Episode 7 - Pack Some Fun - Tips For Trips

Thinking about travel and adventure… but need some ideas or maybe a push to convince you to reach for your travel dreams? There are many positives to trying new things and seeing new places, and this podcast has ideas, tips, and reasons to venture out into the world. Already traveling? That’s fantastic, maybe there’s a tip or two that you haven’t heard. 

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Welcome to our Thrive at 65 podcast. I cannot believe that we've actually done seven podcasts. Thank you so much for joining us. We love sharing our stories and, well, let's face it, laughing at all the adventures that we run into as we celebrate the ages 60, 70, and above. I'm Beatrix Kind, and yes, I go by Be Kind.

SPEAKER_01 0:24

And I'm Paige Turner, and we appreciate each and every one of you for taking your time to have a little fun and hopefully pick up some good tips for the more mature, or as we like to say, ageless generations. Now, as you may remember, Bee and I have been friends since second grade, and we have found that there's always lots to learn and lots to do, and there's also joy in the journey, which we try to highlight. So join us as we continue to talk about the later decades and their good surprises.

SPEAKER_00 0:54

Now, we had a friend who recently was hesitant to follow the show because she thought it was the same as following it on social media, where strangers or others can get access to your information. It is not like following on social media, it just allows you to easily find our show, and when a new show appears, it should show up.

SPEAKER_01 1:17

Yes. And to find that follow choice, you usually see three dashes in the corner of the podcast show. And when you select that, the follow should be one of the options. And you can just click on it. And once again, this does not this does give you really easy access to our shows.

SPEAKER_00 1:35

So today we are talking about traveling in these later decades, which as most of us know have some unique challenges. But it's definitely worth the trouble because the benefits of traveling are great. Some you may know, but some may surprise you. First, learning new cultures and navigating unfamiliar places challenge the brain. They help build resilience and potentially delay dementia. You are taking a break from your routines, which also helps stimulate those neurons in our brains.

SPEAKER_01 2:09

Travel also encourages an active lifestyle through walking and exploration, which may have other health benefits. And as they say, motion is lotion. When meeting new people, especially in group travel, friendships grow. I know I gain more confidence because I overcome challenges in new situations. Getting out of our routines and familiar surroundings well helps us try new things in other areas of our lives. Think about your schedule. If you can set your clock by the routine of your day, well, maybe it's time to shake it up a bit with a trip.

SPEAKER_00 2:44

So talking about having a few little challenges, recently when I was flying alone, I had to stop at least three people in the airport to help point out where to go to check in and to find the security line. Now, I'm very familiar with most airports, but this one was not as well marked as others. Now, I will also admit that when I stopped the first person to ask where Southwest Airlines was, she pointed directly behind me. All I had to do was turn around. It was a little embarrassing, but I just laughed and said, Well, good thing it wasn't something bad behind me since I obviously never turned around. Every person I stopped was so kind and helpful. I started my trip out on a positive experience.

SPEAKER_01 3:31

Oh yes, you really do have to keep your sense of humor when you are traveling, and don't be afraid to ask for help before you reach that panic state. It's an advantage of our age because most people are eager to help the older person. Some adventure is part of the fun of traveling, even if that adventure is finding your way to your gate. I always have a really proud moment of accomplishment when I'm at the gate on time with all of my belongings.

SPEAKER_00 3:59

Well, you know it's the little things that count, isn't it? Nowadays there are so many types of travel. There's the cruise or riverboat travel, train travel, solo or group travel, or travel that centers around a theme like cooking or a sport. It's great that there are so many options, so we promise that there is an option out there for you.

SPEAKER_01 4:23

And don't immediately think of travel as a big long trip somewhere exotic or far away. If you want to start in the shallow end of the pool, just plan a couple of nights somewhere close by. Exploring local attractions with a friend is easy and fun, or you can sign up for a day tour. Make a list of places you'd like to visit, small, medium, and large trips. Of course, cost is an important consideration for most of us, but there are many options in all price ranges. Some say traveling in the US may be really the most affordable option right now because there are a lot of people overseas who apparently aren't visiting the U.S. this year, perhaps due to airfare. So hotels and attractions might lower prices or offer discounts. If you're retired, check out midweek specials. It's funny, but we don't often visit the places in our own town until maybe a friend or relative comes to town. So now is a good time to explore your own city with a friend or by yourself. That's probably the cheapest and easiest way to start.

