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1. VALUABLE  SeniorARK TIP:  Many airlines offer special discounts only to online customers. If you travel frequently between two locations, determine which airlines serve that route. Go to their website and sign up for regular online notification of their sales.  Know that when booking deeply discounted flights, if you cancel there will probably be a significant loss of fare.

2. Consider New Zealand for that ultimate retirement adventure. I have known folks from this View of the Kapiti Coast from the Paekakariki Hillisland paradise, and have found them to be thoroughly delightful. The language is English (sort of),  the scenery is nothing short of spectacular,  and crime rates are very low.  New Zealand is a highly developed, stable parliamentary democracy, which recognizes the British monarch as sovereign. It has a modern economy, and tourist facilities are widely available. Start at their web site, 100% Pure New Zealand,  featuring a stunning video presentation. Be sure your sound is turned on.   Also, click The Kapiti Coast  picture above for a larger picture.

2.5   A SeniorArk reader from Auckland, New Zealand wrote us the following about the above New Zealand ad: July 8, 2006 

Yes that is a good promo but it leaves out lots. For instance in Auckland the Hauraki Gulf - the many islands including Great Barrier Island. Waiheke Island with its wine trails and restaurants and beautiful beaches. The wild west coast of Auckland - out where I live where its mostly wilderness and bush walks and no development allowed on the shorelines. The beaches in the west are set in the rainforest and there are trails along the cliff edges where you get magnificent ocean views. Plus there is waterfalls and Giant Kauri trees. They always plug the South Island and we get left out a lot. I have read a lot of travelogues in blogs and the people who come to Auckland on their own have no idea how much hidden beauty there is within 20 mins of the city. The city is ringed with beaches but of course they are developed with the high rises appearing now on the beachfront unfortunately but come out west where I live and there is none of that.  Carolyn, Auckland, NZ

3. Grandma Moses:  The exhibition will display artwork and personal objects of Anna Mary Robertson, better known as “Grandma Moses.” In 2007 and 2008, the exhibit will travel to Winston- Salem, N.C.; Chattanooga; Sacramento, Cal.; and Sarasota, Fla. More info on 2007 and 2008 schedule, and some examples of her work.

4. If you like hotels with historic ambiance, check out one of the 208 independent hotels and resorts that are members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. You can visit the Web site and make reservations at www.historichotels.org or order the 2006 directory by sending a $4 check to National Trust/Historic Hotels of America, P.O. Box 320, Washington, D.C. 20055-0320.
5. Before leaving your area, and certainly before leaving the country, it is very important that you check with your health insurance carrier on the proper procedures to follow in the event of an accident or illness. Even if you are on Medicare, you may have a new Part D prescription supplier. Are you able to refill your meds while on your vacation, or do you need to deal with them in some way before leaving?

6. Take your medical information with you. Print out a personal medical information form from this seniorark site so you can easily have all of your medical records close at hand.

7. It seems that pharmacists can only refill your prescriptions within a couple days before they are due. If you will be away for a while, talk with that pharmacist about an early refill in advance of the trip. Or a partial refill to get you by until you return.
8. The Southwest Air Senior Travel Page states: Senior Passengers and Fares. Travelers 65 years of age or over may get details on fares, limitations, and any restrictions via Reservations on www.southwest.com , from a Southwest Airlines Reservations Sales Agent or a travel agent. Fares are subject to change until tickets are purchased, but Senior Fare tickets are fully refundable. Please see details here for tips on how to make your travel experience on Southwest Airlines even easier.
9. If it is convenient to your travel plans, mid-day and mid-week travel times are less crowded and afford more personal service. Prices may also be lower.
10. Make sure the city shown on your baggage claim ticket and luggage tag matches your final destination (ending city on your journey).
11. Be sure to put you name address and phone number on a permanent tag on your luggage. Some airlines suggest that you put it on the outside AND inside of each piece. Luggage gets lost. I put information in a leather tag--  backwards, so it will only be read by someone who really needs to know. I have heard that some people put ID only INSIDE each piece of luggage. I guess the concern is that baggage people will note who is on vacation, and contact a thief in the area. Anything is possible.
12. A lot of luggage looks alike. Put some kind of bright color on the outside handle like yellow yarn so you will have a better chance to recognize your bags when you arrive.
13. Do you need a wheelchair, special help or equipment?  Call your airline in advance to discuss your options. Is there a medical reason why you may need special seating? Call ahead.
14. Leave all jewelry, furs, medicine, eyeglasses, airplane tickets, money, passports, camera equipment, and other valuables out of checked luggage. Carry these items with you
15. Take a statement from your physician detailing any particular problems, allergies, and the like, and a copy of medication and eyeglass prescriptions. Anticipate any medication you may need and carry it with you (don't pack it). (You may find the SeniorArk forms helpful)
16. Make a list of the items in your luggage and carry that list with you (don't pack it)
17. The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) is suggesting that you do not lock your luggage in the event that they need to open it for additional inspection. If you choose to lock your luggage and the TSA must forcibly open your bag via cutting your lock, you assume liability for any damage to your luggage as a result. The TSA is suggesting that to help prevent damage, if you want to fasten the zipper on your luggage in some manner, you might want to use plastic zip ties or cable ties

