Destinations

FROM THE ARTICLE: Airline Passenger Refunds 101.Passengers are entitled to refunds if they don’t want to be rebooked. By Nicole Gill Council and Susan B. Barnes, AARP. Published July 22, 2024.➡️ Updated March 17, 2025. ⬅️ Last April, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a rule that requires airlines to automatically provide passengers with cash refunds when they have experienced significant flight disruptions. The rule went into effect in October. Airlines still will be allowed to offer another flight or a travel credit instead of a refund, but consumers can reject the offer.Flights may be delayed or canceled due to severe weather, such as the storms that spawned tornadoes, dust storms and wildfires starting on March 14. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE: https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/transportation/how-to-get-refund-after-cancelled-or-delayed-flight/

 HELLO, DOES AARP HAVE DISCOUNT TICKETS TO DISNEYLAND-CALIFORNIA, OR TO THE SAN DIEGO ZOOS (IN THE CITY AND THE SAFARI LOCATIONS)? THX, FRAN RICE

FROM THE ARTICLE: Vacation Ideas.Catch Wildflower Blooms at These National Parks.Get ready for a colorful flower party of yellow, orange, white and more this spring. By Lauren David, AARP. Published March 17, 2025. National parks top the list of places to visit during the summer. But taking a trip in the springtime allows you to witness spectacular wildflowers. Planning is key for viewing blooms at their prime. “Wildflower displays vary every year in every park,” says Sue Fritzke, retired superintendent at Capitol Reef National Park and a member of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. “What they might see in photographs of a park one year may look very different in another year.” Come with an open mind, she adds.And do your research. “Checking park websites, social media updates, and wildflower reports can help visitors catch peak bloom,” says Natalie Lambert, communications coordinator for the National Park Trust. “Bloom times can vary by region, elevation

I am looking for any suggestions/advice on a route to travel from NE Pennsylvania to Port St Lucie Florida. My daughter moved there last year and I would so like to visit my granddaughters for Thanksgiving. I have never visited them and miss them so much. I would rather drive than fly so I have the option to bring along what I want to.  I would be driving alone. I know RT 95 is a straight drive down there but I do not want to drive through Washington. I thought AARP Roadside assistance still had the trip planning assistance where they help plan and supply paper maps, but seems they no longer offer it. Only online apps which I prefer not to use. Suggestions? Advice? Words of wisdom?

What were your experiences on Alaska cruises? Best cruise lines? Best on shore spots? Best on ship activity? Best advice for older travelers?

Hotel discount for cedar city 

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! Offering handcrafted gifts and delicious treats, these shops are a destination. By Rebecca Treon, AARP. Published November 12, 2024. The twinkling lights, Christmas carols, aroma of baked goods, rows of vendors, and bustling shoppers of holiday markets conjure feelings of nostalgia, making them a destination for centuries. Christmas markets originated in Germany in the 15th century – among the oldest is the Dresden Striezelmarkt, which started in 1434. The tradition spread throughout Europe and eventually to the United States, becoming more popular in recent decades.  https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/family/info-2024/holiday-markets.html

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! Should You Plan Holiday Travel Now? The short answer is yes. Here’s what to know about booking airfare, activities and more. By Elaine Glusac, AARP. Published August 14, 2023. Updated September 05, 2024. In most parts of the country, beach season is slowly winding down. But the travel industry is already hearing holiday jingle bells. “As a general rule, we always suggest booking travel at least six months in advance to avoid any disappointments due to lack of space or high prices,” says Mary Jean Tully, CEO of Tully Luxury Travel, an agency based near Toronto. “For travel during the holiday season, we suggest booking even farther in advance — 10 months or more — especially if you’re considering popular destinations such as the Caribbean or if traveling with a larger group, like an extended family." https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/budget/info-2023/holiday-travel-planning.html

Hotel suggestions in NYC 

 A lot of us had shared OUR 2023 Travel Plans LAST YEAR. Thank you!!!  👍 Hmmm, any for THIS YEAR 2024?  🤔 Thanks,Nicole  ✈  (Travel Forum)

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! Travel Woes Continue After Tech Outage. Here’s What to Know. Passengers are entitled to refunds if you don’t want to be rebooked. By Nicole Gill Council and Susan B. Barnes, AARP. Published July 22, 2024. The travel industry continues to recover from the worldwide Microsoft technology outage July 19 that grounded and delayed flights around the world. In addition to airlines, the outage paralyzed financial institutions, media outlets and health care systems. Yet three days later, some airlines still struggled to recover. As of 3 p.m. ET July 22, there were more than 5,200 delays and nearly 1,015 cancellations into, within and out of the United States, according to flight tracking service FlightAware. Delta Airlines topped the list of cancellations with nearly 815 on July 22. The airline had nearly 1,260 delays. American Airlines had more than 850 delays, while United Airlines had almost 315delays. https://www.aarp.

