What Steps to Take: seniors let’s prepare your journey

Looking to plan your next getaway? Seniors let’s prepare your journey. Start by asking the right questions and researching your destination.

• Check – Do you have a passport?
• Check – Do you have a credit card? Debit card and cash
• Contact your bank and let them know your cards will be used on your trip. They must open your cards for international travel.
• Go to Forex at your bank and exchange a bit of money for the currency you need.
• Check – Is your budget sorted? Do you know how much you can spend?
• Make sure the country you decide to go to does or doesn’t need a visa. If it does apply to one
• Organize Travel Insurance and Travel Health Insurance
• Also, notify your personal medical aid and let them know you will be traveling
• What medication would you need to take?
• Do you have Google Maps on your phone? If not get it downloaded. Know how to use it before you go. 
• Do you have your Itinerary?
• Have you made copies of your passport, visa, and Itinerary for yourself and your family members?

Read my blog Initial Plans for Your Trip which I advise you to read prior to this blog.

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

Andre Gide

Did you know, a transit visa is sometimes needed when you are traveling through a country to another country? This is because most countries require travelers to have a valid visa in order to enter their territory. A transit visa allows travelers to transit through the country for a limited period of time, usually up to 24 hours, without having to apply for a full visa. It is important to have a valid transit visa if they require one, when traveling through a country as there may be legal consequences if you do not have one.

Deciding where to go on Vacation

Making your initial plans for your vacation is essential. Read my article to assist you.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

Ibn Battuta

Where would YOU like to vacation: –  your first step. List 5 places you would like to go and see.  There is international, national, and local travel. Let us focus on international travel. It is always good to give yourself a choice and option. We will go through all the steps you will need.

I have destinations I totally enjoy and which may assist you in choosing your next adventure!

Step 2: Once you have listed 5 places, go to a well-known reputable Travel Agent. I personally go first and visit a Travel Agent prior to my final decision. Make inquiries to see which travel agent is the best in your area.

Travel Agents know their job. I like to make planning for my trip as easy as possible. As I belong to a wiser generation and am not as technologically literate as the youth of today;  who seem to have been born with technology as part of their DNA; I am still very much part of the old school. I enjoy discussing my intentions and asking questions about my desired travels. These agents are trained, understand the industry and know where to look for the best options and prices. If you visit them personally, they have numerous brochures, with pictures and you can ask questions. Don’t make your decision on your first visit to the Travel Agent. Call it the investigation research visit.

Questions to ask your Travel Agent

Be flexible on dates. This allows you to book discount travel, avoid high prices and go when there is an overabundance of tourists.

Make sure you have an idea of a budget you want to spend on your dream holiday.

Do you want to travel solo or in a group? There are benefits to both.

• Where are your 5 different destinations
• What is the Best time of the year to travel to these places
• What Languages do the people speak and what are the people like
• What is the crime rate in these countries or cities – which are the best and safest cities to go to in that country
• Is the transport from the airport to the city lengthy
• How do you get from the airport to your accommodation
• What is the local transport like within the city or from city to city in the same country
• What is the General cost of airline tickets, cruises, or luxury train travel
• Can you fly direct
• Do you require a passport and which visa? Can the Travel Agent organize these for you?
• If you need to book connecting flights or maybe consider a free stopover overnight or for a few days
• Best Hotels, Guest Houses, B&Bs, Lodges, or Airbnbs at affordable costs
• Car hire costs if you want your own mode of transport. Remember different countries travel either on the right or left-hand side of the road
• Who are the best Tour operators in the destination you want to go to if required
• What is the Length of flying time if flying direct? Different stopovers you can assess to see if worthwhile for you.
• Cruise travel. Costs, different destinations, and specials. Medical assistance available on board
• Train Vacations. These can be exciting
• Can your Travel Agent give you information and booklets on your 5 different destinations to take home with you?

Now I have decided Where to go, What do I do next?

Step 3: Make sure you prepare all your meds for the trip. When I travel internationally, I go to my general doctor and request a general antibiotic to take with me, just in case. Also if you are on prescription medication, ask your doctor if there are any side effects on these meds at the destination you are going to. 

Step 4: Once you have an idea of where you would like to go, I highly recommend you get some books on your preferred destination. Reading a history book on your desired country helps you to understand the people, culture, and culinary habits of that country before you journey there.

Maybe learn a bit of the language. It adds to the spice of your trip. Duolingo is fabulous and free to download. Google translate, on your phone, is also super to learn initial words and pronunciations.

Step 5: Also it is wise to get a map book of the country you will be visiting. You cannot always rely on Google maps. Browse through it and mark off pages where you would like to visit. Make notes in your journal. Consider your age. Maybe you are ultra fit and can climb mountains or walk 10 km a day, but if not, you need to consider what type of excursions will fit your age and level of fitness.

