Senior travel info for active seniors with cruise discounts, cruise info, aarp travel, elderhostels, rv travel

Home

Main Menu

Newest Articles

Newsflash

In-Air Gripes: Who’s Your Worst Fellow Traveler?

Recently, a woman flying Southwest from Los Angeles to Houston started painting her nails. Knowing the smell is sharp, she asked passenger around her if it was OK. All agreed, but not the flight attendant. There was a ruckus and the nail-painter was arrested when the flight landed.

Even if she didn’t offend anyone in-flight, there are others who do. We asked frequent flyers who are the worst five of the worst, and these were the results.

1. Seat back pusher: The inconsiderate person in front of you who suddenly tips the seat into your tender knees or loaded lunch tray.

2. Crying kid: Overtired and overwrought, the little angel in the seat next to you screams during the entire flight. Of course, the diaper doo just adds to your misery.

3. The 300-pounder: When this enormous anatomy plops down next to you and overflows into your seat, you know you’re in for a bumpy flight.

4. The great unwashed: Your seatmate is in obvious need of a bath and mouthwash, and the fragrance drifts over to your unwilling nostrils. Inevitably, the clothing and breath smells are enhanced because this is also a heavily addicted smoker.

5. The yakking seatmate: You settle down in your squeezed space to catch a few winks, listen to music or do some iPadding. The passenger next to you needs to hear your entire family and career history. Then, you’ll be obligated to listen to that person’s long, boring tale.

If you’re a frequent flyer, we’re sure you also have your own list of the worst of the worst passengers. Of course, you’re not one of them!

Rennes, France: A Visit To The Historic Cathedral

Senior correspondent PJJ, Little Rock AR: On a recent journey to France, I toured the Cathedral Saint-Pierre in Rennes, Brittany. It’s a Catholic landmark dedicated to the memory of Saint Peter. Rennes is 217 miles east of Paris, a train ride of just over two hours. I spent a day in Rennes touring its historic cathedral and the charming city.

The imposing structure is located just a short walk from Gare de Rennes train station near the center of town, and open to visitors most days. I stood outside in wonder of the gloriously soaring Gothic structure with towers stretching nearly 160 feet high. Each external level featured Baroque columns, decorative carvings and statues of saints.

Java, Indonesia: OK To Shoot Monkeys

No, no, don’t aim your guns at Micky, Michael nor Peter of the Monkees. According to the South China Morning Post, the government of Indonesia has had enough of wild long-tailed macaques stealing food and attacking citizens.

Now, armed guards, police, military and amateur hunters are authorized to kill any monkeys who raid villages, rob and endanger citizens. If your travels take you to the Boyolali District in Central Java, don’t monkey around.

Be sure you pay a fair price for everything you buy, and maybe sing, I’m A Believer. Then you won’t make a monkey out of yourself. or worse, go ape in Java.

Seniors: Fight The Battle Of The Shrinking Airline Seat

According to a recent USA Today article, a federal appeals court has gigged airlines for their constant narrowing of economy seats. It was in response to a lawsuit filed by the Flyers Rights consumer group.

One of the three presiding judges, obviously in sympathy for the ever-more cramped passengers, called it “the case of the incredible shrinking airline seat.” When you’re making flight plans, keep up on the news of how or if any positive actions will result from the lawsuit.

Then, as a senior passenger in one of the squeezed cheap seats, you’ll just have to grit your teeth and bear it. However, especially if you’re elderly, in a wheelchair or otherwise obviously physically challenged, you may be able to squirm out of the squeeze.

Before take-off, as boarding the aircraft is ending, check to see if there are empty seats in the higher-class sections. If so, politely ask the flight attendant if you may move to a larger, more comfy seat. You may be turned down or required to pay a higher fee, but it’s always worth the try.

Cuba Tips: Get Best Deals By Smart Senior Gringo

The decades-old animosity between the US and Cuba is still not completely over. Just the other day, there were accusations that Cuban government guys drugged some American diplomats.

However, more and more U.S. senior tourists are taking the short flight to the feisty island. Just because it’s still Castro Commie shouldn’t stop you. After all, so are China and Russia still pinko, and millions of US tourists flock there annually with no restrictions.

So, if you’re brave enough to plan a Havana holiday, and your ID and other paperwork is up-to-date, consider some tips for making it more pleasant, and just maybe, more economical.