Senior Citizen Travel - For Fun and Ease

What is Your Goal?

Part of the fun of senior citizen travel is to pinpoint why you are taking a given trip. Remember the old bumper sticker, “I’d rather be fishing”? Do you have favorite senior activity ideas? What would you rather be doing? The questions below will help you narrow it down.

• Are you finally able to go overseas and explore another country and culture?
• Are you visiting family?
• Are you sharing this experience with another loved one, perhaps a grandchild?
• Is this a special-interest trip based on a theme or hobby, like cooking, fishing, photography or art?
• Do you want to take an “adventure” trip?
• Do you want to participate in just senior travel tours?
• Are you doing solo senior citizen travel and want to meet others of like interest?
• Do you want to fly, or travel by train, coach (bus), or car? This is a big part of your budget.
• Will you be staying in a hotel, cabin, with family or friends, an Elderhostel, an RV, or camping in a tent?
• Will you be staying for a few days or a couple months, and plan to cook some meals? If so, renting a cottage, hotel or apartment by the month may be more practical.
• Do you have disabilities or special needs to consider?

Senior citizen travel should involve what you want -- you deserve it! Where do you want to go is the first question to ask yourself, particularly if you have limited funds or time. Where do you really want to go? Not where other people think you should go, or have gone themselves. Make a Wish List of your top 5 choices, and don't let yourself mentally edit it!

Even if you think there are blocks to your trip, like finances, a companion, health, or someone’s opinion, once you make the choice, you will be amazed at what opportunities open up. But first you’ve got to decide. Want some fun travel-related senior activities ideas? Check out the travel section of your library or book store. Many libraries also have a selection of free travel movies. Plus, there are many excellent travel programs on TV to give you ideas and details. Have a local travel agency send you brochures, especially those about elderly travel.

Depending on your answers to the above question and your destination, senior citizen travel may best be planned by a travel agent, especially one who specializes in the type of trip or destination you are planning. They will be able to provide information to questions you may not even know to ask, especially if you are dealing with particular elderly issues such as health.

But do make a list of questions regarding accommodations, transportation, transfers, restaurants, tips and gratuities, itineraries, day trips, travel insurance, health or medical concerns, accessibility. Some details of elderly travel can be complex with considerations you are not familiar with. An agent can also readily advise you about a senior travel discount.

Or do you feel confident in planning senior citizen travel yourself? If you are familiar with searching the Internet and libraries, you may find that planning is half the fun. It will certainly be an education itself.

Lists are almost a necessity for good senior citizen travel planning. In fact, make two lists: an overall To-Do List, and a Packing List. Keep them handy on a table or counter. As soon as you start planning your trip, start filling in both lists. Just jot down random notes as you think of them. Small details will occur to you that will make your trip so much easier – but you may forget them if you don’t write it down right away. You can re-organize them later. As your trip gets closer, we have more planning tips for you as well.

Ask yourself or your travel agent these questions

• How much time will you be spending in the plane or train or coach go to and return from your destination.
• Make sure you ask about a senior travel discount.
• Ask about budget air travel and time frames needed to purchase tickets.
• How do you get from the airport or train station to your destination, and how long does it take?
• How reputable is the coach or bus system.
• If you are touring, how much time per day will you be spending in tour buses?
• How much walking will be done.
• Are there local subways or taxis available – and the prices.
• What are car rental prices.
• If you’re going overseas, what about an international driving permit (IDP)?.
• Many trips are scored according to difficulty of terrain and walking. Ask.
• Do you plan to bicycle or motorcycle once there? Check out options and issues.

Comfortable senior citizen travel is dependent on comfortable accommodations.

• Check hotels and B&B’s carefully and use only those recommended by AARP, a reputable travel book or TV program, your travel club membership, etc.
• Depending on what area you are visiting, the phrase mid-priced hotel, for instance, can mean drastically different things.
• Will you be rooming on a cruise ship? Location, location, location. If you pick mid-ship, you will feel less motion. A balcony also enhances your experience by a long shot and is worth the extra fee.
• If you are visiting another country, consider a stay in a monastery, convent, castle, rustic lodge or nomad tent. These can be surprisingly comfortable.

Be sure to also read:

Seamless Senior Travel Tips -- So now that you've gotten some planning done, we've got some excellent detailed tips for you. Careful planning will result in a really enjoyable trip.
Which Jet Lag Remedies Work? -- There are jet lag remedies that do work, and some that don’t. And if you have sleep problems anyway, you’ll want to know, no matter what your age. Effective jet lag remedies are highly sought after by those traveling to different time zones. Get important (and tried) information here.

Also check out:
HomeExchange50plus - Home exchange 50plus is specifically for the older traveller. Swap your home with other like minded seniors for holidays in your own country or worldwide. Home & Hospitality Exchange lets you vacation and save money at the same time. Stay free - travel more.

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