A day’s touring can be exhausting, so maybe do one or two tours a day with lunch and plan time in the afternoon to go and have a bit of a rest. This allows you to go out for dinner in the evening to experience the delightful tastes of the country’s cuisine.

Do I Check out the prices of flights, or cruises before going back to the Travel Agent?

Step 6: Most certainly, yes!  This is quite fun to do, but I still recommend letting your Travel agent do all your bookings. Search for different prices on air tickets.  Make sure you get an idea of costs for the dates you are looking at but don’t make any purchases.  You can also play around with different dates.

Booking cruises and going on cruises is a totally different experience and holiday.  Have a look at what we advise in our cruise section.

Train Travel is very different and can be wonderfully exciting and relaxing.

What type of Accommodation Electrifies you the most?

Step 7: Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, hygiene needs to be on your list of priorities. You need to thoroughly examine this in the accommodation you choose.

It is imperative you book your lodgings close to where you would like to go visit. You must either be able to walk to these places or take short city transport.  If you want to venture out further from your accommodation, you can go on an organized tour that will collect you and drop you off at your doorstep.

Give this a great deal of thought and most certainly do some research.  We often can have preconceived ideas about certain lodgings. 

Make sure your lodgings have a safe so that when you are out during the day, your items are safe and sound.

Airbnb

In 2007, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia in San Francisco decided to get air mattresses in their attic during a design conference. They rented these out, so Airbnb was born.

I was very hesitant initially about Airbnbs, but now, due to wonderful encounters, I love them! An Airbnb stands for Air Bed and breakfast. It is an online community that will connect people who are looking at renting out sections or flats attached to their homes with people looking for accommodation. You will need to book these online. Make sure you read the reviews and comments.

Hotel

Hotels can be creamed with luxury, and you deserve to spoil yourself but do not go below a 3-star.  Hotels are more expensive than other means of accommodation, but often out of season, you can pick up extraordinary rates.

Guesthouse

A Guesthouse is traditionally a small, privately owned homestead that offers more in some ways to an Airbnb.  They offer breakfast and service your room.

B&B

A B&B, which stands for Bed & Breakfast, is rather like a small hotel with a smaller amount of perks than a hotel. It is regulated by state or local lodging laws.

Cruise Liners

Cruise holidays solve your issue of accommodation. You stay on the ship and have the majority of your meals and entertainment right on hand.

Luxury Train Holiday

Luxury Train Travel is becoming the in thing these days for seniors. It is a slower form of travel but enables you to view incredible scenery, be spoilt, sleep to the motion of the train, and enjoy appetizing meals.

Decided where you want to go? – Time to Book

Booking through the Travel Agent?  Make sure you take note of these essential tips.

Step 8:

• Book
• Book an aisle seat on your long flights. 
•  Book your seat closer to the front of the plane – not too close to the toilets
• Don’t book in the emergency exit
• If you have eating preferences – make sure the airline knows
• If you need assistance at the airport – state this on your booking
• Make sure you plan to be at the airport 3 hours before you check in, giving yourself time to get there
• Confirm your flight before leaving to go to the airport, to see if it is leaving on time
• Get confirmation of your accommodation booking
• Print out and make copies of all your bookings and give them to a family member or friend and take a copy with you

Essentials to Take on the Plane or Train

Step 9:  Prepare for the plane

Pack snacks for your flight or train trip

Your phone is a necessity. Make sure you know how to take photos, and videos and can work Facetime

Do you have Google Maps on your phone? If not get it downloaded. Know how to use it before you go. 

Make sure you have sufficient data as you may need to use your Google Maps.

If you wear glasses – take an extra pair

Keep the medication you require in your bag that goes on the plane. 

Pack your prescription drugs in their original containers. Keep them in your overnight bag on the plane. You may need to declare prescription medication. Check the customs rules prior to flying.

If you love reading, take a great book

Take earphones so you listen to fabulous stories. I love this!

Pack an extra phone charger. Keep one in your suitcase and one in your bag on the plane or train

Good to have an International plug adapter, that can cater for 3 prongs or 2 prongs. The Epicka Universal USB Travel Power Adapter. It allows multiple plug options and is universal.

Separate your cards and money into different bags. Don’t place any in your suitcase

Get two locks with codes for your suitcases. Keys can get lost.

Make sure you have a Travelling Pillow. This pillow must be able to strap around your backpack strap.

Don’t drink alcohol on board. Rather drink water.

Remember your compression socks or stockings. Here is a super selection.

You are not allowed a large toiletry bag on an airplane. The bag must be a 1-quart clear zip bag.  All liquids or gels must be in 3-4 ounce containers  This applies to Make-up and deodorant. All can be purchased in the Travel section at your Pharmacy. 

