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Travel Tips & Deals

De-Stress Your Holiday Travel Plans

by seniorne
written by seniorne

The holidays can be stressful, and if travel is involved, it can add a new layer of angst to an already hectic time of the year.
If air travel is inevitable, there are ways to remove some of the chaos – during the holidays or any time a trip is on the schedule:

  • Book early. With fuel prices in flux, chances are airfares will only be going up. Lock in the best fares and the best seats as soon as possible.
  • Send your luggage and gifts ahead of time with shipping companies. While it might add some additional cost, it reduces the amount of stuff you have to carry as well as the chance for it to get damaged, lost or stolen.
  • Check on airport status before leaving home. The Federal Aviation Administration can advise you of arrival, departure, weather and air traffic control delays at www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp.
  • Leave your laptop at home. This is another way to reduce your burden. You can always install a free remote-access program on your home and work computers and then log in securely from a computer at your destination – whether it’s a hotel or Grandma’s house.
  • Rent a car with GPS. Or buy an inexpensive, compact unit and take it with you. The peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you will not get lost is almost priceless.
  • Print out everything, and carry it with you in a manila folder, in the order you’ll need for your trip. This includes itineraries, boarding passes and hotel and car rental reservation confirmations. Make sure that customer service numbers are written on them in case you are delayed or have to re-book on the fly. Once you are done with that segment of the trip, toss out that paper, and the next segment will be in front.
  • Haven’t flown in a while? Traveling with kids? The Transportation Security Administration has helpful advice on how to pack, up-to-the minute security procedures and how to make sure you and your family can glide smoothly through airport checkpoints.

When it comes to travel these days, an ounce of planning is worth a suitcase full of relief.

Provided by: CFC
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Senior couple traveling airport scene
Travel Tips & Deals

Importance of Senior Travel and Tips to Overcome the Difficulties

by Susan Saurel
written by Susan Saurel

When aging knocks, it’s the right time to travel. Why? You boost your physical, mental, and emotional health.

We all understand how beneficial traveling is to our wellbeing but for seniors, traveling to a favorite destination or a new city can be a way to rebirth.

A report by the Global Coalition on Aging suggests that engaging in social activities like traveling reduces the risk of dementia, can combat depression and is also said to improve heart health.

There are loads of impressive benefits that come from traveling, especially for seniors.

In this article, we take a look at the importance of traveling for seniors, the difficulties of senior travel and in the end, we will share some tips to overcome such difficulties.

The Importance of Traveling for Seniors

  • Improves Heart Health

As traveling nourishes your mental and emotional health, it also keeps you physically healthy and boosts your heart health. A report by Framingham Heart Study suggests that old women who travel occasionally have higher chances of suffering from heart disease than younger ones who traveled occasionally.

A 2000 study also reported the same results. In the study, those who traveled frequently and were likely to suffer from coronary heart disease were found to be less likely to die of heart disease.

Perhaps these benefits are brought about by the fact that when you travel, you relieve your heart and brain from everyday stress. When traveling, you are also exercising and this is also beneficial to reduce the chances of suffering from high blood pressure and stroke.

  • Traveling for Seniors Boosts Mood and Mental Health

When you travel you meet fresh people, things, and you also change the environment you are used to living in. This way, you boost your mood and mental health.

And for the elderly people, travel helps them meet and interact with their loved ones from different countries which encourage healthy relationships.

Loneliness and isolation are the two causes of depression, meager mood, and even high blood pressure in older people. When you travel, you get the company of people which is beneficial for your psychological and emotional health.

You also get to understand other people in a different way, get used to nature, and also experience your other part of life.

  • Travel for Seniors is Good for Brain Health

When you travel, you meet different people some of who you have never met, you also experience life in different environments, and participate in activities you haven’t engaged yourself in. This way, you challenge your brain and hence your mind stays active.

  • It’s a Way To Relax

Yes, when you travel you relax. Traveling is one of the best ways to break from your everyday activities.

Well, perhaps you are too old and that you retired from work a long time ago, but changing environments is also a good way to relax.

  • Traveling for Seniors is a Way to Stay Active

Even if you can’t run but as you travel, you move. Well, perhaps you are thinking that you are already active because you always move from your home to your place of work but when you experience and explore new locations, you become more active as you will want to know more and explore more of the things you don’t know.

