WHETHER IT’S A SAFARI, a family cruise or a visit to a far-off station from early in your career, retirement offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to live out your travel dreams.

Since retiring in 2010, THB clients Stephen and Linda of Bedford have done just that, visiting countries from Kyrgyzstan to Botswana.

“The only thing left on my bucket list is seeing the northern lights,” Stephen says.

The Phillipses pride themselves on going everywhere without spending everything they have. Linda, who does the planning, spends hours before each trip investigating where to go, what to do and how to stretch every dollar.

Her favorite methods include using frequent flier miles and credit card reward points for free or discounted transportation and lodging.

“I’m very tuned in to bargains,” Linda says. Among her best deals were a pair of $200 round-trip airfares to Johannesburg, South Africa. Another time, the couple paid $35 for round trips to Hawaii.

Savvy globe-trotters such as the Phillipses can also benefit from the many apps and websites such as Google Trips or Google Flights or check out this list of the best apps and travel websites from Travel + Leisure.  You not only will be able to save money but you will also make some great discoveries!  You can expect the following benefits from these apps and websites: 

• Discounts. Through relationships with travel providers, members save on airfare, hotels, cruises, resorts, tours, rental cars, travel insurance and more.
• On-the-go management. Travelers can manage their journeys with the USAA Mobile App, which members can download to a smartphone or other wireless device. If something goes wrong, a member can click to call and file a claim through the device.
• Planning assistance. Checklists on the Mobile App prompt you to complete tasks before your trip. Some start months ahead, such as budgeting and applying for passports. Closer to departure, you get a different set of reminders, from filling prescriptions to snapping a photo of your airport parking space.

Bon Voyage!