Air Travel Costs Are Down If You Are Flexible

The air-fares offered by most airlines today are influenced by scores of factors. But, saving on air-travel is easy, provided you are ready to devote a little more time and efforts.

Points Worth Remembering

1 Try to book a ticket in its country of origin. For instance, if you're planning a one-way flight from Paris to Rome, a France-based travel agency will probably offer the lowest fares.

2 Look into courier flights, where companies hire a courier (you) and use your excess baggage allowance for their time-sensitive business cargo.

3 Lowest-price fares often require one to three weeks' advance purchase, are nonrefundable, require a certain length of stay, and carry stiff penalties for changing dates and destinations.

4 Stay with the same airline during your entire trip to receive round-trip or connecting fare discounts. Whether you are traveling for leisure or for business, here are 10 handy tips that could guide you to get the best bargains on your air travel and ensure that you make the most of your hard earned mullah.

1. Where All Should You Look?
Start by checking and compare the fares offered by all possible on-line travel providers, aggregator sites and consolidators.

This should give you a fair idea of the general range between which your air ticket should be priced. Booking sites also have alert features to inform you of any drop in air fare.

Equipped with this knowledge, you can now visit travel agencies to know about their offers. Since these agencies buy tickets in bulk and can forgo a part of their commission, the fares offered by them are much lower.

They could also provide you an entire package including return fares, accommodation and transfers at a much lower rate.

Don’t forget to check with airlines before taking the plunge. A few airlines offer their discounted fares on their web sites alone.

You could also check with the airlines for their packages if they are offering any. These packages could help save money on transfers and accommodation.

2. Check Budget Airlines
Flying one of the budget airlines can help save heaps. The budget or discount airlines that have mushroomed in recent times, offer some great discounts on air travel. They have their fares mentioned on highly frequented travel portals and booking sites.

Also remember to check the web sites of these airlines as they often offer special discounted fares.

3. Check for Special Round Trip Fares
Many airlines often offer special fares when itinerary includes many destinations and back. This is called a round trip.

Consider booking return journey in advance. This can go a long way in helping you save.

4. When to Stop Looking?
Before making the final decision, check sites such as Kayak.com, that offer predictions on whether the air fare for a particular itinerary is on upward or a downward trend.

They also predict the general price range within which your ticket should be priced given the time and destination of travel.

5. Be Flexible with Time and Date
The mantra to finding the best air fare is being flexible with respect to the time and date of your travel.

Often, a minor change in dates or time of travel can translate into huge savings. Flying in mid week or during off hours could also save you loads of dollars.

The most attractive deals are offered by airlines on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, when they announce their new ticket pricing. So, booking a flight on Monday could leave you fist clenching and exasperated.

Try to avoid traveling during season time. Also, don’t forget to check on standby fares. But availing standby fares during the peak season could leave you hunting for spare seat on the airline.

It would, however be best if you could wait and cash upon until a price war erupts between airlines.

6. Plan Your Travel Ahead of Time
Airlines price their tickets in accordance with the number of days left for travel. Hence, for domestic flights, they typically raise the ticket price 21 days, 14 days, 7 days and 3 days prior to departure.

The simple rule of thumb for air travel is - the sooner you purchase your tickets, the cheaper they tend to be. So, if you wish to do some savings, plan your travel much ahead of time.

In case you plan to fly international, you bookings have to be done much earlier, say about 6 to 7 months prior to your intended date of departure, in order to be able to save some money.

7. Last Minute Bookings
Last minute flying plans need not necessarily mean paying from your nose. In fact, it could some times be good news and get you some of the best bargains on air fare ever.

You could also check out web sites that specialize in last minute travel such as LastMinuteTravel.com.

For domestic travel you could also consider late night flights (Usually International Flights with a couple of stop-overs) called red-eye if the flight is a hopping one and stops at the destination of your choice.

If you decide to fly on the eleventh hour, you could go to the airport and inquire if a flight that is about to take off within the next couple of hours has any extra seats left. If you are lucky you could get them dirt-cheap.

