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Senior Travel: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Tours for Singles
Single senior travelers don't have to pay high single supplements on tours and cruises. Learn about single-friendly tour operators and cruise lines.
Flattering Women's Swimwear
Whether you're packing your bags for a Caribbean cruise or a week by the lake, you'll need a comfortable, flattering bathing suit. Take a look at our top picks and start shopping!
Long-Distance Bus Travel
You can travel economically by bus across the United States and Canada. Learn about bus travel, and Greyhound Lines in particular, and decide if long-distance bus trips will work for you.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes are a travel essential you can't leave behind. There's nothing worse than reaching your dream destination, only to end up with sore feet. Take a look at our top walking shoe picks.
Profile of Grand Circle Travel
Grand Circle Travel offers affordable tours and excellent service, whether you plan to take a land tour, river cruise or ocean cruise.
Beat Checked-Bag Fees
More airlines are adding checked baggage fees to the cost of your vacation. Avoid or reduce your checked-bag fees by using our simple tips.
World War I Trench, Verdun, France
World War I Trench, Verdun, France
The Best of Paris, France
Paris, France, is a city filled with world-famous monuments, top attractions and impressive museums. We've made a list of the top sights in Paris to help you plan your Parisian vacation.
Which Travel Money Is Best?
An important part of travel planning is deciding how you will pay for day-to-day travel expenses. Senior travelers can choose from several travel money options. Find out which one is best for you.
Single Seniors Tours
Single senior travelers don't have to pay high single supplements on tours and cruises. Learn about single-friendly tour operators and cruise lines.
Holiday Airport Parking
Airport parking is every holiday traveler's worst nightmare, but it doesn't have to be. Getting information, planning for delays and investigating alternatives will help you get to your departure gate on time. Our holiday airport parking tips will take you through this planning process, step by step.
Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico
Many travelers wonder whether it is safe to travel in Mexico. Find out about the latest U.S. State Department Mexico travel alerts and about security information for travel to Mexico.
Top 10 Travel Essentials
Packing for a trip can be challenging. Here are some travel essentials to put on your packing list, regardless of destination.
Find Low-Cost Places to Park
Save money while you enjoy RV travel. Find low-cost and free places to park your RV in the U. S. and Canada.
Will My Debit Card Work Abroad
Find out if you can use your debit card away from home, and learn how to safeguard your banking information when using ATMs overseas.
Asphalt Pool, La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles, Calif.
La Brea Tar Pits Outdoor Display, Los Angeles, Calif.
Find Your Best Rental Car Deal
Renting a car doesn't have to break the bank. If you're planning to rent a car on your next trip, learn how to look for the best rental car discounts and rates.
Holiday Travel With Grandkids
What's more traditional than a holiday model train display? Model railroaders work for weeks to bring holiday model train displays to life during the Christmas season. Find out more about holiday model train displays.
Applying for Your Passport
If you plan to visit another country, you'll probably need to get a passport. Here's how to apply for your U. S. passport.
How to Find a Passport Office
If you need a U.S. passport and have never applied for one before, or if you applied for your last passport more than 15 years ago, you will need to go to a passport office (also called a passport acceptance facility) to submit your application. Finding a passport office is a simple process.
Additional Driver Fees
If you're planning to reserve a rental car and want to add an additional driver to your contract, you might end up paying a fee for the privilege. Find out which U.S. rental car companies charge a fee to add another driver to their rental agreements.
Space-Saving Packing Tips
Deciding what to pack can be a challenge. Our packing tips can help you decide what to take on your next trip - and what to leave behind.
Choose Your Destination
Selecting a destination is an important part of the travel planning process. Consider these factors as you plan your next trip.
What Is a Single Supplement?
What is a single supplement, and why do hotels and cruise lines charge extra for single occupancy?
Reasons to Travel
Learn about different types of vacations and travel opportunities and get vacation planning ideas from our sample trip suggestions.
Top Gifts for Senior Travelers
If your holiday shopping list includes a senior traveler, our travel gift ideas, selected especially for mature travelers, will help you choose the perfect present.
Overseas Adventure Travel
Overseas Adventure Travel specializes in small-group adventure travel experiences for vacationers aged 50 and up.
