Top US senior travel destinations

Senior retirement comes with many perks, but one of the greatest benefits is having the free time to travel. Many seniors dream of visiting new countries and experiencing new cultures once they leave the workplace. If you’re planning on taking a trip once you reach retirement, keep a few of these things and places in mind:

Senior discount
When you hit the golden years, remember to ask for a senior discount. Most travel destinations – whether a museum or a national park – will offer some sort of discount for those. Take advantage of your age to save a few dollars, and you might be able to make your trip last longer. Be sure to check with airlines and hotels as well, as you might be able to lop a portion off of the ticket or room price.

Cruises
Seniors are notorious cruisers because of the amenities offered aboard many ships and the opportunity to travel to several places in the span of a few days or a week. While there are hundreds of different cruises to choose from, seniors may have a few different considerations than others when picking out a destination. Senior wellness might be at the top of the list for many travelers about to hop on a cruise, which means they will want a ship that offers exercise opportunities and healthy foods. Most cruises offer both, but access to medical care should also be considered.

US destinations
Even if you have dreams of seeing the Eiffel Tower or eating pasta in Rome, there are many great travel destinations in the U.S. that are more affordable and offer unique advantages for seniors. Here are the top three domestic travel destinations for seniors:

  • Florida: Not only do many seniors move to Florida for retirement, it is also one of the most popular travel destinations, particularly in the winter. With beautiful, sunny weather almost year-round, the state allows seniors to be outside playing golf or walking on the beach most days. Much of the state is also tailored to seniors, with active retirement communities. There are plenty of cities throughout the state with some of the top beaches in the country.
  • Portland, Ore.: For seniors who are looking for an active getaway, Portland offers miles of hiking and biking paths that make for a great outdoor adventure just outside the city. In fact, the city is known as one of the best places to bike in the U.S. Portland has quickly become a popular destination that has embraced the senior retirement community. In addition to outdoor beauty, the area also some of the country’s top golf courses.
  • Washington, D.C.: Visiting the nation’s capital is an exciting endeavor with trips that are specifically geared toward seniors. In fact, there are special seniors-only tours that allow groups to take in the sights with greater accessibility. Seniors can choose the sites they want to visit in some of these group tours and are able to learn about the nation’s history with a group of peers. These unique trips have made Washington, D.C., become a popular tourist destinations later in life.

Travel insurance

No matter where you end up going, it’s important to protect your financial commitment by investing in travel insurance. Insurance will ensure that you don’t lose all your money on tickets, hotel rooms and other expenses if you have to cancel your trip for any reason. You should also get protection if you are traveling to an area that is prone to extreme weather, such as Florida.

To maximize your Senior Health Insurance benefits, visit MySeniorHealthPlan.com for quick, simple and easy information.

Pete Blasi