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Finding Senior Travel Discounts That Matter
Trivia: Who recorded the 1970 hit “Bridge Over Troubled Water”?

Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Thursday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing smart tips on Finding Senior Travel Discounts That Matter, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
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What We’re Reading
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By: Emma Jameson In the icy winter of 1939, Dr. Benjamin Bones and Lady Juliet find themselves entangled in both spectral mysteries and scandalous secrets in the village of Birdswing. As Ben grapples with ghosts—both literal and emotional—and Juliet faces the unexpected return of her estranged husband, a shocking murder at a grand estate pulls them into a tangle of deceit and desire. Together, they must navigate gossip, hidden motives, and the lingering presence of the past to uncover the truth before it vanishes like a ghost itself. |
Dear Joanne
Your questions, her wisdom — Joanne’s here with thoughtful advice, warm humor, and a listening ear for whatever’s on your mind.

Here we are. The semi-annual fighting over the thermostats at the household of “Dear Joanne and Spouse”.
Every year as the weather gets crisp, my husband and I fight over what temperature the house should set. Why is it that the same temperature can feel completely different depending on the season?
I won’t yet tell you which one of us likes the house cool and which one likes the house warm. But my guess is a majority of couples out there have the same argument.
It’s funny how the same temperature can feel completely different depending on the season. Seventy-two degrees in July can feel like a refreshing escape from the hot, blazing sun. But sixty-eight in the winter seems cold and distant – like the air is missing something warm and alive. Maybe because, at least in my neck of the woods, we have no sunlight streaming through our windows in the wintertime. Or maybe it is just our bodies getting used to the outside air from season to season.
I think there is a psychological element to our semi-annual arguments as well. In the summer, we have open doors, short sleeves, iced drinks and the humming of the air conditioner. In winter, there is a stillness of a locked in house. Closed windows, thick socks and the low murmur of the furnace. The same temperature can feel entirely different because WE are different – what we can wear, what we can expect, and the mood we are in is so different based on the calendar.
For a minute, think about what temperature is ideal for you in your house over the winter, then think about the temperature your spouse prefers.
I love to keep a cool (or some would say cold) house all year long. This time of year, I love a 68-degree house during the day and evening, but at bed time it would not bother me at all to have a 62-degree house. Let’s face it, you are in bed with a sheet, blanket and quilt on… it gets really warm at night under those covers. I can’t sleep! I vote for 62 degrees!
My hubby, on the other hand, prefers 72-degrees. Who in the world can sleep at 72- degrees with blankets and pajamas on?? So, we play the thermostat game. I lower the thermostat, he raises the thermostat. Day in, day out. Ultimately, you know who wins.
Except this year.
My husband has vowed not to turn the heat on until October is over, which would be ok if we did not live in the Northeast. As much as I love a cool house, this last week pushed me over the edge. We woke up to a thermostat that registered 59 degrees on Saturday morning. Just a bit too cold for me. I put the fireplace on and parked my butt right in front of it until my bones defrosted and my skin was bright red. My hubby agreed and we now have the thermostat set to heat.
I feel a 68-degree setting during the day in the Fall represents a refreshing escape for the bridge between Summer and Winter. With that temperature, my husband comes into the family room with sweat pants, thermals, sweatshirt, socks and slippers. I almost think if he owned ear warmers, he would be wearing those as well. I, on the other hand, wear light pajamas and love snuggling with my favorite blanket - maybe with the fireplace switched on and off on occasion.
In the summer, he likes the air conditioning set to 72-degrees. Hmmm… in the Summer I like to keep the air conditioning on at 68 during the day, and 62 at night. What else are those beautiful quilts for?
So, the next time you and your spouse argue over the thermostat, maybe you can give each other some grace. After all, sixty-eight degrees isn’t just about the temperature, it’s about time, light, perspective (and just maybe, a little bit of power).
Email me at [email protected] and let me know who wins the temperature battle in your house! I’m guessing I’ll receive a few funny stories.
Joanne
PS: For those of you in the path of Hurricane Melissa – our thoughts are with you and praying everyone stays safe.
Thermostat temperatures: |
On this day in 1938 Millions of Americans tuned in to what they thought was a regular radio drama—only to panic as Orson Welles’ broadcast of The War of the Worlds convinced listeners that Earth was under attack by Martians. The realistic news-style format of the program caused widespread confusion and remains one of the most famous examples of media’s power to influence public perception.
Finding Senior Travel Discounts That Matter
Who says adventure has to slow down with age? In fact, one of the best-kept secrets of travel after 55 is that the world quietly opens up with deals and perks just for you—you just have to know where to look.
Let’s start with the basics: hotels, trains, and car rentals often offer special senior rates, but you won’t always see them advertised. Don’t be shy about asking! Many hotel chains give 10–15% off rooms for guests over 55, and Amtrak regularly offers discounted fares for travelers 62 and older. Airlines and cruise lines sometimes follow suit, especially when you call or book directly through their customer service line.
Membership programs like AARP can make a real difference, too. From vacation packages to rental cars and even restaurant discounts on the road, a small membership fee can quickly pay for itself in savings. But here’s a tip—sometimes the “senior” rate isn’t actually the lowest rate available. Always compare the special offer with current online prices before you book. It’s all part of being a smart traveler!
Timing also matters. Traveling during the “shoulder seasons”—spring and fall—means fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and often better rates. You’ll find that charming bed-and-breakfasts, national parks, and even big-city hotels are far more affordable when you go just before or after peak tourist months.
And don’t underestimate the power of your smile and a simple question. Many smaller family-owned inns, museums, or local attractions have unlisted senior discounts that appear only when you ask in person. A cheerful, “Do you offer a senior rate?” might save you enough for a nice dinner out—or at least a few extra scoops of ice cream.
Whether you’re dreaming of train rides through the mountains, beachside mornings with your favorite coffee, or a long-overdue visit with friends, the key is to make your travel dollars stretch as far as your curiosity. With a little research, flexibility, and confidence, you can turn every trip into a budget-friendly adventure.
What’s Your Favorite Kind of Travel Discount? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: What kind of stories do you most enjoy reading lately?

