Travel Tips for Seniors

As the baby boomer generation ages, seniors are quickly becoming one of the largest travel populations in the U.S. Yet a recent New York Times article lamented that senior discounts are increasingly a notion of the past.

Money-saving suggestions: Whether you think that senior travel starts at 55, 65, or even 75, here are some tips to maximize the pleasure of travel while minimizing the costs. You can always ask for a senior discount, of course, but the real savings will come from following this advice:

• Travel midweek: B&Bs and country inns are usually busiest on weekends; business is typically slower on weekdays, so rates are usually significantly less Sunday through Thursday. Rates at business-oriented motels and hotels are the opposite.
• Stay multiple nights: A three-night stay will nearly always result in an additional reduction in rates; if the innkeeper doesn't volunteer it, it's perfectly OK to inquire.
• Travel off-season: Avoid such peak periods as school vacations, holiday weekends, and the height of fall foliage for lower rates, less traffic, and fewer crowds.
• Pay attention to pricing: In general, you'll get more for your money by selecting the least expensive room in a more pricy inn than the most expensive room in a less costly one. Why? The least expensive room may be the inn's smallest, but will typically still have a queen-size bed and private bath with shower, and you'll enjoy the same top quality amenities, d?cor, and extras of a room that's twice the price. If business is slow, they might even upgrade you for free.
• Take advantage of last-minute travel deals: Use your increased flexibility to enjoy spur-of-the moment getaways. To find special deals on www.Inns.com, go to Advanced Search, enter your destination, then check the "Specials" box to select properties offering specials deals and packages.

Comfort-enhancing suggestions: Even if you're in great shape, 65 is not 35. Ask about the following:

• Lighting: The older we get the less light our eyes absorb. If you enjoy reading, ask for a room that has good lighting on both sides of the bed and in the bathroom. A bathroom nightlight is appreciated for the inevitable late night visit(s).
• Comfortable seating: If back problems make reading in bed unpleasant, ask for a room with a reading chair with good lighting.
• Tub and/or shower grab bars: If your knees and/or hips are long past their 50-year, 50,000-mile warranty, something (other than the towel bar) to hold on to is a good idea, especially when getting in and out of deep soaking tubs or whirlpools.
• Stairs: Many inns have a first-floor guest room, while larger properties may have elevators, so be sure to inquire if stairs present a problem.
• Phone & email access: Cell phones don't always work in rural areas, so inquire about telephone and email access, if you need to be in touch with loved ones at home. Carry a phone card for long distance calls and long-distances calls will only cost a few cents a minute.
• Wheelchair access: To find accessible accommodations on Inns.com, go to Advanced Search, enter your destination, then check the "Handicap" box.

You've worked hard your whole life; don't miss the chance to travel and explore some wonderful places.