Who this is for: Adults 55 and older who want to explore America (or the world) on their own schedule — by RV, road trip, or comfortable air travel — with honest reviews of the tools and services that make it easier.
Article Contents
Retirement is the best time to travel. You’re not tied to school schedules or limited vacation days. You can go where you want, when you want, at your own pace. This guide covers the best travel tools, services, and gear specifically useful for older adults who love to explore.
Quick Reference: Best Senior Travel Resources
| Service | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| RVShare | Renting or listing an RV | 6.4% booking fee for owners |
| Roadtrippers | Planning scenic road trips | Free / Premium subscription |
| KOA Kampgrounds | Comfortable camping & cabins | Per night pricing |
| EcoFlow | Portable power for RV/camping | One-time purchase |
| Expedia (55+ deals) | Flights, hotels, packages | Varies (AARP discounts) |
| Radisson Hotels | Hotel stays | Loyalty rates available |
| VisitorsCoverage | Travel medical insurance | Per trip pricing |
1. RVShare — Rent an RV Without the Commitment of Ownership
RVShare is the world’s largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace—think of it as Airbnb for motorhomes. For seniors curious about RV travel but not ready to buy, renting is the perfect way to experience it first. For those who already own an RV and want to offset costs, RVShare lets you list your vehicle and earn income when you’re not using it.
Why RV travel is ideal for adults over 55:
- Travel at your own pace — no rigid hotel check-in times
- Sleep in your own bed every night
- Cook your own meals — important for dietary restrictions
- Bring your pet without hotel fees
- Park near national parks, beaches, and family—wherever you want
What’s available on RVShare:
- Class A, B, and C motorhomes
- Travel trailers and fifth wheels
- Camper vans (great for couples)
- Toy haulers for those with bikes or motorcycles
→ Browse Available RVs Near You — Filter by size, features, and price to find your perfect match.
2. Roadtrippers — Plan the Perfect Scenic Road Trip
Plan Your Route on Roadtrippers →
Roadtrippers is the best road trip planning app available today. Enter your start and end points, and it suggests scenic routes, roadside attractions, national parks, historic sites, restaurants, gas stations, and RV parks along the way. For seniors who love discovering America, it’s indispensable.
Features older adults love:
- Filter attractions by type — nature, history, quirky landmarks, national parks
- See gas prices along your route
- Add stops and see how they affect your driving time
- Share your itinerary with family so they know your route
- Premium version saves routes and includes offline maps
Perfect for: Planning a seasonal migration (snowbird route), a bucket-list national parks trip, or a multi-generational family road trip.
→ Start Planning Your Route on Roadtrippers — Free to start, premium available for serious road trippers.
3. KOA Kampgrounds — Comfortable Camping for Every Level
KOA stands for Kampgrounds of America — and their locations are the gold standard for comfortable, reliable camping across North America. For seniors who want to camp without roughing it, KOA is the answer.
KOA accommodation types:
- Tent sites — traditional camping for the outdoor enthusiast
- RV hookup sites — full electric, water, and sewer connections
- Camping Cabins — beds, electricity, and heat/AC—just bring bedding
- Deluxe Cabins—full bathrooms, kitchen, full beds—essentially a private cabin rental
Why KOA is great for seniors:
- Consistent quality across 500+ locations nationwide
- Accessible facilities — ADA-compliant sites and restrooms at most locations
- Activities on-site — pools, mini golf, planned activities
- KOA Rewards program offers 10% discount for members
- Safe, well-lit, family-friendly environments
→ Find a KOA Along Your Route — Search by state or near your destination.
4. EcoFlow Portable Power Station — Essential Gear for Senior RVers & Campers
Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than running out of power. EcoFlow makes portable power stations that can run a CPAP machine, charge phones and tablets, power a fan or small appliance, and keep critical medical devices running — even without a hookup.
Why EcoFlow matters for seniors:
- CPAP machines are critical for sleep apnea—you can’t skip them on a camping trip
- Powers medical devices, heating pads, and mobility device chargers
- Pairs with solar panels for truly off-grid capability
- Much safer than a gas generator (no carbon monoxide risk)
- Handles multiple devices simultaneously
Best model for most seniors: The EcoFlow DELTA 2 balances capacity, weight, and price. The RIVER 2 Pro is lighter for car camping without power hookups.
→ See EcoFlow’s Full Lineup — Find the right capacity for your specific power needs.
5. Expedia — Senior Travel Deals & AARP Discount Packages
Expedia is one of the largest online travel agencies, and for adults over 55 there are multiple ways to save beyond standard pricing. AARP members get exclusive discounts on hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages when booking through the Expedia/AARP Travel Center.
Best ways seniors save on Expedia:
- Bundle hotel + flight — packages typically save 15-30% vs. booking separately
- Use AARP member pricing — additional discounts for members
- Book flexible rates — important when travel plans are less certain
- Loyalty points — stack Expedia Rewards for future trips
- Senior-friendly hotels — filter for accessible rooms with grab bars, walk-in showers
→ Search Expedia for Senior Travel Deals — Compare hundreds of options in seconds.
6. Radisson Hotels — Reliable Comfort for Senior Travelers
Radisson Hotels operate across the United States with a reputation for consistent comfort, reliable service, and convenient locations near airports, highways, and city centers. For seniors who prefer known quantities over boutique surprises, Radisson delivers.
What seniors appreciate:
- Comfortable beds with quality linens
- On-site restaurants eliminate the need to drive for dinner
- Rewards program for regular travelers
- Accessible rooms available at most properties
- Business-class amenities (reliable Wi-Fi, workspaces) that also serve leisure travelers well
→ Browse Radisson Hotels by Destination — Check available rooms and current rates.
7. VisitorsCoverage — Don’t Travel Without Medical Insurance
Get Travel Medical Insurance →
Medicare does not cover you outside the United States. For seniors who travel internationally—whether to Europe, on a Caribbean cruise, or visiting family abroad—travel medical insurance is non-negotiable.
What VisitorsCoverage covers:
- Emergency medical treatment abroad
- Medical evacuation to your home country (can cost $50,000+ without coverage)
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost luggage
- 24/7 emergency assistance line
→ Get an Instant Quote for Your Trip — Takes 2 minutes, covers you from the moment you depart.
The Senior Traveler’s Checklist Before Any Trip
- Book with Expedia or Radisson and confirm accessible room if needed
- Purchase travel medical insurance (VisitorsCoverage) for international trips
- Plan your route with Roadtrippers
- Book KOA sites in advance for peak season
- Charge your EcoFlow before departure if camping/RVing
- Check if your prescriptions are available at your destination (ReadyRx works nationwide)
- Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel plans
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
