Travel Tips for Baby Boomers on a Budget
Advice for Frugal Travel for Retired People during Recession
Jan 2, 2009
If part of the joy of retirement has been the freedom to travel, it may take a bit more planning, research and being more frugal to have travel remain in the baby boomer's budget during a recession.
Fly when Air Fares are Low
With the ability for retired people to travel during the week or over the weekend, be alert to times when air fares are lowest.
- Use the internet to scope out the airlines that serve airports within a couple of hours of home for the best deals.
- Choose flights that have connections and are usually less expensive than non-stop flights.
It may be worthwhile to drive an hour or two to a neighboring airport in order to get a better fare, and getting off the plane at connecting airports can break up a long trip and allow time to have a bite to eat.
Frugal Travel for Baby Boomers during the Off-Season
When choosing a destination, consider traveling to places during the off-season when there are fewer tourists. Most summer resorts will have considerably lower accommodation prices from September to May, although in northeastern U.S. the fall foliage season rates may still be higher until November.
Traveling to New York City during January or February, or European cities during the winter months are also ways to be a frugal traveler. Consider visiting the cities of central and eastern Europe from November to February. There may be some rain or snow, but there is certainly a more realistic perspective of life there than in the heavy tourist months of the spring and summer.
Budget Accommodations for Frugal Travelers- Small Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts & Pensions
Another way to reduce costs is to find accommodations that are less elaborate and have fewer amenities. Considering the fact that most of the day will be spent out and about, why not find something that is smaller and less elaborate than the typical American hotel.
For example, there are small hotels in New York City that have double rooms available for less than $150. The rooms are smaller than most Americans are accustomed to, but they are in convenient locations. In Europe, these pensions (small hotels) are even more prevalent.
Bed and Breakfasts are another option for finding lower rates and being well located. At a B & B, there is also the added enjoyment of getting to know the person operating or managing the B & B and learning more about the area from someone who lives there.
Money can also be saved by staying in the heart of the city where there is no need for a rental car. One can get around by walking and taking public transportation.
Tips on Eating for Less While Traveling
Bed & Breakfasts include breakfast in their room rate, and some hotels have free continental breakfasts served in the reception area. Ask about where the locals eat. Eating like the locals can be a great way to find places with good food that are less expensive.
- Find a local diner for breakfast.
- Purchase juice, bagels and cream cheese to have in the room.
- Eat the main meal for lunch, when food prices tend to be lower, rather than at dinner .
- For dinner, sit at the bar and have drinks and appetizers rather than a 4 course meal.
- Carry small bags of peanuts or granola bars for snacking in between meals.
Baby Boomers Can Have Fun Traveling on a Budget
By planning travel around off-peak seasons, doing a little research to find accommodations that are less expensive, and eating like a local, baby boomers can still keep traveling in their retirement budget in these tough economic times.
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