Retirement offers newfound freedom and allows you to get away and do the things that have been on your travel list for years.

This is also a time to spend cautiously, given that most retirees live on a fixed income. Being able to plan a trip without breaking the bank can actually open the door to incredible experiences and things you might not have otherwise done.

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Here are six Travel Tips for Retirees Who Want to Make the Most of Their Travel on a Budget.

Make the most of senior discounts

Access to senior discounts is one of the biggest benefits of retirementand it can really save you on travel costs. There are also special rates available from many airlines, hotels and car rental agencies for seniors. These deals can often be found on dedicated platforms like Silver Travel Advisor.

“Many airlines, hotels and tour operators offer discounts for seniors starting at age 60 or 65,” said Dana Yao, a travel content creator and expert. “These discounts are not always advertised, (so) ask everywhere you go.”

Join membership programs for seniors like AARP to save more. Often, discounted travel fees, exclusive deals, and discounts on vacation packages are included in these memberships. Just mention that you are a senior to discover many advantages.

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Choose off-peak seasons

Timing is everything when traveling, especially when working on a limited budget. Retirees can plan trips during off-peak seasons so they can enjoy popular destinations at a fraction of the cost compared to what they would pay during peak season.

Summer and vacations bring so many tourists to so many places that hotel rates, flights and other attraction costs skyrocket.

Traveling out of season helps keep costs down. Additionally, there will likely be fewer people at tourist sites. For example, booking a trip in parts of the fall or spring to European destinations will provide a much richer and less expensive travel experience than the peak summer months.

Opt for long-term rentals rather than hotels

When choosing alternative hotels, extended stays can be very economical. Retirees can rent apartments or vacation homes temporarily available for long-term stays. This approach can help retirees save on accommodation costs and provides a ‘home away from home’ feel, with the added benefit of a kitchen to prepare meals.

“Retirees can travel without financial stress by using various cost-cutting strategies, maximizing senior discounts and targeting affordable destinations,” said Silvia Lupone, CEO of Stingray Villa. Lupone recommended the rental apartments or holiday homes for an extended stay at a lower nightly rate.

Additionally, using vacation rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo and booking through verified sites for authentic listings are great ways to travel inexpensively while still staying in neighborhoods populated with locals, providing an experience of much more authentic journey.

Use travel credit cards with rewards programs

Retirees who travel often are finding that travel credit cards have become a valuable asset. “Retirees can save significantly by using travel-focused credit cards that offer cash back, points or miles on every purchase,” said Mohan Babu, savings specialist at Transaction Hack. By making purchases with these cards, retirees can earn points that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays and even rental cars.

Additionally, Babu said finding a card with no foreign transaction fees can save retirees a small fortune when traveling abroad and can provide some financial flexibility. And more often than not, cards aimed at travelers are designed with added perks, like free travel insurance or access to airport lounges.

When choosing a travel credit card, consider annual fees, interest rates and how to redeem points.

Take public transportation

The best way to minimize travel costs to your destination is to use local public transportation. Retirees can easily and affordably access major attractions and city highlights in the most popular tourist destinations with well-developed public transportation systems. And many cities also offer discounts on public transportation fares for seniors.

“Using buses, trains or even ferries can be a more affordable way to visit a country rather than constantly booking flights or taxis,” Yao said.

Public transportation also gives you the opportunity to connect more deeply with local culture and experience parts of a destination that you might miss using private transportation.

Prioritize affordable destinations

Retirees who want to stretch their travel budget may find that choosing destinations with a lower cost of living makes traveling more financially manageable.

In many countries in Southeast Asia, Central America, and Eastern Europe, food, accommodation, and activities are more affordable. In addition to their affordability, they offer stunning landscapes, welcoming communities, and rich cultural experiences in their own right, for a fraction of the cost of Western Europe or North America.

Retirees can carefully choose a destination to protect their financial stability while ensuring a positive travel experience.

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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Travel Tips for Retirees on a Budget