Difficulties of Senior Travelers

Traveling for seniors is not the same as traveling for the younger population. These are people who do not travel frequently and so they aren’t used to some of the encounters in airports. For instance, they aren’t aware of the rigorous security measures. Besides, as you age, you become physically limited. Senior travelers also need medical preparation, especially for those with pre-existing medical issues.

Here are some of the difficulties of senior travelers. We will talk about how to overcome them later in this article.

  • New Encounters

Perhaps in the past, when there were no cases of terrorist attacks, security measures weren’t tighter. But these days, things have become tighter. New security measures have been put in place that require one to be screened thoroughly from one checkpoint to another and for senior travelers who aren’t patient; it can be frustrating to them. Most airports these days have put in place senior travelers’ facilities to address this issue though, but still, they aren’t exempted from thorough security checks.

  • Medical Precincts

Before traveling, many senior travelers, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions have to figure out many things. This way, they end up being limited to the things they can do. That’s why many prefer to stay at home than to travel.

Others would need to be accompanied by their peers due to the medications they would want to take during their journey.

  • Physical Struggles

Aging comes with many things. You can walk, react, or hear as well as you used to. Your vision is also weakening. Some even find it difficult to understand. These are some of the physical difficulties of traveling for seniors.

As a result, when traveling with senior citizens, one needs to make sure there is the availability of wheelchairs and motorized carts otherwise, if traveling for leisure, you can’t enjoy it if you accompany an older citizen who can’t move fast. Of course, with a good budget, one can hire a service vehicle.

Tips to Overcome Difficulties of Senior Travel

The difficulties of senior travel we have described above can even stop many from exploring the world. It doesn’t have to be that way. These tips will help senior travelers and those accompanying them have an enjoyable journey.

  • If possible, book an express flight.

Too many stop-overs can be frustrating, especially when traveling with seniors with disabilities. For that reason, it would be better to book non-stop flights than connecting flights as this can also minimize the total travel time.

Sometimes non-stop flight fares are higher than connecting flights but if you want to travel comfortably, it is better.

Other things to avoid are booking regional jets, particularly if the airports don’t have a jet-bridge. These regional jets require passengers to board the plane using stairs and aren’t ideal for seniors.

  • Select a suitable disability facility

While booking, it is recommended to choose the right disability option, especially when traveling with seniors with disabilities. Some airlines will allow you to choose as you book but others will require you to call the airline by phone to ask for these services.

Consider traveling with an Airline-Approved Scooter

  • There are many folding and lightweight mobility scooters approved for cruise ships and airplanes. We recommend this long list of top brand options sold at by Senior.com. You can ride a scooter to the gate and then the airline will add it to baggage with the strollers. Often you will be required you to carry the battery with you on the flight for safety. Scooters are a great way to get around on your trip. In addition, they help you reserve your energy.
  • Ask for a wheelchair from the airport

This applies to seniors who have problems with walking and may not have carried their wheelchairs while traveling. Usually, most airports have wheelchairs to carry such passengers from the airport to the gate where they can take a hire service vehicle.

  • Pack any medications for any possible health condition

Now with this one, you don’t have to be senior to carry medications. In fact, it is better to avoid putting medications in checked baggage. A good rule of thumb is to carry your medications with you either in a small handbag or luggage, then place it nearby.

The rest can go into a checked bag.

  • Observe the time of travel

Another important tip for traveling for seniors is to travel at the right time of the day. When still young, you can travel any time of the day, but when you age, the best time to depart is mid-morning or early afternoon.

  • Have a family member to accompany you

If you are traveling with the whole family, the better. However, it can be difficult to land in a foreign country where you cannot community the language of that country properly, and you are alone. You will have to be cleared before you are allowed entry to any country and if you are unable to fill the forms provided, it can be challenging.

Although you may get someone to help you out, it’s better to travel with a family member.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. If you had planned a trip for seniors but you were wondering how to make it enjoyable, we hope our tips will help you.

Happy Travel!

 

 

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Happy Senior Tourists Holding Map
Travel Tips & Deals

Best Time of the Year for Travel Discounts

by Susan Saurel
written by Susan Saurel

Are you planning for your next vacation? It’s important to take some time and look at the prices before deciding to travel. If you’ve traveled before, you know how expensive things can be if you don’t plan adequately.

Traveling with your loved ones makes it even more important to plan things well in advance. You should not be scared by the price of flights. There are lots of ways to save while traveling. All you need to do is create a great strategy.

