Golden Opportunities

Seniors are hitting the road in record numbers. If you’re one of those who have been bit with the travel bug, you sure don’t want to be hit by unpleasant surprises. Here with worldly advice on how to create golden travel memories in our golden years is Arlene Goldberg, president of Action Travel.

Question: With the growing number of older adults traveling, what would you say is the most important consideration when booking a vacation?

Answer: The most important consideration, but also the best value, is to book a trip with a reputable travel agent. Most do not charge for their services.
Look to see if the travel agent is a member of the Association of Retail Travel Agents or the American Society of Travel Agents. Better yet, call the Better Business Bureau or go to their website to see if there are any complaints.
A good travel agent has a wealth of information to share. For example, they have access to Ohio Resident Specials, Military Fares, Past Passenger Deals; Regional Promotions just to name a few. And these can save a bundle of money!

Question: Today people a re very concerned about safety when they travel. What do you suggest?

Answer: While no destination is entirely safe, neither is what we do on a day by day basis. Everything we do has a risk. However, there are safety reports available on all destinations and these are available to all travel agents. Travel agents also get feedback from their clients to share.

Question: What would you say the key factor is to get the best price and value vacation for travelers?

Answer: Book as far in advance as possible. The prices are at the lowest at that time. Prices increase as the plane fills, the resort fills and the ship fills.

Question: People may be concerned booking far in advance due to health considerations. Do you recommend still booking in advance?

Answer: Yes. Book as far in advance as possible and purchase low cost travel insurance. This will protect you from losing the money paid for the trip. Travel insurance also gives protection on the trip with health/accident and baggage issues. Some policies let you cancel for any reasons, some just health reasons and some let you cancel even though you have a pre-existing health condition.

Question: What about waiting for last minute deals?

Answer:Some people, especially seniors, have flexibility on the dates and time of travel. In that case, you may want to try “last minute deals.” Continental, for example, often offers deep discounts on air travel to fill planes at the last minute. And they often create last minute packages with low cost hotel and rental car deals too.

Question: How can travelers simplify their trip?

Answer: Choose trips with the least amount of air flight connections and airports that are easy to get in and out of. You only have to unpack once on a cruise, and you get to see lots of interesting places. Or you may want to choose charter packages with non-stop flights to destinations.

Question: Say you have booked a cruise or a tour. How can you make sure that it's not too much for you physically? Or, conversely, that the trip meets your active lifestyle?

Answer:Talk to the cruise/tour company, or your travel agent. They will have a description of all the activities available, including how long walks are, if it's over difficult terrain, etc.

Question: Can you recommend a couple of reasonable interesting, relatively safe and value price trips?

Answer: A 14 day Hawaii cruise that sails round-trip from the West Coast and takes in the highlights of many Hawaiian Islands. You can eliminate the Hawaii jet lag and you only have to unpack once. All your meals, entertainment, & shipboard activities are included. Prices start about $1500-$1600 for the cruise plus airfare to West Coast (Las Angeles or San Diego).
Also, for really fun trip, I'm personally hosting & escorting Action Travel's 12th annual Cleveland Indians Spring Training trip in March, 2007. Choices of 1 and 2 week packages available that include:

• Non-stop air flights to Orlando, all transfers, airport/hotel
• Accommodations at a fine hotel next to the Chain O'Lakes Ballpark in Winter Haven, Florida
• Daily breakfast
• Two dinners
• The best ball game tickets to all exhibition games, home and on the road
• Round-trip transportation to all road games
• Lots of free value souvenirs.

If you're ready for take-off, give Action Travel a call. The number's next. My thanks to Arlene Goldberg.