At 63, I enjoy ocean-view condos, rooftop cocktails, and infinity pools—experiences that feel truly luxurious. Surprisingly, my lifestyle is entirely supported by a fixed retirement income. I’ll reveal exactly how you can enjoy stress-free, upscale travel without breaking your budget.
As a solo female traveler over 60, I’ve discovered that fixed-income travel isn’t about restriction—it’s about strategic liberation. On my fixed income, I’ve dined at ocean-view restaurants in Mexico, had cocktails on rooftops with a view of the Panama Canal, and dived the turquoise blue waters of Jamaica—all while spending less than I did maintaining a home the vibrant retirement haven of Palm Springs, California. The secret? Leverage time, technology, and senior-savvy hacks. Here’s your blueprint. Start planning your own adventure today and take the first step toward traveling like royalty on your fixed income!
The Royal Foundations: Budget Mechanics for Queens
Master the 28-Day Stay Rule
Choose slow travel (the only way I travel) and use Airbnb’s hidden gem: 30–60% discounts for monthly stays. I exclusively use Airbnb’s “Monthly Stays” filter.
Pro Tip: Travel off-season. For tropical locations, if you stay at the beginning of the rainy season (it doesn’t rain every day, and if it does, it’s usually only rains for an hour or less), you’ll receive additional savings, and you’ll be able to stay at luxury places that may be out of budget during peak season. Best of all, the beautiful beaches are more enjoyable as there won’t be as many tourists. Recently, I stayed in Vera Cruz, near Panama City, Panama, in a luxurious one bedroom condo with ocean and mountain views, large kitchen, washer and dryer, a private beach, and an exclusive beach club. During peak season, it is $159/night. However, during the off-season, it was only $74/night. In contrast, the hotel on the same property, which shares the same beach and beach club, was $215 per night. It was a 10 out of 10!
Alternatives:
- VRBO’s “Extended Stay” option
- SabbaticalHomes.com (scholar-owned residences at low rates)
Flight Alchemy: The Magic of Flexibility
Want to learn a little travel magic? Here are your magic travel hacks.
- Google Flights: Set your departure city and leave the destination blank. You’ll then see a world map with a list of places to travel with fares. And finally, choose where you want to go and the amount you want to pay, and you’re off!
- Onward Ticket: For visa and immigration requirements, book a $16 verified flight reservation on OnwardTicket.com as proof of an onward travel destination. The reservation is used in place of paying full price for a round-trip ticket. It provides maximum flexibility for when you depart and where you go on your next adventure. For example, I’ve used an Onward ticket for round-trip travel with a 30-day validity period from arrival. However, I stayed 6 months and chose a different destination. It’s freedom on your terms.
- Get Real-time Flight Information:
- Download Flighty (award winning flight tracker app)
- Detailed real-time flight details, such as delays, gate changes, and cancellations
- Join an Airline Reward Program: It may lower the price, provide better seating options, and offer reduced baggage check-in costs. For maximum savings, transfer credit card rewards to airline partners. They’re great for upgrades. Use credit cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access and give points for miles traveled or dollars spent. Best of all, you’ll may have lounge access for long layovers.
Pro Tip: Skip basic economy flights. The seats are usually located in the middle, are among the last to board, and offer no flexibility. Compare fare classes before booking. The next level typically includes seat selection, a checked luggage allowance, and the ability to make changes. A few extra dollars up front can make your entire journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Accumulation Month(s)
Maybe you have a dream location or a place or experience on your bucket list, and you feel that’s its out of your budget. So you think you can’t go. That’s where accumulation months come into play.
- Choose a location and condo that may have less amenities that you’d prefer, but it comes with your minimum requirements. Hence, I always stay in ocean view condos. However, during accumulation months, I choose my location based on the cost of air travel, and usually stay in a smaller unit or one with no ocean view.
- Here is where you save more of your fixed income, which would accumulate the funds needed for your dream location or bucket list experience.
Pro Tip: Choose an accumulation location that has a good or great money conversion rate. It’s a great money boost.
The Crown Jewels: Luxury Experiences on a Penny Budget
Luxury experiences don’t have to break the bank, but where do you find them?
Check out the Airbnb “Experiences” section for unique options. There you’ll find a list of daily activities led by local guides that foster cultural exchange, and you can book directly through Airbnb. You can book activities from traditional walking tours with knowledgeable guides to the more unexpected, off-the-beaten-path experiences. In Mexico, I found the unique experience of chakra activation on a private beach. It included transportation from my Airbnb to the location and lunch at a waterfall. It was amazing!
Travel like a queen using Welcome Pickups. You’ll get a private driver for airport transfers and sightseeing. Imagine having your own personal driver that you can trust, who will show you hidden gems and restaurants with authentic cuisine away from the tourist traps.
