Traveling is an excellent hobby that many people find comfort and delight in—it keeps people healthy, open-minded, and happy. Travel also promotes exercise, one of many leisure activities for seniors who finally have enough time and money on their hands to explore the wonders of the world. 

Nevertheless, traveling should be carefully planned, especially when people of the golden age are involved. Thorough preparation of the trip is needed to make sure that they are comfortable and safe throughout. This article will give you the necessary details to keep in mind for seniors who want to travel—may it be with someone else or by themselves.

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

What’s the Importance of Traveling for Seniors?

There are many things to gain from this activity, and the following are a few reasons why seniors should engage in traveling:

It works as a Mood Booster.

People who have upcoming trips tend to feel excited about the future. There are positive feelings associated with the thought of experiencing something new and visiting places or countries they have always wanted to visit. Just thinking about traveling and planned activities help boost the overall mood, filling travelers with enthusiasm and happiness. 

It Spices Up Their Life.

For years, people might have worked the same job, lived in the same city, and done the same things every day. Most seniors want a change from their routines, which will bring more excitement to their life. Travel provides exposure to new places, food, and cultures, helping them escape dull 9-5 routines.

It Enhances Both The Body And Mind.

Part of the secret of looking younger includes happiness and being active—both of which travel will give to anyone. Seniors can remain active without undergoing extreme exercise programs. Walking while exploring places is already a form of activity, and they will not even think of it as exercise.

Senior adults will enrich their minds through stories and facts they will discover from different places. Through traveling, seniors can engage in physical and mental activities that will surely make them happy and healthy in their mind, body, and soul.

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

Tips When Traveling With Seniors

As mentioned earlier, traveling with seniors comes with a few challenges, but nothing that can’t be worked with. There might be a couple of adjustments needed to ensure that everything they need is available and they’ll remain comfortable throughout the journey.

Here are several tips that’ll help improve the experience of traveling with seniors:

Go over their Bucket List.

When traveling with seniors, you have to consider what they want instead of enforcing what you wish for them to do or visit. Have a friendly talk about traveling and the places they want to go to make sure they are interested in the itinerary.

Ask them if they’re going to travel alone or if they would prefer company. Make their needs and wants a priority—this time, you will be the one to fulfill their dreams.

Find Appropriate Travel Services.

Maybe the destination is incredible, but the journey matters a whole lot as well. You need to consider the means of transport, be it air or land transportation, to get the most direct and shortest travel time.

Make Sure Elderly Accommodation Is Available.

It is no secret that plane seats can be uncomfortable. For seniors who might need help, you need to request airline assistance in advance. 

If the senior needs a wheelchair, make sure to ask for it. For meal services onboard, don’t forget to inform the airline of any dietary needs. If the senior is traveling alone, ensure that they will have assistance from the check-in counter, through security, gate, embarking, and disembarking.

Secure Important Documents.

Aside from passports and plane tickets, confirm that you have enough copies of prescriptions and statements of medical conditions from physicians or medical centers.

Medicare and other insurance cards, itineraries, boarding passes, and medication names should be part of the document package. If you can, allow the companion (if there’s one) and someone at home to keep copies of the essential documents.

Ensure Efficient Packing.

Avoid packing too much that it ends up being a struggle to carry or transport luggage, especially if the person is traveling alone. Prioritize ergonomic backpacks and luggage that are lightweight and easy to travel with.

Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash

Safety Precautions When Traveling with Seniors

Safety should always be at the top of the list when talking about senior travel. Seniors can be more prone to accidents and hospital stays. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when traveling:

Utilize Medical Alert Systems

Personal emergency response systems or medical alert systems are a quick and easy way for people to ask for help during an emergency. 

Medical alert systems are designed to signal an emergency to call urgent attention for medical personnel. This tool is very beneficial and almost imperative when the senior is traveling independently. The device will help the wearer call for help or assistance quickly without having to remember a phone number or have a phone nearby.

Medical alert systems providers offer a wide range of devices, features, options, and service plans to guarantee ease of use for seniors. All your senior family member or friend needs to do is press a button to contact the medical alert provider’s call center, and trained operators will respond 24/7, ready to send assistance as soon as possible.