8. Avail an Air Pass When Possible
When traveling to international destinations, remember to check about air pass. Many countries offer air passes on their national carriers, with an aim to promote tourism to specific destinations in their country.

If you plan extensive travel in a certain country, these air passes could help you save heaps.

9. Redeem Your Frequent Flier Miles
If you are a frequent flier with a specific or a few airlines, you could consider redeeming your frequent flier points now.

This is a good way of making your travel free. Sometimes your accumulated points should be enough to include the travel tickets of your entire family.

However, it would be prudent on your part to first check the availability of seats because a limited number of seats are assigned by each airline for such award travel, which sell off quickly.

10. Check Special Deals Wherever Possible
The key to saving money is to ask for something more, and more often you will get it. Find out about special deals for senior citizens, children, spouse, etc whenever applicable.

Have you ever tried ‘name-your-own-price’ tickets? Although there is a fair amount of risk in that as they reveal your exact airline, flight times and routes, they can save about 40 percent of your travel expenses.

You could also try to getting refund to an already purchased air ticket, the prices of which have subsequently gone down.

Here’s wishing you a bon voyage!

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Save Money on Your Next CRUISE Vacation

Here are a few cruise tips to help you plan, save money and enjoy your cruise vacation.

Schedule your cruise during the off-season. This is a simple but very excellent way to save a bundle on your cruise vacation. Cruise lines are like any other travel related business. They have seasonal ups and downs. During the peak cruise season cruise lines charge more. Why? Because they can.

During the slow season the prices drop because there are fewer customers and the cruise lines need to fill the ship to stay profitable. This is basic demand vs. supply economics and you can take advantage of it.

The cost of the cruise itself is only part of your cruise vacation budget. Most travelers will have to fly to the port city where the cruise departs. Don’t assume that you have to pay for this. It is not unusual for a cruise line to offer packages that include airfare.

As you research and plan your cruise, keep an eye out for these airfare-included deals. If you don’t see anything right away, don’t be afraid to ask. You never know what great deals may be available once to dig a little deeper.

Seasickness is a common problem for many people who want to cruise. Did you know that your choice of cabin can actually help with this? The fact is that the rolling up and down ocean movements are much less in the middle of the ship compared with the front and back of the ship. Most people, especially newcomers to cruising, are not aware of this. By selecting a cabin closer to the middle, you can reduce the sea movements that cause seasickness and have a much more enjoyable cruise experience.

Shore excursions are a popular and fun part of cruising. But often these excursions have a limited number of participants. Don’t wait to the last minute, assuming that you will be able to just join in on any shore excursion that interests you. Plan ahead. Find out what excursions are planned and sign up as early as possible so you don’t get left out.

If you are trying to save money, ask during your planning stage about available shore excursions. Many cruise lines offer complimentary shore excursions as part of the cruise package. This can be a great money saver. Always ask about the shore excursion pricing. Don’t assume an advertised excursion is included with your trip.

If you are planning a family cruise, you can really help make the experience the best for everyone by choosing a good family friendly cruise line. Some are better than others when it comes to catering to families. You need to ask.

Many cruise lines have a host of activities geared for kids and a staff dedicated to keeping the kids happy. Other things like kid’s pools, clubs and kid-friendly shore excursions are offered by some cruise lines. On-board strollers and cribs can help make it easier to cruise with a family.

One of the choices you have when choosing a cruise is the size of the cruise line and the ship. With the larger ships you will probably be going to the more popular, well known ports. You will typically have a large and varied selection of fun things to do on-board.

On the other hand, choosing a smaller ship can result in a more slow-paced intimate experience. A smaller cruise ship will be more likely to take you to lesser known, less traveled ports. It all depends on the cruise experience you are looking for. Select the trip that suites your taste.

For some people, cruising is just about general relaxing and sightseeing. But maybe you want more. How about a cruise that combines the pleasure of getting out on the ocean while also focusing on something that you are passionate about?