1. Getting the best Airfare price

To demonstrate how much, you can save by getting the best deal, here is an example. John wants to get away for the weekend to surf and enjoy the sunset on the beach.

He will be checking prices for a flight from Chicago to Miami. He is eager to start his vacation. Therefore, he will be looking at flights a few weeks from today. What should he consider before traveling?

2. Day to travel

According to Edugeeksclub, the day you choose to travel will have a big impact on the price you are going to pay. A research conducted by CheapAir.com found out that Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to travel because they are budget-friendly. Sunday is the most expensive day.

On average, someone who is flying on Sunday will pay $76 more than the person flying on Tuesday or Wednesday. If you will be traveling with family and friends, the differences will add up pretty fast.

Returning to our example, if John decides to travel on Friday and return on Sunday, he will have the perfect weekend getaway but it will hurt his wallet. John needs to be flexible with his travel days if he wants to get travel discounts.

This means he should skip the weekend getaway and go for the midweek flights. If he traveled from Chicago to Miami on Thursday and returned on Saturday, he would get very high travel discounts. Changing your travel day can mean so much to your wallet. Therefore, when you want to travel, always look at your travel date and find a flexible date that will increase your travel discounts.

3. Fee Awareness

People across the world pay billions in airline fees on an annual basis. Therefore, if you are searching for the lowest travel price, you need to be aware of the fees.

For instance, most airlines charge anywhere between thirty to sixty dollars’ foe checked bags. You might also get charged for seats with adequate legroom or for selecting seats.

Being aware of these small fees can help you save a lot of money in the long run. You can avoid some of these fees by choosing not to use them. For instance, you can carry a bag instead of checking it. Some airlines will offer you discounts by paying your fees and charges in advance or making an upgrade. Before doing any changes you have to do your homework.

4. Shop around

As your travel day approaches, you might be tempted to shop on the airline of your choice directly. However, you will not get discounts by looking at the specified airline only. In fact, using the airline’s website makes it much more difficult for you to compare prices.

To avoid paying a lot of money, use travel search sites to check what different airlines have to offer. Currently, the best sites are Kayak and Google Flights.

Searching for multiple airlines at the same time will help you discover cheaper dates to fly and even calculate for you all the fees you’ll be required to pay. Further, these sites offer great advice on how to get travel discounts.

Going back to our example, if John decided to search for flights from Chicago to Miami using Google Flights, he would get American Airlines for only $268. This is a hell of a discount compared to traveling without checking out different sites. You have to be flexible with your travel dates and shop around if you want discounts.

  1. 5. Book early enough

The last-minute rush does no one no good. You need to book ahead of time if you want to get travel discounts. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind. Airline prices fluctuate from time to time however, you need to book at least four weeks in advance especially if you are going for a vacation. Booking too early or too late will lead to more expenses.

The rapid advancement of technology has made most aspects of our lives easier, including booking a flight. With the Hopper app, you’ll be able to monitor flight prices and discover the best time to book your flight.

Buying earlier than two months or later than four weeks means you’ll be spending more than required. The best time to travel depends on when you want to travel. Holiday seasons are usually more expensive than ordinary days. Therefore, it’s importanttoknow the best time to book your flight and travel.

Conclusion

Going for a vacation is one of the things we all look forward to. It’s important to make plans early enough to avoid inconveniences. As the popular saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. Do your research and use the resources we’ve discussed in this article.

Getting travel discounts is not as difficult as most people think. It all revolves in choosing your travel day carefully, being aware of your expenses and booking early enough to avoid the last-minute rush. Happy traveling!

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Travel Tips & Deals

Travel Freely By Fitting Your Life Into An RV

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Downsizing To An RV

10% of Recreational Vehicles (RV) drivers are seniors over 55, making it a popular choice for your life post-retirement. Moving out of your home and living full time in a van has plenty of benefits for your financial and mental health, but it can be hard to strip back and live the minimalist life required. As long as you can still drive, moving into an RV could mean a life of continued adventure as you age. Rather than being cut off from the community, with your brain health deteriorating, you can stay active, alert and, most importantly, happy with you the way you spend your golden years.

It may seem that new experiences are for the young, but there is no better time to try new things than in retirement. Use the extra free time you have to follow your passions and live the best life possible. An RV can be a safe, comfortable, affordable, yet adventurous way to live your life. It may require you to reduce your possessions more than you ever have before, but this can bring additional mental health benefits.

