Archive for Travel
Singles Over 50 Cruise and Vacation Tips
Posted by: | CommentsFew of us like traveling alone and yet there are so many single people today many of us have done so at some time. Considering the demographics and an ever increasing demand more over 50s and singles cruises and vacation options are available. If you’ve always had someone to travel with before and now facing the prospect of going alone you may find it a daunting prospect . You probably have a lot of concerns too. But these days you don’t have to go it alone and you can let someone else like the best singles travel agents do all the trip planning for you.
If this is all new to you once you see how many options there are you’ll discover that when it comes to taking a vacation you don’t have to do what you’ve always done in the past. With so many options open to you now it’s time to choose what type of vacation you want and what you actually enjoy doing while you are on vacation. You need to decide if the idea of a single’s cruise appeals to you more or a vacation on land. Do you want to vacation in a US destination or international? Will be a relaxing getaway or action packed adventure?
Two single friends of mine both in their 60’s recently took a short vacation. It was a 4 day cruise and then 4 days in one destination. They didn’t actually choose a singles trip because they had each other for company but during this trip they did learn a lot about what they liked and didn’t like for future reference. Read More→
Early Discount Cruises or Last Minute Cruise Deals – Which is Better?
Posted by: | CommentsBy Brian A Schmidt
Publisher www.a1-discount-cruises.com
Guest Writer
When we retire we have the luxury of waiting until the last minute to book our vacations. Often we are waiting for those “Last Minute Deals” because we feel that they are the best deals and we can leave at the drop of a hat.
Are Last minute deals really the best offer you can receive for cruise vacations? It has seemed that that is the case. However there have always been some great early booking discounts available as well.
When talking about cruise deals, the vice president of marketing for Avoya Travel / America’s Vacation Center, Jeffrey Anderson says “This year the lines are focusing on early bookings”. These discounts are offered for cruises booked in advance by 120 days up to a year.
When offering early discount offers the cruise lines seem to be concentrating on one cruise type at a time. They may have an early booking deal for a Caribbean Cruise one week. Then, two weeks later that deal is off the plate and Alaskan cruises are the focus.
It’s best to “jump in” when these offers are made. That way you can get the cabin that you desire and at a discounted price – the best of both worlds.
Prices do seem to be slightly higher this year presumably because of the Mega ships being able to command higher rates. However the value for your dollar is as good or better because of the enhancements that cruise lines are making to their products.
According to two of the large on-line cruise retailers this January has been their best ever. They are seeing strong cruise booking for November and December as well as April and May. One of these agencies is also experiencing fantastic sales for summer cruises.
These travel agencies are already seeing stateroom categories selling out. In some cases entire cruises are close to selling out.
One thing to be aware of is that travel agencies are booking entire block of rooms for their exclusive selling. Because of this they are allowed to offer specials or amenities the cruise lines are not offering. So in some cases you can get even greater value by booking through a travel agency than you would by booking directly with the specific cruise line.
Don’t forget to mention that you are Seniors. You deserve every break you can get!
When you find a specific cruise that you would love to be on, it’s best to get the benefit of a great deal – an early booking discount – and get the stateroom of your choice. In some cases you may even get upgraded to a higher stateroom category. How great is that? You get a deal on a fabulous stateroom and receive an even better stateroom than you paid for!
Find out more about cruises and cruise discounts at Discount Cruise Vacations. Check out the fantastic Caribbean Cruises, Alaskan cruises and discover some fabulous CruiseWear and Swim Wear.
Planning to Retire in Mexico –What about Health Care
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Author Shirley Price
If you are at the point that you are seriously thinking about living in Mexico then you have probably spent considerable time checking out where are the best places to retire. You want to know what the pros and cons are.
There is little doubt that there are some beautiful places in Mexico and what is more Mexico is a great place if you are looking for lots of sunshine. Let’s be honest the sun is something that most of us are looking for especially if you live in a place with long cold winters.
If you’ve been doing your research on places to retire for a while you will probably be aware that every year there are countries that are voted the best place in the world to live or the best place to retire.
Modern Mexico
For various reasons the results do change so one year it may be Panama that is voted the #1 choice another year it may be Ecuador, or Nicaragua, other years it’s Mexico. Even though Mexico may not be seen to be the cheapest place anymore it still remains one of the favorites.
