the essential over 50 active living travel guide
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The Essential ‘Over 50 Active Living’
Travel GuideWritten by Doug EdwardsOver 50 Active Living
The 6 Biggest Mistakes mostPeople Make When Booking A Holiday
Plus…12 Valuable Travel Tips
Inside The 6 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Booking A Holiday ............................... 2
7 Travel Tips You May Not Be Aware Of .................................................................... 4
You Are On Holiday, But The Criminals Are Hard At Work ........................................ 6
The Good The Bad, And The Ugly Of Cruise Ship Holidays ...................................... 8
First Time On A Cruise? Some FAQs Answered ........................................................ 9
A Light-Hearted Overview Of, What-Not-To-Take ................................................... 11
Over 50 Active Living … And How it Works ............................................................. 12
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The 6 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Booking A Holiday
1. The ‘Do It Yourself’ Shoestring Mistake Unless you are carefree, probably young, and going away for a long trip, preferably with a reliable friend, or have many years of experience, DIY is not a good idea for most people. The most common reason most people decide to become their own ‘travel agent’ avoiding a professional travel agent is the mistaken belief that you will save a lot of money, its true to say that you will possibly save a bit here and there, but overall not worth the effort.
Travel agents are trained and often specialists in defined travel destinations, their commission is paid by the supplier and not added onto your cost. It can take considerable effort booking quality accommodation on a ‘shoestring’ budget clearly, it won’t happen but time and time again you hear of misrepresented ‘quality’ accommodation ruining the entire holiday.
Connecting travel is nearly always a problem when…nobody told you it was a public holiday at your next leg…and the next train is 6.am tomorrow!
2. The Cheap Travel Insurance Mistake We could take up a page covering this subject alone. Travel insurance and health cover are not the same and the cost will depend on your personal situation, the following is an overview and not advice, you need to speak to an insurance professional.
If it sounds ‘too good to true’! Check exactly what travel mishaps you are covered for, you need to ask a whole bunch of questions i.e.: what cover do you have if you have to cancel your trip, what happens if an operator goes out of business and a tour is cancelled, if you are, for example, a scuba diver or participate other action pastimes, or a golf day is cancelled because of bad weather and you have to move to your next destination, you need cover for these events clearly documented separately.
A travel health/hospital policy doesn’t automatically cover you if you injure yourself after consuming alcohol. If you unfortunately become injured a long way from home and you live in an advanced western country your policy should cover airfares and treatment back in your own country. There is no such thing as cheap worthwhile ‘peace of mind’ travel insurance. Remember, anything can happen on holiday.
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3. Joint Credit Cards Mistake If you have joint credit cards with your spouse or travel partner, have separate ones issued from your bank before departing. If one of you fall victim to theft of your credit cards or you simply lose them, and have to cancel them, not only will you cancel the lost cards but your partner’s cards will also be cancelled if they are joint. This is often overlooked, now you are warned.
4. The Cheap Cruise Ship Cabin Mistake This is such a common mistake, even though cruise holidays are affordable with good price points for cabins anyway. You can book a last minute cabin, if the vessel is fully booked you will probably find you are situated in a part of the ship which is going to be noisy, and in a utility/service area. You will probably be disturbed very early in the morning and til late. Beware of this trap.
5. Going Overseas With A Work Colleague Mistake Not always a disastrous decision but needs a mention because unless your association with your colleague is harmonious, outside of work, before you leave together on holiday, you may both be tested in a holiday environment. If you still stay BEST FRIENDS at the end of your trip, then, you’ve been tested and the FRIENDSHIP will be better for it.
6. The ‘I Never get Robbed’ Mistake This is short and sweet, wherever you travel; repeat wherever you travel WEAR A CONCEALED MONEY BELT, OR KNECK LANYARD CONCEALED UNDER YOUR CLOTHING. Carry only loose change in your pocket or handbag. Remember, you are on holiday the thieves are not!
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7 Travel Tips You May Not Be Aware Of
Here are some travel tips that I've found really handy on my travels, which I didn't think of until I'd experienced them.
Tip One When on a 'long haul' plane trip, slip a towel and bathers, swimmers, togs (whatever you call them!) into your carry-on cabin bag. The reasoning behind this is simple. If you arrive at a stop en-route to your destination and your plane is held up (as I once experienced, due to a 'strike' by staff in a hot part of the world) and you are informed by air crew that the delay is going to be a long one, find a pool or a beach to relax at. You will find it will help to alleviate frustration.
Tip Two Wear and carry washable clothing whenever possible. Washable silk is excellent and as cool as cotton. It dries over-night, is as warm as heavier materials and takes up much less space. Avoid jeans if you can as they are heavy and take a long time to dry and take up a lot a lot of case-space. Perhaps pack neutral coloured cotton pants which are much better to carry and launder.
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Tip Three If you are planning to buy new clothing and bring it back with you, it's a good idea to take some old clothes to wear and dump them after you have purchased the replacements.