Imagine meeting a new friend in a new country and experiencing authentic local charm. Connect with local women for private tours on Greether. It’s designed to help solo women travelers explore the world more safely and confidently.
Tours & Excursions: Insider Access, Outsider Prices
Senior women traveling solo enjoy new freedom—retired, with grown children, you can see the world on your terms. Use your retirement funds to see the world; there are plenty of tools to maximize your savings, so take your time.
- Viator: With more than 300,000 travel experiences. Reserve & Pay Later to secure the activities you don’t want to miss without being locked in.
- GetYourGuide: Find out the best deals and tips for your travel plans, book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, find things to do and fun activities from around the world.
- Tiqets: Thousands of renowned museums, thrilling attractions, and hidden gems to offer unforgettable travel experiences
- LeWalk (lewalk.com): Download the app for your private tour guide in your headphones. Experience cities, from Paris to Versailles, Florence, and Rome through expert-guided stories, local insights, and personalized routes. Tours available in 22 languages
- Trips.com: Get
- International Greeters Association (IGA): Free walks with locals for single tourists and small groups up to 6 on a 2-3 hours walk.
- Senior Discounts: Always ask! Vatican Museums: €17 vs. €27 (60+).
The Scepter of Stability: Fixed-Income Power Tools
| Tool | Use Case | Benefit / Savings |
| Bank Direct Deposit | Easily access retirement funds. Notify bank that you’re traveling to avoid declined transactions. | Saves time. No need to receive and deposit checks while traveling. |
| Anytime Mailbox | Virtual mailbox. Digitally manage your mail from anywhere in the world. | $10/month for a real street address vs. PO Box |
| Rome2Rio | Find the best way to get from A to B, anywhere in the world. You can compare and book flights, trains, buses, ferries, rental cars, and hotels. | Saved $240 on Barcelona→Seville |
| LingoDeer | Learn in as little as 10 mins a day. (21 languages available) | Avoided $35/day guide fees |
| Free Books (app) | Worlds Largest Open Library. From classics to modern books across all genres. | Digital library without the weight of physical books. |
| Airalo eSIM | Internet access from virtually any country and no excessive roaming charges. | Can be activated either immediately after installation or upon arrival at your destination. |
| Too Good To Go | $5 gourmet “surprise bags” from bakeries | Ate 3 days of pastries in Paris |
Throne-Worthy Destinations: Live Large for Less
(Monthly budget: $1,800–$3,000)
- Portugal’s Silver Coast
- Why: Safe, English-friendly, $3 vinho verde.
- Hack: Stay in Nazaré (fisherman’s village). Airbnb: $900/month.
- Mexico’s Lake Chapala
- Why: Largest expat community for women 60+. Medical care: $25 visits.
- Hack: Join Lake Chapala Society for free social clubs.
- Malaysia (Penang)
- Why: #1 globally for retiree benefits. Street food: $1.50 laksa.
- Hack: Use iProperty to rent condos with pools for $550/month 4.
The Queen’s Guard: Safety & Comfort Essentials
- Portable Door Alarm: GE Personal Security Alarm ($15) for hotel rooms.
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWing ($45/month) covers seniors with pre-existing conditions.
- Virtual Guides: Download offline maps via Maps.me to avoid data costs.
Pro Tip: Setup medical ID feature on your phone. Both Apple and android, so even if phone is locked, emergency responders can see your conditions, medications, allergies and who to call. It could save your life abroad and it will give you and your family peace of mind should an unexpected medical situation occur.
Your Scepter Awaits: Start Your Reign
“You don’t need a trust fund—just trust in your ability to design a life that dazzles.”
The tools exist. The discounts are ripe. And the world? It’s kneeling before queens like us, waiting to be claimed.
Your First Royal Decree:
- Book a monthly Airbnb stay.
- Download LingoDeer and learn the pleasantries in your next destination’s language.
- Join my free community Fearless Solo Travelers 60+ for personalized destination hacks.
Crown your courage, not your limitations. 🌍👑
Ready for Strategic Liberation?
In my 1:1 Life Design Sessions, we’ll:
- Unblock your biggest mental barriers.
- Create a personalized “courage ladder” for your dream trip.
- Map your personalized “freedom roadmap.”
- Turn “someday” into a departure date.
➡️ Book Your Session Here
“You’re never too old.
You’re always enough.
You deserve it.”
— Cherrie, Your Freedom Guide
Affiliate Disclosure: Recommendations are curated with love! Purchases via links may earn me a small commission at no cost to you.
*CTA: “Share your #1 fixed-income travel hack in the comments—I’ll feature my favorites next month!”*
