The Savvy Senior TravelerThe Savvy Senior Traveler: Presenter: Joy Owen

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 Break as you like. Restrooms are down the hall. Water coolers are on each side of the hall.  Turn cell phones on vibrate. Take calls outside the class.  Introductions House Keeping and Introductions

 Planning  Health  Group vs. Independent Travel  Alternative Tours  Navigating Airports  Safety  Housekeeping  Luggage  Paperwork  Discounts  Summary Agenda

There are several questions you should ask when planning a trip:  Where do you want to go?  How do you like to travel?  When do you want to go?  How is your health? Planning

How’s Your Health?

Health can limit some of your activities. To get the most out of your vacation, consider:  Health Assessment  Mobility  Vaccinations  Lodging  DVT  Medications  Comfort Health

Group vs. Independent Travel Type of TravelProsCons Group  Luggage, transportation, etc. is handled for you  Wide variety of trips to choose from  Relatively safe  Great way to introduce yourself to a new country  Wonderful insight if the tour guide is decent.  Great way to meet new people  You are locked into their itinerary  You *could* get a bad tour guide, and then you’re stuck  You are stuck with the hotels they choose Independent  Allows more flexibility and spontaneity  Allows more budgetary control  Allows more environmental control (places to visit, what you’ll do when you get there, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll get there)  Requires you to be in relatively good health and mobility  You will be required to do more, think more, lift more, and be more responsible for your own well-being and safety  Consider a travel companion if your health is delicate. There are travel companion services available

 Road ScholarRoad Scholar  Video Video  Study a language abroad!Study a language abroad!  Volunteer!Volunteer!  HousesittingHousesitting  Sell everything and travelSell everything and travel  Video Video Alternative Travel

 TSA Pre ✓ ® TSA Pre ✓ ®  Global Entry Global Entry  Video Video  Wheelchair Assistance Airport/Trip Navigation Agency Transportation Security Administration Customs and Border Protection ProgramTSA Pre ✓ ® Global Entry Websitewww.tsa.gov/tsa-precheckwww.globalentry.gov Eligibility Required U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents. U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of certain other countries. 1 1 Application Fee $85.00 (5 year membership)$ (5 year membership) Passport Required NoYes; or lawful permanent resident card Application Process Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center; provide fingerprints and verify ID. Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an interview; provide fingerprints and verify ID. Program Experience TSA Pre ✓ ™ expedited screening at participating airports. Expedited processing through CBP at airports and land borders upon arrival in the U.S.. Includes the TSA Pre ✓ ™ experience. Ready to apply? Apply for TSA Pre ✓ ® hereApply for Global Entry here

 Request and reserve additional services.  Get insurance.  Don’t advertise your absence.  Don’t advertise that you are American.  Don’t carry a lot of cash.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Travel in a group. Safety

 Ensure your plants and pets are well- provided for in your absence.  Have someone watch your house  Get timed lighting (if you’re gone for a long period) so that it looks like someone is home  Notify your bank and credit card companies. Housekeeping

 What size and how much luggage?  You can get away with more on group tours  You may want less for independent travel.  Check the airline’s baggage policy.  Mark your luggage  tagging inside and out  take pictures  Don’t take wrapped gifts.  Carryon allowance doesn’t apply in some cases.  Don’t over-exert yourself with luggage Luggage

 Insurance  Will  Prescriptions  Passport  Itinerary  Confirmations  Maps  Guides  Copies of your passport ID page, visas, driver’s license, credit card numbers, travel insurance, medical information and emergency contact info. Paperwork

Communications Look into the following options:  Check with your ISP  Purchase Go Phone before you leave  Purchase a SIM card after you arrive  Free apps  International calling cards  Internet cafes

Many countries have senior discounts. Check for the following:  Entry fees  Event fees  Senior bus and rail passes  Lodging Discounts

 Senior Travel Tips Senior Travel Tips  Traveling in a Wheelchair Traveling in a Wheelchair  Travel Companion Services Travel Companion Services  Lots of great links for senior travelers Lots of great links for senior travelers  Options for studying abroad for seniors Options for studying abroad for seniors  Obtaining Global Entry access Obtaining Global Entry access  TSA Pre ✓ ® TSA Pre ✓ ®  Volunteer Abroad Volunteer Abroad Resources

 Plan ahead to reduce travel stress.  Assess your level of health and plan accordingly. Get an exam and any necessary vaccinations.  Decide your method of travel and whether you will be traveling in a group, with a companion, or solo.  Simplify airport navigation as much as possible.  Plan ahead for safety concerns.  Plan for proper housekeeping while you’re gone.  Handle luggage appropriately for your trip.  Pull together any paperwork you’ll need.  Decide what (if any) communication you will use.  Check into senior discounts and special travel arrangements.  Have fun! Summary