Senior citizens represent the fastest growing segment of the travel market. Responding to that trend are travel agencies that deal almost exclusively with domestic and international group tours for seniors. One of the most popular destinations is Europe and interested travelers can also book those tours through senior citizen organizations, churches, hospital and/or insurance groups, colleges, county services, even homeowner's associations.
Find travel agencies or programs that cater to the over-50 set. They'll have the best deals and be able to address issues and needs specific to the more mature traveler.
Check out group tours such as those promoted by Grand Circle Travel, the oldest U.S. agency dealing only with senior citizens and known for being affordable. They can organize cruises, hiking/biking trips and "stay put" vacations, which could include several weeks of fairly plush residency in a warm romantic foreign city.
Consider the hostel option. Elderhostels are the rage in European travel where one fee covers room, board and tuition at student residence halls. You pay the airfare separately and pack a lifetime of intellectual curiosity.
Research options closer to home. YMT Vacation, Inc. operates almost solely in the U.S., although they now have some international tours. They're affordable and their tours are fully escorted.
Look into the trend of "base" tours. Gadabout Tours is one travel agency that places its groups into one hotel or "base" per region and operates "circular" trips from there, returning each night to the same hotel, where travelers stay for the entire tour. This option means travelers need only unpack once and it's also a more affordable way of vacationing.
Swap houses. There are companies that specialize in arranging house swaps as a means of affordable vacations through the states, Europe and other countries.
