International travel can be a great experience during the retirement years. Whether it’s your first time, or you are a seasoned traveller, there are some fantastic deals out there for you to take advantage of.
You might be thinking of going on a world trip. Consider a guided tour and discover many new countries this way. What an enriching experience this could be for retirees. Whatever you decide, planning and preparing are the key.
Pre-planning will ensure a safe and satisfying experience. Firstly it is a good idea to get the all-clear from your doctor to travel, receive any vaccinations that you might need, and organise prescriptions for your regular medications.
Take out travel insurance. There are some great deals for seniors when it comes to travel insurance. Consider what the insurance will cover too. Will it cover all medical expenses, hospital stays, lost luggage, and cancelled or delayed flights? Also, check what activities it will cover. For example, if you plan to go skiing or white water rafting, you may need to pay additional insurance in order to be covered.
Check out what and where is safe at the destination that you are travelling to. For example, is it safe to catch public transport? Can you drink the tap water in the destination country? Are there laws surrounding what you can wear? Oh, and also, don’t take anything too valuable with you. Look at using your phone as a camera, and leaving that diamond ring at home if you can. And don’t forget to be cautious when you are carrying around your wallet. Consider a money belt that can go under your shirt and avoid putting it into your back pocket.
Finally, as a word of advice for travelling seniors, keep communications open along the way. Share your itinerary with friends and family. Take two copies of your travel documents. Give one copy to a relative and take the other copy with you in case you lose them. Also, don’t forget to register your details and travel plans with Smartraveller. If something goes wrong then the government agency will be able to get in contact with you or your loved ones.
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