18. If you have medications that you need to take with you on a trip, be sure they are in the original Rx container. Don't put vitamins in with the meds! Take your vitamins in the original containers. I know it's a bit more difficult, but it will be WAY simpler at Customs if you do it that way. Yes, labs can ascertain that what you're carrying is legally yours... but do you really need to wait for them to test it??

19. If you're going on a trip, most medications can be refilled if you just tell your pharmacist what you're doing. Most RX's can be refilled for a vacation well in advance of their "refill date". The only ones that are normally questioned are for narcotics (painkillers, et al.), but even they can be filled for a trip with your doctor's okay.       Rivahcat,  Virginia

20. Discover America's best-kept vacation secret: Dynamic gateway to the Midwest. Fun things to do, restaurants, events, museums, ...: Art All Night...Duquesne Incline...Carnegie Science Center...Riverboat Rides...National Aviary ...Planetarium...Sandcastle...Strip District...International Rooms...Mt Washington...Rolling.Countryside...Incredible.Downtown.Shopping... Steelers...Pirates...Penguins..,Amish communities nearby
21. Bob Young of Missouri commented on his suggestion for "America's best-kept" vacation secret": "I was given directions to go through there from Fort Smith back to  MO. where I live, and I could not get over how beautiful the  Boston Mountains were there in Northern Arkansas, and when I saw Eureka, Arkansas I could not believe my eyes. The signs said Little Switzerland and I thought that was b.s.,until I saw all the homes along the mountain sides." Thanks Bob
22. Look on the individual airlines sites. A lot of airlines are offering their best fares on their own Web sites. (SeniorARK airline sites pages) Log on early and often, including weekends. The key times to check online are 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends, local time. If you don't have time to constantly monitor deals, Hobica runs a Web site, airfarewatchdog.com, which tracks the constant changes and posts deals.
23. If you are on Medicare and plan to travel abroad, here is an important article for you to read.
24. Read this week's top 20 bargains from Travelzoo.
25. Too much walking at the zoo in your hometown? Take an online trip to the San Diego Zoo.
26. Save gas and take a virtual online Field Trip from the comfort of your home.
27. Look for free tours at interesting places such as factories and museums. You’ll have fun while you learn. Find children’s museums or centers with interactive displays. Many are educational.

Elaine - Charleston, WV

28.  "Where to Live and Play: 31 Adventure Towns"   nationalgeographic.com logo
29. Farecast.com not only searches for a flight for you, but it actually suggests whether or not you should buy now or wait for a later date. Red and orange arrows predict the price for the flight will rise, blue says it's expected to stay the same, but the green arrows predict the price will actually go down. It also has a chart tracking the price of the ticket over the last 48 days.

Yapta.com is also another travel site that you may want to check out. This site will actually track your flight before and after you buy it, and if the price goes down, even after you've paid, it tells you how you can get some money back.

30. There is a new bus company, megabus.com, in the US. Late 2007, for travel between January 6 and March 11, 2008. 100,000 seats are being given for $0, and thousands more for $1 and up. We suspect that these seats will sell quickly, but suggest that you go to their site to check them out as a low-cost alternative to air. http://www.megabus.com/us/

31. Pick up some frugal summer travel tips at: http://www.frugalyankee.com/node/487
32. Money-Saving Tips for Summer Vacation Travel

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