It’s no mystery—clever whodunits are the clear favorite among our readers, earning 47% of the vote! Romance and second-chance love stories came in second at 18%, while family dramas and true-life memoirs each captured 11%. Lighthearted comedies brought in 5%, and 8% of readers chose “other,” with many sharing a love for historical fiction or blended genres. Whether you're into twisty plots or tender moments, it’s clear that storytelling is alive and well across the board.
TOP COMMENTS
“I enjoy historical fiction, especially stories about the holocaust. Reading about the human will to survive and compassion given in spite of the most horrific circumstances, is inspiring.”
“Historical fiction.”
“I enjoy sorcery or something of the sort.”
“While I love a good mystery, lately I have enjoyed reading general nonfiction. So far, I have learned about the history of many of the beverages that we drink, about rare earth minerals, and next on my list is a book about the history and significance of salt in society. May sound boring to some, but I love learning. I usually have one nonfiction book and one fiction book that I read - one for learning, one for pleasure.”
“Science and science fiction.”
“I have been drawn to historical fiction lately. I often then go research to see how much of the history is depicted correctly and learn even more. But a good fantasy is fun too.”
“I’ll read most but steer clear of crime and violence…get enough from the news.”
“I'm deep into a long series of books by Iris Johansen-murder with clever twist and romance thrown in.”
Designing a Retirement You Really Want – One Small Step at a Time
Retirement often looks like freedom, but without a little clarity it can feel a bit like floating in space. The key is to start by reconnecting with what truly fuels your energy and what drains it—considering past work, ongoing strengths, and untapped interests. Then, craft a vision rooted in your values and set up gentle routines that turn ideas into actions: small experiments, meaningful connections, and rhythms that reflect how you want to live, not just how you used to. Over time, this kind of intentional approach evolves organically—so your next chapter is less about “what now?” and more about “what’s next for me?”
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: I’m totally buggin’
Meaning: A playful phrase that means feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or thrown off—often used in a lighthearted or dramatic way. Popularized by the 1995 movie Clueless, it's the teen-speak equivalent of saying, “I’m freaking out” or “I can’t deal with this right now.”
In a sentence: “When my grandson showed me how much his new sneakers cost, I was totally buggin’—they were more expensive than my first car!”
Good News of the Day
Autonomous Sprinkler System Offers Smart Wildfire Protection for Homes
A Colorado‑based team of innovators has developed an autonomous home‑sprinkler system that detects approaching wildfires using thermal‑imaging cameras and responds instantly with targeted water sprays. The system can deliver up to 35 gallons per minute to vulnerable parts of a home, automatically drains to prevent freezing, and is designed specifically for fire‑prone mountain regions. Beyond offering homeowners peace of mind, the technology could also help reduce insurance costs in high‑risk zones by lowering the chance of fire damage.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
Which 1969 single returned Elvis Presley to #1 on the U.S. charts after a seven-year gap? |
Who recorded the 1970 hit “Bridge Over Troubled Water”? |
Which country has territory in both Africa and Asia? |
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