Tip Four I know it's obvious and I constantly forget to pack them but a folding brolly and plastic raincoat are essential. Apart from keeping you dry, the plastic raincoat can insulate you against sudden cold windy weather. I got caught whilst in the Scottish highlands one February and a plastic raincoat was an absolute God Send!
Tip Five For cruise holidays, the best prices and cabin choice is usually if you book early. If you book late you can still get a good price but with a limited cabin choice. One recommendation to get a great cabin at a reasonable price is to go with a well-organised group. The savings can be excellent with a good choice of cabin, and a bunch of new friends to play with!
Tip Six If you are new to cruising there are a few things you need to know regarding on board purchases. This is a guide only. Cruising is a cashless society, which means when you purchase anything on-board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel. You can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any on-board purchases. When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your on-board account, which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Tip Seven Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol, the ship will take it off you when you board the ship and store it away for you. The night before you disembark the alcohol will be delivered to your cabin. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on-board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
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You Are On Holiday, But The Criminals Are Hard At Work
We all know the importance of safety and security while on holiday but often we give only fleeting attention to it.
Travelling in a well-organised group is a good form of safety, but of course, that is only one component and will depend on the country you are visiting, and your understanding of that country. Some vacation locations should only be travelled with a group. Usually when travelling through third world countries and those with harsh terrain, common sense and asking the right questions should be part of your plan. However, what I want to impress is that you can be staying in one of the best four or five star hotels anywhere in the world in a 'safe city' and be a victim, sometimes without realising it, see tip 3.
Tip One This is so valuable. Even if you only do this one thing, it can save you a lot of grief. Don't carry credit cards, your passport, money (other than loose change), or any document that you regard as important including photos of your loved ones, in your handbag/purse/wallet. Carry these items in a comfortable leather/fabric container attached to a lanyard around your neck concealed under your shirt/jumper. In the unfortunate event that your handbag is stolen, the thieves have got your loose change and a few odds and ends, this equally applies to men. Do not leave those items in your wallet in your back pocket.. the pick pockets love you! My friend in Florence had her shoulder back snatched by a scooter thief while walking along sightseeing. Although she suffered some bruising due to the nature of the attack, all the thieves got for their trouble was some loose change and a used handkerchief. The real stuff was.. as you guessed, concealed in the secret spot!
Tip Two Don't carry your original passport or any travel documents on your person, not even in your secret container. Carry copies. If you are a western citizen, those documents are like gold. Photocopy those documents and either place the originals in a safe or a safe place. If there is an electronic safe in your room, don't use it until you have taken precautions. I have on a number of occasions concealed my originals within my room but of course avoided the obvious hiding places. Use the hotel safe if you trust it. Get a stamped receipt, put your documents in a plain unidentified strong sealed envelope and write your room number on it.
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Tip Three If your room or cabin has an electronic safe, before and after you key in your code, thoroughly clean the keypad with a damp cloth and dry it. I was advised to do this by a fraud squad detective a few years ago, apparently unsavoury characters can distract room/cabin service staff slip quickly into the unattended room and 'check out' a rooms safe-code, modern hotels and shipping lines have good security in place but these thieves are professionals. The detective went on to tell me that the thieves have a residue that they quickly apply over the key pad and using a purpose-built light can detect which keys were used for your code, and access it. You need to follow the clean and dry procedure each time you use the safe.
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The Good The Bad, And The Ugly Of Cruise Ship Holidays
Ok…it's a new adventure and you are excited. Great! Cruising truly is a relaxing way to enjoy a holiday. However, here are a few tips if you have never been on a cruise before:
• Start small.. book a four or seven day cruise as a start. If you realise it's not for you, it's much easier to put up with it for 4 days rather than 14 days!
• It floats! Spending time on a magnificent modern liner is like living in a block of floating apartments. As stable and safe as it is, the vessel cannot avoid the constant movement of the ocean. Most times the ship maintains great stability.
• The amount of ports-of-call will usually depend on the duration of the trip so be prepared. You can be on board for days at a time and you can't get off so have things arranged to do, although there are activities arranged everyday on board by the staff.
• Give great thought to your choice of cabin. The cheaper cabins will be interior cabins with little or no windows. Some people don't mind interior budget cabins as they take the view that the accommodation is only for sleeping. However, if you want a room with a good view, it'll be great but you will pay substantially more.
• Purchase 'sea sickness' pills. Hopefully you won't need them but better to be safe than sorry.
Once you have experienced your first cruise....you will probably become 'hooked' and want to experience another.
Here's why:-
• You only unpacked once • You stopped at destinations without any fuss and met the 'locals' • You didn't have to drive to a restaurant!
Whatever your generation, there is a cruise vacation for you. Whether your twenty or seventy.. and beyond, even if you're into special interest cruises and seniors cruises, there'll be one for you. Cruising has become very popular with the seniors age groups and are one of the biggest repeat vacationers on cruise lines worldwide. As you explore more of what is available, you will soon discover that certain cruise lines cater for various clientele with on-board facilities and hobbies that are of particular interest and attraction to that traveller.
