before you buy tickets to make sure you are getting the best deal. A travel agent may be able to help you take advantage of senior train discounts in other countries.
Before you buy a multi-day museum pass, decide how many museums you can realistically see in a day and add up the individual museum admission charges. If you visit only one museum each day, you may find that the pay-as-you-go approach will save you money over the multi-day pass.
What about booking an Airbnb? Is it safe? Are there owners who cater to senior adults? You can save significant amounts of money on hotel costs and meet some wonderful new friends by using Airbnb.com. It connects travelers with people who are willing to rent a room in their home. You can also rent people’s apartments while they are out of town.
Airbnb.com reports: “Empowering all generations to connect has never been more important. While the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically upended all of our lives, there is no doubt that older adults have faced some of the most severe changes over the past year and a half. Many older persons – facing even higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19 – have faced unprecedented and prolonged separation from their loved ones.
“As the world recovers, people are seeing travel on Airbnb as a primary way to come together again and reconnect, as part of a larger travel revolution – including older adults. Over the past year, the number of older adult guests on Airbnb in the US has grown by nearly 20 percent. Like many, they are also increasingly turning traveling into living on Airbnb: from 2019 to 2021, we have seen a more than 90 percent increase in the number of bookings by older adult guests for long-term stays.”
For those interested in answers about travel after retirement, the upcoming seminar, “The Truth About Planning Travel in Retirement” will provide many of the answers.
Want to know how technology is providing options for global, low-cost travel? Join us at the seminar to find out.
The free seminar, “The Truth about Planning Travel in Retirement” will be held on Thursday, November 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the RSAR Building at 5650 Riggins Court, Reno (near Meadowood Mall).
The seminar is free for seniors and their guests. Pre-registration is required because seating is limited.
Seat reservations can be made online at www.RetiredLivingTruthSeries.com or by calling (775) 432-6398.
by Eddie Roach