6 Best Tips - Healthy Travel

#1 Before you go---check that any prescription medicine is in your carry-on bag not a checked suitcase. I had a group on a 4-day tour and one of the men had left his meds on the counter to take in the morning. In the hurry to leave, he forgot to put them in his carry-on bag. Fortunately, he was able to reach his healthcare provider and have prescriptions sent to a local drugstore. Bring copies of your prescriptions whenever you travel.

#2  Stick to a healthy diet when traveling. Have fruit and cereal for breakfast rather than high-calorie carbs. Those FREE hotel breakfasts can be costly to your health and energy. The high carb foods burn quickly and can put you in a slump.

#3  Walk whenever you can. If on a tour and sitting on a bus most of the day, you can curtail your good circulation. If a good walk is not possible, exercise in your hotel room before and after spending the day's outing

#4  Keep your brain healthy. Read about the area you are in; use your imagination to visualize places you read about but won't get to see.

#5  Take a multi-vitamin to ensure you have all your daily recommended amounts for ultimate health. Get some sunshine to up the miracle drug, Vitamin D.

#6  If you are traveling different time zone, prepare for the change. Having jet lag can ruin the first part of your trip.

Avoid Jet Lag - Know Before You Go. 

Jet Lag, Insomnia and Seasonal Affected Disorder....SAD.

When I was taking groups on cruises and tours, I frequently suffered from jet lag of the worst kind.

Don't let 'jet lag' spoil your trip.

 A report of international air travelers reported that 94% suffer from jet lag. Most of them with severe symptoms, as in poor concentration, irritability, stomach upsets, daytime sleepiness, and feeling tired which greatly hampers the get-up and go and enjoying your trip.

Don't let 'jet lag' spoil your trip.

One of the tricks I eventually learned was to start adjusting my going to bed time before traveling. I wish I had done it before my trip to Australia. I suffered jet lag the first two days there and a couple days when I got home.

Dr. Howard Roffwarg, director of the Division of Sleep Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, has devoted his professional life to the study and protection of one of America’s most endangered and least appreciated natural resources: sleep.

Research has shown, light and adjusting body temperature rather than pills combats jet lag. 

According to several studies, researchers were able to reset sleep-wake cycles naturally using exposure to strong lighting, possibly in as little as 48 hours.

My further research compared full spectrum lighting that mimics sunlight but not as intense or bright is often used for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, aka, SAD. 

A 1980 National insititute of Mental Health study revealed the absence of Natural Light can significantly disrupt biological functions. 

I remembered the OttLite being used by people with Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Can the same be true for jet lag sufferers?

Can  small doses of full spectrum lighting similar to the OttLite
help people with severe Insomnia?

Looking out the window, the overcast sky for the past  few days makes me wish I hade an OttLite.

6 Quick Tips for Senior Airfare Discounts

Airline Discounts for Seniors are not always the cheapest rates Most senior discounts are on the regular fare. You can often do better checking the special rates on the Internet. And remember, prices change Tuesday night.

• #1 Don't assume there is a Senior Discount. Always check.
• #2 Sign up for your favorite airline newsletter discount fares. They are usually sent on Wednesday.
• #3 Discounts can vary depending on day and season. Don't book your reservation without knowing the discount is secure.
• #4 Join organizations that membership applies for discounts. AARP is a major one.
• # 5 Be sure to have ID for proof of age when you check in.
• #6  If in doubt, check with a travel agent for details on discounts.

Following is from: Cheapflights.com

• Air France: Senior fares are reserved for passengers 60 years of age or older, but only within France. Proof of age must be shown, and these tickets may be changed at no charge or refunded in certain conditions. The airline can be reached at 1-800-237-2747.
• American Airlines: Senior citizen fares are offered for some domestic flights for seniors age 65 or older. Travelers should call American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300.
• Delta: Delta offers senior discounts on certain itineraries, but they aren’t available online, so travelers should call 1-800-221-1212 to check eligibility.
• Southwest Airlines: Discount fares are available to those age 65 or older and must be booked over the phone. For details on fares and limitations, call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). As an additional benefit, senior fares are also fully refundable on Southwest.
• United Airlines: United offers senior citizen discounts in certain markets. Contact United’s reservations department at 1-800-241-6522 to find out if a senior discount is applicable for a particular flight.

