Travel Tips for Baby Boomers

BEFORE YOU GO

Check all the countries you even THINK that you might visit in order to see if they require a visa that you must get before you leave. In a post 9/11 world, many countries have started requiring visas. A good travel book for baby boomers is Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door. And, there is a lot of information for just about anything on the internet that you can access before you leave. ATM machines are now commonplace, but don't always work. I suggest that you take a credit/debit card AND traveler's checks.

A credit card operates as a hedge against unforeseen expenses. You may want to take a couple of credit cards and carry them in different places, just in case one gets lost. All three (t.c./atm/cc) will charge some type of fee for using, and it's about the same in the end. Don't take a lot of cash, but what you do take, make sure it's the "new" US money. Make photocopies of any credit cards you are taking with you, along with the toll-free number to call if lost.

Also, make a photocopy of your main passport page and any prescriptions that are essential for your health. Stick one copy of these in the bottom of your bag and leave another copy with family at home. Buy a pouch that hangs around your neck inside your clothes, for your money and passport. These are much better than fanny packs, wallets, or purses, which can be easily stolen. Crime isn't a great problem, but don't make it easy to get ripped off.

PACKING

Take the very minimum. Take only those things that you think you are going to need and lay them out on a big bed. Then go through and take out everything except the bare essentials. And, then go through and eliminate 50% of everything left. Travel light. Everything you take - you have to carry. Style is out.

Comfort/Practicality are in. Drip-dry, wrinkle-free fabrics are ideal. Choose basic outfits that can be transformed with a few accessories. Choose clothes in coordinating colors. Top grade walking shoes are the most important things you will take. Think about "layering" to vary your wardrobe which covers all kind of weather and will reduce what you have to take. Cardinal Rule of Travel: If you take things that will break (toiletries, etc.) - they will. USE PLASTIC BAGS.

THE TRIP OVER

Taking melatonin may help with jet lag going over. Jet lag on the return is less important! I suggest taking at least .5 mg at 2:00 P.M. for three days before leaving and then at least .5 mg at about 5:00 P.M. for three days after arriving. Get your seat on the plane well in advance to avoid getting stuck in a middle seat. I like an aisle seat on the bulkhead for more leg-room. Don't forget the open jaw trip that lets you fly into one city and back from another. That saves you having to "backtrack." Also, some airlines let you "stopover" in a city, which could save you some time.

GETTING AROUND IN EUROPE

Eurail passes are the best bets for getting around, even for the "older crowd." But check out the various types of Eurail passes and where they go, making sure to look at the FlexiPass which lets you travel a limited amount of days within a 1 or 2 month period. And, they offer significant discounts if you buy two at the same time. You must get your Eurail pass before you leave home. Don't forget Britrail and European East Pass for England or Eastern Europe. And, be careful, Eurail passes may not be the cheapest way to travel.

Most of the time you will want to travel by train. But, sometimes, it makes more sense to fly. Several European airlines have gotten together and offer the EuropeByAir Pass that allows you to "hop" between cities for $99 per leg. You buy it here and you get a minimum of three coupons that can be used either with an advance reservation or space available. Also, be sure to check out the low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. Some intra-European flights are as low as $25. You can also travel cheaply by bus with a European bus pass by Eurolines. Many cities offer special transportation passes that will save you a lot of money. But, this is usually cost effective only if you plan to stay in a city for several days and use public transportation rather than walking.

If you get seriously ill while traveling, go to a hospital. But, if you just get a cold, flu or respiratory infection, go to a pharmacist. In most countries, they have the ability and permission to diagnose routine illnesses and give you something for it. This may even includes antibiotics. In many countries you can call home from street phone booths. All cities have telephone offices, post offices, or American Express Offices from where you can call home. DON'T call from a hotel. It will cost you lots, even for collect calls. An AT&T phone card is a good bet because you call a local access number. A cell phone is useless (and something else to keep track of) unless you are certain that it works from everywhere you plan to go. Bargaining is a way of life in many countries, especially in southern Europe. Try it. Enjoy it.

For a free handout with additional travel tips and pointers, please contact Drury Bagwell directly at dbagwell@umd.edu.

Do you know that the lack of vacation can affect your heart.?

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