Imagine traveling to the coast, staying in a seaside hotel, and bringing your pet along—all for just €50.
This isn’t a fantasy. It’s part of a new update to a senior citizen travel program that offers heavily subsidized trips to pensioners with limited income. The initiative, which has been running for four decades, is now making travel more inclusive, affordable, and pet-friendly than ever before.
Launched by the Imserso (Spanish Social Security Institute), the program has reserved 7,447 spots specifically for individuals receiving non-contributory pensions. These eligible participants will pay a flat rate of €50 for trips to coastal destinations, with the rest of the cost covered by the government. For many retirees, this marks a rare and welcome opportunity to travel without breaking the bank.
For the first time in its 40-year history, the program also allows pets on selected trips to both mainland and island coasts—addressing a longtime barrier for seniors who prefer not to leave their companions behind. This new flexibility is expected to make travel more appealing for older adults and promote emotional well-being during their journeys.
To ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry and improve the quality of services, the government will also introduce a €100 surcharge for trips taken during peak travel seasons. This adjustment aims to spread demand more evenly throughout the year and reduce seasonal pressure on popular destinations. About 36% of available spaces will now be distributed across the season, encouraging off-peak travel.
The updated program also includes stricter quality control. Companies that fail to meet service standards will face reinforced penalties, and only hotels with a minimum three-star rating will participate. These accommodations are required to provide leisure and recreational activities tailored for older guests.
Additionally, all successful bidders involved in organizing the trips must offer informational resources related to active aging and the prevention of elder abuse, aligning the program with broader social goals beyond tourism.
The changes come as the Council of Ministers prepares to authorize the procurement process, which exceeds €12 million in public investment. Once approved, the details will be published on the government’s official procurement platform in the coming weeks.
Since its launch in 1985, the program has grown significantly—from 16,000 spots in its first year to a projected 879,213 for the next campaign. More than 4.6 million people are now registered to participate, underscoring the widespread demand for affordable travel options among seniors.
By focusing on inclusion, well-being, and flexibility, the senior citizen travel program continues to evolve with the times—making it easier than ever for older adults to enjoy meaningful and affordable adventures.
Would you or someone you know take advantage of a travel program like this? Share your thoughts or personal stories in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
