By Ali Mason

More than 40 percent of Americans over 60 yearsof age travel by air at least once a year and just one percent say they never fly. If you dream of joining the Jet Set after retirement, you don't need to be a millionaire. By following some simple tips, you can make the most of money-saving possibilities to enjoy your senior years embracing new experiences. From being clever with your finances to getting the lowest airfares, being on a retirement budget doesn't have to upset your travel plans.

Be financially savvy
Whether you plan to go on several short vacations or one long trip, planning your finances ahead is essential. This is particularly the case if you're planning an early retirement. Take an honest approach to your savings, investments, pensions and any extra income you have. Traveling relies on having a healthy nest egg so if your accounts are low on funds you may want to consider a reverse mortgage or loan specifically designed for seniors. Once all your travel funds are in order, you can start to plan a trip within your budget.

Reap the rewards
Research any discounts, reward programs and freebies before you head off. Providing you are a responsible credit card owner, you can receive frequent-flyer points on a travel reward program on purchases. Cards offer specific discounts on airfares, hotels and even car hire, so find out which cards best suit your needs. Many organizations have senior travel discounts available for those over a certain age, which can be up to 25 percent off for AARP members. So it's definitely worth investigating where you can get the most out of any benefits to cut the costs of your travel expenses.

Be flexible
The beauty of not being restricted to a working life is the freedom to travel on a flexible schedule. Last-minute deals on flights and hotels are a great way to save your dollars. When choosing destinations that are popular for seniors such as an Alaskan cruise or a Californian road trip, you'll often find fantastic discounts if you're not fussy about specific dates, especially during the off seasons. Being retired also means you don't have to cram everything into a short vacation but can spend time immersing yourself into local cultures without having to worry about leaving the kids behind.

If you're the type of retiree who prefers a more adventurous lifestyle rather than staying at home relaxing with the family, don't let your finances stop you from seeing the world. Just be organized and have the time of your life!