Seniors Like To Travel

It is never too late to travel and enrich your spirit!  When we were younger our vacations were frantic and exhausting.  We were always rushing from one place to another in order to see it all.  I can remember vowing that someday I would return when I had time to really savor the beauty and the history of each country.  Now is that time.

 

You may have dreamed about seeing the Acropolis in the moonlight or about seeing the pyramids up close, but somehow life seemed to get in the way.  Now that you don’t have to get vacation requests approved, you can travel any time and any where.  You can watch for specials and pack your bags at the drop of hat.  Isn’t that exciting?

 

This is your chance.  If you think that the experience might be a little too much at your age, you can think again.  Rick Steves, local group leader and travel writer shares tips that he has gleaned from senior travelers that might alleviate some of your fears.

 

To start with, travel experts recommend that you travel during the spring and fall months so that you can avoid huge crowds and summer heat.  Plan ahead; read books, search the Internet, take classes and find a travel agent who is in your corner.

 

An older traveler has to be a little more practical.  When you were younger you probably didn’t give much thought to things like travel insurance and medical records, but now the added security will increase your pleasure immeasurably.

Yes, seniors pay more for travel insurance but that is because they are more likely to need it.  Make sure that your medical insurance will cover anything that comes up when you are overseas.  Consider evacuation insurance, which would cover the expense of getting adequate medical care in an emergency, especially if you are too ill to fly commercially.  Cover your bases.

 

The first time I went to Europe, everything I owned was crammed into a bicycle pack.  You don’t have to be that rash, but leave the heavy suitcases at home.  Instead pack lightly and use a rolling suitcase.  Take fewer clothing items and resign yourself to doing laundry more often.

 

Take a full supply of your medications.  It is also a good idea to take along a list (which includes the generic names) in case you have to get a prescription filled while abroad.  You can buy most anything that you might need abroad these days, but it is a good idea to be prepared.  If you wear hearing aids, be sure to take spare batteries and an extra pair of glasses might be a good idea.

 

If you are flying, book early to reserve roomier or aisle seats, or upgrade to first class.  Comfort is a lot more important that it used to be.  It is important to drink plenty of fluids and try to walk around a bit every hour. 

 

When you are booking a hotel room, request a ground floor room or make sure that they have elevators.  If you stay somewhere near a train station or in the center of town, you will have a place to rest if you get tired during the day.  Take taxi’s or city buses rather than using the Subway systems.  Subways involve a lot of walking and stairs.

 

Remember to ask about senior discounts and take advantage of them.  Take your time and really enjoy your sightseeing.  You no longer have to sweep through 7 countries in 7 days.  I can remember visiting famous museums and vowing that I would come back someday when I didn’t have to literally dash from the Mona Lisa to the Winged Victory.  I wanted to see it all, but there was never enough time.   Do a bus tour for an overview of the highlights and then revisit them on your own.  Take your time.  This may be the last time for you to see the wonders of the world up close, which is sad, but it should make each pilgrimage more meaningful.