Most people think that only children and young travelers benefit from educational vacations. The truth is, the human mind never ceases to crave new information. This is why an educational vacation may be the perfect trip to plan for a senior traveler. Whether you are planning for a group or just yourself, including an educational aspect in the trip planning can be very rewarding. Here are a few tips for seniors  that will assist with vacation planning:

1. Use a travel agent that you trust. These agents will often have information that you would not get if you booked the vacation online. The travel agent will also be able to get the best deal and available senior discount.

2. Set some limits. Traveling somewhere new is exciting, but it is difficult to take it all in within the amount of time you are allowed. Try to narrow the scope of interest to include points of interest, historical sites or museums.

3. When on the vacation, make use of hired guides. These guides have great knowledge of the area in which you are visiting. They will be able to inform you of local history as well as other valuable information.

4. Take physical limits into consideration. If you are a senior, you know what your body can handle. If you are a caregiver who is planning the trip for another, make sure you are aware of what that person can handle physically.

Source: www.ehow.com 

Carol Marak Carebuzz

As a specialist in geriatric care, I encourage my clients to take the time to refresh and rejuvenate themselves through exposure to new activities and locations, including travel. The benefits of travel for seniors are extensive and can do a lot to restore overall well-being and outlook on life; however, many seniors are reluctant to travel because of the costs and the perceived lack of senior-friendly options. With senior-friendly travel programs like Elderhostel, neither of these concerns remain an issue, because not only do they provide inexpensive senior-friendly travel programs starting at as little as $100 per day, they are able to cater to the specific needs that older adults can have when away from their homes.

The following services are available to seniors who travel with Elderhostel:

All travel programs are categorized by the level of physical activity required.  Level 1 is ideal for seniors who may have mobility issues or who struggle with physical exertion, as it only requires that seniors have the ability to carry their luggage. With 6 level categories in total, Level 6 is the most physically challenging, with many daily activities that require extensive physical exertion; so these tours should be reserved for those seniors who are in great shape, good health, and have no concerns about their mobility or fitness level. Specific dietary needs can be catered to, and are accommodated on a case-by-case basis.  Mobility issue are never a problem; transportation to and around specific sites can always be arranged when required by seniors participating in the Elderhostel programs.

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. Elderhostel

Carol Marak Carebuzz 
 

Have you always had dreams of traveling to Asia, Africa or Europe in your retirement and are ready to make it come true? Dont let fear stop you, even if youre going it alone make it a journey to remember, but assure your safety with 12 ways that older adults can make vacations safe ones:

1. Know the destinations cultural regulations - many countries have specific regulations for women with regards to clothing and behavior. It may seem like a double standard, but to avoid conflict, try to respect and abide by these guidelines.
2. Check for travel warnings - the US State Department Consular Information provides up to date information about safety issues and any other travel warnings about where you intend to travel.
3. Make sure travel documentation is up to date - make sure that you have the right visa's for where you're traveling and that your passport is valid. Make sure you get a passport 3-4 months before you travel so you dont run into any problems
4. Leave information at home - make sure a friend or family member has your full itinerary, including contact information for places youre staying, as well as a copy of your plane ticket, and even a copy of your passport.
5. Leave valuables at home - leave extra credit cards and jewelry and valuables at homes, costume jewelry included as it could be mistaken for the real thing.
6. Have health insurance  make sure you have travel insurance that covers potential medical costs while you're away, including evacuation.
7. Take enough medication and make sure its labeled  for prescription medications, have enough for the duration of your trip and then some in case of delays. Make sure your medications are in their original prescription bottles with labels as some countries might give you trouble due to trafficking laws.
8. Remain aware - be aware of those around you and use common sense if you feel someone is acting suspiciously. Go into a store or contact your hotel if you feel uncomfortable.
9. Look confident - look and act like you know where youre going, keep your head held high, and you won't look like such an easy target.
10. Ask for directions - know where you're going and how to get there before you leave your hotel. Ask the concierge for directions to avoid unsafe areas and keep your confidence up.
11. Choose a safe hotel - a central hotel with security and public transportation like taxis nearby is a safer bet.
12. Dress conservatively - dress conservatively wherever you're going and keep jewelry and makeup minimal so you don't look like a good target.

Via: About.com 

Carol Marak Carebuzz 
 

Q - I've been trying to get my mom to come visit us for a number of years, but she refuses. She has a dog that means a lot to her, and she's worried about taking him on an airplane, and for her, the distance is too far to drive. We visit her often, but would love to have her in our home so she can see the things her grandchildren are up to up close and personal. Any suggestions for how my aging mom can travel with a pet   while knowing he is safe?

A - If your mom is reluctant about bringing her dog on a traditional airline, which many pet owners are and she doesn't have the option of driving, then she can check out a great new airline that caters to only the furry traveler. Pet Airways might not offer trips between your cities just yet, but they will be adding on more soon, so your mom can put her dog on the airline and then meet him at the other side. They offer the following services to make the experience more comfortable to the dogs and cats that they take onboard.

 Pets ride in a climate controlled airplane, where they are regularly checked by staff for comfort and safety.

 Pets on Pet Airways are not accepted if they have been given a sedative, something that is commonly required for pets riding on traditional airlines if they are nervous or excitable.

 Unlike on other airlines, pets have the opportunity for potty breaks. They are brought out right before the flight and as soon as they land, and on long flights there are stop-overs so pets can relieve themselves.

 Larger dogs have the option to travel without having to be placed in the cargo hold like they are luggage, which is not climate controlled and there's no way to know how safe the animal is.

Via: AARP

Carol Marak Carebuzz

Public transportation methods like buses, streetcars and subways that are available in cities and towns are often frequented by seniors who no longer drive, since it offers them independence when running errands, attending appointments or visiting family locally. However, when taking public transit, seniors can be at risk for accidents or injuries if they’re not careful, so all seniors should take note of these safety tips :

1. Get on and off transportation with caution – when getting in or out of a vehicle, like a bus, be aware of uneven pavement or other hazards that could result in tripping, falls, or twisting of ankles.
2. Have bus fare ready – fumbling around for change when a bus is starting to move can result in losing balance, have it ready before you get on the bus.
3. Brace yourself – when a bus, subway or streetcar is turning or stopping, make sure you’re sitting or brace yourself to ensure you don’t lose your balance.
4. Watch the gap – when stepping off the curb onto a bus, or a subway platform into the vehicle, be aware that there might be a gap between where you’re standing and the vehicle.
5. Let others go first – before getting onto a bus or subway, let others exit first. You can also let others get ahead of you at the vehicle’s doors when waiting to get off so you don’t get pushed.
6. Watch for closing doors – on a subway or streetcar where doors automatically open and close, never try to go through doors as they’re closing.
7. Don’t get on if it’s too crowded – if public transportation is too crowded, wait for the next one. Or when getting on make sure you get a seat; many vehicles have reserved seating for seniors and people with disabilities. If the seats are taken by people who don’t fit this criteria, don’t hesitate to ask them to move or ask the driver to assist you.
8. Keep hands free – don’t carry too many things in your hands, so you can adequately hold on to railings.
9. Ask a bus driver to lower the steps – most buses are equipped with ramps and stairs that lower to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs, if you’re worried about getting up or down the stairs, ask them to lower it.
10. Get there safely- if walking at night, wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, be careful when crossing streets, and remember to buckle up if taking a taxi.

Source: About.com 

Carol Marak  Carebuzz