My sister and I have just completed an almost two-week trip to Italy. We travel about two times a year with each other to foreign countries using credit card points and miles. We are both senior citizens, and we feel completely comfortable traveling worldwide. To encourage other senior citizens to feel comfortable traveling more, here are my tips for senior travel on points and miles.

 

Don’t Be Afraid of Opening Credit Cards

Most people our age are leery of opening up credit cards. We have all experienced the “credit cards are bad” stigma throughout our lives. We may be more worried about ruining our credit scores, too. When used properly (paying your card in full and on time each month), credit card welcome offers are a great way to travel for nearly free.

Opening new cards frequently accrues a stockpile of points and miles for frequent travel. Since we don’t have jobs to keep us at home, now is the time to earn many points and fulfill those travel fantasies!

Even without as many expenditures as when we had families at home, a senior traveler can meet a minimum spending requirement by putting everything on a credit card. Many credit cards are available for which even low-spenders can qualify. Additionally, most seniors have great credit card scores after years of living and paying for a mortgage, car, etc.

 

Leave the Driving to Others

One thing my sister and I do, and usually my husband and I, is depend on Uber, trains, taxis, and limousine services for transportation. I no longer want to mess with a subway system (except in London). I’ve done cheaper ways of travel or rented cars, and now I want it to be easier. When you aren’t paying for flights and a hotel, you can concentrate on more accessible modes of transportation. 

 

 

It’s Time for Luxury

When my family was young, we always stayed at the equivalent of a Hyatt Place or more modest hotel. It was expensive to pay for a hotel, food, and all the “things” for a family. Now, credit card points and miles let me routinely fly business class internationally and stay in luxury. You deserve the same thing; points/miles can make it happen.

On our most recent trip, we talked with another older traveler and her husband, who were staying in hostels. I am so glad that credit card points and miles let me travel differently!

 

 

Plan on Carry-on

The younger me always had a HUGE suitcase, sometimes two. I now only travel carry-on to decrease stress and make my travel more mobile. No more wrenching my back for this grandma or lugging a huge suitcase up and down stairs at the train station.

It is easy enough to wash out a few items in a hotel sink or send them to the hotel’s laundry. It’s much easier than lugging a heavy suitcase all over Europe or wherever you travel. This is one of my favorite tips for senior travel on points and miles.

 

 

Don’t Overschedule

Another huge hint is planning a couple of main activities a day. Gone are the days when I went sightseeing all day long. Now, I like to go to bed earlier or read a book by a pool or in a park. I still love to get out and explore—just not for 8 hours a day!

 

Lessen Jetlag

In the past, a positioning flight meant I would arrive 4-6 hours before my award flight. I would also start panicking if my flight looked like it would be delayed. I was also exhausted once I got on my main flight. Now, I lessen jetlag by arriving at my positioning location the night before. What a stress reliever this has been. Of course, I use credit card points and miles for that stay, so it does not cost me more.

I recently started spending the night at the airport I return to in the United States to lessen that jetlag. This has been so amazing – I get a good night’s sleep and arrive home at the Denver airport rested instead of what would be 3:00 in the morning at the place I had been visiting.

 

 

Get Travel Insurance

Medicare will not pay for health problems while you are abroad. For this reason, I always get an annual travel insurance plan for myself and my husband. The nearly $500 I spend is worth it for peace of mind. We used it when my husband got kidney stones one year when we were in Africa, and it also helped reimburse me for purchases when my luggage was lost twice.

 

Enjoy the Cheaper Award Redemptions

Because you have more free time, you can be more flexible when traveling. Shoulder season is cheaper and less busy; senior travelers can take advantage of that. Due to that flexibility, we can also take advantage of flash sales on many airlines.

 

 

Enjoy Credit Card Benefits at the Airport

You need to experience a good airport lounge for peace and tranquility instead of the crazy airport terminals. TSA Precheck and Global Entry are two credit card benefits that will make your travel more enjoyable. I love using my credit card benefits to make my travel days more enjoyable.

 

 

Bottom Line

What other tips for senior travel on points and miles can you think of? One of the few great perks of getting older is the increased travel flexibility due to not having as many commitments or responsibilities. Don’t let age get in the way of seeing the world – just make a few adjustments and fulfill that passion for travel!

 

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