Space Travel For Seniors
Space travel for seniors (cyberspace, that is)
The Standard-Times

Ask people approaching retirement age what they want to do most, and at the top of the list, or close to it, is travel. And thanks to the Internet, it's never been easier to plan a total travel experience at the price you're prepared to pay. Below are some suggested Internet sites you might want to note when you plan your next trip.

First, to find a site, you can do a Google search under a topic. For example, if you type in Travel for Seniors, Google will take you to a page listing several sites you might want to visit. If, say, you decide to access www.hotwire.com, you'll find a page directing you to several information sources, including car rentals, ticket purchases and even how to find last-minute airfare bargains.

Another helpful Web site is www.smarterliving.com, with a link called Specialty Travel. Clicking on that will take you to Senior Travel Tips, which opens a list that includes information for people with disabilities, senior airfare and cruise discounts, RV vacations and more. And if you click on Destination Information, you'll find hotel rates, as well as information on sightseeing, shopping, restaurants, local events, even a guide on tipping.

For "deals" on everything from the price of an airline ticket to the cost of a car rental and hotel rates package, visit the popular online source www.priceline.com.

The Federal Aviation Administration's www.faa.gov/passengers offers a wealth of travel information, such as an international travel resource guide, which is extremely useful for anyone planning a trip beyond the U.S. borders. There are also tips for travelers with disabilities, general health and safety information, baggage size requirements, flying with pets, etc. Especially helpful is its airline contact information, with the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of the major airlines.

Foreign travel requires a passport, not just to get into another country, but to be allowed back into the United States. Passport information is available online at the State Department's site at npic@state.gov. The home page is called Passport Services and Information, where you can learn how and where to apply for a new or renewed passport, how to arrange for a change of name on your passport, and how to get expedited service because of time constraints.

With airfares higher than usual in recent years (and rising gasoline prices making driving more expensive), many seniors are returning to rail travel. Log on to www.Amtrak.com for information on reservations and other services, including discounts, which you can find by clicking the Senior Citizen's Discounts link. The page also provides links to several destination promotions available around the country.

Finally, make note of the MedicAlert site, www.medicalert.org This 48-year-old group stores your medical history, including allergies, implants, etc., in a data bank. These data can be accessed in a medical emergency via a file number located on a bracelet or necklace sent to you when you join. Its TravelPlus Services are especially helpful if an emergency occurs wherever you travel.

Bon voyage, and don't forget to write - via e-mail, of course.