Swirls of Oil Float to the Pool's Surface
Oily Tar Pit, La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles, Calif.
Travel Gift Card
Give your favorite travelers a gift card they can use for airfare, accommodations, restaurants or sightseeing. You can buy a plastic, electronic or even a customized travel gift card for that special someone. Find out about the different types of travel gift cards.
Fort Douaumont Exterior, France
Fort Douaumont Exterior, France
French National Cemetery, Douaumont
French National Cemetery, Douaumont
General Dwight D. Eisenhower D-Day Quote
Eisenhower D-Day Quote, National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC
Peace Wall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Peace Wall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Passport Renewal
If your U.S. passport is about to expire or has expired within the last five years, you can easily renew it by mail. Find out how to renew your passport by mail or in person.
Profile of Exploritas
Exploritas, founded as Eldherhostel in 1975, is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable learning adventures in 90 countries.
Corridor Inside Fort Douaumont, France
Corridor Inside Fort Douaumont, France
Shoes of Unknown Titanic Child
Shoes of Unknown Titanic Child, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
How To Choose Your Shoes
If you are shopping for comfortable walking shoes and don't know where to start, check out our tips for finding the right walking shoes.
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums
Fifes and Drums, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Bus and Motorcoach Tours 101
Learn about bus and motorcoach tours. Find out what questions to ask your bus tour operator before you choose an itinerary.
Train Travel 101
As fuel prices skyrocket and airfares climb accordingly, train travel looks better than ever. Take a look at the pros and cons of train travel and find out if rail travel is a good transportation option for you.
Seats for Larger Passengers
Recently, a few U.S. airlines have announced changes to their policies concerning larger passengers. Some airlines now require "passengers of size" to purchase a second seat. Find out which U.S. airlines have special policies of concern to larger passengers.
Self-Service Check-In
Checking in for your flight is often a do-it-yourself process. Here are some tips to help you check in for your next flight.
Bust of Charlemagne
Golden Reliquary of Charlemagne, Aachen, Germany
Should You Use Tour Groups
Tour groups offer many advantages. Discover the pros and cons of senior tour groups.
Top US Budget Destinations
Budget travel is popular again, and with good reason. Travelers want to maximize value, whether they're heading out for a month or escaping for a weekend. Vacation bargains abound in the U.S., especially for senior travelers. While most airlines discontinued senior discounts long ago, seniors can still find discounts at hotels, museums and other attractions. Take a look at our top picks for U.S. budget travel.
Profile of Go Ahead Tours
Go Ahead Tours provides good-value travel experiences on six continents. Whether you prefer traditional escorted tours, city stays, land / sea experiences or walking tours, Go Ahead Tours probably has an itinerary to meet your needs.
Types of Tours
Learn about different types of tours for senior travelers.
President Harry S Truman Inscription
Harry S Truman Quote, National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC
French Flag Over Fort Douaumont
Fort Douaumont With French Flag and Barbed Wire, France
Memorial Gold Stars
Memorial Stars, National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC
The Famous Flowerpot Rocks
Hopewell Rocks Flowerpot
European Senior Rail Discounts
Senior discounts on European train travel are available in several countries. Each rail system has different terms and conditions for senior discounts. Find out more about senior train travel discounts in Europe.
What Should I Take on My Trip?
It's hard to decide what to pack for your trip. You may need to pack medical equipment, sporting goods or formal wear. Regardless of your destination, think through your needs and activities before you pack.
Page Museum Paleontology Laboratory
Page Museum Paleontology Lab, Los Angeles, California
View of Grotto of Tiberius From Villa Ruins
Grotto of Tiberius, Sperlonga, Lazio, Italy
View Toward Tyrrhenian Sea From Grotto of Tiberius
View Toward Tyrrhenian Sea From Grotto of Tiberius, Sperlonga, Lazio, Italy
Gun Inside Fort Douaumont, France
Gun Inside Fort Douaumont, France
Marine One Helicopter
Presidential Helicopter Marine One, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Houseguest Etiquette 101
Many of us enjoy taking daytrips when we visit family and friends. Staying with loved ones can drastically reduce your travel costs. It's important, however, to remember that you're the guest in someone's home. Find out how to be a host-pleasing houseguest.