Do not take any knives, pocket knives, or large nail clippers in any bag.

What to pack in

Step 10: From my experience, different bags for any trip are vital.  Having awkward, clumsy, heavy baggage and incorrect bags can really hamper your travel,  Luggage can be a drag and hindrance if not planned correctly. This also applies to clothing, shoes, and handbags for your money, computer, or iPad.

On a plane how many suitcases can you take?

For each person with a ticket, most airlines allow you to take 2 pieces of luggage free of charge.

One checked-in suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight is very important. Make sure you weigh your luggage prior to going to the airport. If you are over the weight limit you will need to pay. Some airlines do allow two checked-in suitcases.

Have a look at Wikitravel, to give you an idea. You of course do NOT want to take too much luggage.

What suitcases and backpacks are the best for seniors

Whatever the suitcase, make sure you tie a ribbon around the handle so you will be able to identify it easily. Also tie a name tag to the top of the suitcase and hand luggage, with your contact number.

I have given you two suggestions for cases and three suggestions for backpacks.

These cases on their 8 wheels, are easy to push around, either rolling on the ground as you go or pulling by the handle.

Suitcases

• American Tourister Belle Voyage Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Blue Denim, Carry-On 21-Inch. I enjoy the colors of this suitcase. It is light, the wheels spin easily, and easy to identify when you need to collect and identify at your arrival destination. I do like my compartments!
• Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Brushed Anthracite, Checked-Large 28-Inch. This suitcase is harder on the outside and larger than the other one. Personally, I prefer the other one. 

Backpacks

Often an older person can be a target for petty criminals. My backpack needs to be comfortable, and easy to get on and off, but also must have a zip on the inside against my back. This purple one, one of my favorite colors, is a perfect example of an anti-theft backpack. As I also travel often for business, I do need to pop in my Laptop and/or iPad.

Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack I enjoy as it has space for a water bottle on the side. Super for also touring around on your vacation.

Baggallini Anti Theft Convertible Backpack is stylish and can convert into a handbag as well.

Carry your money cards and mobile safely

A great way to separate your money and cards into two different places is to have an Infinity Scarf

To me, this is such an amazing concept! These scarves have a hidden pocket on the side of the scarf. You can carry your passport, cards, money, and phone around your neck. They are colorful and comfortable and when you want to take them off, you can just place them in the zipper packet and use it as a clutch. I  use mine regularly on airplanes and at my destinations doing the touring bit.

 When I am out, I do not take all my money or all my cards. I leave the balance in the safe at the hotel or wherever I am staying. Including my computer and iPad.

Another suggestion is a Money Belt. These belts you wear under your clothing to prevent theft.

Do you need a camera?

I personally do not always take my camera. I am passionate about taking photographs and I do not always find my mobile gives me as much pleasure. The extra luggage can be a bit of a pain and generally phones today have more than enough pixels to capture that perfect memory. Most airlines do allow you to take your camera onboard with you but never place it in your suitcase that is checked in.

What clothes to pack – Make a Packing List

Step 11: Not wise to take too many clothes! Remember the season you are traveling in. This will determine whether you pack more warm clothes for colder weather.

Remember you can wash your clothes yourself, especially your underwear. Hotels, Guest Houses, and Cruise Ships do have laundry facilities available.

For Hygiene

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Deodorant
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Soap
• Brush
• Comb
• Mirror – small
• Sunscreen
• Lipbalm
• Hairdryer – most accommodations have these
• Tweezers
• Nail file
• Nail polish
• Nail polish remover
• Makeup
• Small tissues
• Little first aid kit
• Pain killers
• Insect Repellent
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Medication

Don’t Forget

• Tickets
• Confirmation of bookings – Have copies of these as well
• Passport & visas – Have copies of these too
• Itinerary – and a copy
• Driver’s Licence
• Glasses
• Sunglasses
• Bold Note –  with Insurance Name on and emergency telephone numbers on
• Your Journal

Don’t Forget: On your carry-on bag, when flying, you have to make note of this rule. “It’s called the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Each item must be 3.4 ounces or less and must be able to fit inside a one-quart size clear zip-top bag. The limit is one bag per person. Typically, travelers put their toiletries in the bag such as shampoo, hair products, make-up, and toothpaste.” All the other toiletries go in your large suitcase.

As soon as you arrive at your destination in another country, go immediately and get a tourist sim card and put it in. This saves you exorbitant international roaming fees.

If you have any valuable tips you would like to share to assist others, please do so in the comments section.

“A vacation helps to relieve stress and boredom, gives us a change of scenery, provides us with adventure, and helps to bring us closer to the people in our lives.” – E. S. Woods

Time to close your suitcase! All ready to go!