Over 50's Travel
Travel is different things to different people but no matter what age you are you can enjoy your holiday just as much as you did thirty years ago.
There are so many advantages for over 50's travel, you just need to have an open mind and the right attitude. You can still experience different things, try new food, have new adventures and even take a few risks.
This is YOUR time now, don’t limit yourself - you’ve earned it so ENJOY it.
Advantages to over 50's travel
Chances are you have already traveled quite a lot when you were younger and remember the excitement that comes with planning a trip.
There are so many advantages for over 50's travel, you just need to have an open mind and the right attitude. You can still experience different things, try new food, have new adventures and even take a few risks.
This is YOUR time now, don’t limit yourself - you’ve earned it so ENJOY it.
Advantages to over 50's travel
- You usually have more time, especially if you are retired. This allows you to take time to ‘smell the roses’ you don’t have to rush everything and everywhere.
- You are wiser. Life is a great teacher and when you get to your “later years” you can reflect on all of your life experiences. You are not naïve and therefore usually more cautious in unusual situations.
- You usually appreciate people, different cultures, architecture and history more and as a result your holiday is much richer in experiences.
- Usually you are in a better financial position to enjoy a little luxury from time to time, lash out on better restaurants and shows and treat yourself to some of life’s indulgence’s.
- You usually only have yourselves to think about as the children should now be self sufficient and hopefully moved out of home.
- When you forget things its because of your age not because you’re drunk….
Chances are you have already traveled quite a lot when you were younger and remember the excitement that comes with planning a trip.
- Start planning well in advance to make sure EVERYTHING is thought about and you know flights and accommodation are available.
- Check your passport has at least 6 months validity when you return.
- Check if you need a visa to enter the country or a re-entry visa to get back into your country if you are not a citizen
- Check your immunization records and make sure you are covered well in advance.
- Organise travel insurance as soon as you pay for your flights, just in case you have to cancel them.
- When you are young & carefree it’s easy to wing it and you can always make do if things don’t work out. This just becomes stressful and can spoil your holiday if it’s not all properly in place.
- Checklists are a must
- Check tips for traveling on our website
- Register your travel details with smart traveler in case there are any problems when you are away.
- Packing – Comfort is the priority particularly with shoes. Check info on packing – rolling clothes is usually easier & will crease less.
- Backpacking or camping is probably not going to suit anymore. The body just can’t take sleeping anywhere. Finding good accommodation is one of the top priorities to make sure you get a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed. The last thing you want is to be aching all over and not able to do what you want.
How to travel safely? A guide for seniors - by Rachel Jackson
Travelling the world after you retire is a dream – and even if you only make it to a few new places, you’ll be having the time of your life. But how do you stay safe while you’re away from home? Use these tips to ensure you don’t fall foul of any common traps.
Be money-savvy
Traditionally, you might have gone on holiday with a stack of foreign currency in your bag, and then carried it around or left it in your hotel safe while you were away. These days, thieves and scammers have a lot of ways to get hold of your money, based on the common mistakes that tourists make. Avoid them with the following precautions:
Avoid common scams
There are certain tourist trapsthat may be set up waiting for you when you travel. Be wise about these common tricks:
Be a modern traveller
There are lots of ways to increase your safety through modern means – such as the use of technology. Keep safe and stay savvy by:
Consider personal safety
Of course, there are some things you can do for your safety on a personal level. These include:
There are lots of precautions you can take to stay safe while you travel. Once you have these in place, you can freely enjoy your trip without any worries. It’s much better to be safe than sorry – and preparing beforehand will mean that you feel much more secure and happy during your travels.
Rachel is a mother of 2 beautiful boys. She loves to hike and write about travelling, education and business. Rachel
Be money-savvy
Traditionally, you might have gone on holiday with a stack of foreign currency in your bag, and then carried it around or left it in your hotel safe while you were away. These days, thieves and scammers have a lot of ways to get hold of your money, based on the common mistakes that tourists make. Avoid them with the following precautions:
- Never keep all of your money in one place. Split it between hidden compartments in your luggage, a safe, your own purse or wallet, a money belt hidden inside your clothing, and other hiding places
- Consider using an ATM cardto withdraw money while you travel, so long as the exchange rates are favourable and there are no fees
- Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your wallet or in your hand – when going to pay for something, don’t give the impression you have lots more money
- Check exchange rates across multiple vendors before exchanging, both on the way out and on your return
Avoid common scams
There are certain tourist trapsthat may be set up waiting for you when you travel. Be wise about these common tricks:
- Unlicensed taxis charging above the going rate
- Drivers taking you to a different location than your request in order to collect commission on restaurant bills, etc
- Displays of poverty or charity intended to guilt you into donations, which may not go to the needy
- Accommodation-organised excursions, which may inflate the cost of exploring on your own
- Street crime: misdirection or play-acting can be used to distract you from your possessions
- Offers of free products or services – such as a rose for your travelling partner, which will turn out to have a fee when taken
- Individuals dressed as police officers who may demand money, or to check your currency to see if it is fake
- Calls claiming to be from your hotel reception, asking you to confirm your payment details
- Bag theft on board buses and trains where bags can be placed in cargo compartments
Be a modern traveller
There are lots of ways to increase your safety through modern means – such as the use of technology. Keep safe and stay savvy by:
- Downloading guidebook apps onto your phone which will tell you where to go and what to avoid
- Download maps before you travel
- If you need to download new maps or other resources when you arrive, use a VPN connectionso that your personal data is protected
- Store the local emergency number in your phone just in case you need it
- Take photographs of your ID and insurance documents in case you lose them, and to prove your identity when out and about
Consider personal safety
Of course, there are some things you can do for your safety on a personal level. These include:
- Having full medical insurance
- Taking appropriate clothing and weather protection, eg umbrellas or sunscreen
- Carrying a hiking pole or walking stick
- Bringing any medication you may potentially require
There are lots of precautions you can take to stay safe while you travel. Once you have these in place, you can freely enjoy your trip without any worries. It’s much better to be safe than sorry – and preparing beforehand will mean that you feel much more secure and happy during your travels.