Many cruise lines offer theme cruises. Maybe you enjoy, or want to learn about gourmet cooking. Maybe you are really into scrapbooking. You can find lots of specialized cruises where you can indulge in your own interests with other people who share your passion. From poker to mahjong, or singles to life healing and yoga, there’s a theme cruise waiting for you.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Popular Vacations for Active Seniors

Most Popular Vacations for Active Seniors

Where is the active senior heading for vacation? The choices have never been more numerous. While there are many vacation destinations that only a few years ago were unheard of, other vacation spots have updated in order to become more attractive to seniors.

Overall, seniors today are healthier and more active than ever before. Visiting new places and experiencing new activities is possible for many of today’s seniors. Of course, relaxation is still of prime importance, which is why all-inclusive vacations are still popular.

All-inclusive vacations are great for active seniors for a variety of reasons. Because everything is included in the price, including airfare and meals, it is easy for the senior to plan and budget for the trip. Many all-inclusive vacations allow the vacationer to choose from a variety of activities as well. This means that the active senior can choose to play tennis or golf, ride bicycles or scuba dive, while other participants partake in spa activities or shopping. In the past, choices in all-inclusive vacations could be restrictive, but today, it is unlikely that the senior will be forced to participate in an activity that does not interest them.

All-inclusive vacations are available on resorts or cruises, in all areas of the world. If you are interested in a particular area, it is very likely that there is an all-inclusive vacation to that spot. What to know before scheduling an all-inclusive vacation? Be sure that you understand what all is included in the vacation. While it may be necessary for you to pay airfare from a smaller city where you live to a travel hub in a large city, if there are a variety of “extras” or optional expenses, it should raise a red flag that perhaps this particular all-inclusive vacation is perhaps not the best vacation for you.

Another popular choice for active seniors is a volunteer vacation. A volunteer vacation allows you to visit a different part of the world, learn about the culture, and help others, while still reserving time for relaxation and recreation. Activities for volunteer vacations run the gamut from counting bird eggs to helping children learn to read. There are options in the United States as well as many foreign countries. Don’t think that you don’t have skills that are needed. While some volunteers find opportunities to work in the field they were in prior to retirement, there are many opportunities for volunteers with no specialized training.

How to choose the right volunteer vacation for you? It is important to do volunteer work that you are interested in. If you aren’t an animal lover, counting turtle eggs probably will not interest you that much, even if it is on a beautiful beach. Of course, this does not mean that you should only volunteer for a charity that you are already familiar with. If the work piques your curiosity, and sounds intriguing to you, it will probably be a good vacation. The volunteer work is only one part of the vacation.

How will you spend your off hours? Although some volunteer vacations are in extremely poor areas with no amenities, it is possible to find a volunteer vacation that allows you to work part of the day, and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach, hiking in the woods or enjoying excellent meals. If you have a strong opinion about what you need for a successful vacation, such as a certain level of accommodations or food preferences, it is important to speak with the vacation company early in your trip planning, to make sure that it is possible. The most important thing that you can do to ensure you have a good time on your volunteer vacation is to speak with others who have completed these vacations and ask if they feel that the company accurately represented the vacation to them.

Learning vacations are another popular choice with seniors. These vacations are a terrific idea for seniors who have not been intellectually stimulated since retiring from the workforce. A learning vacation typically devotes several hours a day to honing a particular skill, and the remainder of the time exploring the countryside, taking part in spa treatments, or relaxing on your own. The things that you can learn on these vacations are limitless; you can take cooking classes in France, horseback riding lessons in Ireland, or language lessons in Spain. Lessons are available for all experience levels, from the rank beginner to the expert looking to hone their skills.

What should senior citizens look for in a learning vacation? Again, speak with past customers of the company you plan to use. If others were satisfied with their experience, and would go on another vacation with the same company, that is a pretty strong testimonial. Also, consider what the recreational options are for the trip. It is easy to think that you will be so involved in the learning process that you will not have time to go sight-seeing, but these vacations are specifically designed to provide amble down time, and if you don’t have a plan for how to spend it, you may find yourself painfully bored. An experienced learning vacation company will know exactly what recreational activities are perfect for seniors and are available in each area. Formulate a plan about how to spend your day, taking into account your interests and activity level, take plenty of pictures and have a great time!

