It is official – travel makes you live longer! High five to you Sr. David Lipschitz, Director of the Donald W. Reyonds Centre on Ageing for giving us even more reason to travel.
With more time on our hands and a little money to spare, the midlife generation is travelling more than ever before embracing new adventure. After all we were the generation that made backpacking around Europe a rite of passage – so why not create a new rite of passage – retirement travel.
Yes, we have slowed down a bit, our stamina and health isn’t what it once was and we now want comfortable beds. But in our hearts we are still those intrepid souls we once were.
Here are my ten tips to hit the road wisely.
#1. Limit the luggage
Over packing is for twenty year olds who think they need a different pair of shoes for every outfit. We are a generation who knows better – we invented wearing with jeans and learned how to ignore the disdainful glances of elegant Europeans for doing so.
Trade your backpacks for luggage with wheels. Pack light enough to shove it in the overhead compartment and bring along a foldable second bag that stacks neatly on top of the wheeled one for all those extra purchases, Better still post home excess baggage home when you no longer need it.
#2. Chill with airport connections
Make sure you have plenty of time for connections between flights. Airports are bigger and more confusing than ever before and who wants to be breaking a sweat rushing from one end to another because your arriving flight was a little late. Use the extra time wisely – get a pedi, massage or some other treat while you wait to help you limber up for the next leg.
#3. Get comfortable lodgings
It does not have to be flash, but convenience really helps – it saves travelling time (and energy) to get to the sweet spots. Travel off peak and you can snavel some surprising bargains. Personally I prefer to rent local apartments or do a house swap. It lets you immerse yourself in the day-to-day life of a place.
#4. Mind your meds
Meds can be a minefield – always make sure you have some in your carry-on just in case your bag is delayed. It’s also a good idea to take a full supply of your medication for your journey (leave them in their original containers). Supplies often go under different names in different countries or be out-of-date.
#5. Know your limits – and where the bathrooms are
Accept it – you are not as mobile as you once were. Subways often involve a lot of walking and stairs (and are a pain with luggage), consider using buses or even better splurge occasionally on a taxi (especially if you have luggage). And keep an eye out for the bathrooms. We drink a lot more fluids these days and it is always good to be prepared!
#6. Get insurance
While insurance is important for people of all ages, it is truly essential for older travellers who are more at risk of falling and hurting themselves or getting sick and needing to interrupt their travel. The downside is the older you get the more you pay for insurance and pre-existing conditions are not covered. Look for a policy that waives those exclusions.
#7. Stay safe on your feet
Throw away your heels, buy a really comfortable pair of walking shoes and you will be comfortable, balance and ready for a full days walking or touring. Gone are the days when flat shoes were frumpy, go to a good shoe shop and you will be spoiled for choice. Just remember to break the shoes in before you leave home to avoid blisters.
#8. Keep your human relations sweet
Just because you are a happy couple does not mean your travelling styles gel. You may be a planner, your partner a wanderer, you may have different interests – and end up bickering. Easy solution – try each others approach on alternate days, find another travel companion that suits our style, split up for the day and meet back up in the evening. This also applies to travelling with family and friends.
#9. Snavel a Senior Discounts
Always ask about discounts even if you don’t see posted information – you may be surprised. Seniors can get great deals on point-to-point rail tickets in many European countries – even on the fabulous Eurostar between London and France. It may mean you have to purchase a senior card at a local station (valid for one year).
#10. Sightseeing
Take advantage of the fabulous café culture in many countries – grab a table on the sidewalk for a drink and people watch to your hearts content. Go to sights late in the day for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures or walk the tourist free streets in the cool of the morning to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. Join free (or cheap) walking tours, most have English-speaking guides who are great source of local knowledge about what to see, where to eat and the local history.
And my biggest tip of all …..
This is your journey, own it and make it about you.
Trust yourself, you are the expert … if you no longer feel comfortable winging it like you once did, then don’t.
Do what you need to do to feel safe, embrace the opportunity and have a ball!
Tip: Check out our blog on house swaps if you want to find out more about this exciting option.
