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Top 4 Safe and Practical Traveling Tips For Seniors

You shouldn’t stop traveling just because you’ve retired. On the contrary, retiring is easily one of the best opportunities for traveling. CONTINUE READING >> 

You shouldn’t stop traveling just because you’ve retired. On the contrary, retiring is easily one of the best opportunities for traveling.

Ask yourself a serious question: would you rather continue living your day-to-day life in your Ottawa apartment or house you’re renting, or would you rather travel and see all the places in the world you’ve always wanted to see?

Granted, traveling for many people over the age of sixty five is not exactly the same as for people who are many years younger. Physical limitations do exist for individuals who are older, but this should not deter you from going out and enjoying yourself. You just need to know how to travel safely and practically to ensure everything goes smoothly and without incident.

Here are the top four safe and practical traveling tips for seniors:

Find Travel Insurance

While travel insurance is something that any traveler of any age should get, it’s something that’s even more important for seniors. The reason why is because older travels are simply more at risk for illnesses, injuries, or needing medication. You can also turn to travel insurance if you lose your prescription meds or if your passport or any other valuables become lost or stolen.

Travel insurance will help ensure that you are fully covered even when you are in a foreign country, and it won’t even add a whole lot to your monthly expenses.

Keep Track Of Your Medicine 

You should treat the same amount of attention to your medicine as you do to your passports, money, and other valuable items. Never leave your medicine out in the open in your hotel room (or anywhere), and as a golden rule always have at least a two days’ supply on you at all times.

Print Out Your Travel Documents 

You should print out your travel documents so you always have them handy. To be more specific, you’ll want to print out copies of your passport ID, visas, medical info, travel insurance, and a list of emergency contacts with their home and cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

Bring As Few Valuables With You As Possible 

Finally, you’ll want to keep the valuable possessions you bring with you to a minimum. Examples include nice electronic equipment, jewelry, watches, and so on. By bringing these items with you and having them on full display, you’ll only put a target on your back for thieves and robbers.

While it is true that certain travel insurance plans can help cover the cost of any valuables stolen, it would still be better if none of your valuables were stolen in the first place, right? Therefore, think carefully about what you will bring with you, and if you do bring valuable items try to keep them hidden as much as possible both in your hotel room and on your person.

Traveling Safely

By following the tips you have learned in this article, you can ensure that your worldwide travels are equally as safe as they are fun.

We are happy to feature this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Save For That Next Big Trip

One of the first questions anyone who travels a lot gets asked is How do you find the money? There are probably as many answers as there are travelers but perhaps the best way is to save money on the things we use every day… CONTINUE READING >> 

One of the first questions anyone who travels a lot gets asked is How do you find the money?

Well, there are probably as many answers as there are travelers because we all have our little tricks to help us keep our expenses down. But perhaps the best way is to save money on the things we use every day. That’s where a website like CouponGrind can really come in handy.

There are big savings available on most anything and everything, from clothes to computers, and gifts to groceries. For us vagabonds, there are also values to be had on the items needed when planning for a big trip.

We found coupons for luggage, like the bags we use when packing with our One Trip Rule. This is our philosophy where every item we have must be able to be pushed, pulled, gripped, strapped, or carried simultaneously.

The “One Trip Rule” makes it so much easier to keep track of everything, and our belongings never get left unattended while moving between airports, taxis, trains, shuttle busses, and hotels. When no bags are feeling lonely and neglected, no bags mysteriously disappear.

Another rule of ours is to never leave home without a couple of cameras, and we found deep discounts on them at CouponGrind as well.

There are big bargains offered on most everything needed to make any trip enjoyable and economical, like hotels, restaurants, and apparel, so traveling and savings can be simultaneous.

We discovered discounts for amazing attractions like diving, zip lining, dolphin encounters, and exploring Mayan ruins at Xcaret in Cancun. As much as we like to push the envelope, there was one event even we would have to pass on, swimming with sharks. Oh wait, it’s perfectly safe. They are nurse sharks and don’t think of us as dinner at all.

One exceptional deal we found could come in extra handy for those who have to leave a beloved pet behind when gallivanting across the globe. CouponGrind’s favorite litter box, Luuup, is on special so that friends and family who serve as pet sitters can relax and have a lot less mess to mess with.

Luuup has revolutionized the kitty clean-up process with the three sifting tray litter system. It’s the smartest and cleanest way to manage your kitty litter needs and surely the last litter box you’ll ever need.

Just LIFT & SIFT to clean the litter box. Lifting and gently sifting the top tray easily separates the waste from the clean litter. This economical and innovative litter sifting system removes only what needs to go, so litter lasts longer while away on vacay, saving both time and money.

