Tips On Independent Travel For Seniors
June 23, 2009 – 6:43 amSeniors traveling independently are in for an exciting and confidence building experience, if they plan their trip correctly. Seniors today tend to be more active and healthier than previous generations. Independent travel for seniors is very popular and world travel is near the top of the list for many senior people.
Destination
Once you decide on your destination, make sure you do your homework. Questions you should ask include, What’s the weather going to be like? What season is it? Will I need a passport? Should I buy travelers insurance? What are the religious and political environments? How will I get around?
These are all good questions for you to be answering before you depart. If you don’t have any traveling experience, you might want to make your first trip a little shorter and closer to home, so your travel experience is successful.
Tour groups
A lot of seniors choose group tours, designed for independently traveling seniors, especially if the trip is their first. By doing this, they are able to gain travel experience and confidence in themselves.
Sports, religion and history are all popular theme tours for independently traveling seniors. You may have such a great time on your first “single friendly” tour, that you might never make a trip by yourself.
Going Out Of The Country
For any senior traveling independently out of the country, safety is a major consideration. Seniors should register their travel plans with the state department. This will make contacting travelers easier if there is a family emergency, or if there is a crisis where you are traveling.
In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts cannot be released to others without your express consent.
Check with your medical insurance companies to see if your policies will be in effect where you are going. Make yourself familiar with the local laws and don’t wear a lot of expensive jewelry, or carry a lot of cash to make yourself a crime target.
Local Currency
Checking the value of the local currency in relation to the U.S. dollar is something that is often overlooked by the independently traveling senior, until it is too late. Learning a few words of the local language will help when bartering with the local vendors. Happy traveling and good luck!