Some medical alert systems have additional features, including fall detection sensors, GPS, caregiver tools, and environmental monitoring to ensure that the seniors are safe and sound wherever they are.

Get Travel Insurance.

Insurance is something everyone, regardless of age, should consider investing in. To read more about Travel Insurance for Seniors, click here. 

Track Eating Habits and Medication.

With traveling comes new experiences, and that includes food. With the variety of dishes and specialties available worldwide, it will not be surprising when travelers wish to taste every food on sight.

However, the older we get, the slower the digestion and the more sensitive a stomach can get. Seniors and companions must not forget about the diet restrictions they need to follow when traveling to ensure that they will not obtain undesirable events. 

Beware of heavy, spicy, or fatty dishes and food that could interact with medications. Consult with a doctor before going on a trip to be more informed about what food is and isn’t recommended. 

Final Thoughts

Remember the important things and stay safe throughout the whole trip, but do not forget to enjoy it to the fullest. Seniors should have the time of their lives going out of their comfort zones and relishing in the numerous beautiful offers of the world.

This article was written by a guest contributor.

The post The Why’s and How’s of Traveling with Seniors appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

The good news is, as a Medicare beneficiary you will be entitled to some foreign benefits in the case of an emergency. But as expected, the foreign coverage is not as comprehensive as you would expect here in the states. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about traveling outside the USA with Medicare.

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Original Medicare Foreign Coverage

With Original Medicare coverage alone, the situations in which you will be covered abroad are quite situational.

For a nationalized system like Medicare, the tight foreign regulations are understandable as it could become quite a headache to create a synchronized health coverage system that worked no matter where beneficiaries were in the world.

Here are the situations in which you can count on Medicare to cover you outside of the United States:

• If you have a medical emergency requiring medical attention, on your way to or from Alaska by way of Canada – Medicare will cover your treatment in a Canadian facility.  
• In the case you have a medical emergency or non-emergency situation while in the U.S. or its’ territories, and the nearest hospital is in another country. It typically applies to Canada or Mexico, and you would be covered by Medicare at the nearest hospital.
• If you are on a cruise ship and 6 hours away from a U.S. port, Medicare will cover your medical services at the nearest facility.

To summarize, if you are near the United States or in a border area, Medicare may cover in an emergency at the closest hospital in proximity to you.

How Medicare Works Outside of the USA?

Since you will be in a foreign facility, Medicare may not cover services in the same way as they do in the United States. Additionally, foreign facilities may not accept Medicare or be willing to bill Medicare for your treatment.

Foreign providers and hospitals are not required to submit your claim to Medicare, though some will have a process in place to do so. If you find yourself in a situation where a foreign hospital or provider will not coordinate with Medicare, you will need to pay out-of-pocket.

If you end up covering your medical bills on your own, be sure to save every bill and receipt to submit for Medicare reimbursement when you return to the U.S.

In the same way, billing may be different abroad. Also, the way Medicare will cover services is different. For example, Medicare Part B will only cover non-emergency services if your inpatient hospital stay is covered.

Additional Medicare Coverage Options Abroad

We’ve looked at how Original Medicare will cover you abroad. Now let’s look at how Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans will work while you’re out of the country.

Medicare Advantage outside the USA

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are federally regulated private plans. Since these plans are offered through private insurance companies, there are thousands of options available with varying coverage.

With so many available options, your out-of-network benefits can vary. However, you can count on every Medicare Advantage plan having foreign emergency travel coverage. Review your Summary of Benefits to know exactly what kind of coverage your Medicare Advantage plan has and what your share of any emergency costs may be.

Medicare Supplement outside the USA

Medicare supplement plans are an add-on option to Original Medicare plans that fill in the out-of-pocket gaps. These plans are popular among many beneficiaries for their comprehensive coverage.

The great thing is, there are six Medicare supplement plans available that cover up to 80 percent of expenses in the case of a foreign emergency, with a lifetime limit of $50,000. The emergency must occur within 60 days of you leaving the United States, so it’s not a benefit that was intended for long-term travel.

Just like in the states, a Medicare supplement plan will only cover services that Medicare also approves and will pay after Medicare covers their portion.