In my opinion, the LOCALS are the best source of information when traveling!!! Thank you,Nicole  ✈️  (Travel Forum)

FROM ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! How Animal Lovers Can Get Free Vacation Accommodations (and a Car). Travelers looking to pet sit find sites, apps to save on trips. By Cari Shane, AARP. Published July 10, 2024. For the past six ski seasons, I’ve dog sat for a retired couple I met during an 11-minute gondola ride at Keystone Resort in Colorado. I had stopped for a few runs while on my way to catch a flight home after my first official dog sit near Beaver Creek Resort using the travel app TrustedHousesitters.com (THS). Always one to chat on a ski lift, I told the couple about my dog sitting ways. Turns out, the Rubins’ son was getting married in Mexico and they were looking for a dog sitter for their rescue pup, Nora, a shepherd mix. Since that short but fateful conversation, every winter the Rubins give me a free house, free car and, as I like to say, a free dog when they are away. It’s a direct barter with them, as well as other pet owners I’ve met throug

My 65th birthday is around the end of April and I want to celebrate it with a trip.I do not want to cruise at this time, visit Europe (2025) and wish to visit places that have a beach, in-town sightseeing and an event or festival if possible. I would prefer to visit either the Northeast or Virginia, Carolinas or Georgia. Florida does not appeal. I've visited New Orleans, New Mexico, Texas, New York and DC and want to visit somewhere I have never been to. I also wish to use Amtrak and I will not have a car so walkability andsight seeing tours are a must.I realize that I am cutting it a bit close to book by my birthday.Any ideas would be appreciated.Also, if you have suggestions what were your experiences?    

 I've booked an Amtrak to Cleveland OH for the April 8th Eclipseand am in need a space to doss for two nights from 7 to 9 April.within a mile of the Amtrak station. can anyone assist?I've checked the web for best price& found a Motel 6 room for $486.33!!And that's with the AARP discount !!

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! Elevate your experience at picture-perfect destinations, including Yosemite, Joshua Tree and the Grand Canyon. By Kate Loweth, AARP. Published June 19, 2024. Roasting s’mores around the campfire, dark skies filled with millions of stars and days spent hiking through redwood forests or red rock canyons. These are the nostalgic images that motivate travelers to plan a visit to one of the 429 parks in the U.S. National Park System. Those who want to spend as much time in nature as possible find that glamping offers the best elements of camping, plus an actual bed to sleep in at night. Nearly 8 million people went glamping in the U.S. in 2023, according to a report by camping platform The Dyrt, and it has become a favorite for outdoor lovers of all ages. https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/outdoors/info-2024/glamping-near-national-parks.html

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE! BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club can provide discounts, but be sure to comparison shop By Bill Fink, AARP. Published May 23, 2024. You go to warehouse clubs like BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club to save money when buying bulk groceries. But have you ever thought you could find similar deals for travel services? These clubs offer members travel deals ranging from full vacation packages to cruises, car rentals, hotel rooms and theme park tickets. But to what extent do the warehouse clubs really deliver on their promised savings, including 55-and-over discounts? And can you depend on the clubs to deliver travel services as well as a travel agency does? *** USE LINK AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST TO READ THIS ARTICLE *** [1] Then enter Email Address you used to sign in to use This Site.   [2] Then enter the password you use.   [3] Lastly, there are 3 LETTERS that will "pop up" as their SECURITY CHECK. Enter those.  &n

I apologize if there was a prior post I could not find... I would like to move to Panama from US/Nevada as retiree with necessary monthly funding. Anyone who has done this or is considering who has more knowledge or anyone who would like to move to Panama as a substantial group... let's do this!

🗣By Terry Ward, AARP. Published September 18, 2023. *** Have YOU been on any cruises or would like to? 🤔 Comments are welcome! *** https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/cruises/info-2023/things-to-know-about-solo-cruises.html

I’m going June1, 2024. What’s to see or do that’s a local ? I’ve done the tourist thing. Thanks

 I plan on driving from Illinois to Arizona this Spring/Summer. I need tips on points of interest, restaurants and places to stay.  any suggestions?

Looking for a small cottage or house near  Lake Oswego for 2 nights.

I wanted to share my video of our cruise; it may help you think about destinations. We particularly enjoyed Puerto Rico.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUyAb1ZZ0jIaIruci9q4eCA

Admittance fees are suspended for these six days. By Donna Fuscaldo, AARP. Updated December 19, 2023. Published September 22, 2023. https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/outdoors/info-2023/national-parks-free-entrance-day.html 

My husband and I are not ready to retire yet but we have been thinking about moving south (we live in the northeast) vs. becoming 'snowbirds' and spending January-March in the south.  What are everyone's thoughts on this topic?