The Benefits Of An RV For Seniors

Life in an RV can be one of limited stress. With less physical space and items to worry about, you will feel the benefits of decreased anxiety. Not to mention the financial benefits of no longer having a mortgage. Many retirees end up with more free time and wish to use this time to travel.

However, you may think you are too old for the fast pace of backpacking through hostels. Owning an RV full time allows you to move as quickly or slowly as you feel comfortable with and prevents the need to run around after public transport. It also allows you a completely private space. 88% of travel happens by car, truck or RV, in part because this reduces the stress of having to catch a plane, bus or train.

The Benefits Of Minimal And Frugal Living

The brain is always trying to process information. The more things it has to compute, the harder it has to work, which makes it feel tired and stressed, which can speed up the aging process. To avoid age-related conditions from developing, consider adopting a simpler existence. You should still maintain an active brain, but use it for the delightful aspects of your life, such as reading, writing and socializing. To do this, you need to stop wasting energy on chores.

The more material items you have, the more you have to clean, wash, organize and fix. You will be more likely to lose things and devote more mental energy to finding them. If you only have a few outfits to choose from in the morning, you won’t exert mental energy deciding what to wear. This is known as ‘decision fatigue,’ and it can leave you too tired to spend mental energy on the things necessary to you.

As you become older and wiser, you’ll realize that experiencing the present moment is more important for your mental health. Owning unnecessary items will only get in the way of enjoying experiences. An RV will force you to downsize to build a life of skills rather than objects. As you decrease your number of possessions, you will start to need less stuff, which will mean you don’t need to shop as much, so you’ll have more money and less finance-related stress and anxiety.

Minimizing Your Possessions

So how do you go about downsizing so that you can fit your whole life into an RV? Packing light is essential for fuel efficiency, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing so try and only take the essentials. While some people like to go through their entire house getting rid of stuff, this isn’t always the most effective method.

Start with the empty RV and only fill it with the things you need. An excellent way to tell what you require is to pack everything away. For two weeks, just unpack an item as and when you need it. If you haven’t used something after two weeks, the chances are you don’t need it. The things you unpack can then be packed into the RV and everything else sold, donated or thrown away.

Taking Advantage Of Storage

Okay, so maybe the above scenario is slightly idealistic. It can be a useful method, but what about those things that you hardly ever use, but don’t want to throw away? These are usually sentimental items. Seniors tend to collect items over the years, keeping old school journals and boxes of photos of their ever-growing family. These are things worth keeping but maybe aren’t necessary for your downsized lifestyle.

However, you don’t have to pack them into your RV. Sentimental and rarely used items can always be left with a family member or put into storage. Renting a small storage unit will allow you to keep the clutter out of your RV, without having to abandon them altogether. For just a small fee, you can become a minimalist risk-free. If you still haven’t touched these items after a year, then you can revisit them and cut them down some more.

This will allow you to move the remainder to a smaller storage facility. Aim to pack the non-essentials that you aren’t bringing on your road trip into a couple of suitcases, which can be easily stored at the house of a friend or family member. These items will then be out of sight and out of mind so that you can become more focused and present while you travel.

RVs are a great way for seniors to experience new adventures. They can help create a simplified and more peaceful lifestyle while being cost-effective. Retirement is the perfect time to begin this new adventure while retaining a safe and comfortable lifestyle. Start to get rid of unnecessary possessions, putting sentimental items into storage, and start a life of freedom on the open road.

Upside of Downsizing helps 50 plus-year-olds gain freedom by downsizing, which leads to a happy and healthy life balance. Contact: info@upsideofdownsizing.com

Bio: Sally Phillips is a professional freelance writer with many years experience in many different areas. She made the move to freelancing from a stressful corporate job and loves the work-life balance it offers her. When not at work, Sally enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family and traveling as much as possible.

Mary Spann

Mary Spann is the founder and president of Upside of Downsizing®. In addition to her 26 years in construction, interior design, and home staging, Mary also holds college degrees in Social Work and Psychology, making her uniquely qualified to assist with the downsizing process, and helping 50 plus-year-olds achieve a happy and healthy life balance. Mary learned the key components of construction and interior design at an early age. Her father was a prominent custom home builder in Minnesota and Texas, and her mother was a successful interior designer and a principal broker.