SPEAKER_00 5:28

Paige and I just did that. We recently went to a museum in our town that we hadn't been to in years. We had so much fun exploring, it felt like a vacation. And we laughed the whole day and it was so easy. Scott, staycations are very popular and they help with cost. You can go to a hotel in your own town or a nearby drive, and you can go in off season when it's cheaper, and you just relax and enjoy being away from the house and routine without the hassle of dealing with airlines, trains, etc.

SPEAKER_01 6:06

Other surprise trip treasures treasures are our state and national parks. I've stayed at several parks and the accommodations are very nice, reasonably priced, and there are many activities offered. Most larger parks offer cabins if you're traveling with friends. Or there's a lodge with rooms and restaurants and several amenities. And if you are into camping or RV travel, there are even more possibilities. I've given up my camping days, uh, if I ever had them, but I'm impressed with those of you who haven't. And a great benefit to look into is the America the Beautiful Senior Pass. It's a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older, costs around $80. And last time we checked, it provides lifetime access for over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks.

SPEAKER_00 7:03

Another easy way to travel is a group tour. And there are all types and styles with well-defined goals. Do you want an educational tour to learn about a place or a topic? Often universities have travel programs that are open to the public, cover a wide range of opportunities with well-planned itineraries and knowledgeable guides. Okay, however, some of those can be pricey. Other tour groups have specialties that can fit your interests. There are bird watching trips, cooking trips, women-only trips, and even adventure trips for specific age groups, so you know you're not going to be expected to keep up with a 20-something triathlete. Group tours can remove many of the travel planning challenges, and you simply pack and enjoy. And most people in your group will share your interests, or they wouldn't have chosen that trip.

SPEAKER_01 7:58

Group travel is also great if you happen to be traveling solo. Maybe you're single or perhaps your spouse doesn't care to travel or friends can't go with you, whatever the reason. Don't give up on trips just because you're traveling solo. I've traveled by myself many times, and I choose a destination that offers a way to make friends quickly. All inclusive accommodations, such as guest ranches or bed and breakfasts, often have group seating at meals, and that makes it so easy to get to know people when you're simply talking over lunch or dinner, and you don't have to eat alone. Some popular companies that we found for women include Women Travel Tribe, Road Scholar, Sisterhood Travels, and Women Travel Abroad. They all offer small group options and they're often women only, adventures focusing on culture, wellness, and friendship. And of course, please do your own research before booking. Some helpful information might be found through well-known sites such as TripAdvisor and Rick Steve's Travel.

SPEAKER_00 9:04

Now let's talk about why we would not travel. The elephant in the room. At our age, it can sometimes be scary to think of getting out of our comfort zones. What if there's an emergency and I'm far away from family or doctors? It's a reality, but if you find you're apprehensive, try to remember that you are almost always with people who will take care of you in an emergency. If you're on a group tour, there will be plans in place for most situations, and nowadays many group trips require travel insurance. I've had several friends who use the medical part of the travel insurance, and they said they were so relieved to have it, and it added a sense of security, additionally, even if they didn't use it. If you're with friends, share emergency contacts and share the itinerary with those back home. On one of my trips, a woman who had her phone stolen, she realized suddenly she didn't have any phone numbers because she didn't know them off the top of the head. In the old days, most of us had memorized phone numbers, but nowadays the contacts are on your phone and we don't know the numbers. Though you can get a cheap phone to get through the trip, if you want to stay in contact with certain friends, be sure and add their numbers to your information sheet that you keep printed and stored at the bottom of your suitcase.

SPEAKER_01 10:28

B is an avid traveler, and I'm really on the other end of the equation, but I do really enjoy trips, and the more I travel, the easier it gets. We have some other tips to make travel easier. One that we can all relate to but may find difficult is to pack lightly. I'm terrible at this because I've of I'm of the I Might Need It mindset. But I've also learned from experience, one time I had to lug my two stuffed, very large suitcases from one end of the airport to the other. And now I always keep my bags down to one manageable sized and one carry-on.

