There comes a time when senior citizens deserve to be rewarded for hours logged during participation in a beautiful yet chaotic and ever changing society. There are hundreds of businesses out there that agree and show their appreciation by offering special discounts to senior citizens that meet their criteria. Many of these discounts are exclusive or discovered through extensive research or word of mouth so users don’t abuse their possible rewards. Here is a list of nine discounts seniors get only if they know about them in 2016.



1) Go Cruisin’

What better way to celebrate a seasoned life experience than to venture out to sea? Cruises are wonderful and often all-inclusive travel options that encourage you to sit back, soak up the sun, have a drink for free, get pampered, and enjoy delicious cuisine along with live music in the world’s beautiful waters. Senior discounts are incredibly popular amongst cruise lines, but some of the most well known include Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, which offer special deals to senior citizens above the age of 55 on select dates and routes. Cruises are available in all parts of the world and in any climate you prefer. Take a trip down the east coast, get your tropical fix in the Caribbean, or even admire the icy terrain of Alaska. There is something for everybody, so be sure to check the FAQ pages on cruise sites or contact customer service about senior options.



2) Dining Discounts

These food discounts may just be icing on the cake! Great food combined with great prices can brighten anyone’s day, especially a hungry senior citizen’s. When you don’t feel like cooking, are having a bad day, or simply want to get out of the house, turn to these restaurants. Our compiled list below showcases 10 restaurants abundant in communities country wide. Feel free to dig in! Participation and offers may vary with location:

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 10% discount food and non-alcoholic beverages (AARP card)



3) Sleep Cheap

At Nice Hotels It is a no brainer that hotels provide discounted rates for adults over 60 years old, but what many don’t know is that luxury and comfort don’t have to be sacrificed in order to get the ideal price. Hyatt has been verified as a higher quality hotel chain that knocks 50% off of regular room rates for adults that are 62 years or older. The company views age as a privilege and is happy to reward seniors with the most relaxed and low cost stay possible. Reservations must be made in advance, however Hyatt is known to be free of booking fees. Participating branches in the United States and Canada include Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, and more.



4) Save on Prescriptions

Medications are essential, and costs easily pile up as you get older. Not only is family health important, but so is your personal well being. Major pharmacy chains such as CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Rite Aid, and even websites like narcup.com offer discounts to senior citizens in various forms. AARP also provides a discount of 38% off of qualified prescription drugs. Oftentimes pharmaceutical companies will send a senior discount card to show at the register when filling and picking up prescriptions. Always check with your local pharmacy first to ensure that the discount can be applied.



5) Get Crafty

Even if you have a lot of time on your hands you might enjoy keeping them busy. Whether it’s painting, scrapbooking, woodworking, sewing, or even making clay pottery, craft stores have you covered. Major hobby chains such as Michael’s have extended discounts to senior citizens for 10% or more off of crafting materials. Most discounts are specific to store location and vary according to manager and store preference. Coupons are often available online, however it is best to call and inquire before stopping in to re-up your bead stock.



6) Take the Train

Amtrak is America’s favorite locomotive travel source, and they show love to senior citizens by offering discounted travel options at 15% off for adults over the age of 62. Trains are a luxurious and calming option for vacationers in search of slow changing scenery and freedom to explore different cars such as the dining car and the observation car. Most fares are eligible for the 15% senior discount, however cross-border and VIA Rail Canada are eligible for a 10% discount if over the age of 60. Simply choose the number of passengers from the senior drop down menu when booking your trip to apply the discount.



7) Enjoy a Donut

With Your Coffee Early risers rejoice! If you require a cup of morning Joe to get your day off to a proper start, then consider taking advantage of a fluffy and sweet breakfast treat to pair with it. At recognized locations, Dunkin’ Donuts will include a free donut of your choice with a purchase of any large or extra large coffee with proof of AARP membership. Some east coast stores have even offered free coffee to seniors who are 55 years or older. If you are in more of a savory mood, participating Einstein’s Bagels restaurants offer a 10% discount on your entire purchase if you are over the age of 60. Always inquire about restaurant discounts for seniors before paying.



8) Pick a Grocery Day

Tons of grocery store chains have designated one day a week during which senior citizens are invited to shop and receive a special discount. Companies such as Albertson’s have established a monthly discount, which is applied to shoppers over the age of 55 if they visit during the first Wednesday of the month. Grocery store discounts average between 5% and 10%, but it is important to take note of the day of the week or month that the discount is active. Many stores offer a permanent senior discount, including the midwest chain known as Hy-Vee, which offers 5% off groceries and gas.



9) Send Packages

Holidays are a busy time for grandparents as they are in charge of the family. From greeting cards to packages, senior citizens are known to do a lot of mailing, and shipping costs accrue very quickly. UPS is one of the most popular shipping resources, and they have shown appreciation to their senior citizen clientele by providing AARP members with discounts between 5% and 15% on eligible packing and shipping products as well as domestic and international mailing services at participating store locations. Other discounts might include office supplies and computer and Fax services.



10) Rent a Car

Much like car insurance, car rental companies offer discounts to experienced senior drivers with a clean driving record. Companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Alamo Car Rental offer 25% off for AARP members while National Rent-A-Car tops the list with 30% off for AARP members. While AARP requires seniors to apply to receive benefits, the travel perks are endless. Next time you want to take a trip along the New England coast or venture down to the Gulf of Mexico consider renting a car for worthwhile savings.

 

The article from Business Advice Source, re-format and brought by WM