RV Park at Stovepipe Wells
RV Park, Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley NP
Youth Hostels 101
Youth hostels definitely have some disadvantages. Before you reserve a youth hostel room, find out what could go wrong.
Wine Travel in Italy
Italy's wine history goes back over 2,000 years, to the times of ancient Greece and Rome. With such a distinguished heritage, it's no wonder that wine lovers flock to Italy to visit wineries, taste famous wines and enjoy local favorites.
How to Rent a Vacation Cottage
Wherever your travels take you, consider a cottage rental. You’ll have room to relax and truly enjoy your vacation time. Whether you plan to leave town for the weekend or spend several weeks away from home, you’ll be able to sleep in, sightsee or sunbathe to your heart’s content.
Samuel Adams' Gravesite, Granary Burying Ground
Samuel Adams' Gravesite, Granary Burying Ground, Boston
Film Star Car
DeLorean Automobile, Auto und Technik Museum, Sinsheim, Germany
Guestbook of the Front Room Restaurant in the Imperial Hotel
Guestbook of Front Room Restaurant, Imperial Hotel, Chestertown, Maryland
Communications Shaft Inside Fort Douaumont, France
Communications Shaft Inside Fort Douaumont, France
Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House, Boston
ATM Cards in Canada
If you're planning a trip to Canada, you should plan to bring your ATM card. Find out if your cell phone and hair dryer will work in Canada, too.
Baggage Loss Insurance
Baggage and personal effects loss coverage is a standard feature of many travel insurance policies. What does baggage loss insurance really cover?
Holiday Travel Tips
Our holiday travel tips for seniors will help you plan a relaxing vacation and reduce your travel costs. As you plan your holiday vacation, take advantage of our road-tested travel planning tips.
How to Get There
Planning a trip? You'll need to decide how to get to your destination. Consider the pros and cons of cars, trains and other transportation options.
Fort Douaumont, France
Fort Douaumont, France
What is an IDP?
If you're planning to drive in another country, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit before you travel. Some rental car companies require them. Learn about the application process and find out where to acquire an international driving permit.
Use Skype to Call Home Cheaply
If you regularly travel with your laptop computer and need to make long distance or international telephone calls, consider setting up a Skype account. Using your laptop and high-speed internet access, you can use Skype make inexpensive or even free international telephone calls.
Naval Academy Chapel
United States Naval Academy Chapel, Annapolis, Maryland
Tour Groups for Seniors
Learning about tour group companies can be very time-consuming. We've compiled a list of well-known and eclectic tour operators that specialize in senior travel. Find out about companies that arrange grandparent / grandchild trips, adventure travel and more.
Pit 91 Excavation at the La Brea Tar Pits
Pit 91 at the La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles, California
Swine Flu and Travel Insurance
As swine flu spreads, travelers are rushing to purchase travel insurance. Before you buy a travel insurance policy, find out if claims related to swine flu will be covered. Learn more about travel insurance and swine flu.
Tour a Soviet-Era Supersonic Transport Airliner
Tupolev TU-144, Auto und Technik Museum, Sinsheim, Germany
Military Airplanes and Helicopters
Airplane Display, Auto und Technik Museum, Sinsheim, Germany
Mural Condemning Sinn Fein
Mural Condemning Sinn Fein, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Berlin Wall Piece
Berlin Wall Piece, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Quote from Women's Army Corps Commanding Officer Oveta Culp Hobby
Oveta Culp Hobby Quote, National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC
Finding Cheap Travel Insurance
Buying cheap travel insurance may save you money up front, but will it help you if you have a problem during your trip? Get the facts about cheap travel insurance.
Budget Rome
Rome, Italy is filled with wonders from ancient and Renaissance times, with art museums, churches and splendid architecture. Plan your budget trip to Rome and see the Eternal City without spending your last euro.
View of Villa Walls, Grotto of Tiberius, Sperlonga, Italy
View of Villa Walls, Grotto of Tiberius, Sperlonga, Italy
Emergency Supplies for Cars
Hitting the road? Don't forget to pack emergency supplies for your trip. Prepare for a roadside disaster before it happens with our list of emergency supplies.