SPEAKER_00 11:06

Now there are plenty of travel websites that have great packing tips, such as always packing in a carry-on, so you don't have to worry about losing your luggage. And I have watched many of these travel videos, and I'm still not a good packer, and now I unapologetically check a medium-sized suitcase. I have the credit card of the airlines that I travel most, and it allows for one free bag to check, so I take advantage of that. I do put one outfit in my carry-on in my central medications just in case the bag is lost, but knock on wood, that has not happened. Here is the only setback that I've seen recently regarding carry-ons, which happened to one of my friends. She carried on her luggage, and it ends up the people sitting in the back of the plane had put their carry-ons in overhead bins as they walked on the plane, maybe worried that they couldn't find a place in the back. Well, the problem with that was my friend, who was near the front of the plane, had to take her suitcase to the back of the plane where there was space in an overhead bin. So she was bemoaning this fact, and the person under that overhead bin, a very nice gentleman, said, Don't worry, I'll get your suitcase and bring it up to you. Well, my friend got off the plane being very optimistic, and the guy gets off the plane and she notices he doesn't have her suitcase. So she looks at him and says, My suitcase. And he says, Oh, you didn't remind me, and wanders off. Well, now she has to get her suitcase. So she goes back up to go get her suitcase because now everyone's off the plane, and they won't let her back on the plane. It ends up, once you're off the plane, you cannot get back on it. So fortunately, she was able to beg and plead to the flight attendant to go get the suitcase. But let's just say they were not happy.

SPEAKER_01 13:08

Well, that is good to know. I'm glad she finally got her suitcase. Another tip to overcome any travel hesitation is to remember just how connected we are these days. You know, B and I traveled quite a bit in our early years without cell phones, without computers, and without GPS. Everyone did. I can't imagine that kind of travel today.

SPEAKER_00 13:31

I know. It is amazing to think back on how we all survived without contacting our parents or friends at all during the trips. I still remember my dad telling me, now don't call unless there's an emergency, because long distance calls are expensive. I was traveling to Europe, and he tells me this. Parents definitely had a lot of faith in how we would survive, I guess.

SPEAKER_01 13:55

That's true. And it's expensive to think how expensive long distance calls were back then. Well, even don't forget, if you are planning to travel outside of the U.S., check your cell phone provider and sign up for a plan that gives you good coverage. You may be pay a bit extra for the plan, but you don't have to stress over your phone not working.

SPEAKER_00 14:17

Yes, that is important. On a recent trip, my husband and I decided to try getting a virtual SIM card because our daughter was telling us how inexpensive it is, and she gets it whenever she does international travel. Well, because neither my husband nor I are so our techie, tech savvy, I'm gonna get this out because we're not tech savvy. We decided that I would get a plan from our phone company and he would try the SIM card, which cost around $14 for 30 days and had plenty of data. And if we needed more data, we could easily add it. And there were others on our trip who had virtual SIM cards too. Well, of course, we could never get our SIM card to work in the country. So fortunately, we did have my phone to use the entire time. And we decided it was worth the ease and lower stress to just pay more for our phone plan for the month than use the SIM card. Now, some people's SIM card worth, so just know this is an option out there, but not for my husband and me.

SPEAKER_01 15:25

Another tip is it's really important to be realistic about your expectations and the type of travel that makes a fun trip for you. Do you prefer your own room or can you share with a friend? Do you like lots of stops during a trip, or do you prefer to unpack in one place and take day trips? These differ for everyone, so once again, make a list. Talk with friends, and you'll find lots of similarities. I did read a social media post once with a question about travel routines, including the possibly quirky ones. And some of the answers were really funny. Several people shared that they nervously had to actually touch or look at their ID several times on the way to the airport to make certain they had it with them. And it wasn't enough that they checked it three times before. Now I may or may not relate to that one. Another comment said that they like to clean the luggage wheels after each trip. Well, I hadn't thought about that, but now I can't quite forget it. We all have our baggage, so to speak.

SPEAKER_00 16:26

We do. I have several friends who their non-negotiable is. They want their own room and bathroom, which is actually more common as we get older and perhaps more set in our ways. Now that's great, but always good to note that it will definitely be the more expensive option. So you need to be sure you can afford the single room on that specific trip, and some are more affordable than others.

SPEAKER_01 16:51

Yes, many cruise lines, for example, charge more for singles. So if you want a single room on some cruise lines, you may have to pay, I don't know, basically double. I think that probably indicates that the company is targeting couples in groups rather than solo travelers. But other lines have started marketing directly to solo travelers. Research your options for more affordable single rooms meant to attract the single traveler. Also, there are group trips that don't charge much for a single room, so look for those details when researching your trip.

