by 6 Ways To Avoid Aging Out Of Travel - TravelPulse
Opinions Home | Editor's Notebook
Susan Young | January 17, 2023 8:00 PM ET
We’ve all heard the adage, “You’re never too old to travel.”
Well, that might be true but, as we age, we might experience challenges that affect how and where we travel.
Zip-lining, mountain climbing and bungee jumping might not float your boat anymore, but that doesn’t mean you should lose the luggage and cash in your frequent-flier miles.
Life is short and the world is waiting to be discovered. You’re never too old to learn something new and see something you’ve never seen before.
Make a list of travel goals and use these tools to get there at your own speed and on your own terms.
Even if you are well-versed in travel websites and apps that assist in travel planning, you will not be privy to the deals a knowledgeable travel advisor can provide. The more information we find on our own, the more confused we might become. As a result, we might overlook deals and upgrades which could make a difference in our trip.
Start your Travel Advisor search with TravelSense.org, which will customize your needs and give you a list of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) verified experts. Give yourself a break and let someone else do the research and legwork, easing your stress while saving money with extra perks thrown in.
6 Ways To Avoid Aging Out Of Travel - TravelPulse
Similar to a cruise ship, an all-inclusive resort includes meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and entertainment, all in one price. If you are interested in a stress-free, chill-out vacation, this is a great choice. With options like an adult- or couples-only, you can fine-tune your vacation to your desires.
Mexico and the Caribbean offer the most choices in all-inclusive resorts, but you will also find some in the continental US and Hawaii. Do your homework when planning, as some are more inclusive than others. Options like wifi, spa treatments and gratuities should be spelled out by the resort site when booking.
If self-exploration is making you uncomfortable, a tour company might be a good choice. This doesn’t necessarily mean sitting in a tour bus for hours on end. Imagine strolling the streets of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with a group led by a friendly local tour guide, or enjoying a Celtic tour of Irish castles by a personal chauffeur.
For an educational experience, Road Scholar offers worldwide opportunities to engage in programs that teach and inspire adults to travel. Road Scholar calls itself “a university of the world for older adults,” providing a safe haven for solo travelers as well as groups.
Cruising is a great choice for multi-generational travel if you plan to bring along extended family members, including grandchildren. The larger ships, with all the family-friendly activities, are getting larger and larger, some offering roller coasters, creative pool slides and go-kart raceways.
That’s great if you want to be around the kids but when you are seeking peace and quiet, the smaller ships might be your best choice. The size of the ship dictates which ports are available: the smaller the ship, the closer to safe, walkable towns.
If you want to stay in the United States, American Cruise Lines offers domestic river itineraries on both coasts and along the Mississippi River. These ships can maneuver through Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, stopping at multiple towns, which offer easy access and safe exploration. You might also experience whales so close you can smell them.
As we age, we might find ourselves in the caregiver role of a family member suffering from dementia or a physically-limiting disease. There are cruise options to travel with your loved one, offering aid and assistance for a well-deserved vacation. Elite Cruises and Vacations provides the perfect respite for caregivers of those with not only dementia/Alzheimers but also Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis and stroke, among others.
A registered nurse and travel specialist, Kathy Shoaf arranges group trips, usually on Holland America Lines. The cruises provide caregiver respite sessions and excursions, in-cabin meals or group dining room seating, as well as private events featuring guest speakers and entertainment. With full medical support available, caregivers can find time to relax while their loved-ones are engaged in special activities led by professionals in the field. While on board, certified caregivers can receive CEU Education credits while vacationing.
Perhaps you have never experienced losing money because of canceled flights or missing your cruise, but there are other reasons to take out travel insurance as we age. Unfortunately, a twisted ankle or fall might be much more serious for a senior, and medical assistance will not be free.
Whether on a ship or in a foreign country, an injury could result in a hefty bill. While some countries might offer their citizens health care free of cost, travelers might not enjoy that benefit. Affordable travel insurance is available from multiple companies with various plans to fit your budget.
More by Susan Young
You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook information, including your name, photo & any other personal data you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on TravelPulse.com. Click here to learn more.
Susan Young
Featured Video
Destination & Tourism
US Government Seeks to Appeal Mask Mandate Ban on Public Transport Impacting Travel
Carnival Cruise Line Brings Back Amp Up Commission Challenge Travel Agent
Falcon’s Resort by Meliá All Suites Punta Cana… Hotel & Resort
Spain Expects 2023 Tourism Revenue to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels Destination & Tourism
2023 Travel Guide To Europe Destination & Tourism
The Safest Places To Travel in 2023 Destination & Tourism
The Best January Events in Each State Destination & Tourism
21 Amazing Vacation Ideas for Big Families Features & Advice
The New Ocean Cruise Ships to Debut in 2023 Cruise Line & Cruise Ship
The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022 Travel Agent
Copyright © 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
6 Ways To Avoid Aging Out Of Travel - TravelPulse
6 Ways To Avoid Aging Out Of Travel - TravelPulse
6 Ways To Avoid Aging Out Of Travel - TravelPulse
6 Ways To Avoid Aging Out Of Travel - TravelPulse
6 Ways To Avoid Aging Out Of Travel - TravelPulse
6 Ways To Avoid Aging Out Of Travel - TravelPulse
