Last Updated on June 1, 2024 by Daniel

Today, I’m going to be talking about why becoming tech-savvy is an absolute game-changer for you as a senior traveler. This isn’t just about keeping up with the latest gadgets; it’s about enriching your travel experiences and staying secure while you’re on the move. You’re going to find out about the invaluable role technology can play in connecting you with your loved ones, managing your itineraries, and ensuring your safety.

Don’t worry too much about the whole ‘technology is for the young’ stereotype. I’m here to help you understand that regardless of age, you can gain the confidence to use and benefit from current technological tools. So, choose something that resonates with you, whether it’s a smartphone that can do it all or a simple device just for video calling.

In my opinion, mastering tech basics before your trip can prevent a lot of stress. Imagine being able to instantly share your adventures with family via a photo, or reaching out for help with just a tap on a screen. I’ll highlight the most practical and easy-to-use tech solutions and dispel common myths about seniors and technology that might be holding you back.

Top Tech Tools and How to Use Them: A Senior Traveler’s Guide

Have you ever wondered if technology could upscale your travel experience without the complexity often associated with it? Guess what? It can. In this section, I’m going to introduce you to some top tech tools that are not just senior-friendly but incredibly useful on the go, and I’m here to help you with how to use them effectively.

Let’s start with the basics – smartphones and tablets. These versatile devices are gateways to staying connected. You can video chat with your family, manage your travel itinerary, and even make new friends through social apps. If you’re thinking that sounds complicated, don’t worry too much about it. Today’s devices have intuitive interfaces, and with a bit of practice, you’re going to feel like a pro. Just choose something that resonates with you.

Wearable devices are another game changer. They do much more than tell time – they can keep an eye on your heart rate, count your steps, and even alert emergency services if necessary. Pick a model that’s waterproof and has a good battery life, and you’re set for both urban explorations and nature adventures.

You’re probably asking, ‘What about internet access?’ Portable Wi-Fi devices and VPNs are your best friends here. Portable Wi-Fi ensures you have a connection no matter where you are, and a VPN keeps that connection secure. It’ll protect your personal information from prying eyes, especially if you’re using public Wi-Fi.

Last but not least are apps and online services. Navigation apps can prevent you from getting lost, translation apps break down language barriers, and local info apps give you the inside scoop on the best eateries and sights. My advice? Download and try them before you travel – get comfortable with their features at home where there’s no pressure.

Tips and Tricks for a Hassle-Free Tech Experience Abroad

I’m going to wrap up with some straightforward pointers to ensure your tech use doesn’t become a source of stress during your travels. Remember, the point of technology is to make your life easier, not harder.

First off, you’re going to want to think about battery life. Nothing is more frustrating than a dead phone when you need it most. So, grab a portable charger or power bank before you set off. This is your lifeline to longer battery life and peace of mind.

Now, let’s talk data backup. It’s crucial. Whether it’s photos from a grandchild’s visit or tour itineraries, regularly backing up your data means you’re always covered. Cloud services or external hard drives? Choose something that resonates with you and is simple to use.

International roaming fees can be a nightmare. Investigate your options before you (and your wallet) get a shock. Many phone plans offer international packages, or you might prefer a local SIM card. Either way, staying informed is your best bet against surprise bills.

Finally, accessibility is key—especially for senior travelers. Most devices come with a range of features designed to help, whether that’s larger text, talk-to-text functionality, or hearing aid compatibility. Tailor your device to your needs, and you’ll have a much smoother experience.

In my opinion, a little preparation goes a long way. Don’t worry too much about becoming a tech wizard overnight. Get comfortable with the basics, and you can always adjust your approach down the road.

So there you have it. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to a tech-savvy trip that’s both enriching and hassle-free. Safe travels!

Last Updated on June 1, 2024 by Daniel

The best laid plans of mice and men often do go awry.

Well I knew we’d hit a roadblock. Not a big one. It just seems whenever you solo travel and begin to Include friends in your planning, something goes a amiss

And so it did.

The friend who had a friend in Paris suddenly couldn’t make the needed connection so we won’t be staying in the promised discounted flat. So much the better. We found a nice hotel with a view of Notre Dame for a reasonable price.

No early morning jaunts around Paris with a frenzied guide. Instead we will have a few relaxing mornings enjoying croissants and cafe on the balcony.

And then we’ll wonder around and see what we can see. Notebook in hand and Joni with her pouhade box we’ll find a quiet spot along the Seine and watch the passersby.

Absolutely love the idea. This suits me just fine.

Three days in Paris and off to Rouen, capital of northern French region of Normandy. Home of some beautiful gothic churches and cobblestone streets.

