Making the Most of Independent Travel For Seniors
Seniors traveling independently are in for an exiting and confidence building experience, if they plan their trip correctly.
The good news is that seniors these days tend to be more active and in better shape than earlier generations. Independent travel for seniors is very popular, and world travel is near the top of the list of things people wish to experience before they die.
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 you have a successful independent travel experience for seniors.
Tour groups
A lot of seniors choose group tours designed for independently traveling seniors, if the trip they are making 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. Who knows; you may have such a great time on your first "single friendly" tour that you might not ever make a trip just by yourself, without a tour group.
Let Someone Know
Even if you consider yourself an expert in independent travel for seniors, with a lot of independent travel experience, make sure you let someone know where you are going and how to get in touch with you in case of an emergency.
Going Out Of The Country
For any senior traveling independently out of the country, safety is a 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, for certain, 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!
