How has becoming a senior changed the way you travel?

[pris993]

Like many others here, we have been traveling and cruising for years. Before retirement we went on one major trip a year, then we took off for 4-5 week trip. For us a long trip was the way to go.

 

Since retiring we travel at least twice a year for 2-4 weeks at a time.

 

We have seen most of the places we wanted to see and enjoy going back again and again.

 

We still over pack, but no longer have suitcases that weigh up to 70 lbs each.

 

We generally try to book direct flights and find now that we are older the wear and tear on the body is our priority and the more direct flights are a priority over costs.

 

We have learned how to pace ourselves so that we do not return home exhausted from a trip.

 

We have learned to get a table for 2; to skip the MDR if food or service don't meet our expectations, a late lunch is just fine.

 

We still love to dress to the nines - nothing has changed there.

 

We have more time than money and feel very grateful for all the travel we have done and plan to do.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

We love going away on a ship Our 2nd home ...

[ROCruiser]

Amen to so many of the posters here!

 

What do I do differently? I fly business on longhaul (over 10 hours) whenever I can, at the very least Prem Economy.

 

I look for hotels that are small and friendly/boutique rather than huge global brands (unless my points get me a free stay!)

 

I pack only what I feel good in, and don't care about dress codes - unless I want to!

 

Wear comfy shoes!

 

Love the poster that said elastic waist pants! Amen to that too

 

Take travel wash and half the underwear, especially on long trips. The only time that failed me was on a month-long trip to aus after 4 days of one nighters...I had to go BUY some knickers!

 

Travel with someone that doesn't care what you look like first thing in the morning - or travel alone.

 

Pretty much how I travel now.

My favorite pair of pants that I wear whenever we are flying is a pair of black pants that I gave my mom a couple of years before she passes. She probably wore them a few times only. Guess what, elastic waist and super comfortable. I never thought that I would wear something like that! It's also like going places WITH her.

 

I don't buy souvenirs any more because they take us space and God knows what's going to happen to them when I am gone. Would rather spend money on enjoying some local food.

 

Yep, fly business class whenever possible. Having lounge access before flights and priority boarding make a world of difference.

[nyllrap]

These are great! I am really enjoying it. My biggest question is how to convince a husband who can't seem to get over his lifelong habit of frugality to loosen up a bit? On one hand, we can afford to cruise when we want because of his frugality. On the other hand, I really would enjoy a balcony occasionally!

[orchestrapal]

Like many others here, we have been traveling and cruising for years. Before retirement we went on one major trip a year, then we took off for 4-5 week trip. For us a long trip was the way to go.

 

Since retiring we travel at least twice a year for 2-4 weeks at a time.We now only travel 4-6 weeks.

 

We have seen most of the places we wanted to see and enjoy going back again and again. Same here.

 

We still over pack, but no longer have suitcases that weigh up to 70 lbs each. Never over pack, only what we can each handle.

 

We generally try to book direct flights and find now that we are older the wear and tear on the body is our priority and the more direct flights are a priority over costs. Only fly non-stop and business or first.

 

We have learned how to pace ourselves so that we do not return home exhausted from a trip. Same here. Just returned from 5 weeks in Switzerland this week and feel great.

 

We have learned to get a table for 2; to skip the MDR if food or service don't meet our expectations, a late lunch is just fine. Also always et a table for 2 and mostly have dinner in our suite.

 

We still love to dress to the nines - nothing has changed there. NEVER dress formally and never hope to again except maybe for our grand-children's weddings.;)

4star superior or 5 star hotels only and NO chains.

[DRS/NC]

MommaBear55 -- you covered it all very well!

[Cruisebylandorsea]

Like most of you I pack fewer clothes making sure they can mix and match and bring woolite.