Trifels Castle
Trifels Castle, Annweiler, Germany
Mural Praising Drumcree
Mural Praising Drumcree, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Concorde SST Airliner
Concorde, Auto und Technik Museum, Sinsheim, Germany
Smilodon Skulls
Smilodon Skulls, Page Museum, Los Angeles, Calif.
General George C. Marshall Inscription
Marshall Quote, National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC
Avoiding Pickpockets
Pickpockets can be a problem wherever you travel. Find out how to protect your valuables and convince pickpockets that you're not worth bothering.
African-American Music
African-American Singers, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Replica of Imperial Crown
Replica of Imperial Crown, Trifels Castle, Annweiler, Germany
What Is a Contract of Carriage
If you're traveling by air, it's a good idea to read your airline's Contract of Carriage before your trip. Find out what a Contract of Carriage is and how to get a copy from your airline.
How to Choose a Motel
When you're faced with a list of motels, how do you choose the one that best meets your needs? These tips can help you select the right motel for your next trip.
Driving the Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail is a road, not a hiking path, that takes visitors on a scenic drive along Cape Breton Island's stunningly beautiful coastline. If you plan to visit Nova Scotia and drive the Cabot Trail, our useful, road-tested tips will help you make the most of your experience.
Aachen Cathedral
Aachen Cathedral, Germany
Devils Cornfield
Devils Cornfield, Death Valley NP
Lejeune Hall's Olympic Swimming Pool
Olympic Pool, Lejeune Hall, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
Wine Travel in France
French wines are famous around the world, and with good reason. Wherever you go in France, you can find vineyards and a well-established winemaking tradition.
Road Trip Pros and Cons
Taking a road trip is a great way to see the countryside. Road trips offer flexibility and freedom of choice. Consider the pros and cons of road trips before deciding how to get to your destination.
Detail of Aachen Cathedral Exterior
Detail of Aachen Cathedral Exterior, Germany
Learn About the Inventor of the Telephone and Hydrofoil
Alexander Graham Bell Museum, Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Car on Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill, Moncton, New Brunswick
Record-Breaking Vehicles
Blue Flame, Auto und Technik Museum, Sinsheim, Germany
Disappearing Gun, North Head Historic Reserve
Disappearing Gun, North Head, New Zealand
Budget London
London is one of the world's top travel destinations, but the British capital has a reputation for high prices. Find out how to see London on a budget and learn about free and senior-friendly attractions in London.
Memorial Wreaths
Memorial Wreaths and Washington Monument from National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC
Getting Travel Insurance
Find out whether purchasing travel insurance will give you the coverage you need.
Profile of Collette Vacations
Collette Vacations offers 150 different itineraries, including river cruises, train journeys and escorted tours. This family-owned company, founded in 1918, can take you to Alaska, Antartica, and many places in between.
Hopewell Rocks View Point at High Tide
Hopewell Rocks From View Point
Overseas Travel and H1N1 Flu
Some countries and airlines are screening international travelers for novel H1N1 influenza, or swine flu. If your travel plans will take you overseas, you may be screened or even quarantined for possible novel H1N1 flu. Find out how to prepare for overseas travel in this era of H1N1 flu.
Planning Your Trip
Travelers today can visit nearly every part of the planet. With so many destinations available, trip planning can be very complex. Decide where to travel, how you'll get there and where you'll stay using our trip planning tips.
Rental Car Fees
Airlines aren't the only travel providers assessing fees to boost revenues. Rental car companies have come up with ways to charge customers for everything from filling up the gas tank to returning rental cars early. Find out more about rental car fees, how much they'll cost you and what to do if you are billed in error.
Holiday Decorations, Colonial-Style
Coke-Garrett House, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
See Bell's Famous Tetrahedral Kites
Kite, Alexander Graham Bell Museum, Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Wall Defenses
Wall Cannons, Fortress of Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Use Budget Airlines
If you're traveling in Europe, you can choose from dozens of low-cost airlines. Find out if this budget travel option is right for you.
