FAQ’s (at least of me) About Foreign Travel

Why go to Mexico or South America? It is too dangerous what with all the drug stuff going on.

Well, it’s true that there is some bad stuff going on-especially in some of the border towns in Mexico. However, having said that, foreigners are not generally the targets in these instances. Experienced travelers exercise good common sense and know enough to stay away from areas where there is a higher likelihood of having some problem. We have modified our route to avoid one troublesome area and we will exercise caution and not wander the cities at night or display theft bait items etc. Still, some kind of incident could happen. But folks, realize that some kind of incident could happen anywhere in the US. It could just as easily happen in the parking lot of your local mall. I just refuse to live in fear. If you’re going to do that, you may as well stay at home and turn your house into a fortress!

Why not just travel in the US? There are plenty of things to see here.

I have been fortunate enough to have traveled in all 50 states in the US. I have seen a lot. Yet there is still much to see. In the past year alone, I spent 2 weeks traveling through the Grand Canyon in a dory, 2 weeks touring all over California, went to the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York (and tasted grape pie for the first time in my life), toured Williamsburg Virginia and the surrounding areas of Jamestown and Yorktown as well as spending time in Ohio, Michigan, Alabama, New Mexico and Nevada. And I will continue to travel in the US from time to time.

Today however, I find foreign travel more interesting and more challenging. Why? The scenery, culture, food, people as well the outlook on life is as different from ours as night and day many times. I find it very refreshing to exchange views with other people from around the world and to learn about and immerse myself in the culture. It certainly has changed my perspective. It’s just a great learning experience. Note: The one overriding thing that I have learned, however, is that people are just people. Most people are kind, good natured and willing to help if you need it. Of course, in every culture there are always a few stinkers. But we have our share as well.

You’re too old to be traveling all over the world.

First and foremost seniors need to keep our minds and bodies engaged and busy. If you sit in a rocking chair, my opinion is that you won’t last very long. Travel keeps you engaged-especially foreign travel. You are constantly seeing new things, having new experiences and having to exercise your senses BECAUSE IT IS DIFFERENT. That level of stimulation is certainly good to keep your mind occupied and engaged. Besides, it gets one outside his comfort zone-another sure way to stimulate and sharpen the senses.

I have a very good friend and mentor, Guy Miller, who will be 86 years old in January. He travels quite extensively and last year at 85 went out and got his passport because he is planning trips to England, Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica! Way to go Guy! I’m only 67 so I’ve got a lot of new explorations yet to do just to keep up with Guy!

                                 

                                          Guy in Death Valley-Temperature 111.

Now, I would not necessarily recommend the type of adventure travel that Mary Lou and I are going to do for everyone but there are certainly many accompanied tours available for seniors who are less well traveled or a bit less adventurous at heart.

What about the food?

Sampling the local cuisine is part of the adventure. I’ve had some really great dishes and some that were not so good. I’m pretty careful about where I eat, drinking only bottled water, not eating anything raw, and not consuming dairy products when I travel in third world countries. Note: I take some exceptions to those things in Mexico. I do eat certain dairy products and drink the water in the major cities. In all my international travels, I’ve only been sick once and that was from sampling some Jackfruit in India that even most locals wouldn’t touch.

                           Refreshments at a Roadside stop in South India.

What happens if you become ill? What about all those exotic diseases you can get in third world countries?

If you are in reasonable health, travel in foreign countries is not really a problem. Almost all cities, even in third world countries, have pretty good medical facilities in case of an emergency. We are taking shots for hepatitis A & B, Typhoid Fever, and Yellow Fever. The only one required is the Yellow Fever inoculation. In addition, we will carry a small supply of over the counter medications as well as a prescription medication in case of Malaria. It is unlikely that any of it will be needed but it is always best to be prepared.

OK, so now I have answered the most frequently asked questions. No adventure is entirely risk free but with some advanced preparation and a generous dose of common sense, those risks can be lessened and managed. We’ll all see how the big adventure goes. Stay tuned. It begins on 12 January!

Peace and Prosperity,

Ken