RetirementHomes.com - Travel Tips

The Dos and Don'ts of Travel Insurance

aadmin — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 20:43:38 +0000

The summer travel season is here and whether you are hitting the road or taking to the skies, don’t pack your bags without checking your travel insurance. While away from home, even a minor medical issue can turn into an expensive ordeal.

Don’t assume all plans are created equal

Travel insurance plans can range from minimal emergency hospital coverage to an all-inclusive plan that will replace every toothbrush from a delayed suitcase. Think what you want to have covered and make sure the plan you choose meets those needs but doesn’t leave you paying for coverage options you don’t want.

Don’t count on your credit cards

Just because your credit card advertises travel protection, does not mean it covers everything. Most credit cards only offer emergency travel medical benefits until age 65, so make sure you keep up on any changes in the cardholder agreement.

Don’t wait too long

Policies that include cancellation insurance with medical coverage must be purchased within a few days of booking your ticket or making deposits. Make sure to check with the insurer that you are within the time limits.

Don’t sacrifice coverage for convenience

Many travel providers offer some form or insurance when booking online or over the phone. It is convenient, but make sure it is the right plan for you. Some tour companies offer their own cancellation or interruption insurance, but at claim time you may be surprised to find out you are not receiving money back, but a credit with the company that can only be used in limited circumstances.

Don’t assume health problems will keep you from getting insurance

Some niche companies, specializing in policies for seniors, offer medically underwritten policies that insure travellers and health conditions that otherwise would not be covered. Stability is an important factor in determining rates and exclusions for travel policies with any insurer. Even if a condition is excluded, a few months later, the same condition, if stable, may be covered by the same insurer.

Do Plan Ahead

If you travel more than twice a year, an annual plan is a great way to maximize your travel insurance dollars. With options for insuring trips ranging from four to thirty days, you are covered the year and already have your coverage paid for.

Do check what you have

Your employee benefits or individual health insurance may have emergency travel medical insurance included. The coverage may decrease or terminate at a certain age, so contact your provider. You can add days or enhance your coverage as needed. Confirm how you plan covers travel expenses as you may have to pay for services while away and then submit the claim once you return.

Do Shop Around

You may have access to lower premium rates and not know it. Contact any professional associations or organizations that you are a member of and see if they offer plans or have arranged discounts for members. Compare

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Travel Tips

Joie de Vivre! Top Destinations to Retire by the Beach

aadmin — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 12:56:21 +0000

‘Joie de Vivre’ or the ‘Joy of Life’ is something that takes on a whole new meaning when you retire. This is particularly true if you retire by the beach to enjoy a laidback lifestyle with plenty of excitement.

If you think life after retirement means spending long days sitting indoors parked in front of the TV, or pottering in the garden waiting for flowers to bloom, then you are quite mistaken. If you are on the lookout for more excitement, and plenty of fun in the sun, sand, and surf, then retirement destinations by the beach is for you.

Be it in your home country, or in lands far away, a coastal setting offers an idyllic getaway to enjoy a carefree lifestyle, spending days soaking up the sun, engaging in thrilling water sports, and taking in heavenly sunsets. It's a life full of possibilities and new adventures that offers the chance to make new friends, or spend quality time with that special someone, sharing in the joy of life.

While the beach may be just a “beach” to some, each coastal destination offers a truly unique experience. In the Caribbean, the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize is an ideal option. Fans of ‘Temptation Island’ know the picturesque isle was used as a location for two seasons of the reality TV show. Look forward to plenty of beach side areas to enjoy life by the sea. Discover the second longest barrier reef in the world within easy reach, offering plenty of diving and snorkeling.

Spain's Costa del Sol is another top destinations to retire by the beach. The seemingly never-ending Andalucian coastline offers spots of sublime seclusion by the sea, perfect for those looking to get away from it all. Amid these tranquil beaches, there are captivating villages and towns, adding to the charm of the region’s sun drenched shoreline.

Asia also offers enchanting beach destinations for retirement exotic flair. Vietnam's Hoi An makes a good spot for retirement. This busy seaport is well known for its pristine beaches. For a break, explore the town to find ancient buildings and Chinese temples which provide rich cultural insights.

Consider Thailand's Phuket, a beach destination surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. This magical island is set in golden shores, lush greenery, and awe-inspiring rocky headlands. There is a large retirement community here where one can find like-minded individuals and couples looking to share in new adventures.

Sri Lanka is known for its golden coastlines and famed for its rich culture and cuisine. It offers several beach locales well suited for those interested in active retirement living. Consider staying at the retirement village of Heritage Grove in Negombo, along the island’s West Coast, with its soft sandy beaches in a tropical paradise.