Dare we say that Luuup’s quality materials and the aesthetic design can make tossing those scoops a pleasant experience? Yes, we dare so check out the Luuup discount codes and coupons at CouponGrind. No wonder they’re one of the fastest growing and bestselling pet product companies out there!

Maybe that extra cash could pay for an extra day or two of vacation.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

We are happy to feature this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Come With Us to Cornwall

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Thanks to the folks at Country Walkers, we are on our way to England for a self-guided tour of the rugged seaside landscapes of Cornwall.

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Thanks to the folks at Country Walkers, we are on our way to England for a self-guided walking tour of the rugged seaside landscapes of Cornwall.

Fear not, self-guided doesn’t mean that we will be left to fend for ourselves.  Every aspect of the trip has been carefully planned and detailed maps with route notes ensure that we’ll always find our way.

While we are following these comprehensive itineraries, seamless luggage transfers will whisk our bags from hotel to hotel. Even many of the meals are included, making it so easy to Explore the World One Step at a Time®.

By being able to go on our own we can set our perfect pace, hiking harder when we feel rough and ready, or lingering longer when the spirit moves us.

We will be hiking along England’s longest marked walking route, the famous South West Coast Path.

At over six hundred miles, we can’t possibly cover it all, (OK, it might be possible but we’d rather not commit an entire year to the trek) so our week-long adventure will focus on a portion in Cornwall.

This Cornish quest begins in the fishing port of Padstow, where we expect to work up an appetite for its some of famous, fresh seafood.

Next, we will explore the beaches of St. Ives, where unexpected palm trees give the beach a Mediterranean feel.

We finish our excursion at St. Michael’s Mount near Penzance. Pirates or not, we will be checking out the 12th-century monastery and castle that rises out of the sea just off the coast. Our timing has to be good, because it is only accessible by a narrow cobblestone path that rises above water at low tide.

Then, after we return we will be posting in depth stories detailing every step along the way.

So come with us as we discover the invigorating and intriguing pleasures of Cornwall while exploring it the most intimate way possible, on foot.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Join us LIVE all week on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Read all about the Country Walkers Cornwall tour here.

4 Questions To Ask Before Purchasing Senior Travel Insurance

If you’re currently retired and plan on traveling around the world often, then you definitely will need to purchase senior travel insurance. While you may believe that travel insurance is not necessary, the truth is it can help cover any emergencies you face during your trips for that particular year. CONTINUE READING >> 

If you’re currently retired and plan on traveling around the world often, then you definitely will need to purchase senior travel insurance. While you may believe that travel insurance is not necessary, the truth is it can help cover any emergencies you face during your trips for that particular year.

Senior travel insurance is different from the senior life insurance like you might buy from seniorlifeinsuranceplans.com. Therefore, you need to ask yourself a different set of questions before deciding on which specific insurance you will buy.

Here are the top four questions to ask before purchasing senior travel insurance:

How Long Will Your Trip Last? 

First, you need to ask how long your trip will last, and be specific. The reason you need to ask this question is because certain travel insurance plans will only cover trips of a certain length. The best plans to get will be ones that offer coverage for transportation in the event of medical emergencies for trips a minimum of six months in length.

Do You Have Any Pre-Existing Conditions?

Pre-existing medical conditions are a major factor to take into account for anyone over the age of 65 who is purchasing travel insurance. Several plans out there do not cover pre-existing conditions, which will obviously not work for you if you do have such a condition. Be sure to speak with the insurance provider(s) you are considering about any coverage for pre-existing conditions they offer.

Does The Insurance Provider Cover Travel Accidents?

Next, ask if the provider you are considering covers any accidents sustained on your trip. This will be especially important if you plan on doing anything like mountain climbing, skydiving, or anything that’s athletic or high risk.

What Are You Bringing With You?

Finally, do you have any valuable items in your suitcase that you’re breaking along with you? If so, be sure to go with a travel insurance provider that will offer coverage for any items that become lost or stolen on your trip. The coverage insurance providers here can vary significantly. Some will cover the actual price of the stolen or lost item, while others will only cover the current market value of that item. It’s also important that you have receipts for each of your valuable items as well that you can show to your provider.

Finding The Best Senior Travel Insurance Coverage For You

Traveling is something that you should be doing more, not less of, after you hit sixty five years of age. After all, your retirement years are your opportunity to do everything you have on your bucket list.

