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.

Choose a color palette. 

Colormind Desktop Screenshot – After generating a color palette, I locked two colors that I liked for my travel-themed Halloween party, and kept ‘generating’ a palette until I was satisfied with the results.

If you can’t come up with colors you’ll like to use in your travel-themed Halloween party, use a color scheme generator. My favorite is Colormind because it not only generates random color palettes, but you can also lock colors and upload images. Colormind will take this image and extract the colors that complement each other best to generate a color palette.

Set a theme.

After setting down on the color palette, it is now time to set a theme. Yes, it’s a travel-themed Halloween party. But don’t be too general. Some ideas to help narrow it down are:

Another interactive option is to let your guests brag about where they have traveled with this Scratch Off World Map Poster. You could even give out a special prize to the person that has traveled the most, and one to the person that has traveled less.

Don’t forget to Share & Pin ‘Planning the Perfect Travel-Themed Halloween Party.’

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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.’

The post Traveling Outside the USA with Medicare: All You Need to Know appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

For those that do not know, I have lived in Puerto Rico and Florida all my life. Regarding makeup, I have gone through it all. From wearing no makeup to awkward phases to finally being pretty decent with it.

In 2015 I even joined the coveted Rouge tier at Sephora. Ok, it was only in 2015 and mostly because I was doing my makeup for my wedding but…Rouge!

Anyways, after being tried and tested the following items have been the most sweat and humidity resistant makeup products I have encountered.

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. 

BELIF – True Cream Moisturizing Bomb

This moisturizer is perfect for oily skin without sacrificing hydration power. There’s also a gel-based moisturizer from the same brand, but my experience with gel-based moisturizers has been less than optimal.

Tip: One of the options is the appealing ‘travel-friendly size’ container, but you can get more bang for your buck if you buy one of the biggest sizes and then split it into smaller or sample containers. 

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS – Brow Wiz

In my opinion, it works better and lasts longer than the brow gel in hot weather (or any weather). Also, there’s no ‘spoolie’ better than Anastasia’s either.

TARTE – Maracuja Creaseless Concealer

A concealer with good coverage, and most importantly it stays creaseless when exposed to sweat. It feels light, but a little goes a long way.

Tip: Some of the biggest complaints I have seen about the product is that it sinks on the fine lines around the eyes, but I haven’t had that issue. If that might be an issue for you, I recommend without hesitating Amazing Cosmetics- Amazing Concealer. Please be advised that Amazing Concealer is extremely thick and you should familiarize yourself with it before taking it with you on a trip. 

URBAN DECAY – Eyeshadow Primer Potion

It doesn’t matter how good the eyeshadow is; it’s not going to last without a primer during the summer. The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is also one of those products that I’ve been able to try a few brands, but nothing compares to the original.

L’Oréal PARIS – Infallible® Pro-Matte Foundation

A foundation with buildable coverage. Do not apply too much and it’s perfect for during the day. Keep building coverage for a night/formal makeup.

If you’re not a huge fan of L’Oréal, I can also suggest my latest favorite: BAREMINERALS COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30. It works as well as any foundation, and it’s also buildable and travel-friendly.

Tip: I like to travel with it because of its packaging. Some of the pricier foundations come in glass jars, and glass and suitcases don’t match.

TARTE – Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

Blush can make a difference (for good and for bad) on a makeup. Hopefully, you’ll choose the right shade for you and apply the right amount because the Tarte Amazonian Clay really lasts 12 hours.

URBAN DECAY – Stay Naked Threesome Blush, Bronzer, & Highlighter Palette

This 3-in-1 palette can work for contouring, as a bronzer, highlighter, and blush. Because it’s powder, it’s one of my favorite choices for hot weather.

However, you have to be careful with it when traveling. Mine sadly cracked during one of my trips.

TOO FACED – Better Than Sex Mascara

It does its job, but be careful with applying too much. It’s prone to clumping. Still, haven’t tried the waterproof version because waterproof mascaras are a pain to remove.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick

My favorite lipstick (and I swear I have tried A LOT of different brands). I don’t need to be reapplying it all the time, and I don’t have to worry about it when I’m eating.