 

Last cruise we were blessed by the upgrade fairy and rolled on our bags, since the tags were no longer valid. Next cruise that may not work due to bad knee. The upgrade allowed passage into the concierge lounge where we ate many breakfasts and lunches. Don't do the Windjammer much anymore. Got a table for two in MDR. Used concierge to book excursions. No standing in lines. Reserved seating worked well. Used valet off the ship & it worked well.

 

I pack my heating pad and extra Ziploc bags for ice packs. My carry on is a medicine chest. I pack less jewelry and shoes.

 

Thanks for sharing all of your tips.

 

 

 

 

 

[ROCruiser]

As we get 'older' our medication take up more and more space. I had to order my sharps container for the first time on a cruise last November.

[BananaAnna]

We used to buy travel insurance because our parents were getting on up in years....

now it's because WE are.

[Fat Paul]

I am still a few years away from 55 but am retired due to disability. My wife is retired but has gone back to school for a second career as a RN (she is a type A+). We never were nightlife people so that hasn't changed. We enjoy upper level suites ie: grand and owners (Royal Caribbean). We usually have a drink or two in the concierge or diamond lounge then it's off to dreamland. Enjoyed our first long cruise last year to celebrate my retirement. We plan to cruise at least twice a year when "the woman to blame" graduates. Thank in advance for allowing me premature entrance into the 55+ club

[RME]

We travel more often and take more time to see the sights. We entertain ourselves rather than our children (which we did when they were young and life focused on them). We eat when and what we want to eat. We do not complain about the food, nor cut up anyone else's food. We think late night is 10 pm. We know the value of elastic waist pants, especially at the end of the cruise. We are not sure why anyone would listen to rap. We need quieter dining areas because DH cannot hear as well as he used to. We put a night light in the bathroom for those late night trips.

 

We take ourselves less seriously because we have lost loved ones and realize what really is important in life. We have patience for those with limited mobility and envy those with grandchildren. We like seeing others enjoy themselves and move away from people who irritate us so they can enjoy themselves and we don't have to get irritated or complain.

 

We do not travel during spring break time because we don't have to. We can go whenever we want. We drink an occasional drink because drinking to excess was so 40 years ago. We hate the next morning headache and grogginess because getting going in the morning is tough enough without the hangover.

 

I actually love being this age. I hold onto every minute and wish I could slow life down.

 

Reading this made me feel so good. I would love to meet you if we are ever on the same cruise. I have some walking issues and do not like to hold other people back. I plan my excursions accordingly and more frequently plan private tours. I also treasure every day that I am given.

[sweetcupcakegrl]

traveling slower, made me enjoy more of who I am and where I am going. I rather go on cruises or places on my own and walk as fast as I want to instead of being haggled by the young set saying that I was too old to travel. I just turned 62 so I anit old... I used to use my sisters name on here when my computer went to the pound and now her stuff is on my name now... we are all screwed up that's what happens when you reach ss age.

 

being retired has taught me to travel light if I do not wear it I throw it away. I never carry a heavy suitcase if it can not be rolled it can not fit... I only take enough panties for the days I am in port... so I can rewash them, bras... five pairs too. socks the same thing... shorts 3 pairs shirts 4 of those we can rewash them again too. a lot of under arm deodorant and aftershave for the legs... to keep bugs off... and men that want to touch my long legs... im shaved though.. .stubbles get in the way though.... so what else is new?;)

 

ps I hate to be pushed when traveling I love to do road scholar but they walk too much now that I love to walk slow and enjoy the food better eat slowly that's whats it about and drink more wine.

[birdman7]

My wife and I take things a little slower now. If it is to hot on a private island we are inclined to stay on board.

[Old Royal Viking Fan]

I've learned:

Appreciate good service and tip generously

Be selective regarding the ship's passengers average ages!

Not to take rudeness from anyone, but be polite about it.

To accept assistance and appreciate someone noticed (getting up the high step on a tour bus) but being gracious and not insulted

[iancal]

Senior AND retired. Absolutely.

 

We have a top 10 or 15 of where we want to go or what we want to do.

