For active, sophisticated people, stepping over the age of 50 means more opportunities to travel! But planning a holiday can get confusing, especially in a highly-competitive, dynamic tourism industry like ours. Here are some tips to plan your over 50 travel adventures with as little stress as possible!
Tip 1 - Try The Internet.
The Internet is an invaluable tool in planning your next holiday. It's easy to get information on any destination, and the rates that online travel agents (OTA's) have online are updated almost every day. That means it's easy to compare different OTA's and their offerings.
It's also easy to pay for your flights, accommodations, and tour packages over the Internet. Just be careful with your credit card information, and feel free to ask any questions you may have. Some OTA's may even offer discounts for travelers for over 50 travel and seniors travel!
Tip 2 - Watch Out For Shady Online Travel Agent's (OTA's).
Here's one thing you have to remember about online travel agents -- competition is VERY high. More and more online travel agents are popping up every single year, so rates and offerings can change frequently throughout the year.
The best way to keep yourself safe is to look for the better-known, more reputable OTA's. The best ones out there are licensed, and don't give any "too good to be true" travel packages -- which, by the way, are a sure mark of a scam artist travel agency!
Also, the best OTA's out there encourage their customers to take out adequate travel insurance. It's a definite must for anyone who wants to travel. If you can't afford insurance, then don't travel at all -- and that's a piece of advice that any good OTA will give you.
Tip 3 - Visit Travel Review Websites.
Travel review websites are great places to check reviews of hotels, restaurants, and other points of interest in your chosen destination. The reviews are written by real people who have actually been in those places, making these websites very reliable.
But do be careful -- some unscrupulous people have been exploiting travel review websites lately. For instance, some unscrupulous hotel owners write bad reviews of competing hotels, while writing good reviews of their own. These are fake reviews, and should always be disregarded.
Here's how to tell whether a review is trustworthy -- check if the reviewer has written several reviews already. Most fake reviews are the only one in a user's record, and well-traveled individuals tend to write more reviews. The more professional and well-written the review is, the more trustworthy it is!
Tip 4 - Visit Real Travel Agencies.
Finally, it's also a good idea to compare the deals offered by real travel agencies (at the mall, or two blocks down the road, etc.). Some travel agencies specialize in certain destinations, and offer travel packages that include visits to exotic spots not included in others'.
It's a good idea not to hold back when you have any questions about your destination. Ask the agent if he's been there himself, and if he has any advice for you. You may also want to know if there are any perks for over 50 travel!
And, as always, ask your agent if they offer travel insurance. The protection you get will be invaluable in case your flight gets canceled or if you lose your luggage or wallet. And, since you're over 50, don't be afraid to ask for a discount!