Many of the airlines’ regular discount fares are cheaper than senior fares. If you’re not able to find a senior discount, there are still ways to find low-cost airfare:

                                             
A humorous collection of tips and tales designed to educate anyone who qualifies for an AARP card and who has a yearning for international travel. This is a first-hand view from the 70+ author who continues to travel the world after the -usual- heart, leg, and stamina problems. Full of great 'why didn't I think of that' 
Click on the book for more details.

Airline Safety Tips-#1 Don't Drink the Water

According to testing by the EPA, nearly all US passenger planes drinking water is unsafe. It has been recommended we not drink coffee or tea that  is made in the galley. Why? It may not reach high enough temperatures to kill the bacteria. Best idea, buy bottled water after you go through security.

Journal of Environmental Health Research suggests you may be up to 100 times more likely to catch a cold on a plane than you are in your normal day-to-day life.

Take Precautions:

• Don't touch the doorknob in bathrooms. I always take extra TP, open the door, and drop the tissue in a nearby waste container.
• Same with water faucet. Use tissue to turn on and off
• Use a saline nasal spray before, during and after your flight
• Bring you own pillow and a wrap. Do not use theirs.
• Stay hydrated but remember, don't drink the airplane water.

Avoid dehydration: 

Airline travel can cause feet to swell. Mainly because we don't usually drink enough water the day before or during the flight. The natural air in the cabin is dry and the snacks are usually salty. Dehydration thickens blood and inhibits regular flow, that can lead to swollen feet, blood pressure problems and sinus irritation, which will make the ears clog. Better get two bottles of water if it's a long flight.

Ears Clogged?

If ears clog in spite of drinking water, here is what to do:

• Take an antihistamine or a nasal spray a half hour before your flight.
• Yawn or chew gum, or both.
• Close your mouth and gently pinch your nose.Push air into your nose as if blowing it.
• Filtered air plugs are available at the drug store.

Final tip...check out the other Senior Travel Tips links on the left sidebar.

Flight Delayed?. No Flight Available? Try This!

The storm has caused hundreds and hundreds air travel delays. Almost worse than having to spend hours in the airport, is the airline rep not finding you a suitable flight within a short time span. Ever have it happen to you? I have and next time I'm going to be ready with my own 'search for an airline' I can use app.

If your flight is delayed, or heaven forbid not going, you want to know immediately what other flights might be available to use.

FlightTrack color-codes your flights so you can quickly know whether to get out your boarding pass or grab a breakfast taco.It can also show you what other airline seats are available. You might be able to make a better connection.

FlightBoard gives airline names, destinations, gate numbers and time of arrival/departure. It's just like an airport board, except you don't have to crane your neck to see the information. You will see more than the airline rep behind the counter; they are usually rushed due to long lines of people trying to change to better flights.

 Both of these are available as apps on your iOS or Android.

If you are flying, don't leave home without them.

Missed an issue of Senior Travel Plus?

Check out the left sidebar for links to the most popular issues.

More Senior Travel Tips to come. Watch for it on my facebook page.

Overseas Travel? Stop and Read This Now

Health care tops the list of concerns for many of us over 65 planning to travel abroad. Something as simple as visiting an area with high altitude can create a problem not felt in our home location. Altitude sickness can affect our lungs and brain. Consult with your physician prior to your travel overseas to identify your healthcare needs at your destination.  

The U.S. Government health plan (Medicare)for people aged 65 or older does not cover health care overseas. It is recommended you get short care health insurance to cover medical and dental treatment

Local Conditions

Extremes in climate can adversely affect the health of some travelers.  So, too, can travel to high altitude locations.  As you travel, ask your tour operator or hotel about local conditions, including recommendations about taxis and other transportation options, restaurants, and the safety of local drinking water

Research the environmental conditions at your overseas destination that may contribute to your specific health concerns, particularly if you are sensitive to altitude, air pollution, humidity, or other conditions, and check availability and standards of care. 

Pharmacies and Medications

If you routinely take prescription medication, be sure to include an ample supply for your trip, and adjust your medication schedule as you cross time zones.  Carry a letter from your doctor describing your conditions and the medication you require.  To avoid questions or delays at customs or immigration, keep medications in their original, labeled containers.

