Travel Smarter After 50: Save Money Without Missing Out

Travelling in retirement doesn’t have to mean giving up the good things — like comfortable stays, great meals, or that cocktail or two that vacations are made for. With the right strategies, you can stretch your travel budget further while still enjoying every moment.

In fact, one of these tips alone has saved us thousands of dollars over the years. It’s not hard to make a couple of changes that make your travels not only more affordable but also more relaxed and rewarding.

We’ve explored more than 30 countries together and discovered plenty of budget hacks along the way, but never compromise on comfort and enjoyment. Here’s how you can travel smarter, for less.

Why Smarter Spending Makes Travel Richer

Travel in retirement isn’t about dingy hostels or skipping the fun. It’s about making some simple choices so your money goes further and you can travel for longer.

By saving in the right places, you’ll have more freedom to splurge on the experiences that matter most, whether that’s a special meal, a bucket-list day trip, or simply staying a little longer in your favourite city.

Rather Watch the Movie?

If you prefer to watch rather than read, we’ve shared these exact tips in our YouTube video. You can watch it below before diving into the full article:

Tip 1: Travel in Shoulder Season

Shifting your trip by just a couple of weeks can slash your accommodation costs — sometimes by as much as 40%. This is the beauty of travelling in shoulder season, the period just before or after peak tourist months.

You’ll enjoy:

• Lower prices on flights and hotels
• Fewer crowds at major attractions
• Pleasant weather without the summer extremes

For example, when we delayed a trip to Spain from August to late September, our nightly accommodation dropped significantly, leaving us with more euros for tapas and Tinto de Verano, con limon, of course!

Tip 2: Choose Smarter Accommodation

Where you stay has a huge impact on your travel budget. Instead of hotels every night, try:

• Apartments or guesthouses: Having a kitchen lets you cook some meals at home.
• Weekly or monthly stays: Many rentals offer discounts for longer bookings.
• Booking direct: Small B&Bs often throw in perks like free breakfast or late checkout.

Even when our apartment is inside a cave, we still want a kitchen. And lucky for us in this case, with a local festival on in the tiny town of Bedmar, Spain, not a single restaurant or cafe was open. Bacon and eggs for dinner!

Tip 3: Eat Well, Spend Less

Food is one of travel’s great joys, but dining out three times a day quickly adds up. Here are a few ways to eat well without overspending:

• Make breakfast your biggest meal — hotels often serve more than enough to keep you full until late afternoon.
• Go light at lunch — a snack or coffee is usually enough when you’re sightseeing.
• Eat where the locals do — street food and markets often serve up some of the tastiest, most authentic meals at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Not only does this save money, but it also connects you with the local culture in a way fancy restaurants can’t.

Tip 4: Transport Smarts

Think beyond planes when moving between destinations. Often, the slower options save more than just money:

• Trains and buses: More affordable, scenic, and often easier than flying. But our favourite part of using trains and buses is that they usually travel between town centres, rather than long transfers needed for airports.
• Senior discounts: Many countries offer reduced fares for travellers over 60.
• Slow travel: Staying longer in one spot means fewer tickets, less stress, and a deeper connection with each place.

By slowing down, you’ll spend less and see more.

Tip 5: Free (and Priceless) Experiences

Not every memorable moment comes with a big price tag. Some of our favourites include:

• Free walking tours: Run by locals who share real stories and insights.
• Museums on free entry days: A great way to dive into history and culture.
• Local festivals and markets: Colourful, lively, and often completely free.

These experiences often end up being the highlights of a trip, proving that priceless doesn’t always mean expensive.

Tip 6: Focus on Value, Not Just Cost

It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about choosing wisely. Save in the areas that don’t matter to you so you can spend more on the things that bring joy. That might mean skipping overpriced taxis in favour of public transport, but treating yourself to a memorable dinner or a once-in-a-lifetime activity.

Travel should always feel rich, in experiences, not in expenses.

Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter, Travel Longer

With these strategies, you can stretch your retirement travel budget without ever feeling restricted. The secret is balance: save where it makes sense, and spend where it matters most.

If you found these tips helpful, you’ll love our other travel advice on YouTube — where we share even more strategies for couples over 50 who want to travel in comfort, confidence, and style.

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