Senior travel is alive and well in 2012, and is expected to break more records in 2013.
Most seniors are fed up with backgammon, and bingo nights.
Instead, they are planning and organizing trips to other towns, states, and countries.
A rising number of senior citizens are capturing some of their youth by going on adventurous vacations.
They are trading their free time for traveling.
They are packing suitcases and even strapping on backpacks for the first time.
For some, senior travel is less about where they are going, but it is more about the act of motion and seeing what they can in their golden years.
For other seniors, they are fulfilling dreams of hiking in the Himalayas, or cutting their way through dense tropical jungle with a machete.
Whether you are adventurous, or if you would like to go to white sandy Jamaican beaches and sip on fresh cocktails and listen to Reggae music, there are always activities to keep you happy.
5 Helpful Senior Travel Ideas Here are some helpful senior travel ideas to help you have an enjoyable trip.
• Ask for Senior Discounts When Available - Seniors are usually eligible for discount hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, and other available travel discounts.
• Use Courtesy Services - If you've ever been to an airport, you know that there are many electric carts that are available to carry seniors and others who need help.
Don't feel ashamed to use these, because they are available for your convenience.
• Senior Priority - Seniors are given priority when boarding planes, and on some buses and trains, too.
You don't need to wait in long lines before departure.
Instead, you can move to the front of the line.
• Take Senior Tours - Senior tours allow the elderly to enjoy historical and famous locations by moving at a slower pace.
Normal tour groups are whisked through their itineraries without much time to reflect on what they have seen.
• Don't Get Stressed Out by the Unexpected - If you have decided to be a little adventurous and travel to an underdeveloped or Third World destination, you will need to learn how to relax and prepare for the unexpected.
Buses will occasionally break down; some transportation might be very late, and you cannot expect the same comforts of home.
On the other hand, if you have prepared yourself in advance, you can get through these situations without breaking a sweat, and you will have wonderful memories to cherish.
Always pack a little extra food and water in case of delays.
Bring some music and games, or take a good book to keep you occupied while you wait.
Remind yourself that the situation is temporary and chalk it up to your adventure travel experiences.
Senior Travel - Conclusion To enjoy the best experience, you will need more than packed bags, a ticket, and a pocket full of money.
Make sure your doctor says that you are healthy enough to travel, and try not to make your vacation too strenuous.
Some of the best senior travel ideas come through careful planning and patience.
If you want your trip to run smoothly, you should check on your destination in advance.