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Travel Tips & Deals

Should you Buy Travel Insurance?

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

A sudden emergency, bad weather or lost luggage can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance offers peace of mind, covering cancellations, medical emergencies and more. Check out these common travel insurance scenarios to see if you could benefit from travel insurance on your next trip.

What does travel insurance cover?

Trip cancellations or interruptions

Sometimes, situations beyond your control impact your travel plans. Weather, family tragedies, illness, work and other issues can cause you to cancel, postpone or interrupt your trip.

  • Weather or worker delays: Some travel insurance policies offer reimbursement for trips interrupted by worker strikes or the weather.
  • Sickness, injury or death: An illness, injury or death of you or a loved one might require a trip cancellation. With the right coverage it won’t cost the policyholder financially.
  • Work-related interruptions: If work interferes with your ability to travel, you can cancel and get your money back with the right coverage. The same is true if you become unemployed and can’t afford to take your planned trip.

Medical expenses

Many health insurance policies will not pay for services incurred outside of their coverage network. This can leave travelers facing huge medical bills in the event of an issue during a trip. Travel insurance can make up the difference.

  • Emergency evacuation: If you suffer from a medical emergency during a trip, your travel insurance may cover medical and ambulance (and even evacuation by plane) expenses.
  • Dental coverage: A dental emergency may not be immediately life threatening, but it can certainly ruin a vacation. Be sure that your dental coverage protects you where you’re visiting, or consider including it in your travel insurance plan.
  • Pre-existing condition coverage: A pre-existing condition can act up at any time, but many travel insurance policies will not cover them. Ask about pre-existing conditions since premium policies may include this type of coverage.

Flight cancellations

Anything that interrupts a trip, including missing your connecting flight, could leave you struggling to meet back up with your travel group. Travel insurance picks up the bill for transportation services that you need to keep you on schedule.

  • Canceled flight coverage: If your flight is canceled and it causes you to miss a connection, travel insurance can pay for a hotel stay and a new flight as soon as it’s available.
  • Easy logistics: When you miss a flight, it can throw your entire itinerary out of whack, but your travel insurance company should be able to do the work to put you back on track.
  • Interruption coverage: If something happens at home, and you need to cut your trip short, travel insurance can help cover the cost of return fare and reimburse the unused portion of your trip.

Lost or stolen baggage or belongings

Lost, delayed or damaged luggage can start any trip on the wrong foot. It can also cost an arm and a leg to buy an emergency wardrobe for a vacation.

  • Clothing allowance: If your luggage is lost, be sure to ask your insurer about a clothing allowance to help you get through your vacation and replace your missing items.
  • Property replacement: It’s not uncommon for people to travel with valuable items like jewelry or personal care products. Be sure to discuss them with your insurance company before traveling to ensure they’re covered for replacement.
  • Luggage delays: If your luggage is permanently lost, your travel insurance would probably replace it, but if it’s only delayed, you might need to deal with some interim needs. Insurance could pay for an outfit or two and for toiletries, just to hold you over until your luggage can be delivered.

Trip extensions

Typically, travel insurance covers a specific trip, which is arranged in advance. If you decide to extend your vacation, you might lose your travel insurance. With that in mind, consider the following:

  • Ask about policy extensions: It’s always a good idea to know ahead of time whether you can also extend your travel insurance coverage if you decide on the fly to extend your trip.
  • Long-term and short-term policies: Many travel insurance policies only cover a short time-frame, sometimes only a week or two. If you plan to travel more extensively, be sure to ask about long-term options.
  • Limited coverage on extensions: Some travel insurance may allow for limited extensions with little to no extra cost. They may not include all premium services, however, so it’s important to find out what is and is not covered on an extension.

 

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Budget-Friendly Road Trips
Travel Tips & Deals

Budget-Friendly Road Trips

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

With warm weather season in full swing, now is the time to start planning your fun family getaways. If you are concerned about affording it all, author and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi offers the following tips to help you have fun and save money on your next vacation.Budget-Friendly Road Trips

BANK ON GAS-SAVING APPS

Look to budget-friendly websites, such as www.GasBuddy.com, which also offers an app that helps you find the closest gas station with the best prices near you. Another gas-saving app is Gas Hog. It costs 99 cents and calculates your car’s fuel economy, then provides tips on ways to make your car more fuel-efficient.

