Being a senior citizen has its privileges--especially in the travel industry. Hoping to court the growing segment of retirees looking to explore the world, some online travel websites offer senior discounts. The trick is figuring out if the senior rate is actually the best rate--sometimes you can find a better discount available to travelers of all ages.
Join the AARP if you're not already a member. For a low yearly membership fee, you can save as much as 20 percent on car rentals, get a standard 10 percent off most hotel rates, and enjoy other discounts like cruise ship spending vouchers and low-priced all-inclusive vacations.
Decide where you want to go, and what kinds of lodging and transportation you'll need to purchase. If you will be driving your own RV, you can get discounted rates at RV parks--there are even seniors-only RV parks available. For flights, often the lowest listed Internet rates can be better than a senior rate you could get by calling the airline directly.
Look into different lodging options if you need a hotel room. Check hotel rates by going to travel websites like Travelocity.com and HotelDiscounts.com--then when you find a deal you like, cross-check it by going to the hotel's website. AARP rates might be lower than the Internet discount rate.
Check out seniors-only travel packages. ElderTraks.com offers senior hiking packages in Africa, Central America, New Zealand and other exotic locales. And forget youth hostels--ElderHostel.com provides not-for-profit lodging for the senior set.