Tip: I have seen a difference between colors regarding how long they last and even in the texture. I would recommend reading on the shade you are interested in, just in case, it is one of the few that can be quite patchy. At least for me, Lovecraft is the perfect shade because of its color and texture. 

Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50

Before you even pack your swimsuit, if visiting Florida you need to pack sunscreen. But what to do if you don’t want to ruin your makeup? Well, Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist with SPF 50 not only protects my face from the sun but helps set my makeup and mattifies it.

Don’t forget to Share & Pin ‘The Only Makeup You Need for a Florida Vacation.’

The post The Only Makeup You Need for a Florida Vacation appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

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.

The post There is Now a New Helpful Technology for Cruising Seniors appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

*DEALS FOR BLACK FRIDAY 2020 HAVE NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, BUT FOR AN IDEA ABOUT THE TYPE OF DEALS WE TRACK YOU CAN TAKE A LOOK AT THE DEALS FOR 2019*

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. Don’t forget to bookmark this page as it will be updated as needed. 

Target Black Friday Deals for Travelers 2019

Where: In-Store and Online

When: Doors open at 5 PM on Thursday, November 28, 2019. Some offers are available online from November 6 – 27. While supplies last.

Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones $129.99 – Reg. $299.99. Pretty decent headphones and a great price. However, they don’t come with Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (those are the Studio3). They’re easy to carry and lightweight.

Nikon D3500 DSLR Bundle $399.99 – Reg. $849.99. Easy to use, compact, and sturdy. You can’t go wrong with a Nikon.

Canon Rebel T6 DSLR Bundle $399.99 – Reg $749.99. If you’re looking for something more than a smartphone or a point and shoot camera, this is an excellent entry-level DSLR camera.

Sony WH-CH700N Bluetooth Noise Canceling Headphones $89.99 – Reg $199.99. Noise-canceling headphones are a must for the plane, these are a decent, no-frills option.

Skyline 5-pc Luggage Set $55.00 – Reg. $110.00. Includes 2 bags with spinner wheels, carry-on bag, boarding bag, and toiletry bag.

Kohl’s Black Friday Deals for Travelers 2019

Where: In-Store and Online

When: After 12:01 AM CT Online and after 5:00 PM In-Store on Thursday, November 28, 2019. While supplies last. Shoppers will receive $15 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50.00 they spend to use in future purchases (restrictions apply). Also, try to get your hands in the 15% Off Coupon on Page 3 of Ad.

Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Lenses – 18-Megapixel Sensor $399.99 – Reg. $749.00. If you’re looking for something more than a smartphone or a point and shoot camera, this is an excellent entry-level DSLR camera.

Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones $279.99 – Reg. $349.99. The Beats Studio3 Headphones come with Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling, making them an excellent option for planes. They’re also light and foldable.

Luggage 60-75% Off + 15% Off With Coupon on Page 3 of Ad – Promotion includes the following brands and models: American Tourister Burst Max, Skyway Oasis 3.0, Prodigy Resort, Prodigy Forest Park, Samsonite Lite Lift DLX, Samsonite Ziplite 4.0, Samsonite Hyperspin 3.0, American Tourister Eclipse, & More.

Under Armour Charged Assert 8 Running Shoes $52.50 – Reg. $70.00. This is a personal favorite. During my travels, I have walked miles and miles in Under Armour sneakers, and they are not only long-lasting but also comfortable.

Women’s Winter Jackets $25.49 with 15% Off Coupon on Page 3 of Ad – Reg. $100.00. Promotion includes the following brands: HeatKeep, ZeroXposur, and d.e.t.a.i.l.s.

Winter Accessories 60% Off + 15% Off With Coupon on Page 3 of Ad – Mittens, hats, scarves, and other cold and winter accessories for him and her.

