Travel Information & Resources
Older Americans often look for different destinations as well as a means for getting there. Sure there are times when you want your grandchildren with you, but there are also times when you’d like some solitude—the ability to relax and get away for some “quiet time”. Whether you’re traveling to a place you’ve never been before or back to a resort or community you love, your needs and desires may be very different from those of your children or grandchildren. Key decision factors when deciding a destination include: safety (60%), favorable weather (48%), English spoken (44%), cost (43%), U.S. currency accepted (41%), and scenery/nature (39%).
Start your search on HomeAway
Find & book vacation rentals with HomeAway. Rent everything from cabins & condos to castles or villas. The whole house. The whole family. A whole vacation. Rent the Perfect Vacation Home.
Relax on a Beach in Costa Rica
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Enjoy a 6 day all-inclusive vacation on Puntarenas Beach, Costa Rica. This is the perfect pace for boomers and seniors who just want to relax and enjoy good food, cocktails and watch the sun set over azure blue waters.
You can find more information on this affordable trip here. |
Traveling Abroad (U.S. State Department tips and help)
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program a free service from the U.S. State Department, will let the U.S. Embassy keep you informed in case of an emergency or a natural disaster and can help if your passport is lost or stolen. When you sign up, you will get the latest safety information about where you are traveling and any alerts and warnings pertinent to your locale. This service will track you in case of an emergency and make it easier to ensure your safety, as well as contact loved ones and keep them informed.
Avoid long customs lines
Skip the line with the Mobile Passport App and use the Mobile Passport Control express lane.
Download the Free Mobile Passport App.
Download the Free Mobile Passport App.
Travel Tips for Flying Less Expensively
- Book your flights as far in advance as possible (at least 7 weeks)
- Always book flights on a Tuesday, preferably at 3:00PM
- Plan to fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday.
- Usually flights with a stop or change of planes are less expensive than direct non-stop flights
Weather conditions at U.S. airports
If you want to check conditions of airports you may land at or where you might be changing planes check the FAA's site
Healthy travel information from the CDC
The Center for Disease Control provides information on destinations around the world.
This site includes a map where you can easily find travel health information. Do you need a vaccination, is there a travel risk, find local clinics, etc.
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx
This site includes a map where you can easily find travel health information. Do you need a vaccination, is there a travel risk, find local clinics, etc.
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx
Traveling outside your time zone
If you want to know the time it is at your destination, this site will tell you http://www.thetimenow.com/worldclock.php
Airline Bereavement Policies
Each airline has a different policy. Some have a flat discount and some have no special rates at all. Most require you travel within a few days of the funeral and must be booked directly with the respective airline and not via a third party. Call the airline for details.
Airline Portable Oxygen Policies
Portable oxygen concentrators have overcome the mobility challenges of home units, giving travelers no reason to be homebound if they are dependent on oxygen therapy. They are available for rent and can be used on planes, cruises or during an entire vacation
Home Exchange 50plus
Swap your home with other like-minded boomers and seniors for vacations in your own country or worldwide. Home & Hospitality Exchange lets you travel and save thousands at the same time. Stay free - travel more. This site is specifically for the older traveler.
Home Exchange 50plus
Swap your home with other like-minded boomers and seniors for vacations in your own country or worldwide. Home & Hospitality Exchange lets you travel and save thousands at the same time. Stay free - travel more. This site is specifically for the older traveler.
Find a Loving Dog Sitter While You're on Vacation
Search thousands of trusted, insured pet sitters near you. Click here
Traveling Alone Resources
It is a fair assumption to say that single travelers at any age have barriers, challenges and higher expenses than couples or groups. Most who travel as individuals have had to resort to traveling with companies that deal mainly with families that have children and they inevitably end up paying a substantial single supplement.
There are lots of different reasons why people choose to travel by themselves. They might be widowed, divorced, unattached or just want a break from their partner or spouse. The big advantage of traveling by yourself is that you can do what you want to do when you want to do it, but its taking that first step and actually booking the holiday that seems to be the toughest part.
Some people may be happy to spend time on their own, however most prefer to have others around them to chat with and to and share experiences. If you choose a company specializing in holidays for single travelers then you will have companions who feel exactly the same way.
