15 Discounts Seniors Can Use to Cut Travel Costs

Is your dream to travel in retirement, but the cost feels overwhelming? Vacationing isn't cheap, but retirees with wanderlust can take advantage of discounts on many items and services to help keep costs low.

Those traveling on a budget should also find the best travel credit card to earn miles, extra perks, or upgrades. This can help maximize savings while you see the world.

Here are 15 senior discounts you may not know about that can cut your travel costs — and make vacation budgeting much more enjoyable.

Savvy travelers can save on flights, rental cars, hotels, and more by keeping their eyes peeled for senior savings. 

For example, many hotels offer discounted rates for seniors, but the offers vary greatly in total savings and qualifying age. Some hotels let qualifying customers book with a senior discount on their website, while others require guests to go through AARP.

Select large hotel chains offer discounted rates to people under 65. Best Western begins at age 55, and Marriott begins at age 62.

Regardless of where you choose to stay, it pays to research and see what discounts are available to avoid wasting money.

If you need to rent a car while you're away, look into which services in the area offer discounts for seniors. Major car rental companies — like Avis, Budget, and Hertz — all offer senior discounts. Certain customers may even be able to score up to 35% off.

Before booking, make sure you understand what age qualifies as "senior" and which vehicles the discounts apply to.

A great way to save money is by shopping prices for airfare. Several major airlines, including United, British Airways, and Delta, offer discounted ticket prices for travelers in their late 50s and beyond. 

Those looking into booking these flights may need to contact the airlines directly rather than booking online to get access to senior discounts.

Do you enjoy traveling by train? If so, Amtrak offers a 10% discount for travelers aged 65 and over for most trips. The age is reduced to 60 for those traveling between the U.S. and Canada on cross-border services operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.

Those aged 60 and over should check their local rail and bus systems to see if they can get discounted fares. 

For example, seniors (65+) in major cities like New York and Chicago can get discounted rates when traveling on the subway. New Jersey Transit offers half-off rail tickets for people over 62.

Seniors should look for discounts on local buses, trains, light rail, and other modes of transportation at their destinations. You may even save on transportation to and from the airport.

Seniors can also save cash when booking tickets to concerts or shows. AARP members, for instance, can take advantage of a 30% discount on Cirque du Soleil shows.

If live entertainment is part of your travel plans, look into senior discounts before buying tickets for events at local theaters or concert halls.

Many attractions in major cities, including museums, offer discounts for seniors. If you're visiting an area with a thriving arts scene, you should definitely look into discounts that may be available.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, for example, offers $8 off standard ticket prices for visitors aged 65 and over, and the Art Institute of Chicago offers $6 off.

The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Program offers free admission to hundreds of museums in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico if you're a member of any of their member museums.

Cruises are a great option for retirees as they tend to offer bargain vacation packages even without a specific senior discount. 

Major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival, offer special discount packages for customers aged 55 and older. 

The cost of food adds up quickly on vacation. Luckily, many places offer senior discounts or menus, which is another great way to stretch your restaurant budget if you plan to dine out during your trip.

National chains like Denny's and Chili's offer discounts to diners over 55, but discounts may also be available at local eateries, so it's always worth asking.

Retirees looking to take some road trips across the U.S. should consider the America the Beautiful senior national parks pass. 

Those aged 62 and over can apply for an annual pass for $20 or a lifetime pass for $80. The pass covers admission to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas. In many hot spots, pass holders can also get discounts on amenity fees (like camping or guided tours).

If you plan to stock your hotel or Airbnb fridge, another way to save is to shop for groceries using a senior discount. Some stores offer discounts for seniors on certain days of the week. Hy-Vee, for example, offers 5% off for shoppers aged 55 and older every Thursday.

Pro Tip: Doing a Costco haul is a great way to stock up before vacation and get the most out of your membership. Non-members can even use Costco Travel to save money on flights, hotels, and vacation experiences.

Ski resorts all across the U.S. and Canada offer discounts for senior skiers and snowboarders. Some even offer free day passes for those over a certain age.

Shawnee Mountain in Pennsylvania, for example, offers discounts for skiers 65 and older and free skiing for those 70 and older.

If you have a few rainy days during your vacation, many movie theaters offer senior discounts. Like all moviegoers, seniors can save by taking in matinee shows, but many theaters also offer a percentage off for viewers in their 60s and beyond.

AMC Theaters, for example, offers discounts for viewers aged 60 and over for most films. Showcase Cinemas offers discounted prices for the 60+ crowd every Wednesday.

Several major pharmacies offer senior discounts on specific days if you need to stock up on essentials before or during your vacation.

For example, Rite Aid offers 5X the points for Rite Aid Rewards members aged 65 and over on the first Wednesday of every month (plus a free consultation with a pharmacist). 

Walgreens has "Seniors Day" promotions on the first Tuesday of every month when 55+ shoppers can score additional discounts.

Goodwill can be a great place to shop for your vacation wardrobe on a budget, although exact discounts vary by location. You're likely to find between 10% and 30% off, depending on the exact store's policies.

Whether you're looking for a new beach outfit for an island getaway or a winter wardrobe to hit up the ski resort, Goodwill stores tend to have an eclectic mix of clothing and goods at already discounted prices.

Many retirees worry that they need to make extra money to satisfy their wanderlust. Still, so many senior travel discounts can significantly cut vacation costs and stretch your social security income beyond what is listed here.

Financially-savvy vacationers should look into senior discounts on travel tickets, resorts, restaurants, stores, and other popular attractions. Don't ever be afraid to ask if you can get a discount because if you don't, you might end up costing yourself some money.