By Kim Wildman
MSN NZ Travel writer
Retirement is an ideal time to get out and see more of the world — the kids are gone and you're free to travel. If you've always dreamed of seeing the Eiffel Tower but never got around to it, now's your chance!
Yet whether you choose to explore New Zealand or venture further afield, there are a few things you should consider before you go.
Planning
One of the first things you'll need to decide is where and when to go. Since most seniors are retired, you can travel whenever you want, though it's advisable to travel during the shoulder season. This allows you to avoid the crowds, the summer heat and the high prices — which can be exhausting at any age! As to where to go, the Internet is the best resource for researching, booking flights, checking train schedules and reserving accommodation. If you're not already Internet savvy, visit your local library or enlist one of your grandchildren to help you.
Travel insurance
Not matter what your age, taking out comprehensive travel insurance is imperative. Not only will insurance protect you from lost baggage and unforeseen delays, it will also cover you in case of a medical emergency. When comparing insurance policies, pay close attention to evacuation insurance. This covers the substantial expense of transporting you to an adequate medical facility in case of an emergency.
Health
Before any holiday, be sure to consult with your doctor for a complete medical check-up. This is especially important if you have coronary heart disease or any other chronic condition or if you have recently undergone surgery. Remember to take enough medication with you to last the entire trip as it can be difficult and time-consuming to fill a prescription while on the road. Ask your doctor for a signed letter listing the precise generic names of your medications and names of equivalent medications in case of unavailability.
Flying
When flying, wear loose, comfortable clothing, take frequent walks around the aircraft and drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-carbonated fluids. If you take any prescribed medication, remember to store it in your carry-on luggage and bring an adequate supply. To avoid problems at the airport, make sure you transport your medication in correctly labelled packages and keep your doctor's letter handy.
Accommodation
Before choosing a hotel, evaluate the pros and cons of where to stay: if you stay near the train station at the edge of town, you'll minimise having to carry your bag on arrival. But staying in the city centre gives you a convenient place to take a break between sights. If you have limited mobility, ask if the hotel has an elevator. If not, request a ground-floor room. To save money or if you want to simply meet like-minded travellers, try hostels, many of which, like YHA, today cater for senior travellers.
Seniors Card
The Seniors Card is a holiday and shopping card available to New Zealand residents and international visitors aged 55 years and over. Card members can access discounts and benefits throughout New Zealand as well as at participating businesses in Australia, the South Pacific, Asia and North America. Offers range from discounts on accommodation and entry to tourist attractions to special deals on travel arrangements and holiday incidentals such as shopping and dining out. See the Seniors Card website for details.
Useful websites
50+ Expeditions specialises in adventure travel for people over 50. They offer active, off-the-beaten-path small-group tours around the globe.
@boutSeniors provides senior travellers with extensive information and links to a variety of travel options: cruises, house swaps, housesitting, road trips, train travel and international travel.