RENT A CAR

It turns out that, contrary to popular belief, it can actually be cheaper to rent a car for weekend getaways than it is to drive your own. According to a study by Brett Smith, co-director, manufacturing, engineering and technology for the Center for Automotive Research, when renting a compact car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car at its weekend rate, the savings can come to 12 cents per mile. If your getaway is a 300-mile round trip, the fuel savings could be more than $20.

“By renting a car, you reduce the stress and mileage placed on your own vehicle, and you can upgrade or downgrade depending on the size of your family and fuel economy needs,” explains Torabi. To learn more about the benefits of renting a vehicle for your summer getaway, visit www.Enterprise.com/familytravel.

PACK AND SAVE

On road trips, most people grab a few snacks every time they stop for gas. Over time, those candy bars and sodas can really add up. A family of four can easily spend $15.00 for drinks and snacks at just one stop. “One easy way to lower the cost of your trip is to pack your own food. Pack a cooler full of bread, peanut butter, string cheese, water, juice and plenty of fruit. You’ll be less likely to splurge while filling up the tank, make healthier choices, and save a bundle over all,” says Torabi.

BOOK HOTELS ON SUNDAY NIGHTS

This is when the weekend rush is over and hotel managers have time to talk on the phone and discuss available discounts. Ask to get a free night’s stay if you’re staying for more than two nights. That’s at least $100 saved right there.

BETTER YET – SKIP THE HOTEL

Find cheap – but chic – guest rooms in local homes and apartments through websites such as www.AirBnB.com and www.OneFineStay.com.

“With a little planning and flexibility, your family can enjoy a vacation they’ll remember for years to come,” says Torabi.

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5 Cheap Countries for Traveling Seniors
DestinationsTravelTravel Tips & Deals

5 Cheap Countries for Traveling Seniors

by Susan Saurel
written by Susan Saurel

As you age, some things are getting better. Most of all, you have more time on your hands. You have more precious moments to spend with your loved ones, but you also have more space for yourself. It’s the best time to revisit that bucket list of destinations you’d love to see.

Have you ever been so impressed by a National Geographic TV show that you absolutely wanted to see a specific country? Maybe you’ve always dreamed about a vacation in Africa. Or maybe you wanted to travel around Europe.

The best part about traveling as a senior is that you don’t have the time limit. You can prolong your vacation as much as you want to, and you’ll still be receiving money on your account.

Everything is possible. You just need enough savings, you have to pack light, and pick a destination for your trip. Speaking of destinations, how about a list of suggestions for senior-friendly countries? You’re surely worried about the price, since you can’t really work for extra income if you’re left with insufficient finances. Here they come: 5 budget-friendly countries that are great for traveling seniors.

  1. Greece

Maybe a plane ticket to Europe will cost quite a bit, but there are so many beautiful places to see there that you’ll easily forget about that expense. Plus, you may visit relatively cheap countries, so you’ll prolong your trip and get great value for your money.

Greece has its luxurious moments. Mykonos and Santorini, for example, are not as budget-friendly as we’d like them to be. But Greece has plenty of other islands that are more affordable and even more beautiful. The islands in the Ionian sea are absolutely breathtaking. Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, Paxi, and Corfu seem like a fairytale on pictures, but they are even more beautiful when you see them in person.

The prices are quite reasonable. There are supermarkets in the bigger cities and villages, so you can get affordable food to cook. You can rent a modest, but comfortable studio for around $25 per day if you search well enough.

  1. Macedonia

Don’t feel guilty if you’ve never heard of this country. It’s a small country located north of Greece. Many people don’t know about it, but the ones who discover it can’t help but fall in love. Ohrid, a town by the Ohrid Lake, is heaven on Earth.

The lake is serene and peaceful. It might be a little chilly for morning swimming, but it may also be the refreshment you need.

Do you know why so many people (especially seniors) love Ohrid? It has a spiritual vibe you can never forget. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a believer or not; this town and this lake have such a calming vibe that they bring you to a moment of realization: everything is fine; everything is just as it should be.

Now, let’s talk about prices. This is a surprisingly affordable destination, especially if you want to eat in restaurants. You can get a perfect (and complete) dinner at a great restaurant for less than $20.

  1. Italy

The Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Capri are some of the most visited tourist destinations in Italy, so they are naturally more expensive than we’d hope for. But Naples is just as beautiful and way more affordable. When you’re a senior traveler, you’re not after the most attractive tourist destinations, which usually involve a lot of noise and young people getting drunk. You’re after your peace and quiet, and you’ll have a better chance of finding it in Naples.