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Four Winter Get-aways for Adventurous Boomers

aadmin — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 15:12:06 +0000

I could never resist the call of the trail – Buffalo Bill

Many boomers seek well-trodden paths, like Florida, Vegas, and Cancun. But, there are a growing number of open-minded middle-aged travelers choosing adventurous paths, closer to home.

Boomer Travel Patrol
This online resource offers free-spirited travel tips to boomers during the holiday season, and year-round.

Founder, Liz Dahl, a former travel agent, realized that an increasing number of her clients were people in her age group – baby boomers. She started to send them to distinctive destinations beyond the highly-sought 18 to 49 year-old-demographic for advertisers.

“I suggest travel spots beyond cruises and bus trips,” she said. “Boomers are looking for new experiences.” All writers for Boomer Travel Patrol are born from 1946 to 1964. “My generation.”

For a nonconformist RV winter camp experience, Boomer Travel Patrol suggests Brown County State Park, near Nashville, Indiana, easy driving distance from Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Louisville.

There's a highly-touted park nature center offering interpretive services. The park features 16,000 acres of hilly terrain and dusky moraine, ice fishing, and nearly a dozen easy to moderate hiking trails.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Near Amarillo, in the Texas Panhandle, the Palo Duro Canyon can be reached by car within four to five hours from Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Albuquerque.

Eric W. Miller, Director of Communications, Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council, said the canyon is a special place for art lovers. “It was a favorite spot for Georgia O’Keeffe from 1916 to 1918 when she lived in the area,” said Miller.

O’Keeffe would walk eight miles from her home and descend into the canyon. “The big sky, the vivid colors of the canyon and the light helped impart her special style and touch.”

The canyon still remains a favorite spot for artists. During the spring and fall, artists test their skills during sunrise or sunset visits.

There are over 30 miles of roaming trails through the park, including spectacular views of the Red River. Several of the trails are mountain biker friendly, and the canyon has become a top mountain biking destination in Texas.

December weather averages 50.1 F and 21 sunny days. For those who want to get their kicks, Route 66 runs through Amarillo. For more information – visitamarillotx.com

Mohave Desert
Sounds improbable and unbearably hot, but Los Angeles and Las Vegas are connected by a four-hour stretch of the I-15 Interstate that runs along the perimeter of the Mohave Desert.

Desert amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds can be spotted with the help of park interpreters. The endangered desert tortoise makes its home in the Mohave. The Joshua tree and other drought-resistant plants are on display for tourists who decide to prolong their visit. For more information: www.nps.gov/moja/index.htm

Northern Edge Algonquin
For Boomers who miss the traditional season, Todd Lucier has created a dog sledding experience in Ontario’s near north where boomers can learn to lead dog teams across the frozen terrain.

Participants can expect to see the Northern Lights and make early 2014 resolutions on a night sky filled with shooting stars. Sledding season is offered from January to March.

Lucier said participants consider dog sledding as a bucket list experience. "Afterwards they’re smiling from ear to ear," he enthused. "It takes a while for them to get to know the dogs, but by the end everyone is snapping close-up photos of each other."

Rustic cabins are available with high-quality solar panels for warmth. Northern Edge Algonquin offers a year-round holistic retreat for the spiritually-minded boomer crowd.

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House Sitting - One Woman's Never Ending Story

aadmin — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 13:56:25 +0000

Americans have specialized in alternative lifestyles that can be traced back to Thoreau’s call to step to the beat of a different drum.

California’s Kelly Hayes-Raitt has heeded a distinctive rhythm by financing a political activist’s life as a house sitter in Lake Chapala, London, Paris, Copenhagen and the outskirts of Amsterdam.

Her nomadic existence has offered the opportunity to write and edit about Iraqi and Palestinian refugees at LivingLargeInLimbo.com and by blogging for Violating Sanctions.

Hayes-Raitt is a lifelong political activist and spokesperson for campaigns championing women's rights, environmental cleanup, consumers' rights and other social justice causes.

She has house sat in Chapala, Mexico since 2010, her away home from mid-September to mid-February and from April to June.

Setting Up House Sitting Arrangements

Hayes-Raitt, 52-years-old, has established a trusted relationship with an older retired couple. They cover all the expenses of the house, including a house keeper, a pool maintenance man, and gardeners. She’s responsible for making sure the house runs smoothly during their absence, including caring for their dog.

She rents out her house in Los Angeles – an ongoing source of rental income – incurs no housing expenses in Lake Chapala. With lower expenditures in Mexico, compared to California, she saves on income.