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Medical Issues for Senior Travelers

Medical Issues and Planning for Senior Travelers

Travel Preparation is crucial, even for healthy people. Proper preparations are inexpensive relative to the costs of getting sick or injured while away from home. Their suggested travel preparations focus on Travel Kits, Health and Travel Insurance , Vaccinations and Traveling With Medical Conditions. Each is fully explained. I know from experience as a tour group leader with Elderhostel (now Exploritas) of the multitude of medications and health concerns that seniors face. I was given a sheet with this information prior to departure for each individual. Rarely did I see a sheet with only one or two prescriptions or health concerns.

Medical Conditions

Seniors traveling with a medical condition require special preparation. Those with a medical condition should visit their doctor before departure to ensure that their condition is stable and to determine whether any changes in drugs are needed. Detailed written medical information, including information about vaccinations, drugs, results of major diagnostic tests, and types and dates of treatments, may be the most valuable thing a person can have in a medical emergency. Seniors should consider asking their doctor to prepare such information in a letter. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces for seniors are essential for those with conditions that can cause rapid, life-threatening symptoms, confusion, or unconsciousness (such as diabetes, seizures, and severe allergic reactions). Travelers should also carry proof of medical insurance. Senior travelers with heart disorders should travel with a copy of a recent electrocardiogram (ECG). Such information is also available now online if you enroll in a Personal Health Profile.

At the Destination

Problems after arrival are especially important to prevent and avoid in international settings. Though many people are most concerned about infection when considering a trip overseas, heart disease is the most common cause of death among international senior travelers.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Seniors Traveling to Mexico

All around the world, senior travel is increasing in popularity. A large number of senior citizens are making the decision to get out and travel. If you are one of those individuals, you have likely examined a number of popular vacation destinations. If so, was Mexico on your list?

Mexico is an amazing place to vacation. It is ideal for individuals of all ages. A large number of senior citizens travel to Mexico, each year. Despite what many believe, the United States and Europe are not the only vacation destinations that are ideal for senior citizens. If you are able to take the time to examine what Mexico has to offer, you will likely want to schedule your next vacation there.

As with any other vacation destination, Mexico has a wide range of activities. Many of these activities are perfect for senior citizens. Just a few of the many activities found in Mexico include relaxing at the beach, taking a boat cruise, or going on a guided tour. If you are only able to select a few of these activities, you will want to examine each activity and determine which one brings you the most excitement.

One of the most preferred activities, in all of Mexico, for senior citizens is guided tours. When you think of a guided tour, what first comes to mind? Many individuals assume hiking or biking through rough terrain, but that is not what Mexico guided tours are all about. It is true, you may find guided tours that require a large amount of walking, but additional alterative are available.

Popular guided tours, that are ideal for senior citizens include, ATV tours, bus tours, and boat tours. ATV tours are ideal for those who wish to have a little bit of freedom and excitement while touring Mexico. For those that wish to relax while seeing what Mexico has to offer, boat tours or bus tours may be best.

Similar to guided tours, boat cruises are also available. Many senior citizens consider Mexico boat tours similar to travel aboard a cruise ship. Instead of taking an extended cruise, most boat tours only last a few hours. The length of your tour may be a deciding factor in whether or not you wish to take a boat cruise.

While boat cruises are often used to sightsee, there are many that serve other purposes. Many boat cruises offer exciting onboard activities. These activities often include a night of dinner and dancing. With a little bit of research, it may be possible to find a boat cruise that is designed specifically for senior citizens.

Mexico is most known for their beautiful, fun, and exciting beaches. If you are interested in relaxing at the beach, you have a number of options to choose from. Due to Mexico’s popularity, many public beaches are overcrowded, especially in the spring and summer months. If you would prefer to stay away from large crowds, you may want to consider scheduling your beach vacation at a beach resort.