In Conclusion

Medicare will travel with you as you travel abroad, but not as comprehensively as you would count on it to do at home. It is best to have a supplemental option in addition to Medicare as well as a short-term travel policy.

You can never be overprepared when it comes to your health coverage while traveling outside of the country.

Guest contributor Danielle Kunkle has written the previous article. Danielle specializes in writing content that helps people understand Medicare – what it is, which part covers what, etc. She’s also on the Forbes finance council as their Medicare expert. 

Don’t forget to Share & Pin ‘Traveling Outside the USA with Medicare: All You Need to Know.’

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The following article was written by guest contributor Ilana Schattauer. Ilana is a cruise enthusiast and travel writer at LifeWellCruised. She has worked in the cruise industry for more than a decade, and believes that we can all have amazing travel experiences, all while enjoying ship life, of course!  You can follow Ilana at Life Well Cruised on Facebook as well as on Instagram.

We had a chance to try out the new Ocean Medallion technology on the Regal Princess while still in the roll-out phase and were positively impressed.

Ocean Medallion brings some useful technological updates onboard, many of which are beneficial for seniors who cruise.

What is Ocean Medallion?

According to Princess Cruises, “Ocean Medallion is a first-of-its-kind wearable device that elevates every moment before, during and after your Ocean Medallion Vacation. From on-demand food and drinks, interactive gaming, custom entertainment and smart navigation, Medallion makes cruising simpler, and more personal and enjoyable than ever.”

If you’re wondering what exactly does that mean in non-marketing lingo, it can be explained as follows.

The Ocean Medallion is a personalized wearable “disk” that cruisers receive to board the ship, replacing the traditional cruise card. It comes on a detachable lanyard improving its portability. Cruisers can also purchase bracelets and necklaces as an alternative to the lanyard if they choose.

Cruisers are encouraged to download the OceanReady App, where they have access to certain features on their phone. If you don’t have a smartphone or tablet, you don’t need to worry. Ocean Medallion features will still work as explained below.

How Ocean Medallion technology can help seniors?

While there are other features (like games or virtual casino), these are the five main features that offer the most help for senior cruisers.

Automatic door unlocking – The convenience of getting to your cabin and having the sensors in the door recognize your device and open the door comes in handy. When your hands are full, there’s no need to fumble looking for a key card. Moreover, this is a practical feature for when mobility is limited.

Fast and inexpensive internet – MedallionNet provides unlimited internet (WiFi) packages for a reasonable price. Perfect for those who want to keep in touch with loved ones at home, as well to keep up with what’s going on the world.

Food and drinks delivery – Order from your lounge chair or the theater and your food and drinks will be brought to you — no more waiting in lines.

Ocean Compass – Large screens called portals are placed through the ship and equipped with interactive maps, helping guide guests from one area of the cruise to another.

Find your shipmates – My favorite feature out of everything Ocean Medallion does. This feature allows you to find your travel companion’s location by placing your disk on the portal and choosing a shipmate.

For those who travel with a loved one who is at the beginning or moderate stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, or with any medical condition, this can bring a massive peace of mind. The Ocean Medallion disk working as a tracker helps to give freedom to families traveling together.

Now, guests will have one less thing to worry about knowing that they can easily access their friends and loved one’s location on the ship.

Ocean Medallion Technology Concerns and Questions

After publishing a post about our cruise experience with Ocean Medallion, I received a comment from a reader who happens to be a senior. She expressed concerns that she wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the Ocean Medallion technology if she didn’t have a smartphone.

I’ve seen similar worries and questions in social media and cruise forums from those who don’t like to use their cell phones on cruises and have limited internet. I understand this worry as there is so much information and it isn’t all clear.

To reassure cruisers, this technology works even if you don’t own a smartphone or tablet. The main difference is that you will have to use the portals rather than your phone for certain features. Portals are found on every deck, and there are staff members that are working with guests to help them use the Ocean Medallion features as well as to answer any questions.

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Golden Age Trips 2018 Roundup

We started 2018 by focusing on local content. From ‘The Most Romantic Things to do in Sarasota‘, to ‘What to Pack to Siesta Key‘ and its handy PDF checklist. Then, at the end of January, we traveled to New York (for the first time!) to participate in the New York Times Travel Show. Traveling to NYC and the NYT Travel Show was an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to go back. I didn’t have high hopes for NYC, but thankfully I was wrong. I truly enjoyed it, which helped give birth to this post about the ‘10 Things That Really Surprised Me About New York‘.

