There is probably nothing more invigorating and gratifying than international travel. However, jet lag and other unfamiliar surroundings can make you confused, tired, and leave you spending the first half of your holiday in a daze. When seniors show up at their chosen destinations, and you need to deal with jet lag, they can feel stressed out. Not only that, they have to get used to a new language in some cases, and they need to adapt to different customs.
In this article, I will discuss some good ways to make international travel as simple and relaxing as possible.
5 Smart Ways to Take the Stress out of International Travel
Quick Language Training – No one says you need to be fluent in a foreign language to visit a foreign country. Yet, if you take the time beforehand to learn some of the most elementary phrases and words, it can make your experience more memorable. Before you head off to your destination, do your best to pick up basic phrases that will help you better communicate with local people.
Seniors can learn a foreign language by using the Internet. They can visit YouTube and type in: “How to Learn German” or “Beginner Spanish Lessons”. Whatever language they want to learn, there are usually people who will teach them the basics for free.
If you are a senior, and you live in an area that has adult education classes through a community center, you have the chance to learn some languages more thoroughly. Remember that you are never too old to learn, and this includes a foreign language.
Safeguard Important Documents – You should never plan an international travel without having your passport and other important documents with you. In addition, you need to keep backup copies in case they are lost or stolen. If you don’t have copies of your birth certificate or your passport, it makes it much more difficult, and time consuming to get a replacement passport. Some countries might even put you in jail for not having your passport.
Recent passport issuance changes mean that U.S. Embassies in foreign countries cannot issue new passports on the spot. All passports must be issued directly from the U.S. State Department. Your new passport will be sent to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you are visiting. This means that you can generally expect to need at least two or three weeks before you can be issued a new passport if you lose your passport or it is stolen.
Learn about the Local Culture – One aspect of international travel that you will quickly learn is that all cultures are different in some ways, even though we share many similarities. There are different holidays, national celebrations, and local festivals and celebrations that happen in each country. It’s a great idea to study this beforehand because it might be influential in having you make your decision where you want to go.
You can time your trip to coincide with a big festival. For instance, one of the best times to go to Brazil is during Carnival season. It is one time of the year that makes Brazil unique from many places on the planet. On the other hand, some people might be looking for a little peace and quiet when they visit some country, and it would be very disappointing to find out you are there during the loudest celebrations during the year.
Kidnappings – Although, it is not something talked about in most travel articles or travel guides, international travel to certain destinations could involve kidnappings if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Therefore, it’s a smart idea for seniors to have some type of itinerary that they can leave family and loved ones before they go. That way, if something does happen, authorities will have a better idea of where you last were when you went missing.
In addition, always check the travel advisories from the U.S. State Department to find out if it is really safe to travel to a country, or if there are certain areas that have political and social unrest where you should avoid. You can find the current travel alerts by visiting here: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html
Stay Open Minded and Have a Blast – The final suggestion to stress free international travel is to keep an open mind and try to have a blast. The fact that some things will be new and eye opening will make your visit much more rewarding. If your bus has a flat tire and you are stranded for an hour, it gives you time to chat with the locals, and you will find that time not only flies, but you will look back on it as a rewarding experience.
International Travel – Conclusion
Traveling abroad should not be a stressful and painful experience. By following the tips in this article, you can make international travel something that you want to do year after year.