Well, here I am writing about travel for seniors, which is pretty easy cuz I am one HA. Also, however, I am a travel consultant, owner of an agency. Over the years I’ve seen, spoken with or experienced issues and circumstances either directly or through my agents, things I thought important to share with all of you.
Specifically for the senior market, whether you are a seasoned traveler or not, these are things that I believe will be helpful as you plan your next, whatever….cruise, land trip, rail trip, etc.
Several of my personal clients are single seniors, travel alone and are looking to save money from purchasing travel that, as a single traveler, can cost so much. I work to help them choose products that are affordable, if possible, and geared to the SOLO traveler. There are vendors out there who are now taking a serious look at accommodating the SOLO traveler both in tours, cruises and of course costs. You do however, have to read the small print to know just what you are getting. Still, couples or friends traveling together is the best bet regarding pricing. Below I am going to discuss, whether SOLO or couples, what you guys, as seniors, need to be aware of or think about as you plan your coming trip(s).
As an advisor, I have found that upon the return of some of the senior clients, they had jealousies or disappointment due to their own persona needs and wants by discovering what they could have done OR, sadly, that they might have chosen the wrong destination or maybe even their physical abilities were less than they had hoped or expected.
Riverboats both domestically and internationally offer several levels of activities so when on one of them and their many itineraries and destination, there are varying levels of exertion, say, easy walkers, active participation as examples. Doing too much can cause for injuring and can ruin your trip.
All of the concerns are not limited to physical exertion either. Maybe your expectations regarding a destination could be a disappointment. I had clients thrilled and wishing to go to Bali (can happen for the younger traveler also). Bali has such great marketing and looks like a wonderful place to visit. But, the pictures were just that, marketing! The beaches there, unless at an exclusive, luxury type resort, are truly awful. I think anyway, with few exceptions. The beaches, if you like beaches, are filled with lots of young adults, dirty sand, I guess you’re getting the idea I’m not too impressed with Bali. Unlike Tahiti, Bora Bora as an example. The marketing pictures never give it justice. The beaches and sites are far more beautiful that you’d ever catch in a picture. So, choosing the right destination needs research.
If you are a cultural needs person, like me anyway, you’re looking to experience a culture, i.e. food, traditions, architecture and the like, there is not a shortage of places to visit. It all depends on your personal comfort zone. However, I need to tell you, there is sooooo much more for the senior traveler to decide or plan for than simply where they want to go.
I strongly recommend travel insurance. I’ve mentioned this before, I know, but it is ever so important as we seniors travel to foreign or distance destination, away from home and family. I have to confess, there was a time when I wouldn’t purchase travel insurance. I was young, you don’t ever think anything is or could go wrong. Anymore however, everything from your health, to transportation problems (airlines are nobody’s friend), you/we just have to be stress-free to thoroughly enjoy our travels don’t we? When purchasing insurance thought, you have to read the small print to be sure it covers your needs. Are you simply wanting to protect your investment OR your health needs OR both? Be sure you are purchasing what you think you are purchasing.
One thing that the inexperienced travel, or leisure traveler is generally surprised at is that they are open to meeting people from all over the world, but many fellow travelers who can become life-long friends. Being like-minded, love cruising or riverboats or whatever, it is always an opportunity to meet others who share your same interests.
Also, the challenge of getting out of your comfort zone is really popular. An example might be to travel to an non-English speaking country to experience something completely different to, as an English speaking American, going to England, Scotland, Ireland. However, many/most popular European destinations, have fluent English spoken by the tour guides, transportation entities. In fact, most of the western European countries are so reliant on tourism as their national income focus, there shouldn’t be much of a hesitation. Fact is, signage is found abundantly in English as well as their native language.
One of the biggest issues for the non-experienced senior traveler if not taking copies of important documents and placing them in each of the luggage, purse, etc. as you never know if you will need to replace them.
Another fundamental plan is to be sure to discuss your travel plans: where you are going, when, how long, who with, hotel or ship or riverboat or tour operator information. I recommend that the itinerary be copied and given to each member of your family before departure. Not a bad idea to keep important phone numbers why gone either. With internet (wifi) available at most hotels and on most ships and even riverboats, you can communicate with everyone along the way.
