Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

The actress debuted her baby bump in an out-of-this-world Instagram post.

The actress debuted her baby bump in an out-of-this-world Instagram post.

We often hear that senior discounts are dead. In the travel world, this is far from true. In fact, it’s relatively easy to find senior discounts on hotels, museum admissions, car rentals and outdoor activities.

Here are nine senior discounts that will help you save money on your next trip.

Senior Travel Discount #1: Hotel Discounts

A surprising number of hotel chains offer senior discounts, typically ranging from 10% to 20%. Many of these discounts apply to U.S. properties, but some chains, such as Marriott, Best Western, and IHG Hotels, offer senior discounts worldwide. For example, Marriott offers a 15% discount to travelers aged 62 and over, while Best Western offers discounts up to 15% for AARP members. Always book directly through the hotel’s website and choose the “Senior Discount” option to get the best rates.

Read 12 Best All-Inclusive Hotels for Women Over 50.

Senior Travel Discount #2: Ski Lift Tickets

If you enjoy ski vacations, don’t forget to ask about senior discounts. Many ski areas around the world offer discounts to mature skiers. For example, Mammoth Mountain in California offers discounted lift tickets for those 65 and older. Vail Resorts, which includes Beaver Creek, Colorado, and Park City, Utah, also provides senior pricing on multi-day passes. Chamonix, France, and Banff-Lake Louise, Canada offer significant discounts for skiers over 65. Always check with the ski resort in advance for the most current deals.

Read 17 Cozy Winter Escapes and Snowy Retreats for Women Over 50

Senior Travel Discount #3: Rail Tickets and Passes

In the U.S., Amtrak offers passengers aged 65 and over a 10% discount on train travel (excluding Acela Express and some other services). Canada’s VIA Rail gives travelers aged 60 and over 10% off Economy Plus fares. In Europe, countries such as France, Spain, Italy, and the UK offer senior discounts on rail passes and individual tickets. For instance, in Spain, travelers aged 60 and older can buy a Tarjeta Dorada card for €6.40, giving them discounts of 25% to 40% on most rail routes. Eurostar, the “Chunnel” train, also provides senior fares, making cross-channel travel more affordable.

Read 8 USA Train Trips for Solo Women Over 50.

Also read 7 Bucket List Train Voyages in the World.

Senior Travel Discount #4: Car Rentals

Some car rental companies in the U.S. and worldwide offer senior discounts. Hertz provides discounts for AARP members, including up to 20% off base rates and free additional drivers. Avis and Budget also offer AARP members up to 30% off and other benefits, like a waiver of the fee for an additional driver. Always mention your AARP membership or other senior status when booking to take advantage of these discounts.

Senior Travel Discount #5: National Parks

In the U.S., national park visitors aged 62 and older can purchase the America the Beautiful Senior Pass, which costs $80 for a lifetime pass or $20 for an annual pass. This pass offers free admission for the pass holder and occupants of their vehicle at over 2,000 federal recreation sites, plus discounts on some camping and tour fees. In Canada, the Parks Canada Discovery Pass is available to those aged 65 and older at a discounted rate of CAD 69.19. This pass allows unlimited access to over 80 national parks and historic sites across Canada.

Read 13 National Parks to Discover in Canada.

Also read Seniors Guide to the Top 10 U.S. National Parks.

Senior Travel Discount #6: Bus Travel

Taking the bus is a very affordable way to travel. In the U.S., Greyhound offers a 5% discount on unrestricted fares for seniors aged 62 and older. In the UK, the National Express Senior Coachcard costs £15 and offers a one-third discount on standard and fully flexible fares for travelers aged 60 and over. This is an excellent option for seniors exploring the UK.

Read National Park Bus Tours for Seniors

Senior Travel Discount #7: Airfare Discounts

While not as common as in the past, some airlines still offer senior discounts. American Airlines and Delta Airlines occasionally provide discounts for passengers aged 65 and over on certain routes. British Airways offers AARP members up to $200 off round-trip transatlantic flights. Be sure to call the airline or check their website to see if a senior discount is available for your specific route.

Read Travel the World without Breaking the Bank!

Senior Travel Discount #8: City Attraction Passes

Many cities around the world offer special attraction passes for seniors. For example, the New York CityPASS offers seniors discounted admission to several popular attractions. In Europe, the Rome Tourist Card offers discounted entry for seniors to major sites, including the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum. These passes often bundle several attractions at a reduced rate, so look into city passes before traveling to maximize your savings.

Read 8 Best Travel Podcasts for Women Over 50.

