Vacations cost money. For some, the coffers are not bottomless and therefore, we expect a return on our hard-earned or saved money spent in the form of a great vacation. Not planning ahead can be costly in both time and money and make for some very unhappy travellers and bad moods. As Seniors, we are wiser now and can enjoy our vacations even more knowing we’ve tried to think ahead and plan according to our abilities. Whether we create day-by-day itineraries or decide on an area and ‘wing it’, there is some practical advice to keep in mind while forming that plan:
Be safe. Don’t advertise that you are going on vacation, especially through social media. Thieves keep an eye out for these clues. You also may want to wait until your return to post the vacay photos for the same reason or word them in the past tense. Ask a neighbor or family member to keep an eye on your house for you. ‘Smart’ devices are well worth the reasonable investment putting lights on and off at scheduled times both indoors and out, to give the impression you are at home as well as home cams to keep an eye on your property from afar. Reserve accommodations central to most of the activities you have planned. Check the reviews which will tell you not only what guests think of the hotel or activity, but often its neighborhood. Or, if you hit the open road with an RV, research the campgrounds beforehand and choose those that offer security as well as conveniences and beauty.
Keep the plan simple. Don’t try to cram too much into a day. You’ll end up getting overly stressed trying to stick to the schedule and won’t have the time to fully enjoy where you are. Make sure to put some chill out time in the day as well. This is the time of our lives that has no siesta shaming! Additionally, remote accommodations may offer enormous appeal, it may be difficult to get back to them after a long day in the dark, especially if you’re already uncomfortable driving at night.
Consider any challenges. If you have mobility issues, you probably don’t want to stay in the bungalows on the side of the hill. If relying on walkers, ECVs or wheelchairs, the village of cobblestone streets may also not be ideal. Many locations worldwide today rely on traveling seniors as a large part of their market share and have made accommodations for this audience. Don’t feel shy to contact hotels, museums, national parks or other intended activities and ask
what is or isn’t available to help you thoroughly enjoy your visit. A lot of information is also available on the internet so check it out.
Ask about Senior tours and discounts. Many sightseeing tours worldwide are geared to the over 50 crowd allowing maximum enjoyment without the planning hassles. Everything you want to do probably offers a Senior discount, just ask. US National and State Parks sell Senior Annual and Lifetime Passes at a fraction of the regular entrance price.
Cruises, safaris, bus tours. A great option as they are organized from A to Z for you. All you have to do is show up.
Pack light. Pack right. Medications are first on the list. Take enough for your vacation and beyond. It robs too much time out of your fun getting prescriptions filled remotely. It’s a good idea to have the written prescriptions just in case. Pack clothes that can be layered, laundered easily, requires little or no ironing, and can be worn again and again. Take several pairs of walking shoes and one ‘dress-up’ pair. Leave the bling and fragrances at home. A lot of jewelry just invites trouble and isn’t necessary to enjoy the trip. Many people today are also fragrance-sensitive, and you should be enjoying the sights, sounds, and aromas of your destination.
Don’t overdo the local cuisine. While it’s wonderful to sample a region’s cuisine, keep in mind that too much of anything can cause upset tummies which takes away from the time you could be exploring instead of recuperating. Moderation is the name of the game.
Get travel insurance. Especially if you’re travelling outside the US, this may save your trip and your bankbook. U.S. health insurances and Medicare are not accepted in the rest of the world, and medical costs can be prohibitive, not to mention lost luggage, trip interruption or cancellation.
When to travel. If you’re like me, you don’t like travelling with the undisciplined masses. As of this year, we all have even more consequences that could arise from not distancing ourselves from others. Shoulder seasons, which are from April to June and September to October, are generally less crowded with kids back in schools and people back at work. Prices may be lower, weather is generally more agreeable, and less chance of contracting a disease.
Keep in touch with someone. Leave your itinerary with someone at home so they can follow up should the need arise, or should you not be in contact for more than a reasonable amount of time. Depending on where you are traveling, or by what means, it may be a good idea to let a tour leader, cruise director, hotel concierge or another person in on your plans if you’re going off the beaten track or opting for an activity not on the organized tours. Someone should know how to find you.
Form a basic plan, do the research, ask questions, and make lists. Getting all your ‘ducks in a row’ before leaving will give you peace of mind and let you enjoy the trip even more
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