After returning from NYC, our articles focused on senior travelers. We shared one of my favorite posts of the year, titled Traveling With Senior Parents: 3 Amazing Stories. There were also tips about protecting your data online on Traveling Seniors: Don’t Forget to Protect Your Data Online, which these days not only seniors need to worry about.

March arrived, and with it our annual international trip. At this point its already a tradition. We also like to travel when the majority of people doesn’t (even if the weather is not the best), to avoid crowds. In 2018 we went to Ireland, and aside from its roads, it was a spectacular trip. I checked two things off my bucket list (Cliffs of Moher and Guinness Brewery), and my husband was able to go to the Jameson Distillery to let them know in person that Jack Daniel’s Whiskey tastes better.

For Memorial Weekend I had the opportunity, thanks to Visit Clarksville TN, to touch ground in Tennessee and explore the city of Clarksville. It was a busy weekend, with exciting and fun things to do. The city also has great food and is investing in its culture and arts, not only for visitors but for its people. For a quick look, check out the 6 of the Most Instagrammable Places in Clarksville, TN.

The rest of the year the blog was focused on local content (including the most popular post of the year – 20 Things to Do in Lakewood Ranch), roundup and holiday posts (such as the monster post about Black Friday deals for Travelers), and even a hotel review.

We did travel during the second part of the year. Places included the Tri-state area of D.C./Maryland/Virginia, including Charlottesville and Shenandoah National Park. We made our annual pilgrimage to Atlanta, and also visited Puerto Rico (where we are from) for our best friend’s wedding and to spend time with our family.

Finally, Golden Age Trips was also featured on various websites and blogs, where we shared travel tips and knowledge. It felt like a busy year, but I’m ready to devote more time to the blog and share more travel tips and stories with all of you.

Where is 2019 taking Golden Age Trips?

The following is a non-comprehensive list of what we have planned for next year, but the calendar is starting to look like this.

January – Tri-state area of D.C./Maryland/Virginia.

March – Belgium (Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges) & Germany (Cologne)

April – Orlando (Star Wars Half Marathon – Rival Run Weekend) – We’re only doing the 10K though. 

We can’t wait to explore new places and share our travels with you! Happy New Year!     

The post Golden Age Trips 2018 Roundup & What’s Next for 2019 appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

Cape Town & Kruger National Park Safari – Pamela Chieffallo from Travel like a Chieff 

Pamela’s family on Safari

My husband and I surprised our parents with a trip to South Africa last year, and they are still raving about it! We chose the destination based on activities that would suit my 70-year-old father in law, the most senior of the group, without sacrificing fun and adventure.

Our first stop was Cape Town, where we rented a luxury villa in Camps Bay; the perfect option for a family wishing to spend time together. We visited Boulders Beach, dined at a World’s Top 50 Restaurant, spent the day wine tasting in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, saw one of the “new” seven wonders of the world – Table Mountain, toured Robben Island, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, and Chapman’s Peak.

Vineyard in Cape Town

All in the comfort of a private luxury vehicle, courtesy of Rhino Africa to ensure no one got too fatigued. Our final stop was Londolozi in Kruger National Park for a three-day Safari. This is where we witnessed our parents turn into awe-struck children and where the vacation became a trip of a lifetime.

A Safari is truly an authentic experience and the memories last a lifetime. Our parents can vouch for that! It is suitable for most physical levels, and everything is pre-planned. You just need to show up and have a wonderful time!

Pamela and Her Family During Their Lovely Safari

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Cuba – Jennifer Riley from The Rainbow Route

Jennifer & Her Mother in Cuba 

When my 65-year-old mom decided she wanted to do a mother-daughter trip, it didn’t take me long to decide on Cuba as our destination. My mom had never been overseas before, so I wanted to give her a trip that would broaden her horizons, but not be too far out of her comfort zone.

