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Tucson AZ Best Retirement City In The USA, Says AARP

According to AARP Magazine, the city of Tucson, Arizona, is the best place for seniors to settle for “simpler retirement living”. Also on the list, in order of AARP’s rating after Tucson are Greenville, SC, Montpelier VT, Logan UT, Ames IO, Northampton MA, Lexington/Fayette KY, Oxford MS and Walla Walla WA. Its #8 is an obscure listing naming just Texas Hill Country, wherever that may be.

Apparently the AARP people who compiled the list never bothered to investigate the more familiar retiree destinations of Miami, San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Palm Beach and Orlando. Or maybe it was because they believe housing and other cost-of-living expenses in those places have already escalated out of sight.
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Is It Worthwhile To Pay Extra For Balcony Cabin? PDF Print E-mail


Q: Our travel agent said it would cost another $50 a night if we booked a cabin with a private balcony. The cruise is 14 days, requiring another $700. Is it worth the extra cost? Jeanne L., Birmingham AL

A: Looking out at the ocean by day and by moonlight is great from your own private balcony. And watching  the full panorama of arrivals and departures in harbors are wonderful cruise experiences. If airfare and your two-week cruise already costs $4,000 or more, consider spending the extra bucks. Think of the selfies and lasting memories!

If you want to save money, here’s an idea. Try for a balcony cabin without the extra charge. When booking, and depending on the season, ask your travel agent if you can be bumped up to a balcony cabin free as part of a special promotion. If it doesn’t happen on booking, there may still be a chance. When you go aboard, and before you go to your cabin, hit the purser’s desk. Ask if there’s a deal available for a free or discount upgrade to a balcony cabin. Sometimes, when the cruise isn’t all sold out, bumping up is available.

It wouldn’t hurt your chances to slip in $20 or so of balcony bribery bucks.
 
 
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