If you are over 50, then congratulations — it\’s a good time to take vacations more often. Now is the time to plan your dream holiday or those few weekenders you have always meant to get to but never had time.! Here are 4 tips to have hassle-free holidays for the over 50s, no matter what your budget or age is. Keep these tips in mind, and you\’ll enjoy every single vacation in the best years of your life!

Tip #1 – Study Your Destination Thoroughly.

The best way to read up about your destination is by checking it out on the Internet! Most cities, tourist spots, and hotels have up-to-date websites and review forums. Many of the travel forums have specific forums for seniors travel – take Lonely Planet for example. Get genuine feedback on your prospective vacation destinations from well-traveled individuals who have actually been there before.

How do you know if a certain review on the Internet is real or fake? Here are a few tips. Firstly, believe only the well-written reviews. The most trustworthy reviews are those from users who have actually written more than just a few reviews in the past. Feel free to send these travelers an e-mail if you have a specific question about their experiences.

Tip #2 – Decide How To Get To Your Destination.

There are many ways to get to your destination, the first of which is the “traditional way” — you book your own flights, you book your own accommodations, and you plan out your own itinerary! It\’s liberating to plan your own vacation, and you may be pleased to find that certain establishments in your destination offer discounts to travelers of certain age groups.

Secondly, you can take tour packages. The transportation, accommodations, itinerary, and meals are all bundled into one vacation package for your convenience. This may or may not be cheaper than planning your vacation from scratch, but it\’s definitely much less of a hassle and a great choice for holidays for the over 50s if you don’t feel up to independent travel.

And thirdly, you can decide to go on a cruise ship. Just hop aboard, and the cruise ship sails you to the destination. Cruise vacations are great because there\’s a lot to do on the cruise ship alone, not to mention the ports. And when you get tired of the ocean, you can go on shore excursions whenever the ship docks at a town you\’ve always wanted to see.

Tip #3 – Make Sure Your Payments Are Safe.

Paying for your vacation through travel agencies is still a good way to go. It\’s familiar, and many people find it comforting to talk to a real human when they\’re paying for their next vacation. If you have a trusted travel agency, then things should be easy for you.

An alternative way to pay is through the Internet. Paying online is safe with services like Paypal, which mask your credit card information when you use it on the Internet. It\’s secure, it\’s quick, it\’s easy, and you can plan and pay for your vacation right in the comforts of home.

Whichever way you decide to pay, it\’s always a good idea to stick with the better-known travel agencies out there. Stick with an agency that has a good reputation and track record, and stay away from shady ones. If the offer sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.

Tip #4 – Get Travel Insurance.

International holidays for the over 50s should always include travel insurance. This one is perhaps the most important tip to remember — get travel insurance. Don\’t even consider a vacation without travel insurance — if you can\’t afford it, stay home. Travel insurance will protect you from costs incurred by delayed flights, lost luggage, stolen wallets, and more.

The right seniors travel insurance will give you the peace of mind to enjoy your vacation completely and thoroughly, so get covered.

Author Bio: Bronwyn White has over 20 years experience in the travel industry, gaining her experience as a travel agent, with airlines, government tourism boards and as a professional travel researcher. Visit her at http://www.seniorstraveltips.com/planning-over-50-holidays/

Category: Travel
Keywords: over 50 holiday, over 50s holidays, over 50 travel, senior travel, seniors travel, senior travels, s