One very important step is to let your bank know where you are going, when and to let that credit card company you are using, know where you are going. I recommend taking 2 cards from two companies, maybe AMEX, Master Card or Visa so that, should one not work or be declined, you would have an alternate. Sometimes the ATM’s and restaurant machines etc. are a tad fussy in Europe and some other countries. If you should lose one, contact the credit card company immediately and get a replacement. One of my clients had an AMEX stolen. We got to a facility, replaced her card and cancelled the old one. Not surprisingly, her card had been used already to a toon of about $1,500 YIKES.
Using your cell phone is a necessary thing to determine how you are going to use it. Because of the logistics of time and distance, it is a good idea to use internet calling or emails only. But one thing for sure, contact your cell company to get their plan set up for foreign travel. We do that with AT&T. The plans are prorated and you can cancel upon return. If you don’t do that, put your phone in AIRPLANE MODE. Ron forgot to do it on one of our last trips. He answered the phone and spoke to one of his clients and the total came to $150 for that one call!!!!!! We usually spend around $10 a day for an international plan and don’t have to worry if we need to use the phone. That would include texts too. Check with our provider for your options regarding this. IF you don’t, after a cruise or trip you could return to a huge phone bill, just because you didn’t.
I think the most disgusting thing to do, is to lug your luggage around and when you return you discovered you only work half of it!!!!!! Overpacking is a common issue. I still try so hard not to. Anymore I tell myself, if I really need something more, I can buy it HA. Taking 1 swimsuit rather than three, or one pair of tennis/walking shoes and one dress up if I absolutely have to. Just be sure to take comfortable shoes. It is DIFFERENT when you travel and do a lot of walking. Just remember, at least I do, don’t feel a need to be a fashion show while on vacation!!! Seriously.
Actually, yes, one can under-pack as well. Be sure to take necessary medicines, take in your carry-on and be sure you have all that you will need. Important to check your destination for restrictions. Some countries expect all meds to be in their original container, so you shouldn’t use those daily pill organizers in some places. Also, take prescription info in case you have to replace some pills. Also a good idea to list all meds and keep in a couple of places.
One mistake anyone traveling overseas makes is to not plan adequately for jet-lag. More than that though, if you are meeting with a tour operator or a cruise or riverboat, be sure that you build in time to rest at the other end before your vacation actually starts. We try to do that. We don’t travel business class ($$$$) so opt to pay for an additional nights lodging to insure we are rested. More importantly, that we have extra time, just in case the airline screws up our trip and we have to miss the boat or something. NEVER schedule your transportation too close to a departure time for any scheduled vacation in a foreign country PERIOD!!!!
Overplanning is an issue for most, not just seniors. It can take all the fun out of a trip OR make you so exhausted before you have even left!! Taking a scheduled tour, cruise, riverboat, is a convenient way to making minimal extra plans around an established vacation vendor. Trust me….Be ready for the spontaneity. Ron and I have completely changed directions on our independent tours after reviewing weather issues OR finding out about an activity that HECK we’re there, let’s do it, kinda thing It hold surprises to doing so. Also, overplanning could lead to doing TOO MUCH..
I’ve found also that new travelers to Europe are into the “If it’s Tuesday, it must be Begium” trip. Though Europe is tiny compared to the US, and you can get around easily In Europe (that rail system is GREAT!), don’t bite off more than you can chew. It is tempting, but, enjoy as much as you can of each destination/country. Don’t wear yourself out doing what I call FLITTING.
Taking the wrong clothes, not checking up on health precautions or issues going on in your chosen destination. Traveling overseas used to be so tedious…but not so much anymore, just curb your expectations, enjoy the cultures, don’t try to change them, but be open to explore new places. Most all European destinations have wonderful Tourist Information Centers to assist you. Take advantage of them.
I hope you found this information helpful for your future travels. Life is too short to not expand your horizons, meet people, experience food and other cultures….most importantly….