JCPenney Black Friday Deals for Travelers 2019

Where: In-Store and Online

When: Doors open at 2 PM on Thursday, November 28, 2019. Coupons will be handed to people in line (before 2 PM) that can range between $10.00-$500.00 Off. Online deals will start on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

American Tourister Pirouette Luggage Collection (Any Size) $59.99 – Reg. $200.00 – $300.00.

Skyway Chesapeake Hardside Or Softside Luggage Collection (Any Size) $49.99 – Reg. $170.00 – $210.00

American Explorer Pike Hardside Luggage (Any Size) $39.99 – Reg. $180.00 – $220.00

Protocol 5-Pc. Packing Cube Set $9.99 – Reg. $40.00. Packing Cube Sets change the way you pack. I cannot imagine packing now without my cube set.

Protocol Garrison 5-Pc. Luggage Set $49.99 – Reg. $180.00. Includes; Checked 24″ spinner suitcase, carry-on 20″ suitcase, travel tote, toiletry bag & shoe bag.

Protocol Centennial 3.0 Luggage Collection $31.99 – $87.99 – Reg. $80.00 – $220.00.

Samsonite, Delsey, Ricardo, Columbia & Travelpro Luggage 60% Off $39.99 – $319.99 – Reg. $100.00 – $800.00.

Men’s Coats & Jackets 65% Off.

Winter Accessories 60% Off – Mittens, hats, scarves, and other cool and winter accessories for him and her.

Women’s Boots $19.99 – Reg. $60.00- $80.00

Women’s Coats up to 70% Off.

Belk Black Friday Deals for Travelers 2019

Where: In-Store and Online

When: After 4:00 PM on Thursday, November 28, 2019. While supplies last. Shoppers will receive $15.00 in Belk Bucks for every $75.00 they spend to use in future purchases (restrictions apply).

Luggage starting at $39.99 –  Reg. $120.00 – $360.00. Promotion includes the following brands and models: Ciso Hardside Luggage, Modern. Southern. Home 5-Pc Luggage Sets, Nautica Dockside Duffels, Nautica Dockyard, American Tourister, Delsey Tasman, Samsonite & London Fog.

Rain & duck boots starting at $19.99 – Reg. $39.00 – $130.00. Promotion includes the following brands: TrueCraft, Seven7, Sugar Duck, JBU Duck, Tommy Hilfiger, & Sperry.

Winter Accessories 60% Off – Mittens, hats, scarves, and other cool and winter accessories for him and her.

Costco Black Friday Deals for Travelers 2019

Where: Online and In-Store

When & Where: After 9:00 AM local time In-Store on Friday, November 29, 2019. Please check your local Costco for more information, because hours may vary. If shopping online you might be charged a surcharge if you’re not a member.

Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera 2 Lens Bundle $399.99 – Reg. $499.99. Aside from the two lenses, the bundle includes a memory card, a camera bag, and an extra battery. Early start online on November 28. 

Sony WH-H900N Bluetooth Noise Canceling Headphones $129.99 – Reg $199.99. Noise-canceling headphones are a must for the plane, and these are a decent, no-frills option.

Macy’s Black Friday deals for Travelers 2019

Where: Online and In-Store

When: Starts on Wednesday, November 27, 2019. Hours vary by store. Try to get your hands on the physical ad, it includes a $10.00 off and a $20.00 off coupon (restrictions apply).

40% Off Boots & Shoes for her.  There will also be a storewide sale on clothes for her & him. 

Tag Springfield 5-Pc Luggage Set $49.99 – Reg. $240.00. Includes one spinner suitcase, one carry-on suitcase, a duffle, a travel tote, and a travel kit bag.

60% – 65% Off Luggage $47.99 – $287.00 – Reg. $120.00 – $450.00. Includes the following brands: Samsonite, American Tourister, Delsey, London Fog, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein.

Best Buy Black Friday Deals for Travelers 2019

Where: Online and In-Store

When: All day online. Doors open at 5 PM on Thursday, November 28, 2019, except in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, where they open at 12:01 AM (ME) and 1:00 AM (MA & RI) on Friday, November 29, 2019.