Rachel is a mother of 2 beautiful boys. She loves to hike and write about travelling, education and business. Rachel
7 Trips You Have to Take in Your 50s And Beyond.
by Rachel Jackson
by Rachel Jackson
Traveling by Train
- Traveling by train can be relaxing particularly in Europe but my advice is if you have a Eurail pass - get a first class pass. It's not much more but the difference in carriages is huge. Also not so many crowds
- When planning your itinerary make sure you allow for REST DAYS. If you don’t you will spend your whole holiday rushing and not enjoying it. It is better to miss one or two things and enjoy the trip than to rush see everything and be too tired and exhausted to really enjoy it
- Check the climate before you go and keep this in mind when planning your itinerary, particularly if you are not used to this climate, you may feel exhausted or fatigued easily.
- Make sure you have a good supply of all your medications as you may not be able to get these in the country you are going to. Take adequate with you. Also take medication for gastro & diarrhea which is common when you change your food on holidays.
Pack insect repellent that contains DEET
- Pack insect repellent that contains DEET if you are going to areas of the tropics. A single bite from an infected insect can cause diseases
- If you book tours make sure they are with reputable companies. Look up on the internet, check reviews. Ask friends & family for recommendations
- BEWARE OF SCAMS
- Make sure you check for any problems in the country you are going to. Smart Traveler will send warnings if they are applicable.
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Holiday Destinations most suitable for over 50's
One of the most popular holidays for over 50’s is cruising.
Cruises are different for everyone. Over 50’s love them because you can spend time being as active and involved as you feel like or just relax on one of the many decks and read a good book. Entertainment on a cruise ship is extensive catering for all ages from families, children, young couples or more mature travelers. It is one place where all ages mingle perfectly.
If you are considering a cruise holiday for the first time I would suggest a relatively short one of 7-10 days – just to make sure it’s your cup of tea.
Cruises are different for everyone. Over 50’s love them because you can spend time being as active and involved as you feel like or just relax on one of the many decks and read a good book. Entertainment on a cruise ship is extensive catering for all ages from families, children, young couples or more mature travelers. It is one place where all ages mingle perfectly.
If you are considering a cruise holiday for the first time I would suggest a relatively short one of 7-10 days – just to make sure it’s your cup of tea.
There are several things to consider when booking a cruise
Cruise Destinations are very important. If you are an active person you might choose a Mediterranean Cruise where there is exciting ports to visit almost on a daily basis. If you are wanting to have more a relaxing cruise you may choose a South Pacific Cruise that is has more laid back destinations.
- If you do like to relax, watch the ocean and read a good book you may consider paying a little extra for a balcony cabin. Sometimes it is difficult to find a deckchair on the open deck, just where you want it. It can be noisy with children is some areas also.
- The restaurants usually have different options for dinner. Decide whether you want an early or late sitting or if you would rather go “anytime dining” If you would like to sit with the same people you can organize to do this otherwise you will be sat with different people.
- Check dress codes on the ship. There will usually be one, two or three formal nights.
- Book early as cruises fill up fast and by booking well in advance you can often get onboard credit of up to $250 each with your booking
River Cruises in Europe
Would you like to experience cruising down the river through central Europe?
Considered the holiday of a lifetime many retired couples choose this holiday.
Considered the holiday of a lifetime many retired couples choose this holiday.
Great suggestions for over 50’s holidays include:
Motorhome or Caravan holidays - Find out more about this fabulous holiday
Apollo Motorhome ROAD TRIP - up to 55% off - check it out!
Would you like a motorhome holiday for free in USA?
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Where do you think the BEST HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS are?
