Baby Boomer Lifeboat   

    Tips for Comfortably Retiring on a Limited Income

Inexpensive Baby Boomer Travel Vacations

Tips and Information about Affordable Travel and

Vacations for Baby Boomers on a Fixed Income

The Baby Boomer generation loves to travel.  Maybe you envision traveling during your retirement years, but doubt that this is possible because you belong to the two-thirds of Baby Boomers retiring on a limited income.

Well, you won't be taking exotic cruises, but you certainly can travel and enjoy yourself.  Domestic travel is certainly affordable, and (with a little research) traveling aboard on a budget is still possible.

Inexpensive Domestic Travel

With exorbitant gas prices, the cost of car travel to anywhere except local destinations is fast becoming prohibitive.  Ditto for cattle car air travel.  We recommend traveling by train (Amtrak or other local train service) or bus.  Try a short trip first to see if this is for you.  You may be surprised at how enjoyable traveling by mass transit can be.

Low-Cost Local Vacations

Taking a local vacation is an inexpensive way to relax and enjoy yourself.  With a little ingenuity, Baby Boomers on fixed incomes can stretch their dollars to partake local delights.  For example, stay a week at the beach during the off season when motel/hotel rates are much lower, or rent a home in the mountains or the at beach during the off season.  Go to Las Vegas, where low-cost packages can always be found.  Camping, timeshares and home swapping are just a few ways to enjoy an inexpensive vacation. 

Do an Internet search to find good deals for the vacation you are seeking.  And use your AARP membership or ask for a senior discount to get even lower rates.

Low Cost Airfare

There are several Websites dedicated to identifying the lowest cost airfare to a destination of your choice.  Many support centralized searches of such popular sites as Orbitz, Tavelocity and PriceLine.  One to look at is BookingBuddy.com.  Some (such as BestFares.com) are membership based, but cover everything from vacation packages to cruises.

Traveling Abroad on a Budget

With the depreciated dollar and increased airfares, European travel is very expensive for Baby Boomers on a fixed income.  Nonetheless, economical European vacations (e.g., one-to-two weeks under $3,000 with travel, transportation, meals and lodging included) can still be found if you shop around. 

Relaxing, affordable travel vacations to some parts of the world, such as Latin America, are readily available.

CafeBabyBoomers.com has a multitude of useful articles that can help you find affordable travel vacations.  Be sure to read How to Have Cheap Vacations in Europe or Anywhere and Live to Brag About It.

Affordable Baby Boomer Cruises

If you are a Baby Boomer who enjoys visiting foreign ports, partying, dancing, live music, dining, gambling, etc., then a ocean cruise may the ideal vacation for you.  Typically, everything is included in the price tag, so you don't have to worry about extra costs or arranging hotel, dining, entertainment, and other activities.  Short Caribbean or Baja California cruises are especially affordable.  And going on a cruise during the off season can result in some real bargains!  Take a look at 2-for-1 Cruise Deals, or just enter "Cheap Cruises" in Google or Yahoo.

Travel with a Friend or Special Someone

If you are a single Baby Boomer, traveling with a friend of the opposite sex will add spice to your trip.  Online dating sites can be a great place to meet people with similar interests, such as travel.   However, take your time in selecting a travel companion.  Get to know each other.  Meet in person in a safe, neutral location such as a local coffee shop.   Make sure you are comfortable with each other.  The reputable online dating sites have everyone complete a compatibility profile to get you off to a good start.   After all, the purpose of your vacation is to relax and enjoy yourself.  Sharing the adventure with someone who has similar interests will make the trip unforgettable!

Recommended Books

Recommended Websites

• AARP - AARP has a partnership with Travelocity to provide its members with discounted travel and vacation packages.  "Must visit" site that includes everything from cruises to national attractions to RV packages.  Visit the AARP Passport area for best deals.

• Craig's List - Free online classified listings of rentals placed by individuals in your local (or any) area.

• Baby-Boomers-Retire.com - Click on "Air Travel" for a directory of travel agencies offering "cheap travel" deals.

• HomeExchange50Plus - A holiday home exchange site designed for the Boomer traveler.  Enjoy an inexpensive vacation by swapping your home with other Boomers and seniors.

• HotelClub - Provides budget, deluxe and luxury hotel accommodation globally at discount rates.

• Boomeropia - Travel site for Baby Boomers, listing interesting trips and tours in 30 categories, from adventure to pet travel to beaches and bed-and-breakfasts.

• BabyBoomerTrips.com - Comprehensive travel deals and information tailored to the needs of the Baby Boomers.

Top of Page