Cuba, Havana in particular, is an affordable destination with a unique culture, as well as lots of interesting things to take photos of on slow walks. Taxis were readily available for when our feet got sore, and there were plenty of mojitos to keep us both in good spirits.

It helped considerably that I speak Spanish so that my mom was able to take part in conversations without having to stress about the language barrier. Cuba is a destination better suited to a person who can go without certain conveniences and has an adventurous attitude.

It is also a very safe country, so I never had to worry about her personal safety while I took care of the other details – like finding a room for the night and navigating winding streets.

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Tenerife, Canary Islands – Maria from Tigrest

Tenerife – Canary Islands

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands (Spain). Thanks to its location, the temperatures rarely drop below +20C (even in winter months) making it an ideal winter destination for most Europeans.

However, this is really not a party island – most visitors are actually middle-aged and seniors. Beach resort properties in the southern part of the island are a great investment for retirement, and a lot of senior Europeans already take advantage of that.

The promenade is easy to walk and stretches for many kilometers. Numerous pubs and outdoor cafes offer live music (classic, 90’s) throughout the night. Every now and then you see happy couples finishing their evening walk before heading home for the night.

Even the biggest resort – Playa de Las Americas – is a very peaceful place, perfect for seniors to relax and enjoy the ocean, sun, and sangria.

The food is delicious – traditional Spanish flavors along with Canary specialties. You simply can’t miss tasty seafood, cute salty mini-potatoes (papas arrugadas), sauces made from herbs (mojos), paellas, and tapas. Everything is fresh and really delicious.

Although there are many other, much more peaceful resorts, Playa de Las Americas is my favorite. Here you can read about what makes Playa de Las Americas the best resort to stay in the area.

Follow Maria|Facebook

Final Thoughts

Thank you to everyone that contributed to this post, including their lovely pictures. I am now more convinced of planning a trip with my mother outside of the United States. I also hope this post had inspired some of you to do the same.

Also, these three experiences happened during the warmer months, but if planning a winter holiday with your parents don’t forget to check out ‘The ultimate winter toolkit for older people’ where you can find a number of tips, including tips for a winter holiday with senior parents.

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So, traveling seniors, don’t forget to protect your data and devices. Keep reading to find out how you can browse the internet securely and protect your information when traveling.

The following is a sponsored post. However, all opinions and research done for this post are my own, and my husband’s who has a Master of Science in Computer Engineering.  

Photo by Hannah Wei on Unsplash

As we all know, cybersecurity is a big topic nowadays. Every time we connect to a public network, we risk exposing our interactions (including transactions) on the web and possibly to the world.

In this day and age, we own many smart devices. Sometimes, these gadgets are almost an extension of us. Maybe because of personal or business reasons.  Not even while traveling, we cannot bear the thought of giving our laptop, or tablet up (not judging I am the same way).

For a while, experts and ‘techies’ of the world have used Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to protect their data while they travel. Now, when not at home, you don’t have to be a computer geek to protect your computer easily.

But why is it that my information is at risk when I travel?

When you connect to the internet, your requests could go through several hops (portions of the path between the source and the endpoint). This process happens until the requests get to the final destination on the receiving end.

Think about that for a second, if any of those hops are compromised, your information could be at risk.

The risk increases when you have access points that are directly open to the public, like hotspots in airports, hotel lobbies, or a coffee house. These are particularly attractive for malicious users (or hackers) because it gives them a single low-secure target to execute exploits.

The result of this exploit is that all the data of users connected to those public access points can be made visible.

So how does a VPN works to protect my information when I travel?

Virtual Private Networks create an encrypted tunnel between your device and a secure endpoint. This ‘tunnel’ will encapsulate all your information, giving you an extra layer of security, and the confidence of accessing sensitive data, such as your bank account, anywhere in the world.

There are solutions out there, like Cocoon, that provides two free versions (one for when traveling to Asia & one that can be used in the rest of the world), and a paid version that includes an Anti-Virus.

Cocoon, as the name suggests, does to your computer what you imagine just now. It isolates your laptop to keep it away from malware and encrypts sensible information. Additionally, depending on your internet speed, you can sign up, download, and start using its browser in less than five minutes.

This protection can help you avoid big headaches, not only while traveling but when you return home too. It is never fun to deal with a stolen identity or with credit card fraud.