I’ll stay there exploring the the streets and cafes as Joni goes on to Honfleur. She’s drawn to the art scene there. We’ll meet up a few days later for the trip back to Paris for one last night before we head home.

Now that we know the end of the story, we are in the process of writing the middle chapters…London, the Lake District and then on to Bath, Cornwall, and my favorite – Stonehenge. I’ll be the guy in the floppy hat and loose linen jacket meditating under one of the megaliths.

Apparently the security has gotten very tight because too many wackos want to pee on the stones and the British government frowns on such activity as well they should.

Oh well I guess I’m showing my age and a deep rooted revulsion for such mindless, childish behavior.

Such is life. Times move along.

Till next time.

Safe travels.

If you have any questions or suggestion, please leave them in the comment section below.

Last Updated on June 1, 2024 by Daniel

The plans for our trip are beginning to fall in place.

It has morphed somewhat since my last post in so far as our starting and ending point.

We had planned to start in Paris, but when the accomodations got confusing we decided to begin in England and end in France.

Our travel agent called with good news about flying to London Heathrow, but returning from Charles deGalle Paris. This makes more sense instead of taking the train back from Paris and spending the last night in London just to make the flight a true round trip.

The fare is comparble and will allow for the last night to be more relaxed and less harried.

I don’t like to rush under any circumstances, so this will work out just fine.

With the flight itinerary set, we can now begin to fill in the details. It’s still a bit sketchy as to our exact travel route, but it sounds like we will do both city and country destinations.

To add a little local color to this picture, during WW II my dad was stationed at Mildenhall airbase in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk where he met my mom and where they were married before returning to the US in 1945. Suffolk is about 90 miles north and east of London and easily accessible by rail.

This is one must see destination for me. I had wanted to go there years go, but things don’t always work out that way.

Now the time is right.

From there we are thinking of driving north to Keswick in the lake district in Cumbria for a few days and returning to Bath where we’ll stay and have that as our base for the remainder of our visit before returning to London for the train to Paris.

Of course this may change before September, but for now we are beginning to see how we may navigate the territory.

I’ll keep you up to date as we continue with our plans.

If you have any questions or suggestion, please leave them in the comment section below.

Last Updated on June 1, 2024 by Daniel

In a previous post I gave a broad overview of our plans for a trip to France and England in September 2023. As it stands all systems are go. The issue of staying at a friend’s apartment in Paris has been resolved. The place had been previously rented by an agent and our friend was unaware of this fact. But as one door closes another one opens. Alison has another friend who will let us use her space. Since she will be out of town the week of our visit.

The other issue centered around whether or not to fly to Paris, but return to JFK via London. It sounded like a good idea at first, but we axed that idea in favor of roundtrip from JFK to London. It makes better sense cost wise.

Our trip will center on southern England with a 5 day jaunt via fast train to Paris. We will take the high speed train on Eurostar from either London Bridge or Victoria Station direct to Gare du Nord in Paris. The ride is only 2 hr 37 min. Costs can vary depending on low to high fare and if you want to go economy or get some perks.

I’m seeing fares from $130 to $250 for 2 seniors one way.

Food can be carried on board so we will take advantage of that arrangement and be satisfied with a cocktail as we whisk our way under the channel. We took our first high speed train ride from Barelona to Seville in 2012, but I’ll tell that story at a later time.

Of course all of this may change as we broaden our scope, but it helps to begin to sketch out the plan to see what it could look like. By engaging in this kind of role play we get to visualize what we may encounter and add those contingencies to our lists. such ideas as travel clothing, what to carry, does it have wi-fi… yes it does, etc.

We like thinking about ground transportation at this early stage. One reason is because it is easy seeing your feet on the ground and puts us right in the middle of our journey. From here we will build out the rest of our itinerary and begin to think about places we’ll visit between our arrival in London and the train ride to Paris. We only have 3 weeks so our storyboard will have several moving parts.

Joni is already making inquiries about airfares with a local agent who we have used several times in the past. It will be inteersting to see what she comes up with.

The year we went to Morocco we had intended to fly from JFK to Marrakesh, but our agent was able to get us a cheaper fare if we agreed to stay one night in Madrid on our return. This was a perfect solution. It allowed us to revisit a local restaurant in Madrid where we had spent my birthday in 2012. I love it when little details fill themselves in as you start to plan.

After we settle on flight arrangements, we will begin to explore where to stay in London and the other towns and villages that will make up the rest of our visit.

As it appears now, we’ll return to London and spend the last few days there wondering around before the return flight home.

Planning ahead like this let’s us have a mini vacation before we ever leave the comforts of our home. By the time we leave we’ll had covered all the essential details and be ready to move around with no stress thinking we have missed something important.

Until next time.

Be well.

If you have any travel suggestions or other comments please share them below.