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Tips & Tricks to Cheaper Senior Travel

With the Baby Boomer generation now coming of age, cut-rate no longer means low-rent.

Now more than ever, major tourist destinations, hotels and airlines are realizing the economic power of the over-55 crowd and are making a special point of offering bargain travel discounts to lure the senior adventurer.

Be sure to sign up with AARP Travel before making your travel plans since some programs require membership.

However, no matter what age you happen to be right now, discounts should be the first thought that springs to mind when planning your travel itinerary. whether you're on a limited budget or already rolling in retirement riches.

Find out more about a world of tourist 'gimmes' and special perks in our special look at scouting the Web for senior travel savings ...

Hotel Discounts for Seniors
Deals and discounts can vary from location to location, so be on the lookout for where the next bargain might be found on your next trip. Check out these U.S. national hotel chains offering special discounts to seniors, but in any hotel you're reserving with be sure to inquire about senior programs or discounts ...

Marriott Hotels Senior Discounts - American seniors (62 and older) can save at least 15% off normal rates when booking. Just present valid ID with date of birth on check-in, and get the cheaper rate at Marriott's Fairfield Inns, Courtyards by Marriott and Marriott's Residence Inns.

Howard Johnson Senior Discounts - Seniors 60 years and older can get discounts at all Hojos coast to coast. Other discounts are available with your AAA or your AARP card, although each separate offer cannot be combined with others (or you'd probably be staying for free!).

Do they offer a senior discount? Wherever you go all you have to do is ... ask!

Senior Airfare Discounts
Gone are the days when major airlines offered discounts to seniors, although there are still a handful left which continue to reward the older traveler, including Virgin Atlantic . This customer-focused airline no longer processes senior discounts online, but one may be offered at their discretion - just for the asking - on certain routes and fares for passengers age 60 or older. Use the Virgin Atlantic contact form to inquire.

Bus & Train Travel Discounts
These major ground transportation carriers also present discounts with additional savings for seniors:

Greyhound Travel Deals & Discounts - U.S. passengers age 62 and older may request a 5 percent discount on unrestricted passenger fares, while veterans can enjoy a 15 - 25 % discount. The Veterans Advantage program applies to active duty, National Guard & Reservists and their family members .

Amtrak Passenger Discounts - Seniors - Amtrak travelers at least 62 years of age can receive a 15% discount on adult rail fares on most Amtrak trains. Be sure to check out additional discounts on go-as-you-please rail passes for seniors.

Cruise Ship Discounts for Seniors
In most cases, the big cruise lines like Carnival Cruises, Norwegian, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean will offer discounts to those travelers that are 55 and older. (As always, be sure to ask!)

Happy travels!

About the Author: At 83, Kathi Merkenich is a great-grandmother is indulging her love of travel, photography and writing. She has a unique perspective on the challenges facing older travelers which she shares with us as the Chiff.com Senior Travel Editor.

also see in Travel -> Family Travel | Travel Bargains | Traveling America by Train

More about senior discount travel around the Web:

Best Senior Travel Websites & Resources

Best Travel Discounts for Seniors