What are some applications I should access through a VPN?

Any application that you use to exchange sensitive information should be accessed through VPNs while you travel. Examples are email, bank websites, credit card websites, message exchanging platforms, hotel rewards websites (yes, people are stealing loyalty points!), etc.

What other steps should I take to protect my information when I travel?

You should always make sure to access only those sites that have been configured for secure browsing or “https.”

From your browser, you will see that “https” enabled sites are marked with a lock at the beginning of the search bar.

Be wary of websites that prompt security alerts on your web browser, such as an expired security certificate.

If you are traveling, and want to connect to a Wi-Fi network, make sure the connection is protected by at least a password.  However, you should still use a VPN, since most of these passwords are shared amongst many other travelers (in hotels for example).

My recommendation is, connect to a VPN, kick your legs back and have a safe trip while protecting your data.

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Watch the Sunset in Siesta Key

Sunset at Crescent Beach

Let’s get the obvious suggestion out of the way. Watching a sunset with the person you love is sweet. Watching a sunset with the person you love in Siesta Key, well, that’s magical. Make ‘Siesta’ a stop before or after dinner, and make sure to check the sunset times here.  Thinking about staying in Siesta Key for more than an evening? Check out How to Experience Siesta Key Like a Local.

Tip: For fewer crowds, go to Crescent Beach instead of Siesta Beach. 

Book a Paint Night

Photo by Kelli Tungay on Unsplash

Take a bottle of wine with you, arrive a little early, and get ready to paint. Have a friendly competition over who is painting better, and have some fun. My husband and I had a great experience at Painting with a Twist in the Lakewood Ranch area. Unfortunately, this location closed, but there is also one in Sarasota. Check them out here.

Tip: To get a more ‘private’ lesson, call in advance to know how many people have booked the session you are interested in or go from Monday through Wednesday.

Enjoy the outdoors on Myakka River State Park.

Myakka River State Park 

If you and your significant other enjoy hiking, kayaking, gators and/or bird spotting, this is the place for you. No season is the same at Myakka River State Park, and during Spring and Fall, it is charming. Read more about Myakka River State Park Here.

Go to Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch

Photo by Errico Boccia on Unsplash

Music on Main is a free concert series and block party in Lakewood Ranch. It happens on the first Friday of each month, and the great thing about it is that you can combine it with dinner, shopping, and movies. Click here for more information.

If you are already in the area, don’t miss 20 Things to do in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. There are some romantic ideas here too!

Tip: Be there early. Finding parking can be a hassle sometimes. 

Visit the Cà d’Zan (House of John)

View from the tower in the Cà d’Zan

This 30-room mansion was inspired by the Venetian Gothic palaces and was once the winter retreat and office for John Ringling. If the last name sounds familiar, it is because of Ringling’s influence in Sarasota and the Circus World. John Ringling is also known as the Circus King, once President of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

The mansion, now turned museum, reflects the extravagant taste of John and his wife, Mable. Every room has a different theme and lavish items from all around the world. After the mansion’s tour, stroll through the gardens and enjoy the views of the Gulf.

Tip: Ca’ d’Zan docent-led tours at the Ringling Museum are scheduled throughout the day (timed entry), and its price varies depending on how many floors it includes. Click here for more information about Ringling Museum Admissions and Tours.

There’s also an excellent restaurant on-site, Muse.

Forgot to share a delicious dinner I had a few weeks ago at Muse @TheRingling. It is missing the wine pairing and the lemon bar, which were also great. The menu was from @VisitSarasota Savor Sarasota, but you can still find these items on the menu. pic.twitter.com/OY3L1ip8St

— Sheila Berrios (@goldenagetrips) June 26, 2019

Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Did you knew you can wake up and have breakfast to this view at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota? Jack Dusty is the on-site restaurant and one of the best places for breakfast in the Sarasota area. Can’t wait to go back.

A post shared by Golden Age Trips (@goldenagetrips) on Jun 24, 2017 at 11:24am PDT

If the last picture still didn’t convince you, check out the list of Best Luxury Hotels for Boomers 2018, where I talk more about why The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is one of the ultimate weekend experiences in the area.