Mexico has been voted the top place to retire many times over. One of the main attractions for retirees to live in places like Mexico is the opportunity to have a higher quality of living with a lower cost, making it affordable for many to live well on a fixed income. An opportunity to live with more for less, something most would not be able to do in their home country.
Mexico has had a lot of bad publicity over the last few years and it should not be ignored. However, Mexico is a big country with a large population and many of the problems related to the drug wars are located in or near the border towns but there are isolated incidents in other parts too. Even so statistics show that each year more and more people are going there for vacations and to retire.
With the economy so bad; especially in the US where many people are being forced out of the homes and losing their retirement savings is it any wonder that they are looking for less expensive options. Mexico is also ideally situated for many Americans and Canadians that want to go back and forth to Mexico or have family in these countries that they want to have visit. With regular and somewhat affordable flights still available plus the shorter flying time it is also one of the pros to be considered.
Another big factor is health care, especially for retirees. Obviously they will most likely start needing more health care as they age. Already there are thousands of Americans that go south of the boarder to get their prescriptions, dental work and other medical care. Between the high numbers of those without health care insurance and the expensive cost of prescriptions in the US is it any wonder that they want to cross the border to visit Mexico and make these huge savings. Read More→
The Top Cities to Visit in Europe
Posted by: | CommentsMaybe you have been confronted with the question “What’s the best city to visit in Europe?” or maybe it’s something you are asking for yourself. Personally, I have heard this same question numerous times, that’s why I have compiled this list of top cities in Europe that you might want to visit during your trip or vacation to Europe. When you retire this is something to add to your lists of to do’s, especially if you can take the extra time to really explore Europe and what it has to offer those of any age.
1) London, England
London is popular amongst tourists who don’t fancy being in a country where they don’t know the language. If you are on a budget, want to economize a bit and you don’t have money to travel beyond 
England, then a tour of London won’t disappoint. If you like strong theater and ale, a stop over in London is worth every penny. If you want to enjoy London, it’s best to visit from May all the way through October. Don’t forget to visit the British Museum, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Palace. It’s pretty easy to get around with the London underground system. Most of the major tourist sites have a station close by. It’s also worth getting a guide book because many of the tourist spots are quite close together and you want to see as much as you can while there. If you can make it to the changing of the Guard it’s a wonderful photo opportunity. There are so many wonderful things to experience in the London area.
2) Amsterdam, Holland
If you love the “Dutch Masters”, then don’t forget to visit Amsterdam. Amsterdam is also popular among cyclists because of its rather flat surface. If you require chemical assistance, Amsterdam has free spirits for you.
The city is the cultural and financial capital of the Netherlands. It has a variety of interesting places to visit. Unfortunately, it can rain in Amsterdam at any time, but this should not stop you from visiting this wonderful city. If you like the sun, then travel in July and August during the peak summer season. Don’t forget to eat at an Indonesian rijsttafel. You can also stroll down the Historical canals up to the Royal Palace, Rijksmuseum. You may want to see the Anne Frank House and maybe you will also want to visit the Van Gogh Museum. Amsterdam also has its red-light district. Amsterdam attracts more than 4 million tourists every year. Read More→
Over 50 – Maybe It’s Time to Take your Trip of a Lifetime
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At 50 plus, there are probably very few material things that you are looking for. Of course, you want to ensure that you have enough dollars to last you through your retirement period and enough money to pay for a college education for your kids.
If you think that you are able to take care of the above the majority of over 50 individuals want to experience at least one special travel experience that they will never forget. If you ask me, I would place my bet on taking a trip of a lifetime would be pretty high on your list. Taking a trip of a lifetime is a type of experience that will forever stay with you.
You shouldn’t wait until you are old in order to take the trip of a life time. You want to go when you can really enjoy it and participate in a variety of activities. In fact, in your 50s and 60s, it’s a lot easier to have your dream adventure.
Some people choose a special anniversary or birthday to take a memorable trip of a lifetime, maybe for a 25th anniversary, 50th or 60th birthday or even to celebrate their new retirement.
The tips below will come handy if you are planning to take that very special trip.
