Page 132 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2024

GOLDEN YEARS
For many people the golden years are the perfect time for traveling, but there are some words of advice before you go.
Paige Heitzmann, vice president of Travel Affiliates in Gulfport, advises booking with a travel advisor who will help you make the best decisions on the type of vacation, destination, tours, and other necessities to have the vacation you desire.
“We are seeing more older people travel than prior to COVID. Many are traveling with other couples or extended family,” she says. “Tours are including the activity level in the description
of the tour whether it is a shore excursion from a cruise ship or land tour in a destination. It’s very important for all travelers
to take the activity level into consideration so they don’t book a tour they can’t fully participate in.”
Dave Vincent, who has taken seniors on 26 bus trips across the U.S. and into Canada, agrees that seniors need to check the activity level of the trip before booking. “It is not a problem for seniors to travel with walkers and even small electric scooters. There is ample room on a bus for these devices,” he says. “I have seen a few times that people get in a hurry on a trip, are not careful and fall and hurt themselves. I always tell
a group to take their time, look down at your feet, and
don’t fall.”
But overall he says, “Don’t be afraid to travel. Get out there and enjoy the world, especially the United States
story by Lynn Lofton
as soon as you can because we don’t know what medical issues we or our loved ones might soon develop. Also, travel does not have to be expensive. Many bus trips can be done for under $1,000.”
The number one mistake Heitzmann sees is not working
with a travel professional so the trip details and financials are fully explained. “Air travel is different now and they need to be prepared with that information to get a good start to the trip. What about jet-lag and the amount of time they need to adjust to a new time zone? What are they paying for, what’s needed out-of-pocket during the trip? Most of all, get trip insurance.”
Another mistake on tours, Vincent says, is not knowing your roommate. “I have had a few instances where two people agree to room together and then discover they are not compatible.”
Heitzmann says cruises are always popular but she’s also seeing a lot of European travel and river cruises. “In general, travel adds to the richness of life and the gratitude for an amazing world.”
Some popular destinations Vincent sees include Charleston, South Carolina; Amish Country in Pennsylvania; Mackinac Island, Michigan; and the Grand Canyon. “Then there are places right here at home that should be visited such as the World War II Museum in New Orleans and Mississippi’s many great museums.”
132 | November 2024
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TRAVEL TIPS FOR SENIORS