Senior Travel Discount #9: Guided Tours

Many tour companies provide senior discounts on guided tours. Companies like Road Scholar and ElderTreks specialize in tours for seniors and offer special rates or discounts for early bookings. Other companies, like Intrepid Travel and Trafalgar, also offer discounts for travelers over 60. If you enjoy organized tours, it’s worth inquiring directly with the tour operators to see what deals are available.

Read 7 Best Senior Travel Groups.

How Can I Find More Senior Travel Discounts?

The two best ways to find senior discounts are, first, to look at the travel provider’s, restaurant’s or attraction’s website and, second, to ask whether senior discounts are offered. Don’t be upset if senior discounts aren’t available, especially at restaurants, where discount policies can vary from location to location.

Are Senior Discounts My Best Deal?

Sometimes. You may be able to save more money by looking at online discount travel agencies, such as Hotwire.com or Priceline.com, or by finding discounts through your insurance company or association memberships. In other words, if you invest a bit of time, you might find a better deal. It’s always worth asking about senior discounts, though; you never know when you might save a little extra.

Have you found a senior discount that saved you money on travel? How did you find it? Share your good deal in the comments section.

For many older women, taking a cruise is the ultimate vacation. There’s only one problem – cruises are notoriously expensive. But there is actually quite a bit that we can do to spend less and experience more on our next cruise. Watch this video to find out!

The first Christmas with a new grandchild is one to remember. Here are 12 special gift ideas perfect for babies from newborn to one-year-old, combining practicality, sentiment, and charm.

1. Personalized Storybook – A custom storybook featuring the child’s name and likeness can be a treasured keepsake. It’s a sweet way to start a holiday tradition that grows with them.
2. Soft Sensory Blanket – Babies love soft, textured blankets that engage their senses. Look for plush materials with various textures or colors that encourage sensory development.
3. Musical Mobile – A musical mobile that plays soothing tunes helps with relaxation and is also visually stimulating, making it ideal for quiet moments in the nursery.
4. Wooden Stacking Toys – Eco-friendly wooden toys are safe and durable for curious hands. Stacking toys encourage motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which is ideal for active playtime.
5. Baby’s First Christmas Ornament – Mark their first Christmas with a personalized ornament. Each year, this little decoration will bring back memories of this special time.

Continue reading to discover more baby gifts for your grandchild’s first Christmas.

12 Gifts for Baby’s First Christmas

Personalized Baby Book

Peekaboo, I Love You! From Wonderbly

A custom storybook featuring the child’s name and illustrations is perfect for bedtime and will grow with them, creating lasting memories each time they read it.

Soft Sensory Blanket

Taggies Soothing Sensory Stuffed Animal Security Blanket on Amazon

Soft and textured, this type of blanket stimulates a baby’s sense of touch while offering warmth and comfort. Look for options with various fabrics, like satin edges or crinkly panels.

Musical Crib Mobile

The Peanutshell Baby Musical Crib Mobile – Sealife at Target

A gentle mobile that plays lullabies or nature sounds helps soothe babies to sleep and can improve their visual tracking skills as they watch it spin.

Wooden Stacking Rings

Wooden Stacking Rings, Montessori Toy 1 Year Old, Rainbow Stacker Personalized on Etsy

Simple yet engaging, these eco-friendly wooden rings encourage early motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory development with their vibrant colors.

Baby’s First Christmas Ornament

Baby’s First Christmas Ornament at Callister’s Christmas

A personalized ornament marks this milestone and becomes a cherished keepsake for future Christmas celebrations, symbolizing their very first holiday season.

Memory Journal or Keepsake Book

Keepsake Memory Book on Amazon

A beautifully designed memory book lets parents document milestones, like first steps and words, preserving these precious moments.

Soft Stuffed Animal

World’s Softest Llama at Vermont Teddy Bear

Babies love cuddly companions, and a plush animal made from hypoallergenic materials can become a comforting friend through the early years.

Interactive Touch-and-Feel Book

Backyard Bugs – Silicone Touch and Feel Book at Little Hippo Books

Board books with textures, mirrors, and simple interactive elements captivate little ones during reading time, making learning to love books engaging.

Natural Teether Set

Newborn Gift Set 1 Mini Teether + 2 Teethers at Oli & Carol

Teethers in safe materials provide relief for sore gums while keeping little hands busy.

Activity Play Mat

Melissa & Doug Ocean Oasis Easy Fold Play Gym at Target

With high-contrast colors and textures, a padded play mat encourages tummy time and sensory exploration, helping develop motor skills.

Holiday-Themed Baby Pajamas

A Very Pixar Christmas Zippy at Little Sleepies

A cozy set of holiday pajamas not only looks adorable in photos but also provides practical comfort during the colder months.

