Destinations

Do you have a favorite dish/regional specialty that's served only/primarily in one part of the country? What is it and where would we find it?

  Hello all, I am a woman  in my early 70s and have the sudden desire to go zip lining, preferably in a forest.  Can anyone suggest a reliable place in the US? 

Hi everyone! I'm new here and really inspired by all the beautiful travel stories I’ve seen in this forum.I’m not from the U.S., but I’ve always been curious—what’s one place you've traveled to that brought you peace or joy? Maybe somewhere by the sea, in the mountains, or even just a quiet town?I’d love to hear about your favorite memories, or get tips for future travel dreams.I'm just someone who enjoys listening, learning, and connecting with kind people around the world 🌍💛Thanks for reading, and wishing you a calm, sunny day!– Anna

I guess it depends on the departure airport and how early a flight one might have…but how early are people showing up now, since the unpaid TSA worker situation? just saw on the news that a person arrived 6 hours early for her flight. That seems excessive.  

FROM THE ARTICLE. Plan your next getaway to one of these on-trend locations. By Elaine Glusac, AARP. Published October 31, 2025. Citing physical and mental benefits, most Americans age 50 and up remain eager to travel, according to a 2025 survey by AARP. The biggest inhibitor to travel? The cost. Fortunately, these eight destinations provide new offerings and are on trend in 2026. They also offer a wealth of affordable activities and accommodations, with rates that start at around $200 a night. Since travel prices, particularly for airfare and accommodations, rise with demand, consider vacationing in the offseason to save the most. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/affordable-us-destinations-2026/

I am a senior and have a dog about Boarder Collie size who I like to take with me most places. Why are there no travel vacations for people who would like to take their animals with them?  

Mardi Gras is coming up soon this year on February 25th! Have you traveled to celebrate Mardi Gras? How did you like it? What did you like best, and do you have any tips?   Feel free to share fun photos - we'd love to see what you got up to!

Going to Aruba and have seen and heard suggestions as to whether or not to get additional rental car insurance? comments please!!

I understand I can get $50 ship board credit because of AARP but can’t find how to apply for it.  Can you help me 

I was just reading how Amtrak is gaining more popularity with travelers trying to get flights. Anyone having problems might want to look into this.   

Lately, been doing a rolling method.   Haven’t tried travel cubes yet..  Any packing hints that work for others?  I’ve been watching a few videos for ideas.  Thanks.

FROM THE ARTICLE. Massive Flight Delays Worry Travelers as Government Shutdown Continues.Challenges intensify as the holiday travel season looms. By Berit Thorkelson, AARP. Published October 03, 2025. ➡️[*** Updated October 31, 2025. The U.S. government shutdown is now headed toward the one-month mark, making it the second-longest shutdown in American history.It’s closing in on the longest, which was the last shutdown. That ran from Dec. 22, 2018, to Jan. 25, 2019 — 35 days. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/government-shutdown-travel-plans/

FROM THE ARTICLE. 9 Big Under-Seat Bags to Take on Your Next Plane Trip.These superstar personal-item bags fit under an airplane seat yet still have room for your travel essentials. By Berit Thorkelson, AARP. Published August 29, 2025. Over the years, I’ve become a pro at packing everything into my personal-item bag when flying. This is largely because airlines have forced my hand. I regularly fly on the cheap, opting for low-cost carriers and full-service carriers’ budget category, both of which often charge for a carry-on.On the low end, on average, that’s $35 per leg, and when you multiply that by four family members, that’s $280, at minimum — money I’d rather spend at my destination or keep in my bank account. My teenage kids have even taken to packing light, if only because they might experience the savings as a splurge vacation meal or destination swag. If we must, we’ll spring for one carry-on for us all. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.a

Does anyone here enjoy motorcoach tours?. weather day or overnighters.Where did you go and what did you enjoy about it?.  i am heading for Niagara falls with Diamond tours. i done others with them.

Do you enjoy cruising? If so, where have you been that you really enjoyed? Tell us about your experience!   Or, where would you like to go and on what type of cruise?