SPEAKER_00 17:24

Yes, recently I went to New Zealand, and the group that organizes it is a New Zealand company called MOATREK. And they did not charge much more for the solo rooms, and the solo rooms often got better rooms because they got the upstairs rooms. And the reason they did it was for safety reasons, and the couples were on the ground floor. So it ended up that there in that particular time they got good rooms, and the couples didn't mind because we felt that it was fair.

SPEAKER_01 18:02

Well, and of course, things can go wrong, but things can go wrong traveling to the grocery store. It's just important to plan well and then hope for the best. Flights do get canceled and cars break down. There are mishaps with reservations. Just try to keep a sense of humor. And maybe keep that list of important phone numbers and maybe extra cash to tip the helpful stranger and maybe pack water and snacks in the rental car. B and I were on a trip with friends and the car broke down in a very small town. So we spent over four hours in the dealership waiting area. We played cards, but the car was finally fixed and we were on our way.

SPEAKER_00 18:41

Another one is my husband and I joined a couple on Alaska Group land trip. The very first day, honestly before the trip even started, my friend's husband came down with COVID, and the guide immediately told them they could not come on the trip. So now my husband and I were on a trip, knowing no one had really planned the trip to be with them, but in the end we had a good time and we met everybody else on the trip. I would say one of the biggest challenges nowadays is actually just finding one trip you want to take, because there's so many great places to choose from, both in the US and international. So it's hard to choose where to start and spend your hard-earned money. I would say, for example, New Zealand is for those who love nature and its beauty. Also, very nice people and very fun accents. Croatia, which is also popular, we rented a car ourselves and drove around to top cities and stayed in Airbnbs, which we loved. One of our best vacations because you can make last-minute additions and changes as you're moving along. And it's very easy to drive in Croatia. They have fantastic roads and drive on the same side as the US, which is important. We made a side trip for two days to Slovenia, who also had fabulous roads, and saw Lake Bled based on a friend's recommendation. It was spectacular, but easy to do only because we had our own car and flexible travel destinations.

SPEAKER_01 20:17

Those sound great. Let's talk about packing again. I do not like it when I find myself hastily throwing items into the suitcase the night before we leave town. This just adds to the stress, and usually I arrive without what I need, or I just simply overpack. I've still had a few of those packing panics, but I'm a big promoter of lists. So for years I've had lists of items I always take: the basic clothing, the toiletries, as well as tasks like holding the mail or emptying the dishwasher. After I return, I update the list and I review it a couple of weeks before leaving so I can make certain that I have everything on hand when I'm ready to pack. This avoids finding out you've run out of toothpaste and it's too late to go to the store.

SPEAKER_00 21:02

I love your idea of adding or changing the list when you get back so you don't forget the same item again. I'm notorious for forgetting my toothbrush. Fortunately, that is easy to buy wherever you go.

SPEAKER_01 21:16

You know, lately I've begun packing using the resealable bags, and this isn't a new idea, but it's working for me. I've placed similar items together and labeled the bags, so it's great when you are packing to return home as well. It's so easy just simply to place everything back in its original bag. I rarely leave anything behind. And I've had a bottle of shampoo leak during travel, so since it was in its own sealed bag, it really wasn't a problem.

SPEAKER_00 21:44

I have also had the experience where it was pouring rain at an airport when we landed. And as a result, when I got to the hotel, a large portion of my clothes were wet. I ended up hanging my clothes all over the room the first night. And worked on drying them out. Now, I don't have a hard-sided suitcase, which seems all the rage, but they're heavier than my suitcase, and being able to lift and carry my suitcase is more important to me.

SPEAKER_01 22:13

Ooh, I'm sorry about that suitcase story getting wet, and it reminds me of a story that's famous in our family. When I was very young, we set off in the station wagon on a family trip. You know, one of those with the wood panel on the side that everyone seemed to have. My dad packed the luggage on top of the car with a tarp covering everything because we didn't have those wonderful hard shell shell luggage carriers in those days. Well, as you can guess, it rained hard and the wind blew even harder. And so when we arrived at the hotel, my mom unpacked only to find that her lovely blue luggage had gotten wet despite the tarp, and there were navy blue splotches all over her clothing. I remember her up washing those clothes late at night, and she didn't look very happy.