Canon – EOS Rebel T7i DSLR Two Lens Kit Bundle $699.99 – Reg. $1199.99. If you’re looking to upgrade a starter DSLR to one that’s more “powerful,” the T7i is a wonderful option. Difficult to find a camera on this price range that can capture up to six frames per second.

Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones $199.99 – Reg. $349.99. The Beats Studio3 Headphones come with Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling, making them an excellent option for planes. They’re also light and foldable.

Sony WH-CH700N Bluetooth Noise Canceling Headphones $89.99 – Reg. $199.99. Noise-canceling headphones are a must for the plane, and these are a decent, no-frills option.

JBL LIVE 650BTNC Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones $99.99 – Reg. $199.99. These JBL headphones give some of the most basic BOSE headphones a run for their money. They have a long-lasting battery and are comfortable too.

Walmart Black Friday Deals for Travelers 2019

Where: Online and In-Store

When: Starting online 10 PM ET Wednesday, November 27, 2019. Doors open at 6 PM on Thursday, November 28, 2019, local time.

Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones Pop Collection $129.99 – Reg. $199.99. Pretty decent headphones and a great price. However, they don’t come with Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (those are the Studio3). They’re easy to carry and lightweight.

Protege 5-Pc. Luggage Set $54.00 – Reg. $99.99. Includes 2 upright suitcases, one duffel with spinner wheels, a boarding tote, and a toiletry bag.

iFLY 20″ Hard Sided Carry On with Carry Case $39.00 – Reg. $79.99.

Don’t forget to Share & Pin ‘Best 2019 Black Friday Deals for Travelers’.

The post Best 2020 Black Friday Deals for Travelers appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

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.

Choose a color palette. 

Colormind Desktop Screenshot – After generating a color palette, I locked two colors that I liked for my travel themed Christmas party, and kept ‘generating’ a palette until I was satisfied with the results. 

If you can’t come up with colors you’ll like to use in your travel themed Christmas party, use a color scheme generator. My favorite is Colormind because it not only generates random color palettes, but you can also lock colors and upload images. Colormind will take this image and extract the colors that complement each other best to generate a color palette.

Think about a theme.

Yes, it’s a travel-themed Christmas party. But don’t be too general. Some ideas are:

The post How to Plan the Perfect Travel Themed Christmas Party appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

Photo by Matt Jones on Unsplash

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. This post is sponsored in part by GPSmyCity.com.

I don’t know about you, but going to a new place or visiting a new country is not only exciting but also nerve-wracking. What if I can’t see all that I want to see? What happens if I get lost? What do I do if I don’t know how to get from point A to point B?

Well, it might sound boring or even tedious, but planning in advance where you will be going, including your walking routes, might help with all the questions and doubts previously mentioned.

To start planning your self-guided walking tour take into account the following:

Where are you staying?

It is not only important to pay attention to the price of the accommodations, but also to their location. Read more about How to Avoid a Disastrous Stay at a Hotel Here.

Choosing a strategically placed hotel/place to stay will help you arrive at your destination quicker, and save you time (and maybe even money) in the future. For example: if you are only interested in exploring the Downtown of a city why not stay there?

Maybe at first glance, it appears to be pricier staying in a Downtown location than staying a bit further. Nonetheless, when you take into account the price of a rental car, gas, or another type of transportation the stay might even help you save some money. Choosing a hotel equidistant to your must-sees would be the perfect scenario, but something close should work.

What are your must-sees?

Make a list with every place you need to see, but keep an open mind and don’t try to cram too many places in a short amount of time. Talking about time, think about how long would you like to spend in a certain place. Don’t forget to add time to eat. Walking around while hungry is not good for anyone.

Choose a topic or a theme for your self-guided walk.

Street art, food, shopping, museums? Everyone likes something different. If you are traveling alone, this will be relatively easy, but if you are not going alone ask what the other people want to see and make an effort to include those places on your self-guided walking tour.

