Travel Safety Tips for Unwary Baby Boomers

Are you a baby boomer who has never traveled? 

Most baby boomers love to travel! How about you? As a baby boomer, perhaps you have always worked hard, but for one reason or another, have never traveled to any extent. Now you are retired and are leery about traveling, because you know that times and places have changed, over the years. If you have never traveled outside of the country, you may feel that you are vulnerable and you are!

Consider the following suggestions:

Research: Baby boomers have huge expectations with regard to various places that they would like to visit after they retire, but these expectations may not necessarily be well-founded. Begin by doing research regarding your proposed destination, on the Internet or at your local library. Research your destination thoroughly, as relying on old documentaries, films or videos, may not be advisable. The information could be out-dated. You will be glad you started this ahead of time, as it may prove to be more complex than you realize.

Destination: Not quite sure where to travel? Consult a reputable travel agency, as they will be able to help you to find appropriate, legitimate and current information that could prove important with respect to your vacation destination. They will also offer professional assistance with regard to making your travel arrangements.

Reservations: Check your reservations with your travel agency, as soon as possible. Do so carefully. The cheapest rates for plane, train or bus fares may not necessarily be your wisest choice. Consider all possible options and make a learned decision. Time is as important to you, as money. Make reservations to go some place where you want to go, so that you do not wind up changing your mind later. Your travel agent is there to answer questions for you, so get the answers that you need, before your departure date. You do not want to have to seek answers when you arrive at your destination, if it is in a foreign country, where you do not know the language.

Accommodations: When booking your hotel or motel accommodations, make certain that they are verified by your travel agent. You do not want to find out when you arrive, that your hotel or motel reservations have fallen through and you do not have a place to stay. Make certain you know what is included in your accommodation arrangements, so you avoid incurring extra charges. Have a back up plan, just in case.

Travel Companion: Traveling alone as a baby boomer, may not be a good idea. If you are planning to travel with a companion, make certain that you know your travel companion, before you go on a vacation together. Take a few short trips first, to get to know each other. Find out if you are compatible with your companion before you leave, not in the middle of your well-earned vacation. What if he or she snores and you don't? Or loves garlic?

Security: When flying, modern day airports have extensive security regulations. Find out about your local airport security guidelines, first. Consult your travel agent or your other airports, in order to obtain advice about travel security regulations, elsewhere. You may not be allowed to carry certain things in your pocket, purse or hand luggage on an airplane. There may be items no longer allowed in your luggage either. You may be required to leave them at the airport, in order to board a plane. It would be wiser to leave them at home.

Extra Charges: You may encounter numerous extra charges at airports. Taxis or other modes of travel, can cost more than you expect; so can hotels and motels. Budget for unexpected travel expenses, when you are calculating the cost of your proposed vacation.

Currency Exchange Rates: Currency exchange rates vary daily. What you might have paid a month ago, may not be the same, a week or month from now. Find out what the current exchange rate is for your country, as well as the country you plan to visit. Keep updated on currency exchange rates.

Time Zone Differences: Time zone differences are often not anticipated, so you may arrive at your destination, at a different time. Find out what the difference is between the time at your place of departure and the time at your place of arrival. You do not want to arrive somewhere strange in the middle of the night. There may be times when you have no choice. You may also be able to book a more appropriate flight, ahead of time.

Credit Cards: Credit cards are not necessarily accepted everywhere you go. There may be only one or two credit cards, out of all of the credit cards you own that you will be able to use when traveling. Make certain you know which credit cards are accepted, where you are going. Leave your other ones at home. Traveler's checks are more appropriate for travel. You may not be able to use ATM cards or write checks, in some places. Have extra cash on hand, in the currency of the country that you plan to visit. Keep cash for possible emergencies in your own country, for when you return. Flaunting large amounts of cash is never advisable, so when you are taking cash with you, never show anyone how much money you are carrying.

