Whether you’re returning to your annual vacation spot, exploring a new destination, or visiting loved ones, travel is a great way to make lasting memories at any age. But the ability to travel can be particularly significant to senior citizens: According to a 2024 survey from the Senior List, 37% of all travelers were aged 60 and up, and over half of adults aged 50 or older agreed that vacation is their top priority for discretionary income. Fortunately, thanks to an array of age-specific discounts and programs, senior travel is easier than ever. Here’s how to make the most of every adventure that comes your way with our top senior travel tips.
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Take Advantage of Plentiful Discounts
Savvy seniors know the travel industry is chock-full of discounts, from flights and accommodations to popular tourist attractions. Many major airlines — including American, United, Delta, British Airways, and Air France — offer discounts of up to 10% on select routes for the senior fare option when booking online. (If this option isn’t readily available, you can call the airline to inquire.)
The savings don’t stop at the airport — many major attractions offer special senior discounts, too. Outdoor adventurers love the National Park Service’s Senior Pass, offering unlimited access to every U.S. national park for just $20 annually or $80 for a lifetime pass. If you’d rather relax poolside, Caesars Resorts in Las Vegas offer up to 30% off hotel stays for seniors, and many major hotel brands around the U.S. offer similar discounts.
A great way to find discounts is to visit the AARP website, which has a helpful list of offers for cruises, vacation packages, hotels, resorts, and more. If you sign up for a membership, you can also score exclusive travel deals.
Travel Light
Not only is packing light practical, but it can also reduce travel stress. Heavy bags are physically demanding, and they can cost more to fly with, too. Even public transportation like trains and buses can have limits on luggage. Your best bet is to pack only what you really need and save space by investing in travel-friendly toiletry kits and pill organizers.
Since clothing takes up the most luggage space, one helpful method for packing light is creating a capsule wardrobe. Senior fashion stylist and world traveler Susan Blakey swears by her 12-piece travel wardrobe method, featuring versatile, color-coordinated, and wrinkle-resistant clothing.
“I define a capsule wardrobe as a cohesive group of basic garments that can be worn in multiple combinations,” Blakey explains. This curated collection can be mixed and matched for weeklong getaways or even months-long journeys.
Consider Purchasing Travel Insurance
With age comes unexpected health concerns, so having the right travel insurance policy can bring peace of mind. Travel insurance can cover everything from trip cancellations to emergency medical services, preexisting conditions, baggage loss, and even medical evacuation.
While there are plenty of travel insurance options for a variety of trips and price points, Seven Corners was ranked No. 1 for seniors in 2025 by U.S. News. Their policies offer up to 100% reimbursement of a canceled trip, up to $500,000 in emergency medical coverage, and up to $1 million for emergency evacuation, along with 24/7 support via phone, text, and chat.
Verify Your Health Insurance Coverage
Destinations such as Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean are most popular among seniors, but health insurance policies may offer limited or no coverage outside the U.S., so it’s better to be prepared before venturing abroad.
While travel insurance can help in medical emergencies, check to see if your health insurance policy extends overseas. Always keep a copy of your insurance card on hand, along with any necessary prescriptions, too. If your plan lacks international coverage, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes medical assistance to fit your needs. Knowing you can get the care you need, no matter where you are, ensures a stress-free travel experience.
Plan Ahead for Mobility and Disability Needs
Airlines and hotels have made significant strides in accommodating travelers with mobility and disability concerns, but it always helps to do a little extra planning.
If you use a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, most airlines offer free gate-check services, and many provide additional wheelchair assistance for solo travelers. If you rely on a portable oxygen concentrator, rest assured that it won’t count toward your luggage allowance — just make sure it meets FAA regulations.
Additionally, hotels across the U.S. must have a certain number of rooms that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with features such as grab bars in restrooms, roll-in showers, and communication equipment for hearing- and sight-impaired travelers. Always check availability during booking, and remember that international destinations may not have the same accessibility requirements. When in doubt, contact the hotel directly to ensure your room is equipped for your needs.
Get Through TSA in a Jiffy
TSA screening requirements aren’t anyone’s favorite part of the travel experience, but fortunately, there are special rules for passengers who are 75 and older. These include expedited screenings that allow older travelers to keep their shoes on. If you have a medical condition or disability, the TSA can also provide extra assistance — just bring documentation of your condition to help agents expedite the screening process. For more details, visit the TSA’s website for specific considerations for medical conditions.
To further streamline your air travel, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck, a program that allows preapproved travelers to get through airport security even faster, with dedicated lanes and shorter wait times. You’ll breeze through security in minutes without needing to remove shoes, jackets, belts, or anything from your bag, getting you one step closer to your next adventure.
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