Travel for Older Adults Part IV
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By Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
Billy and I have been on the road meandering through continents for two decades (http://www.retireearlylifestyle.com/20_years.htm ). While we like to think of ourselves as spry, flexible and ready to take on the world, truth is, we are no longer twenty or thirty years old. Travel for older adults, like us at 57 presents challenges that we didn’t have when we were younger. Energy levels have changed and our bodies require different comforts in order to feel well.
If you are in your fifties and sixties with active wanderlust, independent journeying is still possible. Take advantage of what we have learned over the years.
Packing Makes Perfect
Through all these years of traveling from country to country we still utilize travel backpacks for their rugged practicality and ease of transport. Today’s durable, light weight and comfortable backpacks have come a long way from those of years past. Weight is distributed evenly on our backs instead of lugging something one-handedly on either side of our bodies, and it leaves our hands free for paying fares or reading maps. For efficiency and convenience, we place the same items in the same location in our packs each time. There is no jumble. In this way we maintain a sense of order while on the road and it cuts down on any mental confusion allowing us to enjoy our travels. We are less likely to forget an item or misplace it, because it has its own spot.
If for health reasons you cannot carry your luggage weight on your back, be sure your baggage is built lightweight yet sturdy, with compartments inside and has wheels on the bottom for moving your belongings quickly. Don’t be afraid to ask your taxi driver or someone at the hotel desk to help you with your cases. It’s worth the tip and will save wear and tear on your body.
Be sure to have a daypack with you when you travel. In this manner you can carry anything of importance close to you at all times. This may be your medicines, your digital equipment, your maps or travel food. And if you go to the market while on your trip, you can easily carry the items back to your room.
Over the years, we have found that what we pack has changed also. Now we make room for our MP3’s, cell phones, netbook computer, vitamins, personal medications and health aids like a TENS unit. We have a calendar to mark important dates like visa renewals or when to catch that plane. And our online Yahoo! Calendar is used for reminders to send checks so that we can stay financially current.
Tip: When looking for a practical travel bag, simply Google ‘lightweight travel luggage’ to clarify what your choices might be. You can order online, or at least have a solid idea of what you want when you go to your favorite travel shop to purchase.
We’ve had twenty fruitful years of world travel and look forward to many more. Even though we have aged, and some of our methods and equipment have changed, we’ve adapted so that we can continue our chosen lifestyle with both pleasure and ease.
Remember, if we can do it, you can too!
For more information on the topic of Travel, visit our Preferred Links Pages (http://www.retireearlylifestyle.com/favorite_er_links.htm )and click on the extensive travel site suggestions listed there.
Akaisha and Billy Kaderli retired almost 2 decades ago at the age of at the age of 38 and began traveling the world. They are experts in travel for older adults and wrote the popular book, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement (http://retireearlylifestyle.com/orderpage.htm ) which has sold in 40 countries. Their new book, The Adventurer’s Guide to Chapala Living is available on their website as well as more of the wisdom, creative lifestyle options and information they share. RetireEarlyLifestyle.com ( http://retireearlylifestyle.com/ )
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