FROM THE ARTICLE. Pumpkins, cranberries and apples — oh my! Road trip-worthy fests celebrate autumn’s beautiful bounty. By Berit Thorkelson, AARP. Published September 17, 2025. What do a three-story pumpkin tower, a sunflower field photo op and a mashed potato-eating contest have in common? These are all ways to celebrate American agriculture at crop-focused festivals around the country this fall.U.S. agritourism continues to rise in popularity year over year, according to statistics from Grand View Research, a market research and consulting company. And fall’s temperate weather, beautiful colors and bountiful harvests are natural draws for road-trippers looking for weekend getaways, ranking in the top three domestic travel motivations for travelers 50 and over in AARP’s most recent travel trends survey. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/colorful-fall-festivals/

🗣By Susan B. Barnes, AARP. Published September 14, 2023. FROM THE ARTICLE: Try out the eco-friendly housing trend at one of these resorts across the U.S. https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/lodging/info-2023/tiny-home-resorts.html

FROM THE ARTICLE. Get some pointers on how to rent an RV, with tips on where to look and how to research. By Heather Mundt, AARP. Published May 03, 2024.➡️[*** Updated June 30, 2025. Albuquerque, New Mexico, couple Debbie and Max Kush had never considered RVing until a group of friends invited them on a camping trip in fall 2022. As a retired military officer, Max, 72, could rent an RV for the trip from the Kirtland Air Force Base for under $200.The available units were well-maintained, he says, but they showed some wear. Debbie noticed bloodstains on the couch, for instance, probably from hunters who often rent the travel trailers. And the bed was little more than a thin mattress on plywood. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/outdoors/rv-curious/

 I genuinely don't understand why AARP Claims they provide members with discounts. I have never seen a genuine discount on any of my travels. The same prices are provided by a simple Google Search. There is absolutely NO discount. A group with the purchasing power of AARP should DEFINITELY be able to negotiate a significant discount for their users. Think of the access all these groups receive by our membership in AARP. I appreciate some of AARP's effectiveness in advocating for us, but this pretense that they our securing us travel discounts borders on a deception or a scam. In turn that calls AARP's credibility into question. So I have to wonder, why does AARP even bother with the pretense?

I believe the price you see when searching for rental cars on AARP does include all the charges prior to actually renting (concession, facility, energy recover, etc.). But what it doesn't say is you'll be charged a toll convenience fee (no option to deny this service, charged and notified over a week after the end of the rental). Mine was over $20 for two days (plus the tolls). The toll system in Florida (Orlando) now just does license plate charging, so that $20 ($10/day?) is for them to receive the charge from FL electronically and charge that toll to my credit card and send an email. That's ridiculous. And if you return with anything other than a full tank, it's $10/gallon (in Orlando). I will not be renting from Avis again, or Budget which is owned by Avis. I don't know if other car companies are like this, but it's worth a try.

 DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY - BE YOUR REALID SELF - DEADLINE: MAY 07, 2025  After years and years of preparation, among the waves of disagreement on the policy - We are now at the Starting Line in using this form of identification for especially flying. Could it be used for other things too?   Are you ready?   

FROM THE ARTICLE. These quaint towns offer laid-back charm and smaller crowds for your next beach getaway. By Gigi Ragland, AARP. Published August 01, 2025. A visit to a small beach town in a beautiful location is a mood enhancer. Studies in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and Scientific Reports have shown that a simple beach walk can help reduce anxiety, which can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Just being near the water is calming. According to the 2025 AARP Travel Trends survey, most travelers 50-plus agree that getting away is good for their health, with 47 percent looking to relax and rejuvenate on vacation. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/nostalgic-beach-getaways.html

▶️To reply, click on reply button at bottom of this post. Enter your text. Click reply button again.◀️ READ comments and/or ADD a comment. Where would YOU go? 🤔 Thank you, Nicole ✈️ (Destinations Forum)

FROM THE ARTICLE: Enforcement begins May 7, 2025. Travelers will need the upgraded driver’s licenses for security screening. By Christina Ianzito and Ken Budd, AARP. Published September 16, 2021. ➡️[*** Updated May 01, 2025. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin enforcing the Real ID law on May 7, 2025. As of that date, you can no longer use a regular driver’s license to board a domestic flight.Conceived in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Real ID law requires people to show security-enhanced IDs to pass through airport security checkpoints or to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases. This requirement led to the Real ID, which is an enhanced driver’s license or state ID card. Sometimes called the Star Card, because most states mark Real ID cards with a gold or black star in the top right corner, it must include an encoded “machine readable zone,” like a passport’s, with a person’s scannable information. USE THE LINK

FROM THE ARTICLE: 6 Things You Can Do to Secure Your Phone as You Reenter the Country After Traveling.In some instances, government agents can search your digital devices legally after an international trip. By Edward C. Baig, AARP. *** There is 1 Comment on the AARP website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published April 02, 2025. These days, you could face extra scrutiny at the border when returning to the United States after a trip to another country.Border agents may inspect your phone, laptop or other digital devices, and they could retain the electronics and/or the data within it — even if you’re an American citizen. The measures are legal and don’t require a warrant. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE: https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/secure-phone-returning-from-trip/