Friday, August 10, 2007

Tips For The Senior Traveler Part II

In part one, we outlined pre travel arrangements, how to prepare before you leave the house and air travel tips.  In this part, we provide helpful tips for the senior traveler once they arrive at their destination.

At Your Accommodations

  • If you have traveled a great distance, give your body a day or two to get over your jet lag.
  • When you arrive at the place you will be staying, unpack your luggage and do a quick check to ensure that everything is there.  If anything is missing, advise your airline immediately.  (It helps to bring a list of your items with you).
  • Check your luggage ID tags. If any have been torn off or have become unreadable, be sure to replace them.
  • If you are unsure of the water quality, purchase bottled water and use it for drinking and brushing your teeth.
  • If you are staying at a hotel or other paid accommodations, lock your empty luggage, as this is just one measure you can take so that should someone be in your room, they cannot use your luggage to remove your belongings from the hotel.
  • Never leave anything of value in your room such as cash, jewelry, credit cards, camera, car keys etc.  If the room has a small safe, store valuables in there or make alternative arrangements with the hotel security staff.
  • Most hotel rooms have additional locks on the doors.  Use these locks at all times when occupying your room.
  • Never give out your room number to strangers.  Instead, have them call the hotel front desk who will then contact you in your room.
  • Use the do not disturb sign when you are in your room and when you leave (provided the cleaning staff has already visited your room).

When Out and About
  • If you are traveling alone, consider taking group tours instead of sightseeing on your own.  There really is safety in numbers.
  • To steer clear of food poisoning on your travels, avoid seafood, undercooked meats, buffets, raw fruits and vegetables, dairy products and food from street vendors.
  • If you contract food poisoning or diarrhea, remember that these conditions can change the effectiveness of your medication.  Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
  • Try to schedule your activities at a leisurely pace.  Don’t pack every day full with sightseeing and excursions.  Drink plenty of water and schedule in time for proper meal breaks.
  • If using public swimming pools or if you are staying in accommodations with shared bathroom facilities, wear thongs or waterproof shoes to avoid infectious conditions like warts and athlete’s foot.
  • Ask about senior discounts.  Many attractions, excursions and even restaurants will give seniors discounted prices.
  • Dress down when sightseeing.  If you appear to be wealthy by wearing expensive clothing and jewelry, you could attract pickpockets and thieves.
  • Bring a traveler safety belt with you and wear it underneath your clothing.  Carry your money, credits cards and identification in this hidden belt.
  • If you are visiting a highly dangerous locale, you may want to consider carrying a dummy wallet.  Place a small amount of cash (even a fake or expired credit card) in the dummy wallet and if you are unfortunate enough to encounter a mugger or pickpocket, you would hand them the dummy wallet and hopefully they will be satisfied and leave you alone.
  • Ask at the manager or concierge at your front desk if there are any areas to be avoided.  Follow their advice.
  • Be wary of pickpockets.  Warning signs are people changing seats often and walking around suspiciously in waiting areas, loitering in crowded locations, carrying coats or jackets over their arms and intentionally bumping into people.

Traveling is a great experience and these travel tips aren’t meant to scare the senior traveler.  Instead, they are simply provided to ensure that your trip is as enjoyable as possible.  Enjoy your next vacation!

Posted by VV Blogger on 08/10 at 10:10 AM
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