Be creative, what about a Nightlife Tour, Art Walk, Photography Tour?

Check on the internet or call beforehand to find out if a place is open.

Depending on where you live you might not be aware that there are places where almost entire towns close seasonally. It is always good to do your research, or find a travel agent that can give you more information about your destination and their high and low seasons. It wouldn’t be nice to plan a whole trip around a specific place and then find out that place is closed.

Be mindful of distances.

If you’re not very active, don’t try to push yourself too hard during your vacation. You might end up tired and sore the rest of your trip, or even worse. If your self-guided walking tour includes hikes make sure you are prepared (clothes, gear, etc.), and that you have done something strenuously similar in previous weeks.

Don’t forget about the weather or temperatures.

At least in Florida, if you are planning on an outdoor activity during the Summer, you need to check the weather. Not only are temperatures high, but we also get thunderstorms and rain in the afternoon, frequently.

Make a decision whether you will need a coat, an umbrella, or who knows, maybe to stay inside.

In Summary

After gathering all the necessary information, you can go and manually build your self-guided walk using Google Maps for example. Or, you can also download an app, such as GPSmyCity, which has travel articles and self-guided walks already pre-planned for you.

About GPSmyCity

GPSmyCity makes popular iOS, and Android apps that feature self-guided city walks in over 1,000 cities around the world. Each walk contains from a few to over a dozen attractions in a city and is fitted with a detailed route map.

The app virtually turns a mobile device into a personal tour guide, allowing visitors to explore on foot the best local attractions at their own pace.

As a traveler we know we can’t rely on mobile data when traveling, and conveniently this app works completely off-line. Just make sure you download your maps, guides, and routes before you go on your trip (preferably at home).

GPSmyCity Giveaway

GPSmyCity would like to offer Golden Age Trips readers 10 annual subscriptions to the mobile application free of charge. Each yearly subscription, which usually costs $18.99 USD at the App store, allows access to all the walking tours in 1,000+ cities worldwide, included in the app, for one year.

Sounds great, how do I participate?

Leave a comment (100 Words or Less) at the end of this blog post telling me what city are you most eager to explore and why. You have until September 18, 2018, at 11:59 PM EST to enter. Entries that meet the requirements mentioned above automatically qualify for the annual subscription.

If there are more than 10 eligible entries, 10 winners will be drawn at random utilizing an online random picker. Winners will be contacted by e-mail or FB Messenger depending on how the comment was made. Goldenagetrips.com is not responsible for compatibility issues with your phone or phone software.

Don’t forget to Share or Pin the best way to explore a city without getting lost. Plus App Giveaway!

The post Self-Guided Walking Tours: The Best Way to Explore a City appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

The following is a sponsored post. However, all opinions and research done for this post are my own.

The request I previously mentioned came from a couple that “wanted to get out,” but was worried about traveling with treatment equipment for sleep apnea. It is not a secret that airports and airplanes are not the cleanest or more accessible places in the world, so I truly understood their concern. But before I tell you how is possible to travel with sleep apnea, let’s define what it is.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by breathing interruptions while you are sleeping. Some of the symptoms include frequent or loud snoring, frequent awakenings, restless nights, and heartburn. Something worth mentioning is that most of the signs we associate with sleep apnea are symptoms that are present in men.

However, symptoms in women can be different than those in men and are often mistaken by menopause symptoms. Examples of sleep apnea symptoms in women include depression, forgetfulness, and feeling tired and sleepy. Moreover, according to research, 9 out of 10 women that suffer from sleep apnea are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all.

The good thing is that sleep apnea is treatable, and treatment can improve your life. One of the most well-known treatments being CPAP therapy.

If you or a loved one has not been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but think there is a chance to be suffering from it, do not wait to visit your medical care provider. 

What is CPAP therapy?

CPAP (Continous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy consists of wearing a face mask that is connected to a pump (CPAP machine) which forces air into the nasal passages at pressures high enough to avoid obstructions in the airway. This helps with breathing and consequently helps improve the quality of your sleep.

