| If you were born between the end of World War II | | | | name on the bottle matches the passport. If you |
| and the beginning of the Vietnam War, you are a | | | | require supplies like alcohol swabs and other support |
| Baby Boomer. 'Travel' is at the top of the list for many | | | | products, purchase them ahead of time. You may not |
| Boomers. Planning and preparation stages are crucial, | | | | be able to locate what you need in a foreign country. |
| and what you pack is also important. These travel tips | | | | Be aware of the coverage provided by your current |
| can help. | | | | medical insurance policies. It may be prudent to |
| If you were born between the end of World War II | | | | purchase extra insurance for unexpected (and |
| and the beginning of the Vietnam War, you are a | | | | uncovered) contingencies such as air evacuation. |
| Baby Boomer. Some Boomers have taken early | | | | Packing |
| retirement already, and others are on the verge of this | | | | Travel activities can cause swollen feet. Sensible, |
| new chapter in their lives. 'Travel' is at the top of the list | | | | comfortable footwear that is one width wider and 1/2 |
| for many. | | | | size larger than usual is advisable. Never pack brand |
| Planning Your Trip | | | | new shoes or boots. |
| Your travel itinerary should be part of a careful | | | | Sleep disturbances become more frequent as we |
| process. Plan a holiday with plenty of 'you' time. You | | | | age. Pack some foam earplugs so you won't have to |
| should finish every vacation feeling relaxed and | | | | worry about your partner's snoring, creaking |
| rejuvenated. | | | | floorboards, or disturbances in the hallway outside your |
| Baby Boomers are generally quite fit when compared | | | | room. |
| to our ancestors. However, increasing numbers of | | | | Many of us find that foods we used to enjoy now |
| obese or overweight adults are plagued with bad | | | | cause symptoms like gas, cramps, or constipation. At |
| backs, high cholesterol levels, and fragile knee joints. | | | | home, we can compensate by watching what we eat. |
| Don't just pick a cruise and pack your bags. Keep your | | | | However, when dining in restaurants, we are often |
| interests and physical limitations in mind. If you are a | | | | faced with unfamiliar and exotic fare that can wreak |
| swimming fanatic, you might want to try scuba diving. | | | | havoc with the gastrointestinal system. Pack a bottle |
| However, asthma would preclude a scuba vacation. | | | | of digestive enzymes. They are available in big |
| You might have to settle for snorkeling instead. If you | | | | department stores like Wal-Mart, as well as |
| have a bad back, don't plan to go hiking in the Andes. | | | | pharmacies and health food stores. |
| The older you are, the less likely you are to have a | | | | A small memory foam travel pillow can cradle your |
| comfortable night's sleep. Try to find a hotel or bed | | | | head while you nap onboard the plane - or it can |
| and breakfast with memory foam mattresses and | | | | provide relief from a sore back if you put it between |
| soundproof walls. | | | | your knees while you sleep at night. |
| When booking your room, ask the reservations desk if | | | | Keep your hands free when you go on tours. A good |
| they offer discounts for seniors. Some lodging | | | | backpack is the key. Shop around until you find a |
| establishments will provide a substantial discount as | | | | comfortable pack that is easy to put on and remove. |
| early as age 55. Don't consider yourself 'old' just | | | | Partay! |
| because you are 55. Think of some fabulous Baby | | | | Each day before you leave the room, check the |
| Boomers like Suzanne Somers, Donald Trump, | | | | weather forecast and dress accordingly - in layers. If |
| Sylvester Stallone, and Dolly Parton. They all | | | | you get too warm later in the day, you can peel |
| celebrated 60th birthdays in 2006. | | | | something off and put it in your backpack. |
| Preparations | | | | Your backpack can also be used for meds, your |
| Apply for a passport at least 6 months in advance if | | | | travel pillow, a bottle of water, and other essentials. |
| you don't already have one. Some countries will not | | | | Valuables and important papers should never go in the |
| allow you to cross their borders with a passport that is | | | | pack, however. Keep them in a next-to-skin money |
| near its expiry date. Contact embassies or do some | | | | belt (zipper side in) with only small amounts of cash in |
| research online so that you are aware of current | | | | another easily accessed wallet or pocket. |
| regulations. | | | | Fresh water is crucial. Proper hydration will keep your |
| Check with your physician to see if there are any | | | | energy level at optimum and prevent that old travel |
| activities you should avoid. Your doctor can also | | | | bane - constipation. |
| advise you regarding immunizations, give you | | | | Wherever you go, whatever you do, wear a smile and |
| prescription refills, and provide photocopies of crucial | | | | be polite. A cheerful attitude will be infectious and will |
| medical information. Many countries will only allow | | | | transform your time away from home into a truly |
| clearly labeled prescription medications where the | | | | happy, memorable experience. |