saving money on travel

See the World Without Breaking the Bank

Published February 1, 2019 | By Clark Norton

On a tight budget? You can still travel the world.

I’m pleased to present another guest post from Jim McKinley, our financial writer in residence (well, virtual residence), who always has good tips for baby boomers who want to make wise use of their travel funds — and who doesn’t?

In today’s post, Jim — a baby boomer himself — looks at several ways to save money on a trip, both leading up to and during your travels.

By Jim McKinley

Many baby boomers have more time to travel now, whether it’s because they’re empty-nesters or retirees, and they’re pursuing it with more intense interest as well, as bucket lists beckon.

The good news is that travel is good for you, with benefits for the mind and body.

You’ll stay active strolling around museums and markets, swimming in the sea, or hiking in the forest, and it’ll broaden… Continue reading →

5 Ways to Save When Traveling Europe

Published December 8, 2017 | By Clark Norton

Markets like this one in Barcelona offer excellent lunch possibilities. Photo by Clark Norton

Today’s guest post, by Aussie-expat writer Brittnay, is about some ways to save money while traveling in Europe — which can be a very expensive destination these days. I’ve added my own comments after each tip, usually to expand on them a bit.

While these tips only scratch the surface of the topic, they’re all valuable ones to keep in mind while planning your next European vacation.

By Brittnay

Although travelling through Europe can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be.

We’ve put together five tips that have allowed us to visit 21 European countries in the past two years! Using these tips enable you to experience the cities and towns you visit more like the locals do — and that’s usually a good way to save money.

Get a City Welcome Card

City… Continue reading →

Posted in Baby boomer travel, Budget travel, Europe, Foreign travel, travel costs | Tagged budget travel, city welcome cards, discount passes, Europe travel, European travel, home exchanges, house sitting, saving money on travel, travel tips | 1 Comment

Ten Tips on Saving $ on Housing and Food

Published November 7, 2017 | By Clark Norton

This hostel in Nuremberg, Germany, is attached to a castle. Photo by Catharine Norton.

For baby boomers, saving money on accommodations can be tougher than for young travelers.

Dormitory-style hostels and CouchSurfing may have much less appeal than for those in their 20s or 30s.

Camping — at least the type (unlike “glamping” or glamorous camping) that leaves you trying to get a decent night’s sleep in a bag on the ground — can be tough on the back (with legitimate concerns that you might not be able to straighten up at all in the morning).

But, as guest poster Jesse Miller contends, “It’s still possible to enjoy a five-star housing experience without paying a five-star price.” The key, Miller says, “is to live like the locals do. This means avoiding more traditional options (such as pricey hotels and resorts) and immersing yourself in opportunities to interact with the… Continue reading →

Posted in Baby boomer travel, Budget travel, Europe, Foreign travel, Restaurants, travel costs, travel mistakes, Travel safety | Tagged Airbnb, CouchSurfing, European hostels, hostels, saving money on travel, travel tips | 3 Comments

According to government and private surveys:

Leading-edge baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1955) and seniors account for four out of every five dollars spent on luxury travel today.
Roughly half the consumer spending money in the U.S.--more than $2 trillion--is in the hands of leading-edge baby boomers and seniors.
Baby boomers (born 1946-1964) travel more than any other age group.
When asked what they would most like to spend their money on, baby boomers answered “travel” more than any other category, including improving their health or finances.