Prepare for Emergencies

Leave emergency contact information and a copy of your passport biographic data page with family and trusted friends.  Carry emergency contact information for your family in the United States with you when you travel (be sure to also pencil it in the emergency contact information section of your passport).  Know the contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, available on the Country.

It's always  best to know before we go! 
   

Have you missed any of the Senior Travel Plus Blog?

Many of us our solo travelers. We know about the extra cost, and sometimes we aren't sure of the best way to travel solo. Check out these:

Single Travel Tips

Some things you need to know and do when traveling with a disability, yours or your travel mate.

Traveling With Disabilities

Reunion Travel Tips. Make Them Early!

I was one of those people fortunate enough to go to an American High School in Kaiserslautern, Germany and our Senior Class trip was to Italy. Good memories of that trip.

This coming April we will be having a reunion, no not in Italy. We get together every two years in a different city. So I'm thinking about travel plans and pre-reunion plans.

First things first.

• Register for the reunion.
• Make airline and hotel reservations.

Best time to find good deals on flights is Tuesday at
3:00PM EST. Airlines typically launch sales late Monday or very early the next day, and we start seeing them Tuesday morning. 

Best time to book your flight for a cheaper fare is between 3 months and 30 days. Higher fares are nearer the departure dates. That's when business people are booking and the airline boosts the fares.

Before you make your hotel reservations, check out their web site for information about accommodations and what they have to offer.
When you make your hotel reservations, be sure to let them know you are with the reunion group to get the group rate. That's the time to ask for special needs if you have any.

More Details on Booking Your Hotel

It is never too early to start getting in great shape before the reunion. We all want to look our best. Wouldn't it be great if your classmates said, "You haven't changed a bit!"

Get started. If you aren't exercising, get to it. Check with your Dr. first.
Not eating healthy? Shame on you. Get rid of the sugar, the packaged refined foods. Eat Healthy.

That's enough for this issue. You can find more tips at:

How To Pack For A Trip

Bon Voyage, Happy Reunion.

Full Disclosure. I am a Amazon affiliate. If any purchases are made from this Blog, I receive a small, a very small, commission.

I always check out anything I recommend before posting an Amazon link.

Solo Travel Tips - Adventuring Alone

Will you be safe traveling alone on a tour?  Don't travel alone at night and always let the tour guide or someone on the tour know where you are going. Keep phone numbers and locations of your hotel and the group organizer in your cell phone.


Thankfully single travel today isn't what it used to me. More and more major travel companies are marketing to the single crowd and adjusting the 'single supplement'. They used to add a surcharge for a single to the published double occupancy rate. Now they are becoming more inclined to implement offers for the solo traveler. They even offer to match up single travelers with others who have similar tastes in travel accommodations. I wish them better luck than I had.

There are travel marketers willing to accommodate the single traveler. Check with your agent or Tour Company about the mix of the group. How many couples, singles, age bracket, that's important. When I took a group to Australia and New Zealand, all the people except myself and one other woman were over 60. We were both in our 40s and we pretty much did free time together. 

If you are shopping for a cruise or tour via the Internet, you can talk to a representative by phone or online for details about their Single traveler programs. First thing is to know where you want to go, then check out the single details.

The books I list below are mainly for the female solo traveler. I will be writing more for the male solo traveler in another issue of,  Senior Travel Tips Plus

   

Through their own stories and tips and the entertaining and insightful anecdotes of traveling women, Sheila Swan and Peter Laufer show you how to take care of yourself and feel as good on your journeys as you do at home.  Wish they had this back when I was taking groups on cruises and tours. 

Eleanor Berman is a New York City travel writer and a regular solo traveler  helps you tailor your own personal trip working with your individual tastes, energies and timetable to develop the experience of a lifetime. 

Twenty-three beautifully crafted essays, women writing about the thrills of traveling solo

Full Disclosure: If any of the books above are bought from this Blog, I receive a small compensation from Amazon as an affiliate. I research the books before recommending them to be sure they fit the theme of the Blog.

M. Bradley McCauley

© 2015