To guarantee that your travels are equally as safe as they are fun, it’s important that you purchase the very best senior travel insurance plan that you can. By asking yourself these four questions for each of the plans you are considering, you will ensure that you receive more than adequate insurance coverage for your next trip.

We are happy to feature this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Backpack Travel Tips For Single Parents Traveling With Kids

Just like most parents, we also deserve a vacation, and so do our children! A nice break away from the struggles of daily life. In that regard, this article is full of tips and suggestions meant especially for single parents vacationing with children… CONTINUE READING >> 

Being a single parent is challenging, to say the least. Trust me when I say I know how it is. We support our children and raise them ourselves. We do everything solo from school sports to doctors appointments. We work our tails off each and every day to make sure our children have the best possible life we can give them. In most cases, we have no help.


Free images from Pixabay

Just like most parents, we also deserve a vacation, and so do our children! A nice break away from the struggles of daily life. In that regard, this article is full of tips and suggestions meant especially for single parents vacationing with children.

Backpack Travel Tips

Traveling with children as a single parent may seem like a disaster waiting to happen. I assure you though it doesn’t have to be. It can be a rich, fulfilling, rewarding and relaxing experience for both you and your kids. Whether you are traveling to Hawaii, California, Minnesota, or in any state or other countries, it is best to plan your vacation ahead of time. And if you are thinking of doing a backpack travel, then here are the things you should prepare and remember.

Backpacks also fit right in with our “One Trip Rule” for packing because they can ride on top of a rolling suitcase.

Getting your kids ready for the trip

The first thing to prepare for is the plane trip. Maybe your children have been on a plane before. If so, they’ll know what to expect. If not, it’s a good idea to pick up a story book about airplanes to read to them. This will help to relieve any anxiety they may have and will instill a sense of excitement about going on a plane. Be sure to pack some handheld games, etc. to keep them occupied during the flight.

If your children tend to get motion sickness, it’s a good idea to talk to your family doctor before you go on your trip. The pediatrician will be able to give your child some gentle anti-nausea medicine to take before the flight. Begin preparing for the plane trip at least two weeks ahead of time. This will give you plenty of time to mentally prepare your children for their first flight. It will also give them time to become excited.


Free images from Pixabay

Preparing the bags

While the scheduled trip is still a month away, list down the things you need to bring. And when you’re packing, check off the items that you already have. Remember, you’ll want to keep it light, only bringing what you’ll absolutely need.

During the days you’ll be out backpacking, walking, exploring. At the end of the day, you’ll go back to the hotel. So, think of the items that you will want for use in the hotel. Pajamas, toiletries, bedtime items. Then, think of the items you’ll want to carry with you as you explore…snacks, drinks, cameras, batteries, a change of daytime clothes, and a small first aid kit just in case. As much as possible, load the bags with light items. Kids can carry their own backpacks so long as they are not heavy.

Establishing your rules

Once you are all packed and the kids are prepared, there’s just one thing left to do and that is to establish rules. Make sure that you clearly state your expectations for your children’s’ behavior and explain what will happen to them if they do not comply.

For example, if a child is having tantrums, then he or she will be staying in the hotel room for one hour. This will let your kids know how to keep their behavior in check, making them understand that if they don’t follow your rules, there will be consequences.


Free images from Pixabay

Bottomline

Although it’s a bit of a challenge to travel with your kids, considering that you’re the only adult, it’s definitely going to be worth it. With careful planning and preparation as mentioned above, it will be a wonderful family adventure.

We are happy to feature this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Orlando All Grown Up

We’ve got nothing against theme parks. In fact, we happily took our kids to Orlando for an exhilarating visit to Disney World and Epcot years ago and had a fantastic family vacation, but our memories are mostly of tiny hands excitedly pulling us from one wild ride to the next.

Now that they are all grown up and on their own, we have the opportunity to explore the city at a more relaxing pace and see the more adult side of …

CONTINUE READING >> 

We’ve got nothing against theme parks. In fact, we happily took our kids to Orlando for an exhilarating visit to Disney World and Epcot years ago and had a fantastic family vacation, but our memories are mostly of tiny hands excitedly pulling us from one wild ride to the next. Although, there are actually a lot of fun things for adults to do at Disney World nowadays, if you’re thinking about heading that way though we suggest checking out Capture The Magic’s Disney Crowd Calendar to find a less crowded time to go.

Now that they are all grown up and on their own, we have the opportunity to explore the city at a more relaxing pace and see the more adult side of things. So, as Petula Clark sang long ago, downtown is the place to be.

A great place to start is the Church Street Station in the center of town. This former South Florida Railroad terminal, circa 1889, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now serves as home to SunRail commuter trains and a hub for dining and nightlife.

