When I feel the itch (and I am always itchy), I Travel, one of the nice things about being healthy and single.

It can be a simple as a long drive, or a flight or boat ride to an island. In all cases, the destination is always the same – an evening in a quiet beach resort.

Every now and then, my daughter and her hubby bring me along for a ride. I like this type of travel because it has a touch of class (they have more money than me). LOL!

I have already lined up several destinations this year and they all promise to be exciting and fulfilling

What about you? Have you made a list of travel destinations? If you haven’t, start doing it now. Don’t let the year pass (and it can be over before you know it), with much regret for not having scratched your itch.

Why travel?
First, it is the best way of getting out of the confinement of your home, your boring and stifling environment. It is to have a whiff of fresh and invigorating air, an unobstructed view of the sunrise or sunset.

Other than the romantic aspects of travel, it is good both for your body and mind.

Exploring new cities, visiting museums, talking to new and different people and learning a few foreign words are all nourishing to the mind.For example it…

–  Improves social and communication skills;
–  Gives you peace of mind;
–  Helps generate creative and original thoughts;
–  Broadens your horizon;
–  Makes you a take chances and uncertainties with a smile;
–  Boosts your self-confidence;
–  Gives you real-life education.

In summary, Dr. Margaret J. King, director of the Center for Cultural Studies & Analysis, says this of the mental benefits of travel: “With a short list of activities each day, freed up from the complexities of ongoing projects and relationships, the mind can reset, as does the body, with stress relief the main outcome.

Traveling also requires a lot of physical activities like walking around museums, exploring city streets and malls, running after public transports, etc. Studies show that a tourist walks an average of 10 miles a day. That is a lot of walking for better health.

Of course, travel has its risks. Some places are better avoided to avoid getting into the midst of a local unrest, while the rest can be mitigated by ample preparation.

Here are a few safety tips to make your travel an unforgettable experience.

Tips for a safe travel:
A lot of things can happen while you are away from home. I know of a friend who had a heart attack while going around St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. So before leaving, be sure to:

1.  Get cleared by your doctor:
Get a go-signal from your doctor that you are fit to travel. Some airlines will require it if you have a known medical conditions.

Let your doctor know your destination, how long is your stay and what will be your expected activities.

If he recommends prescription drugs to carry along or certain immunization, don’t ignore it.

2.  Don’t forget your drugs:
If you are on prescription drugs be sure to bring along enough to cover your entire stay. Bring along your prescriptions, too, just in case.

It would not be a bad idea to bring along other drugs for allergies, headache, cough and cold or painkillers. Better be ready than sorry. The new environment may affect you in ways you never expected.

3.  Keep your family in the loop:
Let your family know of your travel plans.

My children always know of my travel plans, i.e., my departure and arrival dates, where I am going to stay, etc. And when I get there, the first thing I do is to let them know of my arrival.

It will give you and your family peace of mind.

4.  Be sure to get travel insurance:
Don’t scoff at the idea of travel insurance. It can come in very handy. A lot of my friends who are residing abroad benefited from it when they came home to have surgical operations.

It costs a pittance compared to the potential benefit you get from it in case you need it. Don’t wait until it rains before running for an umbrella. Bring one along.

5.  Know your destination:
Know as much as possible your destination, i.e., weather, hospitals, recreation areas, places of interest, crime rate, currency conversion rates, etc.

Have a general idea of the area around the place where you will be staying, how to get around, available transportation types, and many others.

Groping around in a place you are not very familiar is a great spoiler of could have been a wonderful travel.

6. Take it easy:
You are on a pleasure trip, so take things easy. Wake up as late as you can or go to bed as later than usual.

For a short time in your life, discard your habits and adopt new ones. You are there to enjoy, to enjoy and savor each moment.

Don’t push yourself too hard, though. Don’t rush through things. Take your own sweet time to cover everything in your itinerary.

And treat yourself to a nice warm bath and a glass of wine to end each day. You owe it to yourself.

Please share so other seniors will relish the wonders of going away for a change.

~oOo~

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