5 Cheap Travel Destinations for Retirees This Fall and Winter
If you want to stay toasty and within budget as the weather gets a little crisp (or downright cold) but still want to take some nice vacations, you can still find places to go without constantly compromising your desire to travel with living on a fixed retirement income.
In fact, retirement travel comes with plenty of advantages, as there is no longer any counting PTO days you have or figuring out which family member you can beg to babysit the kids. For those in good health and with the financial means, it's the perfect time to check some places off the bucket list.
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Here are some expert-backed cheap travel destinations for retirees this season.
1. El Paso, Texas
If you’re looking to keep it local, or at least domestically within the U.S., then travel expert Andres Serra, Head of Operations at Optimise Travel, recommends going where even the savings are bigger.
“El Paso is a good option for retirees looking for a five- to seven-night trip within the US and a winter that is milder than in much of the Midwest or Northeast…Round-trip flights from Chicago usually cost between $325 and $550. For a three-star hotel, expect to pay $100 to $130 per night, and plan for $45 to $65 per person each day for meals, transportation, and attractions. Altogether, a seven-night trip would cost about $990 to $1,460 per person if two people share a room,” said Serra.
Plus, it’s pedestrian-friendly (or at least public-transportation friendly as El Paso has a free, ADA-accessible streetcar that runs for 4.8 miles through downtown and uptown, according to Serra. “Sun Metro also gives reduced fares to people aged 65 and older. However, it’s still a good idea to check if your hotel is close to the places you want to visit, since the streetcar does not reach every part of the city,” he said.
2. Mérida, Mexico
A quick jaunt south of the border can also be fun, sunny, and affordable thanks to daily expenses being low and a longer visit balancing out the cost of international airfare.
“Round-trip flights from New York usually cost between $445 and $710, though you might find lower prices during sales. For a budget hotel, plan on $60 to $100 per night, and set aside $35 to $55 per person each day. For seven nights, the total would be about $900 to $1,445 per person,” said Serra.
3. Gulf Shores, Alabama
According to Serra, Gulf Shores is most affordable for retirees who can drive there and stay for two to four weeks. You’re retired, so take a nice long leisurely trip. “In my experience, the most affordable winter destination is usually one that a retiree can reach with few connections, enjoy from a well-located hotel, and visit without needing to pay for transportation they won’t use much,” he said.
“Winter lodging usually ranges from $80 to $120 per night, and you should plan for $40 to $60 per person per day. For seven nights, the cost is about $560 to $840 per person, excluding transportation, taxes, cleaning fees, booking charges and parking fees,” said Serra.
4. Split, Croatia
Want to feel like you're living in "Game of Thrones," minus the dragons? Split's got you covered, as this Adriatic gem has beaches, ruins and some of the best food in the game. A week-long trip for two can start around $1,120, including wining, dining and relaxing, according to Expedia.
5. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam, is an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers looking for a rich cultural experience. Per Expedia, travel packages, including day trip visits to attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, typically run between $441 and $1,200 per person for a week, and often include stays at budget-friendly hotels or guesthouses, plus city tours and transportation.
Laura Beck and Rafaela Stalbalk Klose contributed to the reporting for this article.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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