Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/606819
WINTER 2015/2016 DREAMSCAPES 51 necessary, ensure at least 90 minutes between flights. • Inquire about the aircraft and seat con- figuration. • Consult a travel agent to help you. Using an experienced advisor gives you some- one to call should anything go awry. ABILITIES At home, it's easy to joke about our senior moments and physical limitations, but such things may loom large on the road. Some special needs (wheelchair, guide dog or portable oxygen) are obvious, how- ever others need thoughtful planning: • Reconfirm your requests before you leave home. For example, if accessi- bility is an issue, reconfirm the presence of ramps, elevators, room fix- tures, bathroom bars and more. • Envision the demands for each day and activity. An airport or train station, for example, may require strenuous walking and carting of luggage. Porters are a good solution so keep ready cash on hand. • Be realistic. You may not be able to par- ticipate in some tour activities, but if you anticipate it, your guide may sug- gest an attractive alternative. COMPANIONSHIP The needs of a travelling partner may impact on any plan. Or perhaps you have no one to accompany you. Options exist: • Join a club like the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), which is an author- itative guide for travel tips. • Travel with companies that specialize in the needs of seniors such as GoAheadTours.ca. • Research companion-finding websites such as triptogether.comor travbuddy.com. • Select adult-only hotels and resorts where there may be other solo guests. SAFETY There is safety in numbers so travel with a coach company, cruise line or tour group—and add these security measures as well: • Lock travel documents and cash in the hotel room safe or in a secure travel bag. • List the key identity numbers for pass- ports, tickets, health insurance and credit cards. Keep a copy in each bag. • Leave expensive jewellery at home. • Be aware of pickpockets targeting trav- ellers, particularly older people. • Avoid motel rooms with doors that open onto a parking lot or street. • Drink bottled mineral water. Be sure food has been refrigerated and/or cooked suf- ficiently. Avoid street vendor food. • Carry the phone number of the Cana- dian embassy or consulate in your wallet, as well as personal emergency phone numbers. EDUCATIONAL VALUE If your main purpose is to learn as much about the world as possible, identify the best opportunities to tap into your special interests: • Research cruise lines for special themes, tours and lectures. • Select a tour operator that specializes in learning opportunities, such as Road Scholar and ElderTreks. COSTS AND MONEY MANAGEMENT Always inquire about senior discounts, especially once you turn 65. A good travel agent is a prime source for value deals everywhere. Consider these money man- agement tips: • Purchase travel cancellation insur- ance. Be sure you understand all terms so you are clear on the exact coverage. • Join senior-interest clubs such as the Canadian Association of Retired Per- sons (CARP) whose member benefits include travel discounts. • Travel during low-season if weather is not a factor. Be aware, however, some attractions are high-season only. • Use bank machines and credit cards for daily incidentals. Don't carry more cash than you need. Keep small change in a front pocket for easy access. • Think about the Canadian dollar exchange rate if making a sizeable for- eign purchase and brush up in advance on Canadian customs allowances. DS