Are you looking for other romantic places to stay in Florida? Don’t miss a list of the Most Romantic Hotels in Florida.

Enjoy a Picnic

Photo by Agence Producteurs Locaux Damien Kühn on Unsplash

If you want to impress your significant other, order a cheese and charcuterie box from Artisan Cheese Company in Downtown Sarasota. Choose a lovely spot to eat & drink, and enjoy!

See and buy some flowers at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

View of the Sarasota Bay from the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Take some time to visit the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Its collection of bromeliads and orchids is one of the biggest in the world, and the views you have of the Sarasota Bay from the garden cannot be beaten. There is always something going on, from art displays to exciting lectures, so keep up to date by clicking here.

What are the most romantic things you like to do in Sarasota? Leave us a comment!

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Myakka River State Park Location (27.2410° N, 82.3160° W)

Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first.

While planning my first visit to Myakka River State Park and one of its main attractions the Myakka Canopy Walkway, my initial thought was to go hiking, but it was hot, and I wasn’t “feeling it.” Instead, I decided to see some of the park’s main attractions and try to spot some wildlife here and there.

We entered through the South Gate Entrance and started looking for signs that would point to where the Myakka Canopy Walkway is located. Note: The North Gate Entrance is only open during weekends and state holidays.

Myakka Canopy Walkway

Luckily, we were able to find parking near the trail that takes you directly to the walkway (it has a sign you can’t miss, plus you can get a map at the entrance). From that parking, it doesn’t take more than 10 minutes to reach Myakka’s Canopy Walkway.

Walking towards the Myakka Canopy Walkway

At first, I thought the walkway and viewing tower were smaller than I had imagined they were going to be from the pictures I had seen online. However, when you start climbing the stairs you know is just the right size.

I’m not scared of heights, but if you do or if you suffer from vertigo, rethink going all the way to the top. For example, halfway up the viewing tower, my mother decided that it was enough stairs (and height) for her and waited for us at the outside (and lower) part of the walkway.

Walkway

After looking at the next picture, you will realize that climbing a few flights of stairs was worth it. It was a bright day, and you could see for miles. The only thing I didn’t feel too comfortable with, is that the wind makes the tower move from side to side. We were more than four people up there, and once I finished taking a few pictures, I was ready to be on “ground level.”

Views from miles

As I said, it is worth visiting the Myakka Canopy Walkway but please read the signs, and if you start feeling dizzy, it might be better to wait on the ground reading about ants and ferns. Also, the walkway is supposed to be one-way, so you should stop if someone is coming from the opposite direction. Don’t be that person.

My mother learned about ants & ferns

Myakka Canopy Walkway

Myakka’s Birdwalk

We hopped in the car again, this time driving towards the Myakka River State Park Visitor Center. On our way there I saw a small deer, and because this is not a routine encounter for me I made my husband stop in the middle of the road for pictures (there were no cars behind us…I swear). My mother was kind of excited about it too, so that was nice because that’s something you don’t see every day.

Deer at Myakka River State Park

Remember when I said we were going to the visitor center? Well, the parking was full, and we had to keep on driving. Our next stop was the Birdwalk, and there we spent a good amount of time sitting on the benches and trying to identify different types of birds.

Tip: If you have binoculars this is the perfect place to use them. 

Birdwalk Pathway

Myakka’s Visitor Center & Outpost

After visiting the Birdwalk we finished driving towards the North Gate Entrance, and then started to drive back South. We tried stopping at the Visitors Center again, and this time we were successful. Around this area is where the Myakka Outpost is, where you can buy tickets for tram and boat tours.

For detailed information about the boat tours, including times and prices please read ‘Myakka State Park Boat Tours – All You Need to Know’.

Something I’m hoping to do as soon as the temperatures start to lower. Also, this is the place where you can pay for different rentals such as canoes, kayaks, and bikes. It is also the home of The Pink Gator Cafe where you can try Homemade Alligator Stew.

Myakka River

Nothing says Spring in Florida more than an alligator with a butterfly on its head

Myakka’s Alligator Point

Our last stop was Alligator Point, and it did not disappoint. There was no shortage of gators, birds of prey and a few herons. With this visit, we only scratched the surface of the things to do and see in Myakka River State Park. I’m looking forward to coming back, and experience more of what this “neighbor” Florida State Park has to offer.

