You’re retired—or close to it.
You’re time-independent.
The kids are grown.
You finally have space to breathe.
And yet… the math ain’t mathing.
You spent years taking care of family, building a career, and holding everything together. Now it’s your time to travel, explore, and experience the world—but you’re on a fixed income or working with limited funds. That doesn’t mean your travel dreams are over. It just means you travel smarter.
In this article, I’m sharing unique and practical ways Black women over 50 can travel the world at a discount, especially when airfare and lodging feel out of reach.
Let’s get into it ✈️
Tip 1: House Sit, or Pet Sit Your Way Around the World
One of the most underrated ways to travel affordably is house-sitting or pet-sitting.
How it works is you stay in someone’s home rent-free in exchange for caring for their house or pets while they travel. No hotel costs. No Airbnb fees. Just lodging covered.
Trusted platforms to explore:
- Mind My House
- 👉 https://www.mindmyhouse.com/
- Nomador
- 👉 https://www.nomador.com/
- Trusted Housesitters
- 👉 https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/
If you’re thinking, “Is this really safe? And do Black women actually do this?” — The answer is yes.
I highly recommend watching Stephanie Perry’s YouTube video:
🎥 “Black Women Are House Sitting to Travel the World! How??”
Stephanie Perry has become a go-to expert on house sitting, especially for Black women. She has tons of videos on her YouTube channel on this topic, breaking down:
- How to get started
- How to build a strong profile
- What countries are best
- How to stay safe and confident while house-sitting
Tip 2: Take Advantage of Airline Companion Passes & Senior Discounts
If you like traveling with a partner, friend, or sister, companion passes can save you hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars.
✈️ Southwest Airlines Companion Pass
👉 Learn more here:
https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/companion-pass/
This is one of the most generous airline programs available.
✈️ Frontier Airlines Companion Pass
Frontier has also launched a companion pass program, offering discounted travel for a companion on eligible flights.
👉 Details here:
https://www.flyfrontier.com/deals/discount-den/companion-travel/
✈️ Delta Airlines Companion Certificate
Delta offers an annual companion certificate for certain Delta Platinum SkyMiles® American Express cardholders.
👉 Program info:
https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/medallion-program/companion-certificates
✈️ Senior Airline Discounts (65+)
Many airlines offer senior discounts, but they’re not always advertised online. Sometimes the ticket price isn’t lower, but the benefits may include:
- Flexible changes
- Priority boarding
- Reduced fees
Pro tip: Call the airline directly to ask about senior discounts or benefits. A simple phone call can unlock savings.
Tip 3: Teach Abroad and Get Paid to Travel
Yes, teaching abroad is still an option—even later in life.
Many programs in Asia, Mexico, and other countries offer:
- A salary
- Housing
- Transportation
- Sometimes meals
You don’t always need to be a certified teacher. Some programs accept conversational English teaching or cultural exchange roles.
Reputable resources to explore:
- https://www.goabroad.com/teach-abroad
- https://www.teachaway.com/
- https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/
This is a powerful option if you want slow travel, cultural immersion, and purpose while seeing the world.
Tip 4: Host a Group Trip and Travel at a Discount (or Free)
Many travel agencies and tour companies allow individuals to host group trips. In exchange for organizing and traveling with the group, hosts may receive:
- Discounted travel
- Free lodging
- Free excursions
- Or even earn income
This works well for women who:
- Already have a community
- Enjoy planning
- Want to travel with intention and sisterhood
Start researching:
- Group travel host programs
- Travel agencies offering hosted trips
- Faith-based or wellness travel companies
Always research contracts carefully, but this option can significantly reduce travel costs while creating meaningful experiences.
Tip 5: Use Credit Card Rewards & Airline Miles
If you’re already paying bills, buying groceries, or shopping online, you might as well earn travel rewards.
Many travel credit cards let you earn points or airline miles on everyday spending, which you can later redeem for flights, hotels, or upgrades.
Popular options to explore:
- Delta SkyMiles® Credit Cards
- https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/credit-cards
- United MileagePlus® Cards
- https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/mileageplus/credit-cards.html
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Cards
- Southwest Rapid Credit Card
- Capital One Venture Rewards
- https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/venture/
- Chase Travel Rewards
- https://creditcards.chase.com/travel-credit-cards
This Is Your Season
You are in a season of life where you’ve taken care of everybody else. Now it’s your turn.
Travel doesn’t have to be postponed because of money. With creativity, intention, and the right strategies, you can see the world without breaking the bank. Your dreams didn’t expire when you turned 50—they matured.
Join the Sisterhood
Here at RBL Wellness & Beauty, we share empowering tips for Black women over 50 who want to:
- Live life on their own terms
- Travel with confidence
- Age gracefully
- Protect their health
- And create a life they truly desire and deserve
We love to have you as a member of our growing community.
