AARP Hearing Center
Even if you are traveling on a limited budget, there are many ways to upgrade your vacation without spending a bundle.
Small upgrades, chosen wisely, can make a trip feel more special. According to AARP’s most recent travel trends report, the cost of travel was the leading barrier to travel for individuals over 50. Cost is also the main reason some people 50-plus took fewer trips the previous year. Yet, many frequent travelers know how to stretch their travel budget to get the most out of their trips.
Here are 25 great ways to treat yourself while on vacation that won’t cost a ton.
1. Use an airport lounge
Airport lounges can make travel days more enjoyable. “Although there is a modest payment to access a lounge, the cost often covers comfortable seats, food, drinks and internet,” says Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance. This can help offset the cost of entry if you are planning on buying a meal or drinks at the airport. There are various ways to access airport lounges. Options include paying a one-time fee for a day pass, purchasing a Priority Pass membership that includes access to over 1,000 lounges, using a credit card that provides lounge access or booking an airline ticket that includes access.
2. Bookend your core stay with low-cost lodging
While switching hotels may seem like a pain, it can be a great way to upgrade your vacation without spending a bundle. To make the most of your trip, and stretch your budget a little further, stay at a less-expensive hotel the night before you check in at your main destination and the night you check out. This works especially well if you are visiting a resort. Since many resorts allow you to use their amenities for the entire day when you check in and check out, you can add two full days to your stay without paying for extra nights at an expensive property. It’s also a good approach if you are paying a premium to stay in a desirable location, especially if you are arriving late at night or leaving early in the morning.
3. Use a hotel lounge
Some hotels have lounges select guests can use. Like airport lounges, many hotel lounges are a comfortable space to work or socialize. Many also provide complimentary food and drinks. There are various ways to access hotel lounges, including getting elite status with a hotel or booking a room that includes lounge access. Hyatt, for example, offers access to its Regency Club Lounge with breakfast and all-day beverages. Guests who book certain suites gain access to the lounge.
4. Get creative with your use of points and miles
Using points and miles to buy airline tickets, book hotels and go on excursions can greatly reduce the cost of travel. You can earn points and miles by putting everyday expenses on select credit cards, using shopping portals or through hotel stays and flights. To get the most value out of your points and miles, transfer them to a partner rather than booking through a travel portal. For example, you will probably get more value out of Chase Ultimate Rewards points by transferring points to United Airlines and booking through United directly. To earn as many points as possible, use your credit cards strategically. If you have a credit card that earns additional points for groceries, be sure to use that card whenever you go to the grocery store.
Consider staying at a less expensive hotel and getting a day pass to a resort.
Sam Island
5. Get a day pass to a resort
Instead of paying top-tier rates to stay at a resort or hotel with luxury amenities, consider staying at a less expensive hotel and getting a day pass. Sites like ResortPass, Daycation or Dayaxe provide daily access to hotels and resorts, often at a fraction of the cost of staying on-site.
6. Ask about a hotel room upgrade
Sometimes, asking for an upgrade of your hotel room is all it takes to get a nicer room. “I’ll often call a hotel a day or two before arriving and inquire about a last-minute upgrade. Hotels are often willing to give a room upgrade for a little cheaper at the last minute,” says Daniel Herszberg, co-founder of Travel Insighter, who operates Fiery Hearts Tours. If you are celebrating a special occasion, such as an anniversary, retirement or birthday, getting an upgrade may be as easy as emailing the hotel in advance and letting them know an upgrade would help make your stay more memorable. Even if an upgrade isn’t available immediately, let the front desk know you are open to an upgrade later in your stay if one becomes available.
7. Get TSA PreCheck, Clear and Global Entry
In the U.S., TSA PreCheck, Clear and Global Entry can help travelers speed through security, customs and immigration, leaving more time for your vacation. Plus, travelers who have TSA PreCheck can leave their shoes on when going through security, which can be helpful for those with mobility issues. Although there is a fee to enroll in each of these services, access can save time and aggravation. Even better, some credit cards, like Capital One Venture Card, certain American Express cards and Navy Federal’s Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Card, will cover the cost of enrollment fees. Outside of the U.S., some airports, like Heathrow in London and Dubai International Airport, have programs that help travelers speed through immigration and security for a fee. “Given how many flights are timed for early-morning departure slots, this often results in some very valuable extra sleep,” Herszberg says.
8. Use Mobile Passport Control
If you don’t want to pay for Global Entry or don’t travel enough to justify the cost, consider using Mobile Passport Control. This free app allows eligible travelers to breeze through immigration when returning to the U.S. Users upload a photo of their travel documents and answer several questions before reaching passport control. Many airports have a dedicated line for Mobile Passport Control users.