Mexico beach resorts come in all different sizes and styles. As with most popular beaches, many beach resorts quickly fill up with tourists. Aside from large, well-known resorts, Mexico offers a number of smaller resorts that have a focus on relaxation and privacy. If you are interested in spending your vacation in a private and intimate setting, you may want to consider these types of resorts.

Relaxing by the beach, taking a boat cruise, or going on a guided tour are just a few of the many activities that you can participate in while on a Mexico vacation. Additional activities may include, but should not be limited to, boating, fishing, snorkeling, or horseback riding.

Before participating in a certain activity, you are encouraged to examine your health and your ability to participate. This is not something that is limited just to senior citizens. All individuals are encouraged to examine their ability to complete and participate in certain activities. It is advised that you enjoy your vacation, not push yourself to the limits.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Vacation Insurance Is A Must

Envision breaking an arm while falling off the precipice of a mountain in a secluded area. Your vacation would become quite a venture if this happened in a third-world country, far from your familiar emergency and medical services. Travel insurance may have been the last thing on your mind until your fall.

If a hospital wasn’t close by, it could take you two days in order to get to a hospital. Once arriving at a medical center, your troubles are not over; you’d likely need to pay a local teen to bring you ethnic food and painkillers from neighborhood kiosks. The reason for this is that many third world hospitals don’t stock these kinds of things.

And if surgery is required, being able to trust the anesthesia, or hoping for sterile procedures, could be a real concern. Your total hospital bill could be as little as $100 cash for having both of your arms set and put into casts. Your next need would be finding a flight to your country and negotiating a seat on the plane.

In this situation, private insurance may cover four operations and a further six months of physical therapy. This would not be available to those without insurance. Most travelers do not consider these risks as they set out for their trips, but insurance becomes more and more essential as your destination becomes more remote.

Trip cancellation coverage could be included with the medical travel insurance that is available through some travel agencies and health insurers. The policies that you can purchase vary depending on which insurance company that you choose, as well as your budget, but many of the will base your overage on increments of one hundred dollars.

Most people who buy travel insurance are elderly people who often worry about canceling a trip because of illness or worried they will require care abroad for an existing health problem. Medicare will not cover you as you are traveling out of the country, but other insurers may. Of course, Medicare is the prime medical insurance provider for senior citizens in the United States.

When a patient is a tourist, often hospitals demand cash, travelers checks or credit card payment. Smaller incidents, such as a few stitches, are often no problem with this form of payment. On the other hand, if you are in need of an emergency room, having travelers health care insurance could save you a lot of trouble.

When you have travel insurance, the party insuring you will compensate you if death or illness causes the cancellation of your trip. This may be either related to you personally or that of a relative. Insurance will also compensate you if your tour group or airline goes bankrupt.

There are numerous other healthcare concerns that you should be aware or prior to traveling overseas, outside of travel insurance. Visit your area hospital’s travel clinic in order to get any vaccinations and shots that might be required by the area you are visiting. It would be smart to ask your medical insurance company for the proper procedure to obtain medical treatment at your vacation destination.

A good preventative plan is to include the following when you pack: thermometer, antibacterial ointment and bandages, in addition to a general first aid kit. In order to make sure that you don’t run into any medical problems, be sure to pack several days more of medications than what you plan to need. Having prescription information in Latin, including generic names, is a good idea, as well.

Credit cards provide some travel insurance, regardless of whether you have travel insurance. For instance, if you used your American Express card to cover the cost of your trip, they will cover the cost of your car rental damage, and baggage the airline company may have lost, and on occasion, injuries. If you choose to pay a small extra fee, they will even cover the cost of a flight you may have missed, emergency evacuations, medical costs, and other precarious situations.

Proper planning can minimize the trauma of many unexpected events that can arise during foreign travel. You should always read the fine print of any policy that you buy, as well as your credit card policies, and your traveling agent’s policies. Travel insurance can be a great help, but policy details are important and should be understood.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524