People generally do not want to go on holiday to be on their own, after all a holiday is about sharing experiences and having fun. When booking a solo holiday look for a company that includes excursions, meals and drinks in the price as well as organizing each day so that you get to see as much as possible of the destination.
If you are planning a first time trip alone you might try a six day European city break. A city break means there is plenty to do rather than just lie on a beach all day and you won’t be wandering around by yourself feeling lost. Traveling with a group means there are plenty of people around you which increases your chances of finding people that are simpatico; that enjoy the same things you enjoy and with whom it is easy to communicate. It also means that you do not have to eat alone.
Of course the only way you are going to find out what fun it can be is to take the plunge and book yourself on a holiday! There are a small number of specialist Tour Operators who understand the problems of being a single traveler and are focusing on their particular requirements.
We have found one located in the UK. Check their Website: https://www.onetraveller.co.uk
There are lots of different reasons why people choose to travel by themselves. They might be widowed, divorced, unattached or just want a break from their partner or spouse. The big advantage of traveling by yourself is that you can do what you want to do when you want to do it, but its taking that first step and actually booking the holiday that seems to be the toughest part.
Some people may be happy to spend time on their own, however most prefer to have others around them to chat with and to and share experiences. If you choose a company specializing in holidays for single travelers then you will have companions who feel exactly the same way.
People generally do not want to go on holiday to be on their own, after all a holiday is about sharing experiences and having fun. When booking a solo holiday look for a company that includes excursions, meals and drinks in the price as well as organizing each day so that you get to see as much as possible of the destination.
If you are planning a first time trip alone you might try a six day European city break. A city break means there is plenty to do rather than just lie on a beach all day and you won’t be wandering around by yourself feeling lost. Traveling with a group means there are plenty of people around you which increases your chances of finding people that are simpatico; that enjoy the same things you enjoy and with whom it is easy to communicate. It also means that you do not have to eat alone.
Of course the only way you are going to find out what fun it can be is to take the plunge and book yourself on a holiday! There are a small number of specialist Tour Operators who understand the problems of being a single traveler and are focusing on their particular requirements.
We have found one located in the UK. Check their Website: https://www.onetraveller.co.uk
Calling Home – What Are Your Options?
is sometimes the best choice as this enables you to take full control of your own service, and establish stable pricing wherever you go and, in many cases, the per-minute charges are actually lower than most other options (satellite calls range from US $1.00 to $1.95 per minute) depending on the rental package and provider you choose. There is typically a baseline rental fee for the leasing phone itself, ranging from $60 to $75 per week, so you should calculate that into your plans. You may find that your costs are lower than other options and you may like the sense of control and peace-of-mind that comes with a satellite phone: many travelers choose a satellite phone because they know they can always get in touch, at a predictable cost, no matter where their journeys take them.
To navigate your choices, here’s how you start:
One of the more common questions that comes up is about phone calls: how will you make and receive phone calls from overseas destination? And how much will it cost?
There is a range of choices. Use the hotel phone, go to an exchange where you can pay to make your call or even use your own service provider. These options vary, as do the costs and the dependability.
Call your own mobile phone service provider. Ask them if they offer a travel package. If they do, there is typically an upfront fee, but it’s a good way to lock in lower per-minute charges closer to the US$ 2.00 per minute range. Not all service providers offer you packages, but it’s worth looking into.
Renting a satellite phone is sometimes the best choice as this enables you to take full control of your own service, and establish stable pricing wherever you go and, in many cases, the per-minute charges are actually lower than most other options (satellite calls range from US $1.00 to $1.95 per minute) depending on the rental package and provider you choose. There is typically a baseline rental fee for the leasing phone itself, ranging from $60 to $75 per week, so you should calculate that into your plans. You may find that your costs are lower than other options and you may like the sense of control and peace-of-mind that comes with a satellite phone: many travelers choose a satellite phone because they know they can always get in touch, at a predictable cost, no matter where their journeys take them.
To navigate your choices, here’s how you start:
One of the more common questions that comes up is about phone calls: how will you make and receive phone calls from overseas destination? And how much will it cost?
