International Travel by Senior Citizens – Tips, Insurance and Online

You have been working all your life. You don’t regret having spent most of your adult-hood raising children, giving them comfort and education plus providing for food, shelter and security. You have turned 60 now. It is time to take a much deserved break. Right time to go and see the world around. India is beautiful and you may have seen most of it by now, so why not explore foreign countries. If you are thinking in that direction, then I must tell, that you are thinking right. Don’t wait for another 2 or 5 years as this is the time.

You chose a destination as most of them are great. If you are conscious of your budget, then you may want to explore Thailand. I call it the best value for money for all first time travelers. If you have dreamt about Europe, then trust me, you are not alone. Europe is like India, quite vibrant, beautiful and expensive. But, a trip to Europe, covering UK / France / Italy / Switzerland and Spain will be a trip of a life time. If you still feel that you are young at heart and may want to venture far-out distances then Australia and New Zealand is your place to visit. If your family members are calling you for long time and you want to see the most powerful & wealthiest nation on earth, do come home to USA.

As I said, do travel abroad as it will refresh you. It will make you feel good. It is not indulgence or waste of money but every penny worth spent as you deserve this break after long working years. Besides, there are huge learning and exposure when we travel to see different countries, culture or people. So, travelling abroad can never be a bad deal.

Fortunately now India has many travel agents who would do end-to-end work for you related to Air-Tickets / Visas / Insurance and Forex. If you want an escort trip in a group of like minded people (say 20-30 co-travelers), then I am sure SOTC / TCOOK / Raj / Cox and Kings have best plans suiting all budgets. But mind you, a group travel (GIT) could be hectic. However, if you want to have a peaceful vacation then you may want to go just with your family or friends. Choice is yours as even for individual travel also known as FIT you have may deals available at all Travel Shops or through the Internet.

A savvy traveler should do a research on what is good and what is a must before venturing our for a Dream Holiday. Fortunately, Google is one good avatar, which will help you take an informed decision for your next vacation.

Here is my take that you may keep in mind, when you are making an international trip.

Tickets: Ensure, that you have a confirm ticket for all sectors. Don’t leave home, if any of the destinations is showing wait-list. This is a travel season time and chances are that you may not get to board the plain. Which means you will be stranded. Whether you are buying online Tickets or through your travel agent, ensure you have a valid ticket.

Hotels: Market is competitive, hence both online or offline agent of yours will give your throw-away prices on your hotel stay. Well, on the face of it, that would be great, but ensure that you are staying at the city center, even that means 10-25 dollars extra. Hotels in the heart of the city (close to all tourist attractions) are expensive but they are worth extra dollars. You would not want to spend over 50 dollar daily on travelling just because your travel agent sold you a cheap hotel at the outskirts. What ever your agent says, avoid staying in less than 3 Star Hotel any where during your trip! 4 or 5 Star is just waste of money, unless your company is paying for. This thumb rule is true across United States / Europe / Far East or Middle-East destinations. If you have small children with you, then prefer Holiday Inn as they are always the best bet hotel for a family stay.

Luggage : Well, I don’t need to speak much on this as now Airlines regulate the size and shape of your luggage. If you are coming to United States, then be sure, that you are not carrying over-sized or over-weight luggage, as they have become very strict. Carry a hand-bag always with basis minimum stuff to survive, in-case your baggage is delayed. Trust me, it happens quite often on all routes with all Air-lines.

Pass: You may want to carry passes / tickets etc for Amusement Parks / Eurail / Museums etc. Incase you missed it, no sweat. They are available in plenty at all locations, including your host Hotels. Why to waste your precious FOREX in India, before the start of journey. But, if you are planner and would want to see the world within your budget, then buying these expensive items (tickets / passes etc) up-front in India will be a good move as they may be available with your travel agent.

Forex: Well, all international trips are paid for in foreign Exchange. Still Indian currency (INR) is not accepted as means of purchase abroad. This is where you have to be careful in budgeting, planning and spending. Your Air tickets are paid for in INR, so no issues there. But your Hotel stay, ground transportation etc. is generally paid in Foreign Currency (Forex). Fortunately, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has now very liberal FX rules for Resident Indians. My understanding is that now, you could carry or spend up-to USD 25,000 per calendar year (BTQ) for the international travel. Believe me, it is a good money to see any part of the world with luxury. Forex is a regulated business, hence you are advised to buy only from authorized Bank or Money Changers (FFMC) like Amex / TCOOK or Bonsai Forex. You have options now to carry Cash, Travelers Cheques (TCs), Credit Card or International Travel Card. Your Money Changer should have all the options. Thumb-rule of safe International Travel is to split your money into Cash and Currency Card. Pls don’t carry only Credit Card as no country (including the most advanced country i.e. USA) may not accept Credit Card at all locations. You may need cash to pay the cab or restaurant bills. Now, for the first time in India, you could buy your choice Forex Online from http://www.buynowforex.com/ . Call +91 22 3050305 for any personal help in buying your Forex.

Insurance: This is some thing; you should not compromise at any cost. Don’t leave home without a valid and adequate Travel Medical Insurance with you. Remember, you are going to an alien country and should you fall sick, will not only spoil your trip but could also bring huge financial burden on you or your loved ones. I am sure, you would not want that. The good news is that Travel Medical Insurance from India is very competitive. You don’t need to spend a fortune to cover your piece of mind. However, if you are travelling to United States or Japan, pls. don’t carry less than USD 100K, if you are going abroad for 30 days plus. Falling ill in America is like a curse, so you must avoid it or best hedge the risk by taking a decent Travel Medical Policy. But, here is a catch. If you happen to be 70 plus (Senior Citizens), Indian Insurance companies may not cover you abroad. Any way, if you are travelling for more than 60 days in any part of the world, I would strongly recommend you to buy International Travel Health Insurance. American Global Travel Health Plans could be a good bet. They are expensive, say by around 20%, all right, but they are now available to you Online from Bonsai America, Inc .We have carved out best insurance plans for senior citizens, so that they could enjoy international travel and long term stay without worries. Click the link - Travel Insurance for Senior Citizens. Put in your details, with address New Jersey (Bonsai America HQs) and you are all set. Compare, Buy and Print your policy Online here and now.

I guess and hope, I have covered all important aspects of your international travel. Trust the tips will come handy. So, I wish that your forth-coming vacation shall be a memorable one. Don’t forget to carry your IPod and new electronic camera as they are your best pals abroad to keep you entertained and save your memories.

Have a safe Trip. Buy Insurance.

Bon Voyage.

Manish Jaiswal

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