You’re going where?
That’s usually the reaction you can expect when you say sub-Saharan
Africa, Uzbekistan, or East Timor.
Because let’s face it, some people think there’s a cut-off age for
adventure and that after a certain time, life should become more predictable.
It absolutely can, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But it doesn’t
have to be.
If you choose to adventure, it’s your choice, and it can be every bit as
rewarding after 60 as it was in your 20s.
But a few rules do apply – they just might be a little different today.
What to Do Before Setting Off on Your Adventure
Going off on an adventure of any kind needs a bit more preparation than
signing up for an organized tour or walking into your travel agency and having
someone take care of all the details.
Travel off the beaten path tends to have a common thread, wherever you
go: unpredictability. You can plan (and you most certainly should) but be ready
to improvise.
Make Sure You’re Suited Psychologically to This Type
of Travel
If you like foods and the familiar sounds of English being spoken, you
may not feel comfortable in an environment where you cannot communicate easily
or where everything is new and different, and you’re crammed on a bus with a
bunch of chickens.
Bottom line, travel to offbeat places means things will NOT be like they
are at home. But then, isn’t that the point?
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Choose Your Destination Wisely
Once you feel mentally prepared, your next step is to decide where to go. If you’re seriously concerned about hygiene, you might want to avoid countries with squat toilets, or if you’re a vegetarian, meat-based culture might be problematic.
Research the natural hazards – earthquakes, floods, tsunamis. You don’t
need the extra pressure, so if your choice of destination tends to be flooded
or surrounded by fire several times a year, think again.
When I decided to go to Sri Lanka, I did worry about tsunamis (a
terrible tidal wave struck the region in 2004), so I made sure I had a map of
the area surrounding my hotel and an escape plan. Just in case.
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Take Some Practical Precautions
If you’re going to a country that isn’t on everyone’s top 10 list,
consider registering with your embassy. Many countries have registration systems
for international travelers, like the US Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(STEP).
This helps them reach you in case of emergency or unrest and will boost
your peace of mind – and that of friends and relatives who think you’re being a
bit too daring.
Always have some local cash – not much, but enough to bail you out with
a taxi if you need one. Many countries don’t accept credit cards outside major
cities and international hotels, and cash reigns supreme. Just don’t carry
around a huge amount and change money as you need it.
Always Tell a Trusted Someone Where You Are
Although I’m a fan of “wandering off,” I do have a basic itinerary and
always leave it with someone. It includes my flights in and out, the hotels
I’ve reserved and approximate travel dates.
Each day, I check in, either by email or some other form of
communication and if my itinerary changes, I let someone know.
When I first started traveling solo all those years ago, keeping in
touch was so much harder. Some communities didn’t even have a way to call
internationally, and I often went a month without contacting my family.
These days, few places are that isolated (although I admit, in some
parts of Kyrgyzstan recently, I was unable to grab a phone signal).
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Keep Your Health Uppermost in Your Mind
Make sure you take your meds and your prescriptions and ask your doctor
to explain what is in the medicine. Should you run out or lose it, there are
equivalencies in most countries, but usually under a different name. If the
pharmacist knows your medicine’s chemical makeup, they can find a substitute.
And make sure you research drug policies at your destination. When I
went to Uzbekistan, I was surprised to find out they banned all forms of
codeine. As I crossed the border, officers went through all my meds looking for
telltale signs of the offending drug.
Remember, hygiene may not be what you’re used to, so take the usual
precautions and avoid foods that might make you sick. And of course, drink only
bottled water and use it to wash your food.
Be More Cautious About Safety
In some countries, you may have legitimate security concerns, which is
why research is so important. I visited Tunisia, in North Africa, a couple of
years ago. This small country suffered several serious terrorist attacks in
recent years, some targeting tourist resorts, so the concern is legitimate.
Staying away from crowded areas or demonstrations is a good idea, but so
is remembering that violence can – and does – occur anywhere.
Writing off an entire country because of a few isolated attacks makes
little sense to me. Still, as an older woman, I fully realize I’m more
vulnerable than someone in their 20s. All that means is that I have to be more
careful.
Source : Sixtyandme.com