We’re talking about one of the oldest cities in Europe, so you’ll certainly have a lot of history to explore. Plus, this is where pizza comes from. If you love writing, you’ll have a great opportunity to blog every single day about the things you discover. The inspiration is never-ending! Here’s a hint: if you can’t write that well but you still want a blog to document your trip, you can rely on essay writing services.

Now, onto the prices: how expensive is Naples? You can have a real pizza for $5. Most meals are perfectly affordable, so you don’t have to stay limited to pizza.

  1. Indonesia

Enough of Europe, right? We want some versatility on our list, so here is another destination that looks like Paradise. Indonesia’s picturesque scenery makes it one of the most desirable tourist destinations on Earth, but that didn’t make these people pretentious. The prices are still very affordable, so you get to enjoy a luxurious vacation without the luxury price tag.

This is the country where you can probably get the biggest value for your money. You can stay in a beautiful guest house room for around $20 per night. There are plenty of vegetarian meal options for ridiculously low prices, but you can also enjoy seafood without breaking the bank. You can rent a car for around $15 a day and explore the area like a real tourist.

Alcohol is a bit expensive here, but who needs alcohol when the breathtaking sights already make you dizzy?
As for the places you don’t want to miss, you should definitely plan a day at the Komodo National Park. And Bali, of course!

  1. Peru

Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America, will give you memories you won’t forget. It’s a wonder of Nature that makes you realize just how beautiful our planet is. And that’s not the only beautiful thing you’ll see in Peru. You can enjoy folk festivals throughout the year, so you’ll become part of the colorful tradition of the natives.

The floating islands on the lake, where the Uros people live, will certainly impress you. How could they come up with such a smart way to build homes? If there’s a higher limit for synergy between people and nature, this is it.

As for the prices, Peru is probably the most affordable destination on our list. You’ll love the farmers market, where you can get all kinds of veggies, grains, and fruits for very low prices. The food is tasty and natural. It reminds you how realfood tasted like.

In Peru, you can stay in an actual hotel for less than $30 per night. A meal at a cheap restaurant will cost you less than $10 for two people. If you want a nicer restaurant, you’ll still pay less than $20 for two. Taxi transport is very affordable, so you don’t even have to rent a car.

Now is the perfect timing for you to explore the world! That doesn’t mean you’ll have to spend tons of money. There are perfectly affordable destinations that will still provide for an unforgettable vacation. For seniors, they are even better than luxurious tourism options.

By Susan Saurel

Susan Saurel is a passionate writer from Texas. She is in love with traveling. Teacher of higher category, a writer for the cheap essay writing service EssayWritingLand, PM in an IT company, lovely mom. She wants to share her experience with readers and she has something to say, for sure.

5 Cheap Countries for Traveling Seniors

5 Cheap Countries for Traveling Seniors 5 Cheap Countries for Traveling Seniors 5 Cheap Countries for Traveling Seniors

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Best part of Family Vacations
Travel Tips & Deals

Best part of Family Vacations

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

It’s summertime and we are talking about family fun! When you consider your best memories, chances are those memories include some family vacations. In a recent survey kids were asked about their favorite part of family vacations. Best part of Family Vacations

Best part of Family VacationsHere’s what they said:

  • going to new places (27%)
  • spending more time with parents (18%)
  • staying in a hotel (14%)
  • playing in a swimming pool (11%)
  • not going to school (11%)

Moms surveyed said that they want to take the kids on a nice vacation to:

  • provide new experiences (79%) Best part of Family Vacations
  • relax and have fun (66%)
  • get away from the stress of work, school and home (63%)
  • spend one-on-one time with them (44%)

Grand sights or theme parks are only part of the vacation experience. As this survey shows, what happens around the main events is often the stuff of the best family memories.
For a trip that gives kids and parents happy memories, get everyone in on the planning and keep these tips in mind.

Getting there.

Consider renting a car to get you to your destination. It saves wear and tear on your car and you can rent vehicles with DVD players for games and movies, and on-board GPS to help navigate.
If you decide to fly, book early to get seats together, and pay attention to connection times. Missing a connection or having luggage not make the transition can make it a vacation everyone would like to forget.

Eating out.

Fast food three times a day might be cheap, but there are affordable alternatives to keep the whole gang happy.

