Many Americans have travel ambitions during retirement, yet the potential cost of globetrotting may keep some from realizing those dreams.
Fear not: Traveling, even internationally, can be done on a budget with some smart planning.
To help you hit all the destinations on your bucket list, here are 15 tips for people hoping to retire — or even retire early — and travel on a budget.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Be flexible with dates
![senior couple using laptop](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/senior-couple-checking-laptop.jpg)
If you are a retiree, you might be able to keep more money in your bank account by being flexible so you can save on flights and hotels once you step up your travel game.
This could mean booking a vacation in advance and choosing to leave and return on the dates with the cheapest flights. Or it might mean being open to booking a trip when airfares suddenly plunge or hotels reduce their prices to fill empty rooms.
Travel during off-season
![Elderly couple examining a map on city street.](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/senior-couple-observes-a-map-on-city-street.jpeg)
Traveling to hot destinations during “shoulder” seasons — when travel demand briefly dips — is a great way to avoid major crowds and save some cash.
For European destinations, the shoulder season is typically spring or fall. Visiting hot spots — such as Paris or Rome — during these seasons is a favorite strategy among travel enthusiasts because the weather is still pleasant and it’s easier to score great deals.
Prioritize purchases
![Elderly man computing taxes in his home.](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/senior-gentleman-is-engaged-in-tax-calculations.jpeg)
If travel is a priority, cutting back on spending in other areas can make vacations more feasible.
That might mean fewer dinners out or cutting back on things like expensive gift-giving.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Look up exchange rates
![senior woman using her laptop](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/elderly-woman-engaged-in-laptop-work.jpeg)
Your dollars will go further in specific destinations when the U.S. dollar is particularly strong compared to foreign currencies.
For example, if a trip to Japan is on your travel bucket list, you may want to look up exchange rates and plan your trip when the dollar is strong compared to the Japanese yen.
Monitor flight prices
![elderly couple in airport terminal](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/senior-couple-walking-through-airport-terminal.jpeg)
Begin monitoring flight prices a few months before your trip. Get familiar with what a typical round-trip costs and regularly monitor the prices.
That way, if a deal pops up, you will recognize it and can jump on it.
Beware of foreign-transaction fees
![senior pair using an atm](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/senior-couple-using-a-cash-machine..jpeg)
Foreign transaction fees can really add up on international vacations. Check out what sort of fees your credit cards charge.
In some cases, it may be worth it to apply for a credit card with perks like no foreign transaction fees and ATM fee reimbursement.
Make the most of travel rewards
![couple displaying a credit card](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/tourists-couple-sitting-in-beach-chairs.jpeg)
Savvy travelers can save big by taking advantage of travel credit cards to earn travel rewards. Many credit cards let customers use points to book travel, including flights and hotels.
If you plan to travel by air frequently, it may also be worth it to sign up for a frequent flyer program so you can use miles to pay for future flights.
Plan ahead
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Travelers who plan ahead can save money.
Airlines typically have their flight schedules planned 11 months in advance, so you can track flight prices for months before booking.
This will also provide ample time to shop around and get the best deal on a hotel.
Combine destinations
![Couple checking travel documents at airport.](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/couple-holding-flight-tickets-at-airport-terminal.jpeg)
If two or more travel destinations on your bucket list are relatively close together, you can save big money by combining multiple destinations into one trip.
For example, many tourists visiting Europe will hit two or more countries on the same trip. You can book a “multi-city” flight or a round-trip that flies into one city and out of another.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Skip the rental car
![Mature woman sitting on seat inside tram.](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/a-mature-woman-sitting-inside-a-tram.jpeg)
The cost of rental cars can really add up. And while renting a vehicle might still seem convenient, plenty of hot tourist destinations have easy-to-navigate public transportation options.
It’s also often wise to book accommodations within walking distance of the sites you plan to see.
Find travel buddies
![senior friends joyfully dancing on the beach.](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/senior-friends-dancing-together-at-beach.jpeg)
Finding friends who will split travel costs — like hotel rooms, gas, rental cars, groceries, and more — can cut your overall vacation cost significantly.
Even planning a trip with just one other travel buddy or couple can lead to major savings.
Skip overpriced hotspots
![Stylish mature woman sitting on a yacht bow.](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/chic-mature-woman-sitting-on-sailboat.jpeg)
A weekend with the family in Disneyland or at a beachfront condo may seem like a dream. But savvy travelers can save a lot by avoiding hotspots known to overcharge tourists.
If a hotspot is a must-see destination for you, consider being flexible about the dates and seasons you travel so you can take advantage of opportunities to save.
Do some grocery shopping
![Gorgeous senior couple buying fresh vegetables.](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/elderly-couple-purchasing-fresh-vegetables.jpeg)
Food prices can add up quickly on vacation, especially if the accommodations you’re staying in do not have much of a kitchen.
Doing some grocery shopping — either before leaving or after you arrive at the destination — can help keep spending on food in check.
Pack light
![Elderly couple hiking .](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/senior-couple-embarks-on-a-travel-adventure.jpeg)
If you’re traveling by plane and can fit all your essentials into a carry-on bag, you’ll save a lot by not shelling out extra cash to check a bag. Checking just one bag can add $30 or more to your costs each time you board a plane.
Pro tip: If you are looking for budget flights, make sure you’re not booking a “basic economy” trip that charges extra for carry-on bags — unless you plan to pack extremely light.
Rent your home
![senior couple ringing doorbell](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/aged-couple-pressing-doorbell-of-guest-house.jpeg)
If you are dreaming of a long vacation — say, a month or longer — you might be able to earn some passive income to add to your travel budget by renting out your home.
You can rent your home on a travel marketplace, such as Airbnb, or find a short-term tenant.
Bottom line
![romantic senior couple having fun at the beach.](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/09/senior-couple-sharing-romantic-moments-at-beach.jpeg)
Retirement is a great time to see the world, but planning long or extravagant vacations on a fixed budget might seem intimidating.
However, with some careful planning, you can build fulfilling travel goals into your retirement budget and lower your financial stress.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
Benefits
Card Details
- Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
- Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
- Longer intro APR on qualifying purchases and balance transfers
- No foreign transaction fees
- Apply Now
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
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- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
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on Bank of America’s secure website
Intro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.
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