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.

The cost of travel depends on how your travel style and mentality. It is far cheaper to make or find friends to stay with and to eat from shopping at a grocery store or street venders. But if that is not your travel style then expect to pay more. Personally I like to stay in a hotel and eat at restaurants. I am not the camp out person. Even though that is the case I find that we spend far less than you would imagine. Just on our last trip we flew to Florida took a two week transatlantic cruise then spent 13 days in Spain, then flew back to Utah. We stayed in nice hotels (not luxury – not trashy) We ate in restaurants, bought groceries for some breakfasts and 1 picnic, and rented a car. Took a tour of Tanjeer Morocco, Gibraltar, Alhambra, a Gypsy Show, the Caves of Nerja, and We spent about $3600 as a couple.

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.

We love working and we love our vacations but we seem to like to take our work with us on our vacations. This is another example of how integrated we are with our work. I know that I take mine with me. My favorite vacation down time is to work on articles or organize photos of the trip I am on for my website and show.

Traveling alone can be scary and dangerous. Watch this week’s show “Solo Travel Safety Tips.” Learn ways to make you more comfortable and confident about your safety when you travel. I will give you ideas on how to safeguard you purse, money, avoid muggers and problem makers. Join Debbie Gerber today on Boomer & Senior Travel TV.

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