  • Stay at a hotel that has a free breakfast buffet. There’s something for everyone and it doesn’t cost extra.
  • Many family chain restaurants have a “Kids Eat Free” night for children under 12 accompanied by an adult. A great way to get a good meal for less.
  • Picnic at a local park. Grab some picnic food at a nearby grocery store, spread out a blanket and enjoy a leisurely lunch. The kids can also run around and play while the adults relax.

Finding a hotel. The hotel should be close to where you’ll be exploring, and should have family-friendly amenities. Look for things like:

  • Swimming pools: free fun for everyone.
  • Suites: a little extra room to spread out makes staying together more fun.
  • Exercise facilities: mom and dad can give each other a break by taking turns working out.

With the rising cost of gasoline adding to trip expenses, it’s important to find the best values possible, including your hotel choice. Look for hotels that offer additional family-friendly perks. A popular program from Country Inns & Suites by Carlson is the Read It & Return Lending Library. Guests of all ages can borrow a book and return it on their next visit. Books are a great way to unwind at the end of the day and on the ride home.
They are also offering families a special Travel Values coupon book from May through September. The coupon book provides valuable family travel offers from a number of companies including: Dollar Rent A Car, Thrifty Car Rental, Sylvan Learning, Scholastic, Creative Memories, AudibleKids.com and Papa John’s.
A family trip can go from good to great when you consider all the trip details, not just the main attractions. Best part of Family Vacations

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Summer Safety Tips For Seniors
Travel Tips & Deals

Affordable Summer Trips

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

For people looking to trim their budgets, a summer getaway may feel out of reach. But it doesn’t take a lot of money to have a great vacation experience – and it will pay off in lasting ways.shutterstock_218141176
“New research shows that experiences mean more to people than material items,” said Dr. Jeff Ashby, Professor of Counseling Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta. “Experiences, like summer family vacations, can be shared and bring a greater sense of joy and happiness for a longer period of time.”
There are plenty of trip ideas that are easy on the wallet and can all be found in Georgia.
OUTDOOR DELIGHTS

  • Hike nature trails and waterfalls in awe-inspiring Amicalola Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, or Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain.
  • Raft, paddle and tube in Georgia’s Chattooga River, a premier whitewater destination. Explore the magnificent ecosystem of the Altamaha River on your own or with local outfitters and guides who can help arrange a paddling or fishing trip.
  • Fish in one of Georgia’s 12,000 miles of warm water streams or deep-sea fish in coastal waters.
  • Camp in one of the state’s 45 state parks stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Colonial Coast.
  • Explore pristine environments such as the swamp at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, one of the oldest freshwater areas in the country.
  • Get in the swing with golf specials at Georgia’s many courses including Bull Creek Golf Course in Columbus and the Stone Mountain Golf Club, close to downtown Atlanta.

ISLAND HOPPING
Georgia’s beaches and coastal islands are a favorite summertime destination.

  • Jekyll Island is known for its golf, bike trails, bird watching and refined history, boasting the Jekyll Island Club as one of America’s top coastal summer destinations.
  • St. Simons Island offers golf, fishing, trails, lighthouses, historic Fort Frederica and other adventures.
  • Cumberland Island, anchoring the state’s coastline in the south, is covered with pristine maritime forests, wild horses, undeveloped beaches and splendid estate ruins.

ART EXPERIENCES
Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, has a partnership with the world-renowned Musée du Louvre in Paris, and offers visitors a rare experience until September 6. “The Louvre and the Masterpiece” exhibition features 91 works of art from all eight of the Louvre’s collection areas, spanning 4,000 years. Everything from paintings to sculpture, decorative arts to drawings are on display.
TIME TRAVEL
History buffs and curious travelers can explore Georgia’s historical attractions, including 27 Civil War battlefields. Walk in the footsteps of three presidents – Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter. Their homes and stories are found in sites from Augusta to Warm Springs, Plains and Atlanta. And learn about the Civil Rights movement at The King Center in Atlanta and the Albany Civil Rights Movement Museum.
FABULOUS FOOD
Celebrity chefs, top-notch restaurants, fun festivals and fresh produce all make Georgia a foodie’s paradise. Take a cooking class at The Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah or Château Élan in Braselton. Find fresh delights at the Tom Watson Watermelon Festival in Thomson or at Georgia’s Blueberry Festival in Alma.

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