Savvy Seniors: 2008
More and more retirees are tackling Europe. Is Europe friendly to older globetrotters? Please share any special deals, tricks, or advice.
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Traveling in Europe at age 64
When I was in the military in 1968, I was stationed in Germany. Therefore, when I took my first trip back to Europe many years later, I rented a car thinking traffic was the same. To my supprise traffic and finding a parking space was a real hassel in the urban areas. I told my wife, never again. Since than, traveling in Europe has been by train, bus, and metro. Takes a little more planning, but no frustration.
Paul Grabert <email>
Houston, TX USA Wed 12/17/2008
Paris, August 2008
A couple in our early 60s, we spent the long Labor Day weekend in Paris after a business trip to Lyon. It was my first trip, my husband's 8th--but first in over 10 years. Rick's Paris guidebook paid for itself before we reached our hotel, since studying it told me how to catch a bus from Gare Lyon to the Hotel Bonaparte. We bought a carnet of billets as soon as possible, and could have used two before we left, but even buying the occasional individual billet was a savings over taxis (or shoe leather.) The weather was perfect, so we enjoyed several of the walking tours in the book, tailoring them to our whim. We relied mostly on whim too when choosing places to eat, and on future trips will follow Rick's advice, and picnic more, and follow the natives! One under-appreciated gem we found was the Luxembourg Gardens, which we explored while waiting for 10:30 mass at St. Sulpice on Sunday morning (where there was indeed an organ concert): these gardens are splendid. We were likely the only tourists there at the time, but there were Parisians much in evidence, jogging, sunning, reading, doing tai chi; it was utterly wonderful.
Kim <email>
Saylorsburg, PA USA Wed 09/10/2008
italy 2008
We are two couples, all in our early 60s, who visited Italy for two weeks in June 2008. We planned the trip by consulting friends who had been there; reading Rick’s books; and searching web sources, including the Graffiti Wall. We did all our own booking of flights, hotel accommodations, car rental, and tours. We stayed in Rome, Assisi, Mestre near Venice, Levanto near Cinque Terre, and Siena, with our last night overlooking the sea in Lido de Ostia near Leonardo da Vinci airport. Along with the usual sites in Rome, we took the Scavi Tour, which takes small groups into the excavation area below St. Peter’s Basilica. Tickets can be hard to acquire so we prepaid for ours on line and picked them up at the site. After considering the modest difference in price between the trains versus a taxi shuttle from the airport into Rome, we opted for the shuttle. The driver dropped us off at our hotel and then picked us up 3 days later. We reserved a rental car in advance. The shuttle driver delivered us directly to the car rental site at the airport. We drove the rest of the trip, all without incident, except for a couple of missed turns. The ability to wander here or there at our whim in the hill country was priceless. We purchased a GPS unit prior to the trip, which was indispensible. We retained the services of tour guides in Rome, Venice and Florence. In each case, we made reservations by email with the guide without paying anything in advance. They made all the ticket reservations. The longest we stood in line was about 10 minutes on just one occasion; otherwise, we bypassed every line. In Rome, our scheduled tour guide was ill, so he sent another in his place. Eric is an American who is pursuing higher education. He was quite knowledgeable but lacked experience as contrasted with the other guides. In Venice, we retained Elisabetta Morelli [bettamorelli@inwind.it], born and raised in Venice. She is bright, dynamic and full of knowledge. In Florence, we retained Rosalynd Pio [rosalynd@alice.it]. She is a retired professor originally from England but who has resided in Florence many years. She is highly intelligent, also full of knowledge and most delightful. Premised on comments by others on this site, we reserved a sunset cruise with Angelo and Paula Falconer [angelosboattours@yahoo.com]. Angelo put out his fishing boat from in front of their house in Monterosso, one of the Cinque Terre towns. Paula is an American who visited Monterosso several years ago and never went home after meeting Angelo. She promised tapas and sparkling wine, but failed to mention that there would be up to 10 or more different items on the menu! We highly recommend the event, even with the 75 euro per person price. We had a most delightful time.
norb <email>
mankato, mn USA Sat 09/06/2008
Ask for a senior discount at all mueums etc. now in Germany we are saving on entrances just by asking. it has never been posted. just ask, also students too.
JS
USA Tue 07/29/2008
austra;oa
As a senior (age 88 in April,2008) took
my daughter to Italy during Christmas and New Years Holiday. Venice/florence/rome/paris. We traveled by plane/bus and trains. Had
a fantastic time. If i got tired I took a cafe break.
I work out 3-4 days a week and stay in shape just so i can travel. Really does not matter what age you are you should be in good physical condition if you travel in europe.
Also, 2005 i went to Australia/New zealand and figi and a wonderful experience. DO NOT WAIT GO NOW.
TREKKER002
lorraine
atlanta, ga USA Sat 05/24/2008
Amalfi Coast at age 66
I have just returned from a wonderful trip to Sorrento and Naples Italy and the Amalfi coast. I went as a guest of my daughter. This was truly a dream trip although physically demanding. It rained the first couple of days we were there. The streets and walks are all cobbled and often moss covered and often slippery. The area is all steep hills and steps. I think we walked about 10 miles daily up and down the steps and hills. The absolute best, well-fitting walking shoes are a MUST. Also the best walking socks. I wore Thorlo socks and they were a blessing. It is good to be in the best physical condition you can manage.The entire area is breathtaking in it's beauty. The Italians are wonderful, warm people who will enjoy you as much as you will enjoy them. I found the flights and airports to be much more taxing than the actual touring. IMHO flying has become an exercise in survival. Don't count on anyone helping you during the travel process. The airline employees seem to be overworked and short on patience. Plan ahead to care for yourself during the travel portion of your trip.
Linda
MI USA Fri 04/04/2008
Solo Senior Travel in the 60's
When I was a "young" history teacher, a friend and I rented a car and B&B'd through the British Isles for 3-4 weeks during summer vacations. Now that I am a "mature" ex-history teacher, I go on my own, usually by train. In the past 7 years I have journeyed through the Low Countries (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg), crossed Norway, roamed through France (multiple trips), and made many repeat journeys through England. This year's plans include Austria and Italy. I research and plan the trips throughout the long Pennsylvania winters but travel in the fall to take advantage of off-season rates. As with good packing--where you should lay out everything you intend to take and then put half of it back in the closet--when planning a journey, jot down everything you want to see but when you actually get there, decide what is feasible based on the weather, how tired your feet are, or any other "surprises" invariably associated with travel. Remember: you are on vacation. What you don't see this time just gives you a reason to return! The key is to be open minded, friendly, and flexible. If you are, "age" will no longer matter.
Cheryl
York, PA USA Sat 03/15/2008
Enjoying travel in 60's
Re: Enjoying Italy at age 62.
I am this age and I have walked, trained, flown all over Italy and other countries as well, and hope to continue for many more years! The 60's are not, or should not be, too old to actively travel and do virtually anything we want. We all have to hang in there as long as we can.
BG
San Francisco, CA USA Tue 02/26/2008