1. Search Out Senior Discounts

Many hotels, car rental companies, restaurants and attractions offer discounts for older adults. To find opportunities for savings during your next trip, conduct an internet search for the phrase, "senior discounts + " the destination name.

You may also want to consider joining the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The organization negotiates exclusive discounts for its members and has an easy-to-search directory of deals on its website.

2. Take Part in a Tour

Senior tours can be a great way to see a new place while saving money. Often, tours include transportation, accommodations and access to attractions for a single price that's usually lower than what you'd expect to pay when traveling on your own. Plus, traveling with a tour group gives you an opportunity to make new friends, and having a preplanned itinerary can increase your chances of enjoying a hassle-free vacation.

There are hundreds of senior tour providers in the United States waiting to be discovered through an internet search. Locally, the Sun West City Rec Centers organize trips for older adults throughout the year.

3. Travel During the Off-Season

Most popular tourist destinations have peak and off-seasons. During the slower times of year, rates for hotels, airfares, bus tickets and car rentals are often lower. You may also find it more relaxing to visit new places when they're less crowded. To learn when the off-season is for your preferred destination, check out the city, town or area’s official tourism website or travel guide sites like Fodors, Frommers and Lonely Planet.

4. Explore Public Transportation Options

Renting a car can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of your trip. By simply using public transportation, you can save money and eliminate the stress that can come with trying to navigate unfamiliar roads in a new place.

When planning your getaway, look for hotels that offer complimentary shuttle service to train stations, airports, bus stations and major attractions. Also, research the local public transportation system to learn about costs, accessibility and any available senior discounts.

5. Control Food Costs

Meals can account for a considerable portion of your travel budget, especially if you have dietary restrictions. However, planning in advance can help you eat well on a budget.

Consider booking accommodations with a full or partial kitchen so you can prepare some meals on your own. Bring along water and snacks to avoid needing to use the minibar or paying a premium for food and beverages at airports and bus and train stations.

6. Keep Luggage to a Minimum

If you’re traveling by plane, get to know the baggage fee and carry-on policies for your airline ahead of time. When possible, limit your belongings to only the essentials that can fit into carry-on bags to eliminate luggage checking fees completely.

Should you find you do need to check your bag, look into paying the fee ahead of time. American Airlines, United and other airlines often provide discounts for prepaying.

Another way to save on baggage fees is to join frequent flyer clubs. In most cases, it’s free to sign up, and doing so may qualify you for other perks such as priority boarding.

7. Research Free Activities

Taking advantage of free attractions and activities can allow you to have new experiences and save money on your trip. To discover them, search the internet for "Free things to do +" the destination name.

Review the results and make note of any restrictions. For example, some museums may offer free admission to the general public or seniors only on specific days.

8. Earn and Use Rewards Points

Before making any travel arrangements, check to see if you earn points with any of your current credit and debit cards. You may already have accumulated enough to exchange for discounted airfares, car rentals or hotel accommodations. If you don’t have a rewards credit or debit card, consider applying for one so you can begin earning rewards when making everyday purchases.

9. Consider House Sitting

If you don’t mind completing some simple tasks like getting the mail or watering plants during your trip, becoming a house sitter can allow you to travel more affordably and live like a local during your stay. Sites like Nomador and MindMyHouse make it easy to discover house-sitting opportunities in the United States and abroad. In many cases, hosts offer free accommodations provided you perform some basic chores.

10. Use Wi-Fi and Landline Phones

Roaming charges can leave you with a hefty bill for your mobile phone when you return home, but you can take steps to limit these costs. Look for accommodations that offer free Wi-Fi and be sure to connect when you arrive. Use the landline phone in your hotel room or vacation rental for local calls, and utilize free Wi-Fi hot spots whenever possible while you’re on the go.

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