“It’s perfect,” said Hayes-Raitt. “I love the community.” She feels she has roots in Chapala because she’s lived there many seasons. “I enjoy the house and the dog and I’m friends with the neighbours.”

HouseSitMexico.com has been an excellent web departure point for the roaming activist – and TrustedHousesitters.com – where home owners with pets search for house sitters.

Retired people in Mexico often return to the USA or Canada for medical care or extended visits with families and grandchildren – or they’re seasonal retirees – half the year in Mexico – the other back home. A house sitter ensures safety and security, especially pet care.

The Role of the House Sitter

Flexibility and a spirit of adventure are the key house sitter traits. Every home has its quirks so they need to be comfortable with pets and all household routines – and be available on the house owner’s timetable – their departures and return dates. “It requires emotional, financial, and time flexibility.”

Hayes-Raitt's resourcefulness is supplemented by“a hell of a lot of faith.” She'll leave Chapala for Los Angeles in January 2014, then off to Europe for the summer months. But she’ll be unable to firm up her plans until April or May when summer house sitting season opens across the Atlantic.

Her run-down on house sitters types:

Vacationers who want to spend several weeks or months without paying for accommodations
Toe-tippers. People who want to check out retirement in foreign communities
Entrepreneurial house sitters who create income from their rental property and pare down expenses while living in a foreign country
Writers and artists – like Hayes-Raitt – who free up time for their passion
A combination of the above

Whatever the aims for boomers and younger middle-aged house sitters, Hayes-Raitt advises that they know their goals and basic needs.

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Politics and Government

Travel

Travel Tips

Five popular scams against 'snowbird seniors'

aadmin — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 18:21:22 +0000

As the holiday season approaches, many Baby Boomers and retirees look south for the winter to enjoy the warmer climate and sunny days.

But as reported recently by AARP, these ‘snowbirds’ can be in a vulnerable position when traveling to a new location, as they are often away from their core friends, family and familiar surroundings. And when they’re vulnerable, these Boomers and retirees can be easy picking for scammers.

Courtesy of AARP, here are four common scams targeting retirees to watch out for:

1/ Fake mechanic – When a shopper is in a store, a scammer looks for out out-of-state license plates, and disrupts the car’s engine. When the shopper returns to their car, the scammer might offer to help, but it’s just a front for robbery. Seniors should join organizations like AAA, especially if they are long-distance drivers.

2/ Pick-pockets – When seniors are out shopping, they may have slower response times than younger people. And snowbirds are good targets because they are likely to carry cash with them. It is recommended for seniors to keep their money in a safe place.

3/ Identity theft – Stealing information from credit cards or cell phones are ways scammers steal information from snowbird seniors. The best protection is by hiding important cards, and keeping track of all purchases regularly.

4/ Bank scam – One unique scam is when a fraudster approaches seniors outside a bank, posing as a bank official, and asks the victim to withdraw money and give it to this official to see if there are any tellers stealing money inside. AARP recommends not giving money to any stranger claiming to be an officer.

Once seniors – especially more vulnerable ‘snowbirds’ – can identify some of the biggest scams against older people, they can avoid any situations which seem suspicious.

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20 tips for traveling during the holidays

aadmin — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:49:31 +0000

There are many celebrations this season and millions of people will travel to enjoy them with loved ones. Unfortunately, holiday travel means more people taking to the roads, rails and skies. Higher prices, crowds and bad weather await travelers this hectic season.

Want to make your journey a little smoother? Try these tips to dial down those travel headaches:

Book early. Stop procrastinating or hoping prices will drop. Those last minute deals only work when you can be flexible with time and destination. Also, because there’s high demand, providers won’t be forthcoming with discounts or be willing to negotiate. Experts warn that your best bet to get the transportation and accommodations you want is to book as soon as possible.

Avoid the busiest days. If possible, steer clear of peak travel days like Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day. That’s when airports, bus terminals and train stations are at their busiest. They’re also the days when many people are on the road, meaning traffic slowdowns and an increased risk for accidents.

Travel early. It pays to be a morning person. Early flights are less like to face delays — especially if you’re travelling via an airport in a bad weather zone. If you do run into trouble, there’s more opportunity to hop on a later flight rather than waiting until the next day.

Be careful with connections. The more connections you have to make, the greater the chance of delays and missed flights. Experts recommend looking for non-stop or direct flights, and allowing plenty of time between connections if you do have to transfer.

Read up on policies and restrictions. You can avoid many mishaps by visiting your airline and airport’s websites well in advance of your trip.

Book ahead as much as possible. Need a parking spot or a car rental? Tickets to a popular show? Expect everything to fill up quickly during the holiday season, so book ahead to make sure you get what you need. As always, shop around for the best price and be sure to read the fine print.