• Before you even start making concrete plans, analyze your wants, desires and wishes first. Make sure that you are very clear on what you want. Having qualms and second thoughts about your special one off trip whether it is an Adventure getaway or a Luxury Vacation can derail everything. Go for what you really want and don’t be talked out of it by you or anyone else. Now you are over 50 you should be doing some special things for yourself and having some fun is one of them. Read More→
Hawaii Travel Tips: Tips to Ensure That You Enjoy Your Hawaii Trip
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Each year, millions of individuals, families and couples throng Hawaii to spend their vacation. It’s quite obvious why millions from around the world visit Hawaii given that many people have branded this beautiful place a paradise. While Hawaii trips are enjoyable, there are some vital travel tips that you have to consider if you intend to spend your vacation in Hawaii. With these travel tips, you are certain to enjoy your next Hawaiian vacation, regardless of the number of days you will take there.
Just like traveling to other destinations, the primary thing you will have to do is make adequate preparation for your trip to Hawaii. It’s paramount to appreciate air travel rules, whether you are departing from the United States or a different country. If you are arriving in Hawaii from main land- U.S, you don’t have to obtain a passport; though you will need a passport if you are visiting from another country other than the United States. Confirm that you have all the necessary identification prior to leaving for the airport. If you are not sure that you have all the necessary documents, get acquainted to what forms of identification are needed when preparing.
Besides air travel rules, you will also want to pack wisely for your Hawaii trip. The majority of Hawaii travelers blunder by assuming that they know what the weather will be like when they reach their 
destination. Fortunately, Hawaii is usually sunny and warm but there are no guarantees that it will remain the same when you arrive so you should check the long range weather forecast before you start packing for your expedition. Failure to pack the necessary clothing suitable for the weather may make your trip a rather an unpleasant experience.
Because you want to have a memorable experience during your Hawaii vacation, it’s paramount to place a spotlight on your vacation. Decide on the kind of activates you’d like to participate in and the places you will visit while there. Luckily, Hawaii has a variety of lots of fun adventures as well as some more quiet activities for those that prefer a more relaxed style. If you are looking for something quite romantic, the Hawaiian Islands have oodles of romantic activities suited for couples.
One thing you will have to focus on is your well-being when in Hawaii. Fun activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking and mountain climbing can be dangerous at times so it’s advisable to go on a guided tour. A guided tour is particularly recommended for those visiting Hawaii for the first time. If you take safety precautions, your Hawaiian vacation will be filled with a lot of excitement that will live forever in your memory. Read More→
Vancouver a Buzz 2010
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By Shirley Price
Right now Vancouver is a buzz with the 2010 Olympic Games. Some events are taking place almost on my doorstep. Everywhere you go you see the signs. There are people wearing red and white scarfs, mittens, sweat shirts and other Olympic attire. Vehicles are supporting flags, stores and businesses are dressed for the occasion too. There is something going on somewhere all of the time with entertainment being offered for people to enjoy in communities around the Lower mainland.
Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Canada
At anytime Vancouver is a beautiful city. The summers are usually pretty good with regards to weather with lots of outdoor activities and entertainment. Normally in the winter and early spring you can go skiing in the morning at one of the local mountains and be practicing your golf swing on one of the local golf courses in the afternoon. You have the majestic mountains to the North side and the ocean to the South.
Typically in February we would still be getting new snow falls on the mountains, but wouldn’t you know it…this year the big Olympics year we have less snow on our mountains than normal for this time of year. 2010 is a year that the extra snow would have really been appreciated. There are times when local skiing can go on until May but by then many of the skier and snowboarders are often ready to move on to the next season’s sporting activities with boating, fishing, hang gliding, motor biking, mountain biking etc often leaving the snow on the mountains for the tourists only to enjoy.
There are lots of interesting places to visit here in Vancouver from Stanley Park with its many vantage points for photo opportunities, multitude of trees and plants, rose gardens, the Malkin Bowl Theater, its totem poles, and horse drawn rides around the park. Not to forget the aquarium with the Beluga whales, cute otters and other creatures. There are artists that you can watch paint and sell their pictures in the open air of Stanley Park. Read More→
Experience Greece: The Cradle of Western Civilization
Posted by: | CommentsBeauty and Culture combined
Experience the beauty of Greece
When we think of Greece most of us will visualize the whitewashed houses and the domed Churches framed by the deep blue Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop. Greece is a cosmopolitan destination where the visitors are predominantly from the UK and other parts of Europe. This is the type of destination that visitors from other parts of the world may decide to do as a part of a European Tour maybe when they retire,when they have a bit more time to really enjoy.
