Savvy Seniors
More and more retirees are tackling Europe. Is Europe friendly to older globetrotters? Please share any special deals, tricks, or advice.
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Savvy Seniors
Ask for senior discounts everywhere you go. Even if they don't have a discount posted - ask anyway. We just got back from Ireland and asked for and received senior discounts on almost everything...just remember it doesn't hurt to ask!
Susan Roberts
Julian, NC USA 10/19/2009
cheaper theatre London
Many people wait in lines for half price ticket and pay 2 1/2 pounds per ticket just go to the theatre ask for a conscesion. ticket no service charge no line . last trip I did this for 9 out of 11 tickets it works !!! you must be a bit of a senior but never asked for ID. Restriced view is another saver
<email>
USA 10/19/2009
Document Reservoir
Rather than open an account in g-mail for saving document copies, I "Attach" documents I have scanned and saved in the computer and mail them to my e-mail. I then move them to one of "My Folders". Since I use Yahoo mail, they are always available without opening a new account.
Sandra DiGiulio <email>
Mountain View, CA USA 08/23/2009
Train Traveler's Tips for Seniors
Just returned from Italy. If you are going to do a good amount of train travel in Italy you might consider buying a senior card (Silver Card 0r Argento) which gives you a discount. I told the agent where I would be traveling and he figured the prices with and without the card. After one round trip from Trieste to Rome, and a trip to Munich, I am three euros ahead and the card is good for a year. See trenitalia.it The Silver card ("Carta d'Argento") costs 30 euro (free for customers of 75 years and over). It allows discounts of 10% off wagon lits and couchettes, 15% off the Base Fares (first and second class) on all national trains, and 25% off international connections.
Mary Small <email>
Waikoloa, Hawaii USA 07/08/2009
Folks With Limitations
Just got back from Paris and like many European cities they are can be a little rough if you have knee or leg problems. The Paris Metro can give you a real workout with the many flights of stairs you have to climb as well as descend. Take a folding cane because it will come in handy on those cobblestone streets where walking can be difficult. No wonder the French are so thin. They walk miles a day and climb many flights of stairs just to get around.
Louis Galanos <email>
Gainesville, FL USA 06/22/2009
Canadian Seniors to Italy
Italy has reciprocal arrangements with Canada which allow over 65s free entry to state owned sites eg Pompeii (this also applies to children under 16). This is the same concession that is given to EU citizen seniors.
The link is for sites in Rome but I know this applies to other state owned sites in Italy. Maybe print out the link in English and Italian to take with you. You will need to show your passport.
http://www.romapass.it/doc/gratuita_e_riduzioni_eng.pdf
Linda
Bromley, UK 05/18/2009
Senior discounts
On a trip to Poland last spring, we discovered that their senior discounts are HALF PRICE!!! A great deal for lift, concert, or Wawel Castle tickets!
Chris Arena <email>
Burlington, CT USA 05/07/2009
Planning a Trip to Italy and France that includes a River Cruise
September 08 Trip to Italy and France
Our planning began by booking a River Cruise "Provence and Burgandy" Avalon Waterways newest cruise which begins in Nice, and ends in Paris. We wanted to see some of Tuscany while there so I referred to Rick's Italy and the graffiti wall for ideas and selected a place to stay in Levanto and an Agriturismo near Luca. Someplace on the graffiti wall site I found the name of a travel agent someone had used and was very happy with so I e-mailed her and had her make the details all flow together. She has traveled widely in Europe and other parts of the world and was born and raised in France and studied in Paris so I seemed like a good fit...and she was indeed. She made the air arrangements, car, hotels, and agriturismo arrangements and it all worked magnificently. We have found her to be fun, detailed and her arrangements we amazingly convenient, so we could walk with luggage from the car rental office and pick up to our hotel in Nice, and in Paris we could easily walk to many wonderful sites and restaurants. She even gave us a walking tour from our hotel. Darling lady...so who is she? Danielle Santal go-journeys@comcast.net. We highly recommend her!
HarLyn and Jerry
Colorado Springs, Co
HarLyn and Jerry Mlynek <email>
Colorado Springs, Co USA 02/16/2009
Document recovery
Before leaving for Europe (or elsewhere), create a gmail account, then scan all your important documents and email them to yourself as a PDF attachment. If you should lose any or all documents taken with you, you need only find a computer with internet connection and a printer. Go to your created gmail account and search your inbox for the scanned PDF documents. Voila, back in business.
Bill <email>
Easley, SC USA 02/11/2009
First Class Train Travel YES
My wife and I enjoyed a 4 day german twin train pass although the first class option (about 150$) for 2 was a nice treat not at all necessary but nice affordable treat, we spent 36 hours ( 18 hours each )on train so a bit of luxury
USA 01/11/2009