Instead of corndogs and cotton candy we can indulge in Orlando’s thriving foodie scene. Within a few blocks of the old depot there is a collection of culinary choices ranging from home-style to health conscious, and everything in between. It is possible to take an epicurean journey of gourmet burgers or steaks from America, to sushi in Japan, tapas from Spain, or Spätzle, Schnitzel, and Bratwurst for a German flavor.

After dinner, dozens of nightclubs await within an easy walk. Or it is just a few steps over to The Amway Center where the NBA Orlando Magic work their wizardry on the hardwood during the basketball season, and concerts and shows are featured year ‘round.

Perhaps our favorite discovery was just how bike friendly the city is. There are hundreds of miles of bicycle lanes and pathways throughout the urban area. Even in the heart of the city, two wheeled transportation is a good option.

For us, the rail trails that incorporate old railroad right of ways are ideal and there are several to choose from around town. These are always fairly level and make for a relaxing day of cycling.

Winding its way past six lakes, the Orlando Urban Trail links downtown with the Mead Botanical Gardens in Winter Park. Named for the renowned horticulturist Theodore L. Mead, for seventy five years the gardens have been a great place to stop and smell the flowers or spot butterflies.

At Highland Lake the Cady Way Trail splits off and heads east to Lake Druid Park. The park is home to Orlando’s first mountain bike park, but as much as we love our mountain bikes the motocross style dirt track and jumps are a bit more of a challenge than we like to tackle.

From there the trail follows the abandoned roadbed of the defunct East Florida & Atlantic Railroad north for several miles, with a shopping stop at the Fashion Square Mall on its way up to Baldwin Park.

A few miles northwest of downtown the West Orange Trail passes a number of historic homes and introduced us to Lake Apopka. These wetlands have had more species of birds spotted than anywhere else in Florida. Over three hundred and sixty so far… and still counting.

After biking our brains out, a trip back to the center of the city to replenish our energy was certainly in order. Over a meal we recount our memories of Orlando both old and new, and compare the enjoyment of our adult adventure with the fun the kids had way back when and found it hard to say which was better.

Maybe we’ll be back with our grandkids for some more research.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

We are happy to feature this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

How the Internet Can Save You Money While Traveling

When it comes to traveling, one of the main issues that people raise straight away is the cost. And while things can certainly start to spiral out of control if you are not careful, there are plenty of ways that you can make things cheaper. So, let’s take a look at some of the top ways that you can save money while traveling using the internet… CONTINUE READING >> 

When it comes to traveling, one of the main issues that people raise straight away is the cost. And while things can certainly start to spiral out of control if you are not careful, there are plenty of ways that you can make things cheaper.

The internet is an incredible tool that everyone should make the most of whether you are planning a trip in the near future or you are already out on the open road. So, let’s take a look at some of the top ways that you can save money while traveling using the internet.

Compare Your Costs


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You may think that you will be quoted the same price everywhere for goods or services, but this is simply not the case. Accommodation and transport are two of the main factors when you are traveling, so when you find a place you like or flight you would like to take, don’t just take the first offer you are given.

There are plenty of comparison websites out there such as Skyscanner and Trivago, so it is worth giving these a look as you could find yourself saving significant sums of money. It is also a good idea to check out coupon sites like DontPayFull.com which may offer you further savings. Ultimately, research can be done with a few clicks so it doesn’t have to be hugely time-consuming.

Avoid Tourist Traps


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Many travelers aim to avoid the places where everyone else goes. Not only are you not getting a local experience, the prices will inevitably be significantly higher. With so many review services online, you can get a good idea of what a restaurant, bar or cafe will be like before you set foot inside. You can also check for any warnings about hidden charges and tourist traps. Surely, one of the great pleasures of traveling is finding places off the beaten track and that is exactly what the internet helps you do.

Research Your Destination


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If you arrive at a place having done no research, you are likely to spend more money as you don’t know what are the main attractions you would like to see and which areas you would like to visit.

You can also check out whether there are any discounts available online, tourist passes that get you into numerous sites or public transport tickets that can save you money. You can also read advice from people who have already been there before which is always useful!

Book in Advance

When you turn up to, say, a train station hoping to travel as soon as possible, you are much more likely to pay the highest rate. Booking in advance online can save you both money and hassle as you don’t have to tackle any long lines when you are there. If you are planning to take a tour while you are traveling, again, it makes sense that you should book online. The same goes for certain tourist attractions – particularly those that are likely to be very popular!       

We are happy to feature this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.