 

We select from that list based on attractive travel offers, and in the case of land trips also currency exchange.

 

We tend to book in the cancellation window and we always combine our cruises with independent land tours.

 

Last two falls we have done eastern Med cruises with pre and post land trips because prices were so attractive. Plus a month long independent trip to South Africa because the currency value dropped over 20 percent compared to our home currency.

 

We are travelling more frequently and we have learned to travel with a lot less

baggage. A 20 inch and a 24 inch roller for a week, or for six months, plus one carry on. And we are still in the process of cutting back. We find the less we carry, the more we enjoy our trip.

[birdman7]

We are hooked on cruising and learning as we go along to pack less. I think we are getting the hang of it as they say. We have been on about 15 cruises so far and enjoying each one. We are actually meeting some people we kept in touch with a couple of cruises ago.

[Plantcrone]

I've experienced a few broken bones since I turned 65. 2 of them on vacation by myself in a foreign country, as well as a bout of e-coli.

 

Last year I fell and broke my hip on vacation, but fortunately I was with my family though away from home. Ended up having surgery and spending 3 weeks in a rehab home away from home..it sucked.

 

As a result, I have decided to no longer go on extended vacations by myself. No more 10 day hiking trips in the rain forest and maybe no more zip-line excursions.

 

I also turned 70 this year and wonder if that is the point where the broken hip, broken wrist and broken ankle have gotten together to change my life.

 

However I do more volunteer work now, spend more time with the grand kids and my sister and brother and drive the 3 hours to see my nieces new baby by myself. I'm also active in a retiree association for my company that works as volunteers for music festivals here in town. It's fun to see the people I used to work with now and again.

 

Elle (aka plantcrone)

First Crusie coming up in December-Caribbean

[bjbear]

I've experienced a few broken bones since I turned 65. 2 of them on vacation by myself in a foreign country, as well as a bout of e-coli.

 

Last year I fell and broke my hip on vacation, but fortunately I was with my family though away from home. Ended up having surgery and spending 3 weeks in a rehab home away from home..it sucked.

 

As a result, I have decided to no longer go on extended vacations by myself. No more 10 day hiking trips in the rain forest and maybe no more zip-line excursions.

 

I also turned 70 this year and wonder if that is the point where the broken hip, broken wrist and broken ankle have gotten together to change my life.

 

However I do more volunteer work now, spend more time with the grand kids and my sister and brother and drive the 3 hours to see my nieces new baby by myself. I'm also active in a retiree association for my company that works as volunteers for music festivals here in town. It's fun to see the people I used to work with now and again.

 

Elle (aka plantcrone)

First Crusie coming up in December-Caribbean

 

I'm also 70 and have been traveling solo and actively for years but...... it's time to face reality. I can't do what I used to do. So I'll still take short solo land vacations (but with no hiking, daredevil stuff) and I intend to do a lot of cruising. It's simple, non-life threatening and fun. I too, am spending more time with family.

 

Sue

[birdman7]

My wife and I agree that slowness is of the highest order! :) Being in our 60's now and can not stay in the sun too long we look for very casual tours and other easy activities. Cruising is in it self relaxing for us. :cool:

[griffy116]