Baby Bath Gift Set

Bath Discovery® Baby Gift Set at Johnson’s Baby

Gentle baby bath essentials, like calming lotion, shampoo, wipes, and diaper cream, offer a soothing and useful gift for parents and babies alike.

What to Look for in a Christmas Gift for Babies

When choosing gifts for new babies, consider safety, sensory engagement, and longevity. Look for items made from non-toxic materials, especially when shopping for toys. Babies learn through touch, sound, and visual stimulation, so gifts that encourage sensory exploration are wonderful. Durability is another factor; well-made toys and keepsakes are more likely to last through babyhood and beyond. Consider items that are soft, easy to clean, and suitable for sensitive skin.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have a grandchild who will have his first Christmas this year? What is your favorite gift on our list? Tell us about it in the comments below.

In the United States, November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving. I’ve always considered this to be the month of gratitude. With all the chaos going on in the world, it’s really a good idea to focus on all the positive things and wonders going on in our universe.

My father was a Holocaust survivor, and every day of his life he expressed gratitude, so at an early age I, too, learned to be grateful. This is probably one of the reasons why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Its focus is on gathering together with loved ones for food and conversation, building a sense of interconnectedness. Giving thanks or showing gratitude is about loving and acknowledging ourselves and others. Therefore, November really is the ideal month to celebrate gratitude.

Gratitude Affects All of Us

Just before our recent presidential election, I reminisced a lot about what I remember about elections as a young child. Of course, I was thinking of my own grandchildren and what they might remember later in their own lives.

I was in third grade in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The date was November 22, just a week before Thanksgiving. He was a beloved president, with considerable integrity and wisdom. He led a renewed drive toward public service and held a strong belief in the Civil Rights Movement. John F. Kennedy was also someone who believed in the importance of gratitude.

President Kennedy once said, “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” The truth is, many of us do not express gratitude often enough, nor do we marvel at the lives we’re living. Studies have shown that those who are more grateful – and express it – are more likely to be happy and less prone to depression.

Offering Thanks to Others Every Day

This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to infuse each and every day with gratitude; and how it should truly be a built-in component of our everyday lives. Expressing it is like using a tuning fork and letting its vibrations send joy throughout the universe. Offering thanks fosters appreciation of, and a refreshing perspective on, our lives while positively affecting our physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. It can also offer opportunities for spiritual growth.

Writer Oliver Sacks, who suffered from pancreatic cancer at the end of his life, said that expressing gratitude was responsible for his staying alive longer than doctors said he would. Even though he knew his days were numbered (he passed away in 2015), he was grateful for the opportunity to look back and see his final weeks in the context of his entire life, which helped him maintain a deep sense of connection. He said that while he was afraid of dying, his main emotion at the end of his life was a feeling of gratitude.

Gratitude Journaling as a Ritual

In addition to informing others what we’re thankful for, gratitude journaling is a ritual that can help remind us what we’re thankful for. This type of writing focuses on the positive and offers an excellent opportunity to be mindful of, and grateful for, those things we might otherwise take for granted.

The art of gratitude journaling also gives us a chance to slow down and pay attention to all the good in our lives. Writing helps organize our thoughts and can facilitate healing and transformation. And, when we’re having difficult times, going back and reading what we’ve written in the past can serve as a useful tool for healing.

As someone who has been diagnosed with cancer three times now, I have made it a habit to keep a gratitude journal to remind me of all the positive aspects of my life, mainly because we have a tendency to forget all the wonders. I will always remember what the oncologist who diagnosed my second bout of cancer said: “This is the time to look for the joy in your life and have it encircle everything you do.” This really helped me come to grips with my situation.

How to Start Gratitude Journaling

Similar to other types of journaling, there are no rules, but here are some writing prompts to jump-start the ritual of gratitude journaling:

• Make a list of at least five people to express gratitude to. Beside each name, write a few sentences explaining why.
• Jot down at least five experiences that elicit feelings of gratitude. Write a few sentences on why you feel the way you do.
• Recall at least five items that represent joy, poignant moments, or treasured memories, and explain the meaning behind them.
• Write down the titles of at least five books that you’re grateful to have read, which were especially meaningful for you, and say why.
• Recall at least five trips or adventures that impacted you and note their significance.

At the beginning of each month, I send out my free monthly newsletter which offers writing prompts, reading recommendations, my appearances and timely musings. Each month has a different focus or theme, and my readers tell me that my words are very inspiring. I always make sure to thank my readers because each and every one of them is important to me and I like to show an example of gratitude so they can share it in their own circles.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What does November symbolize to you? How have you dubbed it? Do you have a November ritual you have followed for years? How about a gratitude ritual?