Travel Tips for Older Adults

Traveling as an older adult doesn’t have to be expensive. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. What it does require is smarter planning than you might have needed at 35. Here’s the short version of what that looks like.

Do the Health Prep — It Saves Money Later

A medical emergency abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket. A pre-travel doctor’s visit costs a fraction of that.

• See your doctor 4–6 weeks before international travel
• Get all prescriptions filled with extras — carry in your carry-on only
• Write down generic drug names in case you need a refill abroad
• Bring a one-page medical summary: conditions, medications, blood type, emergency contacts

Don’t assume your medications are available under the same name abroad. Generic names cross borders; brand names often don’t.

Buy Travel Insurance — and Buy It Right

This is where people get burned by cutting corners. The right policy costs a few hundred dollars. A medical evacuation without one costs $50,000–$150,000.

• Buy medical coverage of at least $100,000
• Include medical evacuation
• Include trip cancellation — especially if health may interrupt your plans
• Buy within 14–21 days of your first trip payment to qualify for pre-existing condition coverage

Compare policies at InsureMyTrip.com or Squaremouth.com. The cheapest policy is rarely the right one.

Save Money with Senior Discounts

America the Beautiful Pass: One-time $80 fee gives US residents 62+ lifetime access to all national parks. If you visit more than one park, it pays for itself immediately.

AARP Travel: Membership costs around $16/year and can save significantly on hotels, car rentals, and tours.

Amtrak Senior Discount: 10% off most fares for those 65+.

Road Scholar: Educational group travel designed for older adults — often a better value than comparable independent travel because logistics are bundled.

Always ask about senior rates at hotels, museums, tours, and attractions. The discount often isn’t advertised.

Travel Light to Save Energy (and Baggage Fees)

• Carry-on only whenever possible — saves time, money, and physical effort
• Four-wheel spinner bags are dramatically easier to manage than two-wheel bags
• Pack layers, not outfits — far more versatile per item
• Ship ahead to your first hotel if you need more for longer trips — it’s often cheaper than checked luggage fees

Don’t Over-Schedule

This is the mistake most often made by first-time senior travelers trying to maximize value. Rushing through an ambitious itinerary exhausts you and reduces enjoyment. Two or three good experiences per day is plenty.

• Build one empty day per week into any multi-destination trip
• Visit crowded attractions early — less walking, less heat, fewer crowds
• Schedule afternoon downtime — rest preserves energy for evening

Stay Safe Abroad Without Overspending

• Register your trip free at step.state.gov — the State Department can contact you in emergencies
• Get an international SIM card at the airport on arrival — often cheaper than your home carrier’s international plan
• Keep digital copies of passport and insurance in your email
• Know the local emergency number before you land

Related resources:

• America the Beautiful Pass — store.usgs.gov/senior-pass
• InsureMyTrip — insuremytrip.com
• AARP Travel — aarp.org/travel
• State Dept Registration — step.state.gov