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First Time On A Cruise? Some FAQs Answered
What's included? Cruising is such a great value holiday your fare includes. Accommodation, all main meals on-board ship, on-board daytime activities, and night time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is a good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra expenses could be your airfare, drinks (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, and personal services such as spa treatments. On-board purchases are paid for with a form of credit card.
Accommodation – What cabin should I choose? There is always a wide variety of cabins available on any cruise ship. Typically it is where your cabin is located on-board the ship will influence the price you pay, along with the type of cabin. For example,
• Inside cabin, a cabin/stateroom that doesn't have a window. Typically the cheapest option available. These are usually located on an interior hallway. Providing the same space & amenities as standard outside cabins, these are a frequent choice of cruisers on a limited budget.
• Outside cabin, a cabin/stateroom that has a window and allows natural light into your cabin. Typically the same floor size as an inside cabin
• Balcony cabin, a cabin/stateroom with a private balcony. Typically the same floor size as an inside cabin (excluding the balcony)
• Suites, a cabin/stateroom with a private balcony with many added features and increased cabin and balcony size. Suites are the most expensive accommodations, they’re also the first to sell out, so it’s important to reserve well in advance.
Obviously a Suite is the best cabin available, but this is not suitable for everyone's budget so the best option is to choose a cabin type that fits your budget. Then choose a cabin category that is located in a position on the ship that is suitable for you.
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Accommodation – What is in my cabin? Cabin's all have their own private en suite facilities that include shower and/or bathtub, toilet, basin, mirror, hairdryer, towels, face cloths, soap, shampoo & conditioner and plenty of storage space.
In your cabin you will also find a TV, with movie channels, information & shore excursion channel, satellite telephone, plenty of drawers & hanging space in the wardrobe, an in-cabin safe, small sitting area, and a cruise compendium.
One of the biggest highlights of your cruise will be your cabin attendant. Your cabin attendant is on hand throughout the day, every day, to service your cabin with fresh clean sheets, towels & amenities. Your attendant will even turn down your bed and prepare your cabin while you are at dinner or at a show, ready for your return. Ask them for anything you may require, they will be more than happy to assist you and make your holiday a relaxing one.
Meals – On board All of your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. Also most cruise lines offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this, but the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
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A Light-Hearted Overview Of, What-Not-To-Take
No exceptions! Leave the kitchen sink at home. I promise you won't need it where you are going, unless it's into the middle of the USA Wild West or the Australian Outback. Without doubt, it does take practice to know what you will need on a vacation. My philosophy is unless it's going to change your life... leave it at home. Where do you start? Most of us at some time have had to make a decision of what to take on a trip, be it a two-day weekend or an extended stay with relatives in another continent. Our enemy is WEIGHT - it not only costs you a lot of money in excessive baggage but it can physically exhaust you lugging it up escalators and into airplane compartments.
It's probably not a good idea to take:
• Your favourite pet • Your favourite fancy expensive shoes • Your favourite fancy expensive hats • Your favourite coloured clothing - pick one or two neutral/matching colours
and coordinating ensuring all light weight cottons and silks • 'Kinder' brand chocolate eggs if going to the US at Easter as these are not
allowed due to the concealed item inside • 'Vegemite' and 'Marmite' yeast extract products if going to Denmark as
these are now banned...due to 'enhanced vitamins'. • If visiting Malaysia you are allowed to enter the country with a limit of three
articles of new clothing. Solution = take it out of the package and wear it once before you arrive. Problem solved… could be a problem for customs enforcing this one!
I know that I have made light of this, but heck, travel is fun. Enjoy every moment!
Plan ahead… a good traveller learns through experience to plan ahead. You will never cover all bases, but you can certainly reduce the pain. Customs warehouses are full of prohibited items that officers have confiscated from travellers entering their country. It is always a good idea to read everything about a country that you are about to visit even if you have been to that destination before, as regulations are constantly being revised.
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Over 50 Active Living … And How it Works
Over 50 Active Living is a new club 50 single people over 50. This club is NOT an Internet dating site. Members will be offered a range of activities that are set out on the web site. We believe in personal face to face rather than the impersonal communication of on-line.
As a member you can choose all or any of the four monthly events, coming up. The club is young and growing so from time to time a little patience and understanding may be required.
To make it easy for you to join the new club, there are three membership options, they are:
• Monthly membership “Toe Dipper” • 6 months membership “Silver” • 12 months membership “Gold”
What will hold you back from joining us? The short answer is...only you can answer that question. Perhaps you don't need us, maybe you already have a wide circle of established friends, maybe you have had a bad experience, perhaps you prefer on-line meeting, whatever, I am not here to ‘sell’ you anything if you do not currently have a happy and fulfilling single life, at least…check out Over 50 Active Living.
When you join Over 50 Active Living you are joining a community of like-minded people where a great deal of effort goes into organising events and functions to a professional standard while keeping prices as low as possible including domestic and overseas travel.
From my own experiences of many years as a single person you clearly get what you pay for.
Contact us on our toll free number 1800 422 423 or email:
If you are a single man or woman over 50 and not sure if you should join us, we have a $37 monthly 'Toe Dipper' membership.
Thank you and good wishes, I hope to meet you soon.
Doug