Emergencies: Emergency situations can happen anywhere. You can lose your luggage, miss your connecting flight or get lost. Knowing how to deal with unexpected events is an important aspect of travel. Be prepared for the unexpected and do not panic, if something does happen. Use your common sense and ingenuity. If necessary, contact the appropriate authorities, wherever you are at that time. Make certain you can be reached, regarding possible emergencies at home. Carry your contact information in your wallet or purse, at all times, in case someone needs to contact your family for you. Before you leave, make certain someone knows where you are going, how long you plan to be away and when you expect to return. Make certain your home is taken care of properly, while you are away.

Luggage: Purchase appropriate luggage with proper identification tags, suitable locks and a set of extra keys. Several, small pieces of luggage may be more appropriate than one large suitcase you have to carry. Carry hand luggage containing all of the basics that you may need, just in case you lose your luggage. Try not to pack anything more than you can carry by yourself, as there is not going to be someone to assist you, when you are traveling.

Identification: Always carry appropriate identification. This should include an up-to-date passport and driver's license. If you lose your passport or your driver's license, report it to the appropriate authorities, immediately.

Vehicle Rental: If you plan to rent a vehicle in another country, make arrangements for the rental, ahead of time. Have your travel agent confirm your reservations. Learn about basic, road rules for any country where 

you plan to drive. You may not be familiar with driving on the opposite side of the road. If you are not comfortable with driving where you are visiting, find out what other modes of transportation are available and how much it will cost you for bus, train or subway fares. Hire a local taxi, if necessary.

Clothing: Wear clothing that is suitable for travel, making certain that you have appropriate walking shoes. Even in a warm country, you may need an all-weather coat, a hat and an umbrella. Carrying a light sweater is a good idea. Layered clothing is fashionable and deemed appropriate, in most countries. In airports, you may be able to purchase clothing, for instance, a jogging suit. Keep up to date on weather reports.

Personal Property: A good rule of thumb is not to carry anything that you cannot afford to lose. Be careful with digital phones, cameras and jewelry. Keep your wallet or purse, passport and driver's license with you, at all times. You may not be able to get extra batteries or other basics needed for photography or be able to use a cell phone.

Travel Itinerary: You have made your plans and know where you want to go and what you want to do. For your own safety, do not be persuaded to change your travel plans en route. In other words, stick to your itinerary, unless it is absolutely essential. When you enter a foreign country, there may be those who realize you are a stranger. They may steal from you or take advantage of you. Avoid contact with total strangers, as much as possible, particularly if you sense danger. Seek help immediately, if you feel threatened in any way.

Health and Medication: Have a physical examination prior to your trip. Check to see that you have received the immunization required by the country you plan to visit. Inquire ahead of time, in order to ensure that you are going to be allowed to take your medication with you. Find out if extra medication is going to be available in the country you are planning to visit or arrange to take extra medication with you, if that is not possible.

Language: Learn the language of the country that you plan to visit, ahead of time or purchase a travel book that contains basic words and phrases you may need. Another book that may be helpful is one that contains road maps of the area that you are planning to visit.

Pets: Traveling with pets may not be a good idea, although pets can be good companions on a long trip. Make certain that you are aware of health guidelines and regulations with regards to traveling with pets. Find out what kind of pets are allowed where you will be staying. Take your pet to a veterinarian for a check up, any essential medical care or needles, prior to departure. Find out how your pet is expected to travel. Make certain that you have appropriate identification, medication and food for your pet. If necessary, make other, more appropriate arrangements for your pet.

Travelogue: Traveling is fun. Keep a daily travelogue to share with others. It will help you to keep your vacation in focus. It will also help you to identify all of those wonderful places that you are going to be exploring. Always try to maintain a positive, happy attitude about your trip, no matter how negative things appear to be, at any moment. Remember that everything that happens to you, can give you a chuckle or two, later. Baby boomer, have a wonderful, safe vacation!