Top Sights in New Brunswick
New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, and you'll find evidence of the area's French heritage wherever you go. New Brunswick is home to warm beaches, outstanding living history museums and the world-famous Bay of Fundy. Take a look at New Brunswick's top attractions, both natural and man-made.
Ceremonial Sword of John Paul Jones
Ceremonial Sword Given to John Paul Jones, United States Naval Academy Chapel, Annapolis, Maryland
Nationalist Murals, Belfast
Murals in Catholic Neighborhood, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Traveler's Web
Whether you're new to using the Web for travel planning or you're an experienced Web surfer, Randolph Hock's The Traveler's Web can help you choose your destination, book your travel and save money.
Authentic Colonial Crafts and Trades
Weavers, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Volunteer Travel
If typical travel experiences aren't your style, consider a volunteer travel opportunity. You can share your time and talents near home or on the other side of the planet. Either way, you'll leave some very important things behind - hope and help.
Doorway of Mayan Temple
Mayan Temple Doorway, Muyil, Mexico
Should I Travel Abroad?
Visiting another country can be the experience of a lifetime. If you're feeling intimidated by the challenges of language barriers and unfamiliar customs, take a look at some of the pros and cons of international travel.
Air Force One
Air Force One, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Budget Hotels in Europe
If you're planning a trip to Europe, consider less expensive, nontradtional accommodations, such as independent hotels, convents, youth hostels and vacation apartments.
Page Museum Exhibit
Page Museum Exhibit, Los Angeles, California
Stay Healthy on Vacation
Take steps to stay healthy while on vacation. Find out which travel medical supplies and documents to pack and how to avoid illness during your trip. Get information about travel medical insurance and learn how to protect yourself from food- and animal-borne diseases.
Pet Boarding
Pet owners planning vacations need to carefully consider their pet care options. Pet boarding is one of the most popular options; your pet stays at a professionally-run pet kennel while you travel. Find out more about pet boarding kennels and other pet boarding options.
What Is a U.S. Passport Card?
The wallet-sized U.S. passport card is an alternative to the traditional passport book. The passport card can only be used for certain types of travel. Find out where and how to get a passport card and decide whether it's the right option for you.
A Year of American Festivals
Attending a festival is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture. You can find festivals all over the U.S., with themes ranging from art to food to wildlife watching. To showcase the variety of festivals you can visit, we've selected 12 annual events.
Greek Theater, Neapolis, Siracusa, Italy
Greek Theater, Neapolis, Siracusa, Italy
Dahlgren Hall and B-1 Aircraft
Dahlgren Hall Interior, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
Did John Cabot Land Here?
Cabot's Landing Monument, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Review of Volunteer Vacations
If you've always wanted to travel and help others, Volunteer Vacations can help you choose the trip that is best for you. This travel guidebook profiles organizations that offer volunteer travel programs.
Pacific Theater Pavilion
Pacific Theater Pavilion, National World War II Memorial
Washington Monument and Ceremonial Entrance
Washington Monument Seen From National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC
Eastern Canada Driving FAQ
If you plan to drive in Canada's maritime provinces, you'll want to know what the roads are like. Find out more about road conditions in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and, most importantly, learn what to do if you spot a moose in the road.
Baldacchino, Atlantic Theater
Atlantic Theater Pavilion Baldacchino, National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC
Senior Couple Trips
The perfect romantic getaway is only a few clicks away. Jump-start your planning by reviewing our couples-only travel options.
National Museum of the U.S.A.F
The National Museum of the United States Air Force, located in Dayton, Ohio, is the largest and oldest military aviation museum in the world. The museum showcases the history of the U.S. Air Force and is packed with historic aircraft, memorabilia, aviation equipment and weapons.
Rail Passes for Seniors
If you're planning to tour one country for several weeks, buying a rail pass may be your best option. You'll have the freedom to travel whenever you like. If your travels take you to Europe or Canada, consider buying a senior rail pass.
Money Belts and More
Money belts and waist pouches help you keep your travel money safe. Many travel security pouches are large enough to hold your passport and credit cards as well as your cash. Take a look at our top picks for travel pouches and money belts.
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