Many of us will have been enthralled with the beauty of Greece from movies such as Mama-Mia and The sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Santorini has probably the most famous images and a must to visit on anyone’s list that plans to visit Greece.
Much has been written about Greece’s marvelous diverse and robust invention that has become today’s Grecian society, and yet millions of people have not had the chance to explore this mythic isthmus; well thought-out to be the cradle of Western civilization and the present democratic system.
At first, a journey to Greece may seem like an experience that will be greeted by distinct standing relics of ancient Greece without anything
Visit the beautiful Greek Islands
modern to write home about. If you explore the current Grecian society, you will be mesmerized by the expansive urban conurbation of today’s Grecian Cities and yet the major historic attractions remain entrenched in the modern day fray and cultural fine distinctions of a tumultuous history are written between the walls and the dazzling “azure” Aegean Sea.
Greece’s history dates as far back as far as 6000 B.C, when the earliest traces of a city-state were recognized. This was during the Neolithic Period dominated by the Minoan and Mycenaean Kingdoms. Later tales were the Dorian invasions and the Dark Ages. It’s a widely accepted notion that Greece enjoyed its most successful and renowned Classical and Hellenistic Periods between 500 and 146 B.C. This is the period when Plato, Socrates and Democracy flourished and the Parthenon and Acropolis were erected in Athens. This was followed by the Roman takeover as it appears in the intermediary art and structural design, together with the combination of mythologies.
The Turks and Byzantines overrun Greece during the contemporary period and a cultural resurgence and War of Independence in 1821 paved way for the reunification and admiration of Greek culture. Fortunately, the Greek culture still thrives to date.
Land attractions in Greece
The Magnetism of Caribbean Islands
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Joe odur
The Caribbean Islands offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for a honeymoon getaway or family vacation destination. If you are 50+ and want a trip of a life time, then a visit to the Caribbean Islands should rank high up on your list. The Caribbean comprises of a group of islands, for instance the Bahamas and Jamaica.
Snorkel in the Caribbean
In recent years, the numbers of people visiting the Caribbean for vacations, honeymoons and romantic getaways have increased tremendously. If you are contemplating taking a trip to the Caribbean, you may perhaps be looking for justification as to why you ought to.
Obviously, every family, every individual, and every couple have their own reasons for going on vacation; however, the Caribbean constantly seems to delight and enthrall each one who takes a trip to the islands. Because of this, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time, if you do decide to take your next vacation to the Caribbean Islands.
The Caribbean is also well-liked amongst tourists because of its beauty and attractiveness. There are very few beaches as good as the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean islands. The majority of visitors will probably never see anywhere as stunning ever again in their natural life once they leave these Islands. Actually, many families make the decision to visit these locations for the very reason that it is an unforgettable experience. Then again, the Caribbean beaches and their loveliness are ideal for lovers and couples of all ages. No wonder many couples prefer to honeymoon in the Caribbean..
Cruises For Over 50s
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By Jason Black
As you yourself are cruising over 50, how about thinking about a cruise specifically tailored to the over 50 crowd? There are all kinds of cruises out there, ones filled with oodles of kids, to 
bursting with party animals. Neither of these are the stage you’re at, so why be surrounded with people and activities that won’t interest you? The over 50 crowd has a maturity and sophistication all its own, yet is still eager to be active and engaged. A cruise can be memorable and fun, and most importantly relaxing and stress-free. You’ve earned it and now’s your time!
The world awaits you!
You may have had your standard set of family vacations over the years and traveled to a few places on business as well, but what about the places you’ve had bookmarked in your mind that you’d like to see? Want to travel to the Arctic or Antarctic, or someplace warm, such as Hawaii, the Caribbean or Costa Rica? How about a European cruise or one to the Galapagos Islands, or the Nile River? There are tons of inviting destinations to choose from. The world is literally your oyster in the world of cruising.Studies also show that by 2020, one out of every two travelers will be over 50 years old, so this is good news for you. You are a target market that is growing, and the travel industry will be increasingly dependent on your business. Read More→
