50+ Travel Tips:

There are a number of ways for mature travelers to overcome their fears of traveling alone and ensure a safe trip.

The social benefits of travel provide older persons the opportunity to exercise their mind and body, For example, hands-on educational adventures called Road Scholar programs.

Mature travelers might want to try this advice to help conquer any fears of going solo and maximize their independent experience.

Don't Roll the Dice with a Destination: Traveling solo can be a bit daunting if you've never done it before, so make sure you feel comfortable with the type of destination.

What do You Want from the Trip: Re-examine precisely what you want from your journey -- a relaxing vacation or an educational experience.

Traveling Solo or Not So Solo: Traveling completely solo can be a daunting experience. So decide just how solo you want to be. Participating on a group tour is a great way to journey but never be lonely.

The Roommate Decision: Many tour operators offer to pair solo travelers together in a double room. Be honest with yourself.

Keep Your Options Open, You Never Know Who'll You'll Meet: Traveling with a group far from home is often a bonding experience for solo travelers, and many travelers become fast and long-time friends -- some even find romance.

Is There a Doctor in the House?: Always put your prescription medications in your carry-on luggage. If your luggage gets lost, you don't want your (possibly) life-saving medications lost with it.

Get Connected: Sign up for a free email account from any of the well- known Internet search engines like Yahoo, Hotmail or Excite, and email your family a postcard while on your trip. You can access your email account from most hotels.

Leave the Hassles to Us: Choosing an organized tour also makes it easier to handle technical travel issues. A tour director takes care of all the baggage, itineraries, tickets, obtaining travel visas, exchanging money, and more.

Players, Beware: If you have any money in the stock market and are going on a tour, ask a trusted individual back at home to monitor the stocks for you. Provide them with your itinerary and telephone numbers to contact you in case of a fluctuation in the market.

Home Sweet Home: To combat homesickness, bring some tastes of home to keep in your hotel room--family photos, familiar-scented sachets, etc. This way, being thousands of miles from home won't feel so unfamiliar and home is only a photograph away.

Author: Jerry Shilan, Saga Holidays - August, 2000