What about TSA, airlines, and cruise lines? Are they ok with people traveling with CPAP machines?

TSA

The short answer is yes. TSA is (or it’s supposed to be) familiar with CPAP equipment, but you need to treat it as you would treat a laptop. What this means is that you have to take the machine out of your carry on and put it on its own bin to be X-rayed. You don’t have to do this with the plastic tubing or masks (unless they ask you to).

Airlines

Yes (but with some caveats about using the equipment on board). Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a CPAP machine is not considered carry-on luggage. What this means for you is that you don’t have to count your equipment as one piece of luggage. Just make sure to communicate this to the airline employee(s).

Once you have gone through TSA, your next worry will be about maybe having to use the equipment on board. Here the situation becomes trickier since not every plane or seat will give you or has access to power outlets.

In this case, you have a few options:

• Buy a First-Class or Business Class seat with access to an EmPower Outlet. Call the airline before buying the ticket and make sure the plane they’ll be using for your flight has this type of power outlet. If it does, don’t forget to buy an EmPower Adapter.
• Get a CPAP equipment with a portable battery. If you go to CheapCPAPSupplies.com and search the word “Travel,” you will find multiple options (including equipment with portable solar battery chargers!) for equipment compatible with traveling and portability.

Cruises

You shouldn’t have any issues with bringing CPAP equipment to a cruise. However, you may have to fill a form and bring extension cords. Some cruise lines will require you to take your equipment with you in your carry-on, and for others is recommended to take distilled water because if not you’ll probably have to buy it on the ship.

Just make sure to mention the need for traveling with your equipment to the cruise line or your travel agent at the time of booking.

RV

Take a look at this article about using your CPAP while traveling in an RV. 

How can I keep my CPAP equipment clean when traveling?

Additional to everything you would do to keep the equipment clean at your house, our recommendation to you is to keep the machine in a clear bag during TSA inspection. As you can imagine, X-ray bins at the airport are not the most sterile thing.

You can also require TSA officials to change their gloves before touching the equipment. If they decide to swab the equipment you can also make sure the swab is new.

Where can I buy CPAP supplies compatible with traveling?

As we mentioned before you should check out the variety of equipment (at reasonable prices) that you can find in CheapCPAPSupplies.com

Do you have any other question regarding traveling with your CPAP that I did not cover?

Please don’t hesitate to comment on this post, send us a message, or talk to your preferred airline or cruise line for more information.

Disclaimer: This post is intended to inform the reader about traveling with sleep apnea and CPAP equipment. This is not a comprehensive guide regarding sleep apnea. The content of this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

References:

TSA Rules About CPAP Machines | USA Today. http://traveltips.usatoday.com/tsa-rules-cpap-machines-110222.html

Women and Sleep Apnea| Society for Women’s Health Research. https://swhr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SWHR_Women-Sleep-Apnea.pdf 

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The post Traveling with Sleep Apnea: All You Need to Know appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

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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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.

Sunscreen

Yes, I know you want a tan. I also know that sun exposure accelerates the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and increases the chances of skin cancer. So, what will you choose?

If you are like me, you hate the feeling of greasy sunscreen. You probably also hate the white cast it sometimes leaves on your skin, and maybe even the smell. If you want to avoid all that, I recommend buying sunscreen from the Supergoop! line.

I found them after trying their Defense Refresh Setting Mist Sunscreen, which is perfect for when you have makeup on (Check It Out Here). And not surprisingly their sunscreen is also pretty good. Click the Image or Here to Buy.

Sand Proof Beach Blanket

Measuring 63 sq. ft. the WildHorn Outfitters Sand Blanket is ready to become the perfect beach companion. It is sandproof, dries quickly, is portable, and comes with built-in sand anchors and zippered pockets. Buy it Here!

Compact Wallet

Being able to pack light for the beach can make your trip more enjoyable. Don’t take that ‘ready to explode’ wallet with you, and just take the essentials with this wallet from Koala Lifestyle.

