Smart Travel Tips for Over 50s – Read Now, Travel Later!

We love travelling, but after being pick-pocketed on the Paris metro a few years ago, we’ve become super careful.

Don’t become a scam or pick-pocket statistic on your next holiday. Check out my tips in this post for a safe and happy holiday.

Safety First – 7 Top Tips

• Watch out for scams – don’t ‘look at the baby,’ if you’re asked to, and don’t let a stranger divert your attention and engage you in conversation while you are being discreetly robbed of your valuables from behind.
• If public transport is crowded then hang on to your bag. Put it in front of you and cover the zipper or the opening with your hands. Otherwise tie a scarf around the zipper and the handle of the bag using a secure knot. Be very aware of pick pockets in crowded places – Paris metro was our downfall.
• Travel with a crossbody bag of some description, preferably one with a strong shoulder strap.
• Don’t ever put your mobile phone in your back pocket.
• Only change money with authorised dealers, banks are best.
• If you are using ATM’s cover the keyboard when you punch in your pin. Try and have your partner or a friend act as a shield around you as well.
• Don’t take all your credit cards and cash out of the hotel at once. Leave things in a safety deposit box if you can.

Best Travel Bags

Crossbody style bags are the best for sightseeing. Please don’t go sightseeing with a large, top opening tote bag, or a flimsy shoulder bag. They might be okay on an airplane, but not when you’re walking in crowds.

You might also like this post … Best Crossbody Bags for Travel

Bonus Tip : Book your vacations via reputable holiday firms. We’ve enjoyed all the holidays that we’ve booked via Luxury Escapes and you can find some fabulous deals on the website.

Travel Hacks for a Super Holiday Over 50!

After hitting the big 5-0 and beyond comfort is key! Opt for destinations where you can find plenty of cozy cafes, park benches, or even luxurious lounges to take those well-deserved rest breaks. Who said sightseeing couldn’t involve a comfy chair and a good book?

P.S. I devoured these three books while travelling on trains, planes and buses last year.

If you’re booking a coach holiday, always ask if there’s a toilet on the coach, and if not make sure that they stop frequently for toilet breaks.

The “Early Bird Special”: If you’re anything like me, gone are the days of partying until dawn. Enjoy your inner early bird and enjoy the perks of beating the crowds and snagging those coveted early bird specials at restaurants. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time for a post-dinner nap!

Prioritize destinations with smooth sidewalks: Forget hiking up steep mountains or navigating cobblestone streets like you’re auditioning for a circus act. Opt for destinations with smooth, walker-friendly pavements and lots of interesting things to see along the way, where you can stroll at a leisurely pace and enjoy an ice cream pit stop, or perhaps a sunset cocktail.

Seek out destinations with captivating history: At this age, you’ve got time for stories, so why not explore destinations with fascinating histories? Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, touring historic landmarks, enjoying castles and country estates with fabulous grounds, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a centuries-old town square, if you’re anything like me you’ll love the tales of yesteryear.

Don’t forget “Senior Discounts”: Ah, the sweet sound of savings! Take advantage of senior discounts and perks wherever you go. Whether it’s discounted museum tickets, reduced train fares, or even freebies like extra dessert at dinner (hey, you never know!), being over 50 definitely has its perks, so milk them for all they’re worth!

Pack smart casual comfy clothes that can be washed easily. Opt for roomy dresses with sleeves, dresses that are comfy to wear on planes, trains or buses.

I don’t like packing wide leg pants because if the toilets wherever you’re travelling are a bit yukky, then the wide legs have a tendency to drag on the floor unless you’re extra careful! So opt instead for 3/4 length pants, or pants that taper at the ankles.

Looking for more travel tips? You might like the following posts on Lifestyle Fifty too.

10 Tips for long haul travel in Europe

21 Tips to make Long Haul Flights easier

Ultimate Packing List for International Travel

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Disclaimer : I’m keeping up with the times, so this post, “Smart Travel Tips for Over 50s – Read Now, Travel Later!” was created using my own knowledge and experience, but also incorporates some research using AI tools, in an effort to be as helpful as I can. However, the post was put together with my own personal edits and styling. This post contains affiliate links from which I stand to earn a small commission but at no expense to you. Any gifted items are marked with an asterisk * or mentioned as gifted. However, this does not affect my editorial integrity. Lifestyle Fifty Website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  Please read my full disclosure here.