Baby Boomers U. S. (The Blog)

5 Quintessential Tips for Baby Boomer Travellers

Posted: 12 Dec 2010 03:09 AM PST

This is a guest post by Jeffrey Wells a contributing writer for Kanetix. If you would like to Guest Post for Baby Boomers US, check out our Guest Post for Us page for details.

Travel Tips for Baby Boomers

Travel has never been easier or more affordable, sparking a rise in recreational vacations worldwide. One of the largest groups taking advantage of this new phenomenon is the Baby Boomers, that is, adults born sometime between the mid-1940s and 1960s. These fun-loving adults are finding themselves retired, some with more disposable income than they can spend, driving them to cultivate a love of travel. Many aging adults wish to vacation to places they've dreamed about while they are still healthy and active as they're aware that the older they get, the more their mobility will decrease. If you're a baby boomer looking to travel or have a loved one that fits this category, take a moment to review these 5 tips for baby boomer travelers.

1. Don't be too trusting – Many members of older generations find themselves falling prey to scam artists that seek out their demographic. These otherwise intelligent adults often lend too high a level of trust to strangers and businesspeople, leaving them vulnerable to be swindled or even harmed. If you're planning a trip, particularly if you're using the Internet, make sure to use only reputable resources. Never send or wire money to someone you don't know, and be leery of travel agents offering deals that sound too good to be true. Once you're on your vacation, don't allow yourself to be cornered by vendors or tricked into miscalculating an exchange rate. Do your research to prevent losing out in the long run.

2. Use a travel service – While nefarious people everywhere are out to make a quick buck, there are thousands of quite useful and reputable travel agencies around the world that can make your travel experience better. Particularly if you're not comfortable booking online, enlisting the help of an agent can allow you easier access to special deals and activities, and also make sure all your "bases are covered" before you leave on your trip. This tip is especially beneficial for novice or first-time travelers, who may also want to look into seniors travel insurance.

3. Choose your location carefully – Do you speak another language? Have a strong distaste for Indian food? These are the types of things you need to think about when you're planning your trip. Make sure that the location you choose offers the type of vacation you're looking for, whether it be outdoor activities, a relaxing spot on the beach, or premier shopping and museums. Being sure to do plenty of research beforehand as to what type of destination you're choosing will ensure that your trip is exactly as you planned.

4. Prepare for medical emergencies – As baby boomers age, they often face new and challenging health issues. If you or a loved one needs special medication or may require medical attention while on holiday, be sure to arrange for these services ahead of time. Know how to contact emergency personnel when you're abroad and also how to get in touch with your own doctor in case you have questions or medicinal needs. Additionally, snowbirds travel insurance may be worth looking into to utilize during emergencies.

5. Keep in touch with loved ones – Before embarking, be sure to supply your loved ones with a detailed itinerary of your trip. This is important in case of an emergency, both on your part or theirs, so that they may know where you are. There are numerous technology services such as international cell phones, video chatting, and even email that allow you to stay in touch, so take advantage of the benefits the 21st century has brought to travel!

Jeffrey Wells is a contributing writer for Kanetix. He enjoys helping customers get better deals on various insurance products such as travel insurance or health insurance. The company provides a free service that allows the customer to compare free quotes amongst the top insurance providers and choose the one that offers the best value.

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