The wallet comes with a disappearing keyring keychain, and this specific bundle includes two of these wallets plus a quick release lanyard. Check it Out Here.

Small First-Aid Kit

Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. I hope your trip to the beach goes smoothly, but in case it doesn’t it is always a good idea to travel with a small First-Aid Kit.

Rocks, sea creatures, and BBQ ‘s gone wrong can cause injuries that don’t require you to go to the hospital but that they still need to be taken care of. On this kit, you can find gauzes, band-aids, cold packs, tweezers, and lots of other helpful stuff. Purchase it Here.

Beach Bag Tote

Everything you want to take to the beach can probably fit on this Oahu XL Mesh Beach Bag Tote. It comes with seven external pockets and one waterproof zippered internal pocket.

It is also made of quick-drying mesh to avoid stinky towels. Additionally, it is lightweight and easily foldable. Buy it Here.

Insulated Bag

I must confess that one of the ‘weirdest’ things for me when I moved to the United States, was all the restrictions regarding what you could and couldn’t take to the beach. What do you mean I can’t make chicken skewers at the beach?!

Anyways, is not weird anymore, and I can understand why those restrictions are in place. Grills are available in the picnic areas, and you can take food and drinks to the beach as long as they aren’t in glass containers. I’m only talking about Siesta Key, and the rest of Sarasota County beaches here as of January 2018.

What better way to keep those drinks cold and that food hot than using an insulated bag. This Rachael Ray Jumbo ChillOut Thermal Tote folds flat, has a ten-gallon capacity, and also uses an easy to clean lining. Give it a Look Here.

Beach Towel

Microfiber? Yes, microfiber. I know cotton is more luxurious and feels warmer, but I like something that dries quick. Microfiber does that.

This towel in specific even contains Silvadur, which helps prevent bacterial growth and bad odors. Give it a Chance Here.

Water Bottle

Some friends introduced me to Contigo (Quick Random Fact: Contigo means with you in Spanish) flasks, and I have not used another brand after that. They are reasonably priced, and cold liquids stay cold, and hot liquids stay hot.

I’m guilty of sometimes forgetting to take water to the beach, but when you are hours under the scorching sun that’s what your body needs the most. Take a look at the Contigo Autoseal Chill Stainless Steel Water Bottle Here.

After Sun Lotion

After a day on the beach, your skin will probably be lacking hydration. Give your skin the pampering it needs with Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration lotions.

It is lightweight, and it also contains aloe gel to soothe sun-tired skin. Purchase it Here.

This lotion is not for when you get sunburned. Trust me when I say you’ll be needing something way stronger than lotion to relieve that.

Lip Balm

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm with SPF 25 is not only a good choice for going to the beach, but it also works exceptionally well in cold weather too.

Something that I really like about it, is that you don’t have to be reapplying it all day and that it doesn’t feel waxy. It doesn’t have a tint either, so no one in your family can use that as an excuse to not wear it. Buy it Here.

Hair Detangler Spray

I might be biased because I love Garnier products. However, the combination of salt and sand does not leave my hair with ‘beach waves’ (does that really happens to someone?).

Because of that, after a beach trip, Shampoo & Conditioner might not be enough. In that case, a hair detangler spray helps, and I recommend the Garnier Whole Blends Refreshing 5-in-1 Lightweight Detangler Spray. It also smells divine. Check it out Here.

Heavy Duty Laundry Bag

You don’t want to take a mesh laundry bag with you, and find your suitcase full of sand from the dirty (maybe even clean) clothes.

The Eco Laundry Bag holds up to 150lbs. and is made from 100% natural cotton canvas. Buy it Here.

Note: We are trusting you with remembering to pack hygiene products, prescription medicines, clothes (including ‘dressy’ options in case you choose to visit one of the many excellent dinner options close to Siesta Key), mosquito repellant (because it’s FL) and necessary travel documents additionally to your beach gear.

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