OK, you have decided on a destination for your next holiday. Here are 4 important questions you must ask yourself, each with its own particular considerations.
First question – “How do we get there?” That depends on a few factors such as the destination itself – How far is it? How accessible is it”? Are we self-catering or are meals mostly supplied? If it is close to home i.e. in your own province, state, county or country you will probably travel in your own car. If it is in the same country but more than about 500 – 600kms then you will might fly or go by train and if it is abroad you almost certainly will fly. In some cases, you may take a cruise to the overseas venue. Then we may be affected in our travel choices by our children who are not keen that their ‘elderly’ parents drive long distances. Each of these is an obvious cost – fuel for the car, air, ship or train tickets.
Second question – “How will we get around once we are there?” Except for the instances when you have your own car or you are with family who will assist with transport, you will have to hire a car, use local public transport or have some form of Pass eg Eurorail. These too are obvious costs. Within each of them though there may be hidden or indirect costs such as car insurance or reserving seats on trains.
Third question – “Where will we stay?” Clearly this is affected by your budget and whether or not you are part of a tour group. There is such a variety of accommodation in different parts of the world from B&Bs to hotels, to yourth hostels, to backpackers facilities. whateve the form of accommodation it is what can be called an obvious cost. Most Senior Citizens have moved beyond camping or ‘roughing’ it. Hotels or B&Bs are the places of choice for the comfort and the availability of things such as en suite bathrooms. Also, some meals are usually included in the price. Another very popular and growing form of holiday for the over 60s is cruising with the advantages of all food included and only unpacking once. It also gives the opportunity to see a number of places at great convenience.
Fourth question – “What should we pack?” This depends on where you will be going and for how long you will be away. If it is a place completely new to yourself do your homework and find out what the climate is like, if there is a dress code and/or what is the night life like if that interests you. Are you going to do a lot of walking or will you be relaxing and getting rest? Take a book wherever you go to pass time when waiting for transport or connecting flights.