Alligator in “Alligator Point.”

Little Blue Heron or Egretta caerulea at Myakka River State Park

Last Notes:

During “wet season,” trails will get muddy. Other areas of the park can also get flooded, so try to call the following number (1) 941-361-6511 if it has been raining to confirm if the park or specific areas of interest are open to the public.

You can pay to camp or rent a cabin. If interested in renting a cabin, try to do it with enough time in advance. There are only five, and they fill up quick!

If camping is not your thing, and you are wondering where to stay, click here to get $20.00 off in Booking.com or $20.00 off in Airbnb.

For more information about activities, hours, and updated prices, please visit: Florida State Parks – Myakka River State Park

Don’t forget to Share & Pin Walking Through Myakka River State Park (And Its Canopy Walkway)!

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UPDATED ON AUGUST 2019.

Where to stay?

Sunset at Crescent Beach

To avoid spending your vacations trying to find parking, and to get the chance of living the dream of having a private beach, check out Tropical Beach Resorts and The Capri at Siesta. Tropical Beach Resorts has a direct footpath to the Public Beach and a Volleyball playing area. It also has amenities such as grills, beach towels, and beach chairs.

The Capri at Siesta is more private and preferred by couples. This ten-room-only boutique hotel also has a private pathway to Crescent Beach and a courtyard where it would be a shame not to share a bottle of wine.

If you’re on a tighter budget or looking for more space, look at the Airbnbs and VRBOs in the area.

You can stay a little further from the beach, but keep in mind that traffic and parking can be a problem during weekends and holidays. You will need to use a rideshare service or drive to get to Siesta.

Bedroom & Living Room of the Dolphin Cottage at Siesta Key

For an example of an excellent rental property, I recently stayed at a Cottage just steps (2 mins.) from the beach and about 8 minutes from Siesta Key Village. It was perfect for my husband, my dog, and me. Not having to look for parking in Siesta Key was a game-changer!

But if a bigger group is going, there’s also a property in the same building that has three rooms instead of one. Cottages like this one sometimes include beach chairs, towels, a full kitchen, and other amenities that’ll prevent you from having to overpack. Book the Dolphin Cottage at Siesta Key Here!

What to eat & drink?

 

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A post shared by Clayton’s Siesta Grille (@claytons_siesta_grille_) on Aug 14, 2018 at 10:03am PDT

Additional Food & Drinks Recommendations

What to do?

Thanks #caribbeanjournal “without a doubt the world’s best spiced rum”! #siestakeyrum #spicedrum

A post shared by Siesta Key Rum (@siesta_key_rum) on Dec 23, 2016 at 1:52pm PST

As you can see, aside from going to the beach and the endless offering of water sports, there are numerous things to do and places to check out in Siesta Key and surrounding areas. You can enjoy tasty and local food & drinks, wander in art galleries, and have fun at special events.

If time is not a constraint, don’t forget to check other keys and their events, such as the St. Armands Circle Craft Festival in June and Taste of St. Armands in October.

What to Pack?

Don’t forget to Share It & Pin It!

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Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first. 

Travel Insurance and Credit Cards

The Why’s and When’s of Buying Travel Insurance

Why Buy Travel Insurance?

There are many reasons why you should buy travel insurance, so let’s start with when you should buy and when you shouldn’t. If you just booked a last-minute domestic weekend trip where you’ll only take a carry-on, I would not recommend it. This recommendation doesn’t apply if you are taking frequent last-minute trips that can be covered under an annual plan (more about this ahead).

Now, why would you? First, think about your concerns. Is it your health, the health of a loved one, or terrorist attacks? Knowing what worries you is the first step when choosing the right type of travel insurance. You don’t want to buy insurance that won’t cover what you need coverage for.

• Trip Interruptions
• Loss of Trip Cost Coverage
• Medical Transportation
• Foreign and Domestic Terrorism
• Death of a Loved One
• Important family events, such as the birth of your first grandkid!

 When to Buy Travel Insurance?

Which Travel Insurance to Buy?

How Much Does Travel Insurance for Seniors cost?

Final Thoughts

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