I had to retire due to a heart condition. I had been very active and fit and it was a slap in the face when my body failed me. The adjustment took some time, but I'm not one to accept defeat easily. I'm a problem solver. I still enjoy traveling and cruising with my family, but it has changed for me. My daughter's mother-in-law and I are friends, so when we travel, there are 3 generations and it works out beautifully. On our last cruise to the Med, we two "oldies" (the other MIL and me) took the lead and planned the transfers. We got a driver for airport to hotel, to cruise ship, back to hotel, and to the airport. We packed light and had the spinner luggage. We packed more meds, less shoes...and comfort shoes. We told everyone in advance that any tours they planned were fine. They chose to include us, so we explained that we might not climb around on things, but would instead people watch while enjoying a nice wine. They climbed, we wandered around until the table with wine started calling our name. We used drivers and taxis. We took an afternoon nap back at the hotel before evening touring or strolling around. On the ship, they did what they wanted and we did what we wanted. We aren't the bingo type but while they hit the sun and pool, we spent an hour or so at the pool, then changed and hit the casino, got a snack and enjoyed the loungers in the shade. They knew where to find us if they needed something. In the evening, during dinner we shared our day and then everyone went and did what they wanted to do. We would usually spend our time in the casino or promenade area. We made the Cafe Promenade or the pub the spot to meet up or get together. We used the ships laundry, especially the wash and fold, and felt no guilt whatsoever. This was a first trip with the "new" older version of me. I truly believe it was the best trip of my life. I was a type A that had to have a plan for every minute, had to squeeze in everything possible. I discovered that I liked having a more leisurely approach. Instead of seeing more places, I saw more of the place I was in at the moment. I wasn't rushing through. I wasn't spending my time washing things in the sink. I wasn't afraid to stroll instead of run. I love the new me and I think my family also loves the new freedom it gave them too. I'm loving it.

[cctn]

I love this thread...thank you for starting it..see some familiar names, Lulu, BjBear, etc...

I am now what my mom was when she started cruising with me and my hubby...we cruised with our young nephew and his wife and we watched them join in the activities, flo-rider, toured the islands while we just walked a bit before going back onboard...to Nap!! We take more naps and get up late, go to bed early, and no longer go to the discos til 2-3am...

 

I am also going to buy a smaller luggage...25" seems ideal, wash more and send out for laundry service...and just do what " I" want to do when " I " want to...

 

Host Corkey

[dorisis]

We are now in our 80s and cruising is almost the only way we travel. From the time we were married 60 years ago, I think we have done a total 180. No more long drives, no more rental cars in Europe, No more bus trips, As little air travel as possible,and no more inside cabins to save moneey, Suites on board luxury lines when the budget will allow. So from Motel 6 to Luxury suites, THAT'S how we have chaanged.

[cctn]

We are now in our 80s and cruising is almost the only way we travel. From the time we were married 60 years ago, I think we have done a total 180. No more long drives, no more rental cars in Europe, No more bus trips, As little air travel as possible,and no more inside cabins to save moneey, Suites on board luxury lines when the budget will allow. So from Motel 6 to Luxury suites, THAT'S how we have chaanged.

 

Wow - Congrats on the 6 yrs of marriage ! I have only been as far up as the Jr Suites and that is comfy for me - I was just reading my brochure that came in my mail today- from Oceania- sounds like very nice ships/cruises - I may have to look into that type of cruising - I know it's more $$ but we have reached the age where we need to splurge on ourselves a little more - Host Corkey

[cctn]

Wow - Congrats on the 6 yrs of marriage ! I have only been as far up as the Jr Suites and that is comfy for me - I was just reading my brochure that came in my mail today- from Oceania- sounds like very nice ships/cruises - I may have to look into that type of cruising - I know it's more $$ but we have reached the age where we need to splurge on ourselves a little more - Host Corkey

 

 

Doris: SORRY SORRY - I meant to type 60 ((sixty) YRS instead of 6 - altho' I am sure your 6th yr was just as fun as these 60 yrs - Host Corkey

[Talisker92]

I am 75 now and my wife is younger. We were both widowed and have been married for 6 years. My wife wanted to travel so we have been on 40 trips together.

We pay the extra in miles to fly Business Class from California to Europe. We can lay down and sleep, plus we have access to the lounges which is a plus.

BUT out last trip did us in. We flew from LA to Moscow, and there is an 11 hour time difference. Literally, the difference between night and day. The weather was overcast the whole time and we never saw the sun for a week, which prevented us from resetting our biological clock.

We have decided that it was our last trip to Europe. We have a 30 day South American cruise scheduled that ends up in Los Angeles so we do not have to fly home.

We still plan to travel, but will limit our travels to North America.