Go more, spend less...

If you're already retired and not concerned about job demands, you can travel wherever and whenever you choose. There's no longer any reason for you to fight the crowds that must travel at peak holiday times. Going to Europe? Wait until all the students return and then do your meandering in the shoulder season of late Fall when London, Paris and Rome are not nearly as crowded. Book your flights for Mondays to Thursdays and your tickets will generally be less expensive than if you had to fly on the weekends.

And remember, even if you can only travel at peak times, most hotels, airlines, buses and trains offer discounts to older passengers. They won't necessarily tell you about these savings; you have to ask for them when making your bookings. Companies also vary on their definition of 'an older adult.' For example, a recent chat with Air Canada confirmed a 10% saving for travellers over 60, while Amtrak will deduct 15% for anyone over 62. Greyhound calls anybody 55 plus a senior.

Invite your family members to travel with you...

As women move into their fifties and sixties their adult children are generally building careers, rushing headlong into marriage, and raising their own families. Often times they choose to settle in other cities or countries completely. Travel for mom then becomes almost a necessity -- one more opportunity for family reunions and interesting bonding experiences.

Spa holidays have become a destination of choice for many mothers and their daughters. The list of fabulous spa facilities offering opportunities for rest, relaxation, pampering and getting into shape continues to grow worldwide. Some places even offer grandmother-mother-daughter weeks designed to please each generation. Members of the family get the opportunity to go to workshops and play at the level that pleases them. At mealtimes everybody convenes to report on their experiences and give each other support. Good for the body and the soul!

Or get to know your grandchildren better with a GrandTravel summer holiday excursion designed just for you and junior. This unique travel company specializing in inter-generational adventures uses professional teachers as guides and offers such diverse goodies as a visit to Washington, D.C. or checking out big game on an African safari. Call 800-247-7651 for further details. Your grandkiddies will love their grandma for it and will probably never forget the 'cool' adventure you took them on.

Hubby wants to stay home...

Many older JourneyWomen are reporting that their retired husbands have lost interest in international travel but have no problem with their wives going off on their own, with a girlfriend or an organized group. This is the perfect opportunity for you to follow your very own dreams. Always wanted to trek in Thailand, see an opera in Italy, pick flowers on a mountain in Switzerland or shop till you drop in Hong Kong? You go girl! Don't put it off till personal circumstances no longer allow you that freedom.