PLANNING

If you’re a walkabout like me, then you love every aspect of taking flight and landing in new places or maybe the same places; seeing new faces or familiar faces; discovering new experiences or expanding the boundaries of previous experiences. Whether you’re a ‘collector of passport stamps’ type of traveler or a ‘return for more’ type of traveler, you are invited to start here and finish wherever your wanderlust takes you.

• WHERE ARE YOU GOING? Things to consider: Time of year and weather. Can you get by with layering or do you need the big coat?

• WHEN ARE YOU GOING? Things to consider: Peak travel times will be more expensive. If it doesn’t matter, consider off-peak travel. It keeps their economy moving and gets you great prices on just about everything. Of course, some costs may vary.

• HOW LONG WILL YOU BE GONE? Things to consider: Think about what you wear over a two-week period at home. The type and amount of product you use. Now apply that to your travel duration. Ladies, do you really need the giant can of hairspray, or will a travel size do. Remember: Most big cities have anything you might need or run out of.

• WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING? Things to consider: Will you be hiking? Do you plan on doing a lot of walking? Will you be fancy or low key? Whatever you will be doing should determine what you pack. 

  TIP: Pack as light as you can. 50 pounds is max weight for checked luggage. Leave room for purchases and/or ship whenever possible. Bring shoes      that can double for at least two planned functions. If they’re beefy, wear them on the plane. Honestly, one pair of everyday shoes and a pair of dressies should do it. Slippers and/or flip flops. Always bring a lightweight raincoat and umbrella [I’ll be honest, I seldom use them]. The type of traveler you are, will determine what you pack. So, pack whatever you want within reason for the trip you are taking. 

MUST PACKS:

• MEDICATIONS/VITAMINS:  Put in your carry-on or personal carry item. My little travel dusty [hack] is to put them in baggies to save space. Peel the label off the canister and stick it to the baggy. You can also cut off the label that is on the advice paper printout and tape to a baggy. It has all the info the sticky label has. For vitamins, count out how many you will need, put in a baggy write the name on the baggy. Those can also go in your carry-on or checked luggage. 

        TIP: Vitamins you can usually find in cities where you are staying, so if space and weight are an issue, or if you are not checking a suitcase, maybe                    consider going that route. You will be surprised how much space and weight these little buggers use up. 

• TRTL TRAVEL PILLOW: Pick one that suits you and is comfortable. My go to is the TRTL Travel Pillow. I have owned and used a TRTL since its inception in 2013. I love it and would never fly without it, especially on a long-haul flight. I just bought the TRTL PILLOW COOL, a new product designed to keep you cooler in flight.

• TRTL TRAVEL BLANKET: Planes can be very cold, and at 36,000 feet you have no options. I have been through a zillion blanket styles and comfort levels. I have been known to buy one in every airport. My go-to now is the TRTL Travel Blanket. Comes in its own little waterproof bag, has a spill proof outer shell and fleece lining. A new offering and I can’t wait to try it out.

• IMMUNE BOOSTERS: Don’t forget this important step. Take a day or so before you fly, when you fly, and after you fly. Much of what is on the market is good, like Emergen C and Airborne, but take whatever works for you. My number one is Oscillococcinum. Never leave home without it. All are available at your local pharmacy or on Amazon.

• HYDRATION: This is critical when flying. The altitude and “airplane” air can dehydrate, so it’s critical to landing well. There are a lot of good products on the market, but my go-to is Celtic Salt. It is not processed and comes right out of the sea and carries 92 must have minerals for your body, including three magnesium’s that aid in cell hydration. I half the bag, tape it closed, put in baggy and stuff in my checked bag. For those who want a standard sugar free option, Liquid IV may wet your whistle.

• FIRST AID KIT: It’s important to have at the ready, just in case. Thrive First Aid Kit is what I carry, but you can always make up your own. Most pharmacy’s in the city you are going to have all the things you would need, so don’t pack your medicine cabinet. I actually found the best stuff in a little pharmacy in Cong, Ireland.

BUDGET is the key to a successful trip. There are certainly inexpensive ways to keep the check book in check and traveling low key doesn’t mean you’re going to wind up doing dishes in some foreign hotel. Although, if one runs out of money, it wouldn’t be a bad option. But most boomers have ties that bind back home, so the getaway is not a marathon of nation hopping (I envy those that can and do), but a sprint to a well-planned and well budgeted destination. Here’s some ideas:

PACKAGE TOURS: This type of tour can be pricey, but often offer the best solution for boomers who prefer “one price covers all” type of travel. There are a lot of wonderfully themed tours and destination city tours available, as well as river cruises and ocean cruises for those who like to float. My first trip to Ireland was a with a tour group, and though I had to sell seashells by the sea shore when I returned, it was well worth the cost to not have to plan anything. Here are a few excellent tour travel companies:

• CIE Tours: If it’s Scotland, Britain, and Ireland you’re after, CIE might be the premier travel agency. They also have deals to Italy.

• Imagine Tours & Travel: One of the premier agencies for travel to Israel and a good bet for Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Greece, England, and Jordon. Great for large organizations like churches, clubs, and teams.

• Avanti Destinations: Avanti îs a one-stop travel agency featuring custom vacations and itineraries.

• Gate 1 Travel: Gate 1 does it all. From groups to river cruises, to walking tours, to Independent trips, to Holiday themed trips.

