Now You Can Travel!

Now that your kids are grown and out of the house, vacation has a different meaning. You no longer need to look at amusement parks, playgrounds, or water slides near the area you are going. The vacation is now about you, your spouse, and what you really enjoy.

Your first step is to figure out where you want to go and how you are going to get there. If you just want a weekend road trip, there are always spots of interest within a few hours from home. A vacation lasting longer than a week might take a little more planning. Of course, there are those who just want to be out of the cold and head south for the entire winter.

However you are traveling, keep in mind that some hotels, airlines, cruise lines, car rentals and resorts offer discounts for seniors -- many times starting at age 55. Have your AARP card handy, and always ask about a discount. They won't usually ask you what your age is. The discount can be anywhere from 10% to 50%. Many cruise lines have shore excursions that require very little walking. Also, riding a bus on a "city tour" is a great way to catch all the attractions without overexerting yourself.

RV traveling has become very popular with aging Baby Boomers. Many RV owners spend at least three months of the year traveling or at a campsite. This is a comfortable way to travel which allows peace, quiet and privacy. Some spend their time visiting family members scattered across the country. Sometimes, they may even take grandchildren along for a trip.

Another way for seniors to travel is on a group trip. Travel agencies arrange for day trips, usually close to your home. However, they can also arrange lengthy trips across the country, frequently including some train travel. Some people have even formed long-term friendships on these trips, as they allow passengers to get to know each other.