There is a range of choices. Use the hotel phone, go to an exchange where you can pay to make your call or even use your own service provider. These options vary, as do the costs and the dependability.
Call your own mobile phone service provider. Ask them if they offer a travel package. If they do, there is typically an upfront fee, but it’s a good way to lock in lower per-minute charges closer to the US$ 2.00 per minute range. Not all service providers offer you packages, but it’s worth looking into.
Renting a satellite phone is sometimes the best choice as this enables you to take full control of your own service, and establish stable pricing wherever you go and, in many cases, the per-minute charges are actually lower than most other options (satellite calls range from US $1.00 to $1.95 per minute) depending on the rental package and provider you choose. There is typically a baseline rental fee for the leasing phone itself, ranging from $60 to $75 per week, so you should calculate that into your plans. You may find that your costs are lower than other options and you may like the sense of control and peace-of-mind that comes with a satellite phone: many travelers choose a satellite phone because they know they can always get in touch, at a predictable cost, no matter where their journeys take them.
Safest Places to Travel alone for Women in Asia
#1 Singapore
# 2 New Zealand
#3 Taiwan
To see the entire list and the crime rate, personal safety and safety at night etc. click here.
# 2 New Zealand
#3 Taiwan
To see the entire list and the crime rate, personal safety and safety at night etc. click here.
Shopping Overseas
There are many countries where the dollar goes further and there are many products where Americans can save when they shop while traveling. This area will primarily address shopping in Europe; of course there are huge savings in other parts of the world as well.
The dollar goes further in Greece, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Morocco, Portugal and Spain; countries where the dollar is currently strong.
As far as places to shop within countries you visit consider shopping in flea markets, especially in pricier countries like England. There are many open air markets in Europe like Portobello Market and Fulham Road in London and Waterlooplein in Amsterdam, El Rastro in Madrid and the Puece St. Ouen flea market in Paris. When you shop in these markets you must negotiate vociferously to get the best price and be aware that much of what you may be buying is likely to be a “knock-off” or counterfeit as opposed to the “real thing”. Products can also be unsafe and subject to confiscation by customs when you return to the U.S. Also remember if you are directed to certain stalls or shops by a guide or hotel employee they are quite likely to be getting a commission or “kick back” on whatever you purchase.
Do not purchase food overseas without first checking to see if the food item is permitted in the U.S. Entry areas into the states have sniffer dogs to check for items that are forbidden even if they are packed in your luggage.
If you plan to shop overseas you should check the cost of your planned purchase at home before you leave.
If you do so you will have a better idea as to the savings you are achieving. You should check on the quality of the goods you are planning to buy so you will have this information in hand when you shop overseas.
Check U.S. customs rules prior to departure to see the items 0and total value you may return with duty free from the country you are visiting. Family members living in the same household can combine their personal exemptions.
The dollar goes further in Greece, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Morocco, Portugal and Spain; countries where the dollar is currently strong.
As far as places to shop within countries you visit consider shopping in flea markets, especially in pricier countries like England. There are many open air markets in Europe like Portobello Market and Fulham Road in London and Waterlooplein in Amsterdam, El Rastro in Madrid and the Puece St. Ouen flea market in Paris. When you shop in these markets you must negotiate vociferously to get the best price and be aware that much of what you may be buying is likely to be a “knock-off” or counterfeit as opposed to the “real thing”. Products can also be unsafe and subject to confiscation by customs when you return to the U.S. Also remember if you are directed to certain stalls or shops by a guide or hotel employee they are quite likely to be getting a commission or “kick back” on whatever you purchase.
Do not purchase food overseas without first checking to see if the food item is permitted in the U.S. Entry areas into the states have sniffer dogs to check for items that are forbidden even if they are packed in your luggage.
If you plan to shop overseas you should check the cost of your planned purchase at home before you leave.
If you do so you will have a better idea as to the savings you are achieving. You should check on the quality of the goods you are planning to buy so you will have this information in hand when you shop overseas.
Check U.S. customs rules prior to departure to see the items 0and total value you may return with duty free from the country you are visiting. Family members living in the same household can combine their personal exemptions.