• Travel Leaders Agency Network: This Agency works with tour companies worldwide and is a one-stop-shop for tour packages. From groups to self-drive, they can take the worry out of planning. Click to find an agent in your area.

*Disclosure: The above Package Tour links are not affiliate links or sponsored links. They are solely for information and trusted companies.

STAY IN ONE SPOT: Never underestimate the joy of staying in one spot for a spell. Of course, one can do so by renting a house or apartment through vacation rentals or VRBO’s. But a less considered, and certainly viable option is to house sit or pet sit in a country or area you have always longed to be, but never afford. I have a friend who does this often and enjoys the freedom it provides to travel and explore on pretty much a shoestring. It’s all done through a trusted and vetted site where you are matched with a person or persons who are taking a holiday or business trip and don’t want to leave their house unattended or pets in a shelter. Become a sitter or hire a sitter. It’s a win-win for all.

• Trusted House Sitters: A worldwide house-sitting opportunity. Sign up, pick a location [must be flexible on dates of travel], and start packing.

• Rover: A US nationwide program that connects you with a trusted pet sitter. Also operates in Canada; the UK; Germany; Spain; France; Italy; the Netherlands; Norway; & Sweden.

*Disclosure: The above links are not affiliate links or sponsored links. They are solely for information and trusted companies.

BACKPACK NOMAD: This is certainly an option. I have friends doing just this in Thailand, Cambodia, and Viet Nam. They are having the time of their lives and traveling light and frugalish. If you want all the ins and outs on nomadic travel, stop in at NomadicMatts.

*Disclosure: The above link is not an affiliate link or sponsored link. It is solely for information and a trusted travel site..

SELF DRIVE: This is my preferred travel mode. I do it all. I am my own travel agent and I save money. No agent fees, tour fees, or tax fees.

• Travel with friends and split the cost. 

•  B&B’s can keep costs low but be careful. Not all B&B’s are the same. If possible, book direct. 

• Always review the accommodation’s cancelation policy. Ideally, they are from 72 hours to 24 hours before check-in. 

• Avoid pre-pay prices. Generally, you do not save that much money and they can be sticky to get out of. KNOW THE POLICY BEFORE you commit.

• Unless you are booking through a tour company, reserving is the best way to secure accommodations ahead. Don’t worry about hanging the hotel out to dry if you cancel or change accommodations. They most likely filled your cancellation before you clicked off their website.

• Book as soon as you know, especially if you travel in peak seasons. Places fill up fast.

As soon as these steps are in motion, make a spread sheet. Map out your trip via where you will sleep that night, side tours, and places of interest. This not only keeps the days and places straight, but gives you a quick reference on costs. I do it in local currency and convert to USD. This is where a currency converter will help is estimating costs. Always have a 10% cushion, as conversion rates can change. Yay if they equalize or go down. Boo if they go up. Be prepared. And just in case you decide to be a souvenir hunter, make a column to keep track of what you spend so you know how much you could have saved for the next trip. All aside, do allow some spending money for “must haves,” just resist the voice in your head that says everyone will hate me if I don’t bring them something. If you can’t, keep it simple, small, and packable.

TIP 1: Remember, many places will ship back to US if you buy over $100. If you must buy it, it will save your suitcase space and big bucks shipping yourself. Or in my case, I bought a suitcase and duffle to get my souvenirs home. Only do that as a LAST resort!

TIP 2: Aside from little side shops, during your research phase, find a big retail where there is huge inventory and variety. Do your bulk shopping there and mail it home. As an example, in Ireland a popular and well-shopped store is Blarney Woolen Mills, in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland. They sell everything from blankets to knitwear, to trinkets for adults and children.

TIP 3: The best souvenir you can take home with you are the memories of places and faces. But don’t be a grinch. Allow yourself one splurge

Now that you’ve landed, what’s your plan? What do you want to see? Where do you want to go? Take a day tour? A city tour? My suggestion:

BOOK DESTINATION TOURS

If it’s popular, book in advance. Most tour company packages with do that for you, but if you’re a solo or self-drive traveler, do some research and book the tour. Beware, some vendors may charge up front. Just like accommodations, check the cancellation policy and refund policy if you pay in advance. You can always wait until you arrive to book, as plans may change, but sometimes you may not have a choice if you want to book ahead. Note: I have never had a problem either way, but experiences vary. 

• Walking Tours are a great way to see the city. Whether it’s themed, historical, or cultural, you be enchanted and come away with memories that go beyond the photographs.

• Trip Advisor is a great place to begin your journey. They are the premier “know before you go” site and offer great tour packages and ticket prices for local venues.

• Viator brings a wealth of local knowledge and day or multi-day tours that bring the inside knowledge of the people and area

• Search out local vendors for the sites, activities, and hidden adventures that fit your travel style and plans. Example: I found a local vendor in Dingle that offers a great day trip package for exploring The Great Blasket Island.

TIP: Research is a key component for planning a trip you won’t forget. Check out on-line guides for the area you are traveling and look for those out-of-the-way places that fit your sense of adventure. With Google at our fingertips, there is no reason not to.

TIDBIT: DID YOU KNOW: There is an island in Hiroshima Bay, Japan where the deer run wild? A short ferry ride from Miyajimaguchi Port, this island is home to the 12th century Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Culture Heritage site, including a Noh Theater and the huge Otorii [gate] that can only be accessed at low tide. It’s a wondrous place, full of culture and good food - and deer, which are tame, actually.