Beautiful scenery. New experiences. Eating out. So what's not to
like about traveling?
Nothing -- provided that you've done your homework before you go.
Paying attention to details will help make your next excursion the
trip of a lifetime instead of the last trip you ever take. Here are
some important things to keep in mind before -- and during -- your
trip.
* 1. Gear the trip to your activity level and health status.
You can go anywhere you want, but know what to expect. ``This
becomes more important as we get older,'' says Judy M. Baker,
assistant director of the Johns Hopkins International Travel Clinic
in Baltimore, one of the oldest clinics of its kind in the country.
``Find out in advance how strenuous the trip will be, taking your
health into consideration, and let that information help guide your
plans.''
* 2. Get a pretrip health checkup.
It's a good idea to get a clean bill of health from your doctor
before taking a trip if you have health issues or concerns. Discuss
any special restrictions or requirements such as wheelchairs or
baggage handling with your travel agent beforehand as well. Carry
copies of your prescriptions with you. Brand names differ in other
countries, so write down the generic names for all your
prescription drugs.
* 3. Get immunized.
Baker recommends that international travelers find out which
immunizations they may need for the country they're visiting
(including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, pre-exposure rabies series,
yellow fever and meningococcal).
``All travelers, domestic and international, should make sure
that they're up-to-date on their flu, tetanus-diphtheria, Lyme
vaccine and pneumonia immunizations,'' she adds.
* 4. Ask about food and water precautions.
When traveling internationally, keep in mind that food and water
may be teeming with disease-carrying organisms, even if it looks
safe. (Remember: If you can't peel it, cook it, or boil it, don't
eat it!) Just in case, Baker suggests that you take a course of
antibiotics and oral rehydration therapy (an electrolyte powder
that comes in convenient packets that you can buy at the drugstore)
to combat the dehydrating effects of diarrhea. ``Oral rehydration
is also a good idea even when you travel to hot climates around the
United States,'' she says.
* 5. Plan ahead for special dietary needs.
``Vegetarians and people with food allergies or diabetes should
mention these restrictions to their travel agent or trip provider
ahead of time,'' advises Tom Otwell, spokesperson for the American
Association of Retired Persons.
* 6. Avoid injuries by anticipating them.
``Accidents and injuries are the single biggest threat to
travelers,'' Baker says. ``Vacationers may be tempted to do things
that they don't usually do, putting themselves at greater risk. You
should be aware of things such as poor lighting, unmarked wet
floors, different traffic patterns, taxis without seat belts and
unsafe balconies.''
* 7. Beware of insect-borne diseases.
Baker recommends using a DEET-containing (15 percent to 50
percent) insect repellent to help protect yourself from illnesses
such as malaria, dengue fever and Lyme disease.
* 8. Visit a travel clinic.
If you're traveling internationally, Baker recommends visiting a
travel medicine clinic before you go. ``There are travel clinics
throughout the United States,'' she says. ``The staff will look at
your itinerary, age and health, and provide you with specific
information to help you stay healthy on your trip.'' To find a
travel clinic near you, contact your local hospital or your family
doctor.
SIDEBAR 1: EXTRA INSURANCE AWAY FROM HOME
Knowing that you've planned ahead for the unexpected will let
you relax and enjoy your vacation, advises Tom Otwell, spokesperson
for the American Association of Retired Persons.
* Review your homeowner's insurance.
If your policy doesn't cover take-along property in case of
theft, consider buying insurance that does.
* Keep copies.
Make photocopies of your passport (the first two pages), visa,
traveler's check numbers, airline tickets and credit card numbers
before you go. Keep them in several locations, such as in your
suitcase, your carryon bag and with someone at home. That way,
you'll have a record of these numbers in case they get lost or
stolen.
* Leave valuables at home.
You won't really need that gold bangle, and there's no need to
give thieves more business.
SIDEBAR 2: SPREAD YOUR WINGS WITH ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Times have changed. Unlike years ago, today's older Americans
enjoy better health and have more disposable income than ever
before. They're also looking for a little adventure. Luckily for
all of us, challenging and fun trips are easy to find. And though
the list below is by no means all-inclusive, it gives you a
sampling of some of the ``less sedate'' trips that cater
specifically to mature adults.
* Backroads
Backroads offers easy, moderate, and challenging active
vacations, including trips for families and solo travelers. For
more information, contact the Web site www.backroads.com. You can
also write to Backroads at 801 Cedar St., Berkeley, Calif.,
94710-1800 or call (800) GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) or (510) 527-1555.
* Walking the World
This company provides reasonably priced outdoor adventure
programs (domestic and international) that are specifically geared
to the needs of adults 50-plus. Trip guides offer natural and
cultural histories along the way. To learn more, contact Walking
the World at P. O. Box 1186, Fort Collins, Colo. 80522. For more
information, call (970) 498-0500 or visit www.walkingtheworld.com.
Copyright 1999 Rodale Press Inc.
