If you are a senior still looking to have a bit of fun on your holidays, seeing the country by bus is a great way to do it. There are some really great trips to be taken by bus. All you have to do is know where to look and have a feel for where you would like to go. That is why it is helpful to know some of the best trips in America currently tailor-made for the senior market.
No matter what region of the country you want to see, there is a fun bus trip waiting for you as a senior. Some of these trips can take a week or more, while others are designed as weekend getaways. These are trips that you can take solo or with a few friends, as you will also meet others on the bus.
With an entire country waiting for you to see it, the most difficult part of planning a bus trip as a senior is often deciding where to go. That is where this guide will come in handy. We have looked through many trips and come up with the following exciting excursions that seniors will love. Have a look, and then get ready to start packing your bags.
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How Can Seniors Travel Cheaply?
If you are a senior and eager to travel, money may become an issue. Many seniors live on a fixed income and do not want to spend all of their savings taking trip after trip. Thankfully, there are some great ways to travel where you want to go as a senior and have it fit comfortably within your budget.
Here are a few of the many ways that seniors can end up traveling quite cheaply:
- Join an organization that offers travel discounts – There are a number of organizations that cater specifically to seniors. Many of these will provide various types of travel discounts just for being a member. AARP and AAA are just two of the many that fit this category.
- Become a savvy travel shopper – With the Internet now in full effect, seniors have many ways to research their travel options. By becoming a savvy travel shopper, you can save hundreds of dollars off just one trip. Take time to do your research and make sure that you are getting the best value for your money. Join travel forums to find out where other seniors are booking their travel and then look there as well.
- Don’t lock in your travel dates – One of the advantages of being a senior is that you do not always have to travel on fixed dates. You may have the flexibility to travel on a moment’s notice. If that is the case, you can save quite a bit of money on last minute deals that become available.
- Use connecting flights when traveling by plane – If you decide to travel by plane, consider booking flights that connect to other cities. While it might take you longer to get to your destination, you will find that these fares are cheaper on average than a non-stop flight. Also, look to smaller airports that might offer lower fares in an effort to lure more travelers their way.
- Take advantage of free stopovers in route – If you are not in a hurry to get home, consider a stopover on the way home. Again, this is available if you are flying. Many tickets will allow you to stop in a connecting city for a few days before resuming travel to your final destination. This is a great way to see a new place without having to pay to get there.
- Use Airbnb or similar services – Seniors can save a lot of money by staying in a private residence as opposed to a hotel room. You can also fit many more people in a house than you can a room, so this will save everyone some money in the long run. You also have the added benefit of gaining a kitchen so that you can cook many of your meals inside the home.
- Spend more time and take the bus – If you have time, skip plane travel and take the bus. This is a great way to see the country, and you will enjoy the scenery at the same time. You will also be able to see many more destinations per trip than you would if you just flew from one place to another.
Using a combination of these tips will likely save you money starting with your next trip. The key is to take your time and look for deals that fit within your budget and take you to the places that you want to go. It is possible to do so without sacrificing the activities you want to participate in the most.
Where Do Seniors Like to Travel?
There really is nowhere that is off-limits to seniors. While many trips will focus on natural parks and the great outdoors, there are also many that will take you to major metropolitan areas to enjoy a week or more of culture and adventure. The key is to find locations that are accessible to those in need and to travel at times of the year that bring great weather.
Seniors may have special needs when they travel. Bus trips are able to accommodate this. In addition, seniors typically want to travel places where a lot of walking is not required, so that is something to keep in mind as well. Time of the year is important. New England is great to visit in March or September, but the temperatures tend to plummet from December to February.
5 Super Fun Bus Trips for Seniors in the US
While seniors can take many different bus trips in the United States, some are much more fun than others. This is the key. You want to enjoy your trip and make the most of every moment you have away from home. Here are five super fun bus trips in America that seniors will want to consider taking.
Changing of the Leaves in New England
As soon as you visit New England in the fall, you will figure out why so many people say it is the most beautiful place in America. Seeing it by bus really accentuates that fact. When you take a bus trip through New England in the fall, you will get to enjoy the fresh air and the changing of the leaves. It does not get any better than this.
Many bus trips are organized through New England. They typically last for eight days. You will depart and return from Boston, making it easy to arrange travel plans. Along the way, you will travel through places such as Williamstown, Vermont, Main, and more.
National Parks Galore
With so many national parks to see in America, it is often difficult to know where to begin. This is why a super fun bus trip for seniors involves traveling to several of them, all on the same itinerary. You will be able to see such world famous locations as Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon.
One typical bus trip to explore the many national parks in the U.S. will take between 12 and 15 days to complete. Along the way, you can see:
- Zion National Park
- Loretto Chapel
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Monument Valley
- Much more
Traveling by bus is ideal for seeing so much on one trip. Along the way, you will converse with friends and really explore the natural part of America and a new and exciting fashion.
The Highlights of California
California has a lot to see within its borders. This makes it difficult to see on just one trip, but it is yet another reason why a bus trip through California can be so much fun for seniors. Since you would not want to make a round trip, a bus trip starting in San Francisco and then ending up in Los Angeles is ideal.
Along the way, you can stop in Sonoma and take part in a wine tasting. That will be an unforgettable experience for sure. Another amazing site will be Yosemite National Park. In addition to this, you will be able to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, see the famous cable cars, and so much more.
Experience what the South Has to Offer
If you have never had the opportunity to explore the southern part of the United States, this is your time to do so. A bus will take you through rural towns complete with Antebellum mansions and bring you right to the doorstep of major cities as well.
When you are in Tennessee, you can visit the Grand Ole Opry. There will even be time to visit Graceland in Memphis. From Memphis to New Orleans and everything in between, a bus trip through the South can be super fun for seniors.
Explore the Entire State of Vermont
If you are looking for a bus trip that is a bit more focused on one particular area, then a journey through Vermont is in the cards. A typical trip will last for six days. Along the way, you will be able to visit several of the cities that have made the state so famous. With a mixture of lakes, cities, and cultural events to keep you entertained, you will love this trip.
How Can I Get Started Planning a Bus Trip for Seniors?
If you are a senior looking for book a bus trip, there are many ways to begin the planning process. For individuals, you may want to consider joining a group tour. This is a great way to meet other seniors and be able to take advantage of an itinerary that is already set for you. If you are a member of AAA or another travel organization, they can get you headed in the right direction.
It is also possible to book your own bus trip. You might be a couple looking to spend a few weeks away from home or have your own group ready to travel and explore the country. You can research bus routes online and create your own travel itinerary. You can easily stay in each city along the way for a few days before picking up the next bus as it passes by.
Wrap-Up
These five trips are just the beginning. There is a big country out there for you to experience, and taking a bus in an affordable way to do it. Begin by doing your research and then deciding what part of the country you would like to see next. You will probably find a trip that is right up your alley, so let the planning process begin.