SPEAKER_00 23:01

Oh my gosh, that is quite the story.

SPEAKER_01 23:05

And another advantage to packing several days ahead is I know that everything I want to take is ready to pack. No one wants to do laundry the night before you leave. I try to lay everything out, including accessories, and I keep the pairs of shoes to a minimum. Remember, pack for comfort and keep in mind the weight. I weigh the suitcase before I leave for the airport because I've been that person at check-in, frantically unpacking in front of everyone in line.

SPEAKER_00 23:33

An easy way to travel and build friendships is staying with friends. I recently had a reunion with my college roommates. It was a blast, and we hadn't seen each other in years. One of my friends I hadn't seen for over 30 years. And when we met in the airport, it was like we were never apart. We stayed at one of my friends' homes, and she was an incredible hostess. I've decided I'm going to try to emulate her skills at setting up events for us. They were all fun and we didn't have to think.

SPEAKER_01 24:07

Oh, and that brings the question of ideas for a hostess gift. It's always kind to bring something for the host. If not a gift, maybe treating them to a nice dinner or an event while you're there. Some gifts that we've heard of included anything from local specialty foods such as special breads and desserts, or maybe gift cards to a restaurant so they can enjoy a meal after you've left. It's usually a good idea to think about what you might enjoy, but rarely buy for yourself. Our friend found some really cute bird food wreaths that hang in the trees. And she uses those for thank you gifts. They're very clever and easy to pack and very unique.

SPEAKER_00 24:48

When I was at my roommate reunion, I noticed there wasn't a luggage rack in my bedroom, and I had pulled a chair into the closet and used that. I then jumped on Amazon and ordered a luggage rack that arrived the next day and said to her, This is my present to you. She was thrilled, and it was something she needed, and she was going to buy anyway, because I had mentioned it the day before. So it was the perfect gift for her. Another gift we just learned about that's popular with the younger crowd, but I would like to do it too, is a small travel scented candle. You use it to get rid of the hotel or cleaning smell and give the room your favorite scent.

SPEAKER_01 25:31

Oh, I'm always complimented when someone wants to visit and stay with me. And I try to think about different things they'd like to have on hand. So really at this point, I just ask them, maybe certain breakfast items or if they have diet restrictions. I drink mostly decaf coffee, so I bought a mini coffee maker so that friends can fix coffee the way they like it. And I have a tea kettle with a few tea choices for those that enjoy tea. A few small personalized touches really helps people feel at home, and it's really fun for me to provide so everyone can relax.

SPEAKER_00 26:05

That's very nice. You know, we hosted 18 friends and family for three to four days at Thanksgiving, including adults, kids, and pets. Our house was packed with guests, and the overflow got hotel, the overflow people got hotel rooms nearby, which worked great. But our extended family is closer because of the time together. And let's just say it was mass chaos, but it was fun. If you can't afford to travel, inviting people to your house to stay is almost like a vacation. Well, it is a lot of work, but it's worth it. Another thing is to plan a trip with the family, even though they're grown up with children. My father understood that would be a great way to bond with the grandchildren. So every few years he set up group trips, rented a home, and the family all met there on vacation together. These are incredibly special memories that I still have.

SPEAKER_01 27:04

Oh, that really is special. And making memories is what it's all about, and keeping adventure and fun in your life. As B and I have hoped to highlight in this podcast, travel can possibly be daunting, but it also enriches your life, and there are many ways to achieve it where you see new things and make new friends wherever you go.

SPEAKER_00 27:26

Yes, and it gets us out of our routines to keep the brain working and hopefully keep those synapses growing and changing. That's something I need.

SPEAKER_01 27:36

Oh, me as well. You know, this just talking about this has inspired me to push myself and get out there and explore some new places, even if it's only a two-hour drive. We hope this has inspired you as well.

SPEAKER_00 27:48

Now, once again, we love, love getting emails from you. And our email is thriversarekind at gmail.com. All one word, and most of you can find it in the transcript that you find when you look at our episodes.

SPEAKER_01 28:05

Yes, and we love feedback and any suggestions you have for future episodes. And as always, we end with two questions. First, how will you be kind today?

SPEAKER_00 28:17

And second, what's something new you can learn as each life page turns? And remember, listeners, keep thriving and talk to you next time.