5 Road Trips for Budget-Minded Retirees

Road trips are a great way to travel without breaking the bank, which can be key in the retirement years as you’re more careful with your discretionary spending. Vacationing by car offers flexibility and fun, not to mention the chance for adventure and the opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors.

We consulted some travel expert for suggestions for road trips that will allow you to take in various sights and cultural experiences while providing the peace of mind that you’re not going over budget.

5 Budget-Minded Retirement Road Trips

1. Miami-Dade loop, Florida

Florida is often thought of as being one of the most popular states to attract retirees, and Miami-Dade County in particular has one of the largest concentrations of Florida residents who are 60 years of age and older.

“This area is a great starting point for a budget-friendly Florida road trip designed for seniors,” says travel expert Michelle Steinhardt, founder of The Trav Nav.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor to the state, Steinhardt suggests a road trip that begins in Miami that consists of a six-hour and 45-minute loop that includes stops in Key Largo, Marco Island, and Naples.

As you drive on Interstate 75, you will pass over clear blue water where you can spot colorful marine wildlife within the Everglades. A stretch of this road is known as Alligator Alley where drivers have even been known to spot the large reptiles on the side of the highway.

“This area boasts gorgeous beaches as well as state and national parks,” Steinhardt says. “Along the way, there are several budget-friendly hotels to stay in and fun activities to enjoy like relaxing on the beach, boating, golfing and fishing as well as wildlife viewing options.”

2. Phoenix, Sedona, and Flagstaff, Arizona loop

Steinhardt also suggests Phoenix, Arizona as a road trip starting point for budget-friendly travel, especially since Arizona is a also popular retirement destination for seniors.

“If you are short on time, your road trip might include Sedona, Flagstaff, Sitgreaves National Forest, and Tonto National Forest before returning to Phoenix, which would take about 18 total driving hours and cover just over 1,100 miles,” she says. Sedona is a wonderful place for those interested in New Age practices like aura reading and crystals, and anyone who loves being in nature will enjoy exploring its various hikes and trails. Flagstaff, the jumping-off point for the Grand Canyon is a vibrant city that’s also home to the Lowell Observatory and a great place to stargaze.

If you have more time, Steinhardt suggests heading east to Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Albuquerque is a bustling city with big museums and galleries—and boasts that it’s the hot air balloon capital of the world—while Santa Fe is more laid back and has an artsy vibe.

3. Pacific Coast Highway from Cambria to Malibu, California

This stretch of Highway 1 in California may not be as famous as its more northern segment—which includes Big Sur and Monterey—but not least among its highlights are that it has fewer hairpin turns, rockslides and unpredictable road closures.

“This just over 300-mile route can be a fantastic journey with plenty of budget-friendly stops that are suitable for retirees,” says Yulia Saf, founder of Miss Tourist, who has traveled to over 70 countries.

Saf suggest starting on the northern end of the route by visiting the historical Hearst Castle, which offers a glimpse into California's glitzier past. Then you can head south to check out the fishing village Morro Bay and the iconic Pismo Beach, both of which offer fresh seafood and beautiful scenery.

From there, you can visit the charming Danish-style village of Solvang, as well as Santa Barbara, which offers a multitude of free or inexpensive activities, like historic tours, golf, beaches, outdoor concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl, a botanic garden and wine tasting.

As you traveling further south. You can opt to stop in the historic town of Ventura, which boasts a pier and a promenade perfect for a leisurely walk with beautiful ocean views. End the journey at Point Mugu State Park, at which you can take in the natural splendor of the California Coast.

4. Niagara Falls, New York loop

If you’re looking to travel internationally, you can cross the border into Ontario, Canada and drive to the wondrous Niagara Falls. From major cities like Boston, Chicago or Milwaukee, the drive takes about seven to nine hours one way.

From the falls, head to the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Saf suggests. Once there, you can enjoy the area’s various wineries, golf clubs and historical sites. Theater lovers won’t want to miss the Shaw Festival, which celebrates the work of Bernard Shaw and runs from April to December.

Depending on your route to Ontario, you can stop at some interesting places along the way, such as Letchworth State Park, which is often called the Grand Canyon of the East, and Buffalo, New York, where you can indulge your sweet tooth at King Condrell’s candy and ice cream establishment, which has been serving up treats since 1966.

5. Upper Delaware River Valley

Another popular road trip option is this twisting highway route that traces the Delaware River, which forms a natural border between New York State and Pennsylvania. According to Ritesh Raj, COO of travel accommodation site Cuddly Nest, who has traveled to over 120 countries and embarked on countless road trips to scout locations, this loop one of the best road trip routes in the northeastern United States for seniors in the summertime.

“I think seniors would like this route especially in late summer or even early fall, when the East Coast is famous for its fiery autumn colors,” Raj says. He also notes that the costs of this trip are minimal aside from the fuel for driving, tolls and parking. (Accommodations, food, and other expenses would depend on the choices you make along the way but there are numerous options that can fit various budgets.)

The most famous part of this loop is a section known as the Hawk’s Nest, which covers the 70 miles from Point Jervis to Hancock (both located in New York) and is home to both hawks and bald eagles soaring above the spectacular views of the Upper Delaware River. Along the way, you can also stop at landmarks such as the Minisink Battleground Park, which hosted a skirmish during the Revolutionary War, and Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct, a canal bridge and engineering marvel built in 1848.