Holiday Discounts for Over-60s

Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.

The biggest holiday saving for most over-60s is not an age discount at all: it is the freedom to travel outside school holidays, when the same room or flight can cost far less. On top of that there are senior fares on trains and coaches, loyalty offers from tour operators and a few traps worth avoiding, especially with insurance.

Your best advantage: flexibility

If you are no longer tied to school terms or a working week, use it:

Travel in the "shoulder" months. For much of the UK and Europe that means roughly May, June and September, when the weather is often good and prices are well below the summer peak.
Go midweek. Hotels that fill with weekenders often have their lowest rates from Sunday to Thursday.
Avoid half-terms and bank holidays. Check your local council's website for school term dates before booking.
Consider a late booking if you are not fussy about exactly where you go. Operators reduce prices to fill unsold places.

Where age-related offers turn up

We have not listed named holiday companies' discounts, because they change from season to season and we could not confirm them on each company's own site today. These are the places to look and ask:

Specialist operators for older travellers. Several companies cater mainly for people over 50 or over 60, with escorted tours, door-to-door transport and holidays for people travelling alone.
Coach holiday companies. Good value for UK breaks, usually with a local pick-up, luggage handling and excursions included. See coach travel discounts.
Hotel groups. Some offer a senior rate or off-season breaks with dinner included. Phone the hotel directly: the reception desk can sometimes beat the price on booking websites.
Holiday parks. Out-of-season midweek breaks can be very cheap; ask about adults-only weeks if you want quiet.
Cruise lines and ferry companies. Look for loyalty schemes and for fares that waive or reduce the extra charge for a single cabin.
Membership organisations. Heritage bodies, motoring organisations, trade unions and retirement associations often negotiate holiday discounts for members.

Tip: when you ask for a quote, ask three questions: "Is there a discount for over-60s?", "Is there a cheaper date close to this one?" and "What is included that I would otherwise pay for?" The answers often matter more than the headline price.

Travelling alone

The "single supplement", an extra charge for one person occupying a room, can add a great deal to the cost. Ways round it:

look for departures advertised with no single supplement, which many operators offer on selected dates;
choose holidays designed for solo travellers, where everyone has their own room;
ask smaller hotels and guest houses whether they have a true single room.

Getting there

Train: a Senior Railcard takes a third off most fares in Great Britain. Book Advance tickets as early as you can for long journeys.
Coach: the National Express Senior Coachcard gives a third off many fares, including to airports on eligible tickets.
Bus: an English older person's bus pass works on local buses anywhere in England, which is handy for getting around once you arrive.
Air: airlines very rarely give age discounts. Flying midweek and outside school holidays is what brings the price down.

Travel insurance: do not leave it to the last minute

Travel insurance tends to cost more as you get older and if you have health conditions, and some policies have upper age limits. A few pointers:

Buy insurance when you book, not just before you leave, so you are covered if you have to cancel.
Declare every medical condition you are asked about. Leaving something out can mean a claim is refused.
Compare an annual policy with single-trip cover; for one holiday a year, single-trip is often cheaper.
If you are struggling to find cover because of a serious medical condition, MoneyHelper has a directory of specialist travel insurers.

For travel in Europe, check whether you hold a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or an unexpired EHIC. The card is free from the NHS; details and the application are on the NHS website. It is not a replacement for travel insurance. We cannot give financial or medical advice; if you are unsure whether you are fit to travel, speak to your GP.

Watch out: the GHIC is free. Unofficial websites charge a fee to "process" your application. Apply only through the NHS website. See spotting scams.

Book safely

For package holidays that include flights, check the company holds an ATOL licence; for other packages look for membership of a recognised travel trade body. These protect your money if the firm fails.
Paying by credit card for anything costing more than £100 gives extra legal protection. See paying safely online.
Never pay a private "owner" by bank transfer for a villa or cottage you found through an advert or social media.
Read the cancellation terms before you pay a deposit. See your consumer rights.

Accessible holidays

If you use a wheelchair or mobility aid, ask for the specifics rather than accepting "accessible": step-free entrance, lift dimensions, a walk-in shower, grab rails, and the distance from the room to the dining room. Mobility equipment can usually be hired at your destination and delivered to your accommodation, which saves transporting your own. See hiring mobility equipment.

How to claim and what ID to take

Ask about age-related rates before booking, and get the answer in writing on your confirmation.
Carry your passport or driving licence as proof of age, plus your railcard or Coachcard if tickets were bought with one.
Take membership cards for any organisation whose discount you used.
Keep insurance documents, the emergency phone number and a list of your medicines in your hand luggage.

Common questions

Do airlines give discounts to over-60s?

Hardly ever. Choose flexible dates and book early instead.

When is the cheapest time to go on holiday?

Outside school holidays and midweek. Our seasonal sales calendar covers the best times to buy holiday items too.

Is there an upper age limit for travel insurance?

Some policies have one; others do not. If a standard insurer turns you down, try a specialist through the MoneyHelper directory.

Where can I find days out rather than holidays?

See days out discounts and the main over-60s discounts guide.