13
September
2012

Traveling Tips: How Much Should You Tip?

Tipping is always a question you need an answer to before you travel to a new place. You don’t want to underpay and be a cheapskate on the other hand you don’t want to pay too much. Research the place you are traveling to or ask your travel advisor for guidance. There is tipping and gratuities for everything from restaurants to your cab driver or tour guide.

04
September
2012

Backpacking: Traveling Tips and Europe Packing List

I was recently asked this question and I thought of sharing it here in my blog…

Backpacking: What is the best advice you can share about backpacking through Europe?

  • I would use the train system in Europe. You can get passes that can take you though several countries. It is efficient and inexpensive for as much as it allows you to see.
  • Bring money and a credit card.
  • A copy of any medication prescriptions, eyeglass prescription, doctor’s names and phone # or medical information a hospital or doctor might need if you needed medical attention.
  • Have a plan for where you want to go.
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home and let them know if you are making any changes to it along the way.
  • Keep your money in two different places. Make sure it is secure. Check out my free printable packing list for tips at www.boomerandseniortravel.tv
  • Spend time getting to know places. Don’t just run from one place to another trying to see everything. Experiencing a place in a little depth will make it more memorable.
03
August
2012

Weekend Getaways’ Traveling Tips, Knowledge Ends Travel Chaos

Most frustrations in travel occur when the traveler is delayed, late or put in an embarrassing position. There are many ways to avoid this. As you can see from this info graphic most of the frustrations shown here are either from going through customs or security checkpoints. I think most people are nervous that they will be stopped or get in trouble for something that they did not know they were doing wrong.

Just the mere fact that the passport officials look at you like you are a criminal and the images from movies of them detaining people and putting people in prison is frightening. I remember when we were going with our teenagers through the Paris airport that they detained our son and made us get on the plane. We were terrified. It was good that we had explained to our kids to always cooperate with the officials and stay calm. They checked his backpack and then let him go. But those few minutes were a lifetime for us. Now, we arrange ourselves so that we are the last to go through the checkpoint so that we can be where the children are if they are stopped.

Checking your passport to be sure that there is six months or more left on your passport will end most of your worries about clearing the passport stations. If you have any trouble there are people in the airport that will help you.

Check out all the new apps available to help you in your travel. They will suggest restaurants with ratings and visitor comments, attractions near you, even tell you who will be visiting in the same city and airport and hook you up.

I love cloud computing because I do have access to all my data and everything that I would have on my home computer at any computing location that I am at. I carry a computer notebook so that I can hook up securely where ever I have internet access.

Most frustrations can be eliminated with proper prior planning. You can enjoy your vacation with little frustration or fear if you get the right information before you begin your trip.

 

17
July
2012

Weekend Getaways or Long Vacations?

I was recently asked this question and I thought of sharing it here in my blog…

Which is better: many short vacations or few long vacations?

That would depend on whether you want to go somewhere that takes a long time to get there or that would take a long time to go sightseeing around. Sometimes it is better to take a long trip so that you can have time to enjoy the trip not just spend days in transit. I like short trips for places that are close to travel to and that are basically weekend getaways. Personally I like a combination of both.

14
July
2012

Packing Tips and Travel Packing List, Leaving Pets at Home; Boomer & Senior Travel TV #35 by Debbie Gerber

How does your pet react when you leave them? Here are some tips to help your pet adjust to your absence. Packing can be a stressful time for your pet as it is for my dog ChiChi. Boomer & Senior Travel TV and Debbie Gerber talk about leaving your pet at home while you travel.

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime Version.