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Backpacking Seniors
The words 'backpacking' and 'seniors' aren't usually found next to each other in the same sentence. Most think that backpacking is a young person's game, that once you get to a certain age it's time to put the hiking boots away and the slippers on. However, there is a growing trend for over-sixties to pull out the backpacks, book a round-the-world ticket and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. And why not? You've worked hard all your life and now you've got savings and decades of free time ahead of you. When you think about it, hitting retirement age is the perfect time to travel and not everybody wants the cruises and stuffy tours that many seniors book. Here is a brief guide to what you should be thinking about if you are planning to don a backpack and explore the world and just happen to be classed a senior.
Accommodation
Hostels have come a long way over the years and these days many are clean, bright, airy and have a range of modern facilities - wifi internet access, bars, breakfast included, and sometimes even a swimming pool and a games room. You don't even necessarily have to share a dorm with 11 others as many hostels have private rooms that are basically no-frills hotel rooms. These often get booked up so it is wise to book rooms in popular hostels in advance. It is worth considering purchasing membership to YHA, which will not only entitle you to discounts on hostels around the world but also to a range of attractions. It may be called Youth hostels Australia, but there are no age restrictions.
Travel Insurance
Popular to contrary belief, it is not impossible to get travel insurance as a senior, nor should it cost the earth. Reputable providers offer seniors travel insurance with coverage including the sorts of things other companies feel are too much of a risk. Existing medical conditions can often toll the death knell for being approved for travel insurance, even if you know exactly how to handle your condition. As long as you disclose it, many conditions are automatically covered, without the need for long-winded, complicated procedures.
Tours
Organised tours often offer the cheapest, easiest and safest way to see everything you want to. This doesn't have to mean getting on a coach with the blue-rise brigade - there are many operators that offer active, inspirational tours in various countries that allow you to see places you might not have even thought of. Elderhostel, a not-for-profit educational travel company for seniors, offers over 7,000 tours across the globe, from hikes into the Costa Rican rainforest, to exploring the streets of Paris. Of course, as long as you can keep up with the pace, young-at-heart seniors are more than welcome on most backpacker tours, the benefits being the nitty gritty of travel is taken care of, including transportation, accommodation and most meals.
Enjoy your travel time to the full using detailed travel book and portable travel kit.
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