Give yourself plenty of time. Remember winter weather? Don’t pack that itinerary too tightly or you might risk missing your flight or that big event. Allow extra time to get to your destination, whether it’s the airport or a loved one’s home.

Skip the line-ups. During peak travel times, airlines recommend using their online or mobile check-in services and printing up your boarding pass at home, at an airport kiosk or downloading it to your mobile device. You can even tag your own bags at a self-serve kiosk if available.

Avoid the bump. Many companies overbook anticipating that not all passengers will show up — and as a result, you can get bumped from your plane, train or bus. The American Society of Travel Agents says you can avoid this issue by arriving early, getting an advance seat assignment and checking in online.

Stay informed. One of the benefits of living in the information age is that we get plenty of warning when something could affect our travels — like a major accident, travel advisory or severe weather.

Pack light. Lots of travelers, bulky winter attire, sports equipment, and presents… all of this can add up to a lot of baggage. Save yourself some trouble by keeping luggage to a minimum. Leave the luxury items at home, and aim for neutral clothing items that work well together, for example.

Pack a phone list. Don’t leave home without your essential numbers! In case something happens, you may need to call emergency services, your doctor, insurance company, travel providers, travel agent and loved ones at home and at your destination.

Wrap gifts when you get there. While you won’t have your arsenal of wrappings and ribbons, you’ll avoid damage and hassles when heading through security. Another option is to order online and let the retailer send the packages instead. Many companies offer free shipping promotions this time of year — just keep an eye out for the “order by” deadlines.

Get plenty of rest. Yes, it’s hard to do during the holidays, but travelling when you’re not alert and aware can pose many hazards. You’re more likely to make mistakes, get into a car accident or even get taken advantage of by a crook.

Look after your health. Food poisoning, colds and flu, stress and exhaustion are common health issues this time of year. Keep your hands clean, stick to your regular exercise routine and diet and take steps to avoid illnesses.

Take extra safety precautions. Unfortunately, holiday season is also a busy time for crooks so take extra precautions with your luggage, cash and important documents. Be especially careful at transportation hubs, on public transit and in places where large numbers of people gather.

Pack emergency supplies. Winter driving can be hazardous, and you’ll want to be ready if you get stuck somewhere. An emergency kit with a shovel, windshield washer fluid, sand or kitty litter, blankets, candles, extra clothing and footwear and a first-aid kit can help you cope with an emergency.

Pack some entertainment and snacks. Delays are inevitable, but boredom hunger can make them seem endless. Depending on what’s permitted, load up on some healthy snacks and some things to do while you wait — like music, games and a DVD player.

Consider insurance. A lot can happen while you’re away. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance can help you recoup the costs if you need to cancel or rebook.

Be patient and polite. You might not feel very merry, but being polite and courteous to transportation providers and your fellow travelers will help smooth the way — even if they don’t reciprocate. You’re more likely to get better service if you keep your temper.

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Seven Tips for Boomer Highway Travel

aadmin — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:38:52 +0000

Boomers are a generation raised on cross-country trips across the USA's Interstate highways.

Inspired by the Beat adventures of Jack Kerouac's On the Road, the 60s generation took it a notch higher with the iconic motorcycle adventure, Easy Rider.

That was 1969 - 43 years ago. Boomers aren't up to the adventures of their role models. That doesn't mean that they can't enjoy travel and adventure. Boomers will just have to tune it down to something realistic for 2012.

In an article from EmpowHER, seven tips are laid out for Boomers longing for a road trip.

1. Give your car a once-over. Imagine it's your first car since being a teenager. Make it shiny and clean, and road-ready.

2. Make sure your car is tuned-up. This holds true especially if you haven't drove long distances in a while.

3. Travel shorter distances between breaks, and break longer. Pull off the road early and settle into a motel. No more dawn to dusk marathons. Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper are distant memories. Make sure you get enough sleep.

4. Maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Keep snacks on hand and break frequently for meals.

5. Travel with a cell phone in case of emergencies. Depending on strangers for help can lead to long waits and insecurities.

6. Do research. Map out your trip, including stop-overs. Avoid disappointments. Make reservations.

7. Investigate obstacles. The Federal Highway Administration features construction and road closures. Determine rest stops and scenic areas.

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Travel Tips

Travel safety tips for seniors

aadmin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:16:52 +0000

Health conditions and concerns are no longer a reason to avoid traveling. However, travel planning and preparation to ensure a safe trip are essential. Even if you are completely healthy there are safeguards you need to take especially when traveling outside of the country.

First, if you are planning on going out of the country it is a good idea to check the Center for Disease Control website as much as 6 months before your date of departure. In this day and age with influenza it is better to be prepared. Their website, www.cdc.gov/travel, allows one to search your destination and has travel warnings including any current outbreaks of disease, any vaccines you should get before you leave, things to bring with you and any extra precautions to take while you are away.

Also, before you book a trip out of the United States, check the US State Department website at travel.state.gov to see if it is currently safe to travel in that region of the world. It may be a good idea to check this site again during the week before you leave to make sure the situation in the country has not changed and the risk level has not increased. A first aid kit containing pain relievers, (acetaminophen
or not-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) decongestants, antacids, and anti-diarrheal drugs often comes in handy.

Some common problems that can occur in transit include motion sickness, blood clots, ear and sinus pressure, sleep disturbance, dehydration, spread of infection, minor injuries, and anxiety. Be sure to be prepared to deal with these minor issues, some of which may require medication. If any of these symptoms persist after you return, see your doctor and be sure to mention your overseas travel. This can be a key element in making a proper diagnosis.

Check your health insurance policy before leaving the country to ensure you are covered in other areas. If you are covered verify how to get prior authorization, how to make a claim, and what is covered. It is important to note, Medicare does not cover the cost of any treatment given outside the United States. Also, domestic health insurance may not be accepted in foreign countries. You may be required to pay in full in cash before care is provided.

Travel Insurance may be a worthwhile investment, covering emergency care, transportation for care within foreign countries, transportation for care to the United States, medical equipment and personnel for transport, lost or stolen prescription drugs and even a medical translator. If you have a medical condition visit your doctor before you plan a trip to get approval and determine if any changes in your treatment should be made.

A letter stating any medical conditions, vaccines, current medications (generic medication names are more useful because brand names may differ by country) and dosages can be valuable in an emergency.

When packing for the trip, remember to leave all medication in the original bottles so they can be easily identified. Pack extra supplies of medication in a carry-on bag in case of a delay or loss of baggage.

Being prepared when traveling will make the trip run more smoothly and in the unfortunate event of an emergency, you will be prepared and know exactly what to do.

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Travel

Travel Tips

Tips for baby boomers who are looking to travel

aadmin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:14:47 +0000

Baby boomers who are looking to travel but do not want to break the bank may be interested in some tips to keep costs low without sacrificing a great trip. According to PhillyBurbs.com, there are a number of things that boomers can do to diminish the overall cost of a vacation - especially one in a foreign country.

First off, hostels are a great place to book a bed, as these affordable residencies are not just for the young and they put the traveler right into the city they are visiting. Also, boomers should go to local markets as eating out for every meal can get pricey. When it comes to exchanging money - never do so in the airport, as the rate is extremely high, the media outlet reports.

According to AARP, it is expected that baby boomers will continue to travel well into their retirement living years, and they have already established some trends. For example, boomers have very little brand loyalty and will travel on any airline, and the majority hear about popular destinations by word of mouth rather than advertisements.

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Travel Tips

Saying goodbye to driving

aadmin — Tue, 17 May 2011 13:18:07 +0000

At some point I will consider stopping driving. I am not there yet, but sometimes traveling awawy from home poses such opportunities. I recently went to Houston for a family wedding. I was told that "you could not get around Houston without a car." I had no interest or intentions of renting a car. So I took a shuttle from the airport for $23 to downtown Houston, and later realized I could take a public bus back to the airport for only $4.50.

As we were driving into downtown, I saw the light rail and was told by the shuttle driver that "no one uses the light rail." However, within four hours of arriving, I walked two blocks to the light rail station and took the train seven stops and returned to my hotel. This was much to the surprise of my younger daughter - that I had accessed public transportation within hours of my arrival.

Granted, I had planned my trip and train stops were within 2-3 blocks from where I was headed. The next day I took another ride but found myself about 5-6 blocks from the train station. It was still a short walk and an easy ride for $1.25 each way.

So I thought it would be interesting to look at transportation options closer to home. The NJ Foundation for Aging worked with stakeholders to develop the report Safe Mobility At Any Age on community transportation options. We have also examined the cost of living for seniors across the state. Both initiatives estimated the transportation costs for a senior to operate a private car. National figures project that if a senior gives up the car, auto insurance, maintenance and gas costs, they would save significantly.

Now, we all know there are distany pockets where public transportation is severely limited. In some places these are insurmountable challenges, but they also represent opportunities. It is not easy to move from one's own car where you think you can control access to community services and friends. However, the costs and the comfort of safely arriving at your destination is also a consideration. So if I could get there by public transportation - why wouldn't I use it?

Grace Egan is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Foundation for Aging.

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Travel Tips