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STEP ( Smart Traveler Enrollment program)

Hi, I wonder if we should sign up for STEP? it is a free service to allow US citizens travelling abroad to enroll with US embassy. Is it necessary?Thanks

We complete the info before every trip, just in case.

I find it just an extra layer of information for me so sign up my trips before each one. I have received a couple of text alerts-one in Istanbul and one in France-. All they do is alert you to expected activity in certain areas so you make your plans accordingly. Both alerts were for planned student protests in parts of the cities I wasn't planning on visiting anyway. Can't hurt.....

"Necessary" isn't the right word. It's a form of insurance. If there is any problem in a country and the US Embassy wants to notify US citizens, using STEP to give your details means they can contact you easily. Of course, most of the time the US Embassy has no reason to contact US tourists, so filling it out changes nothing. But for those times when they do...

For the reasons Andi and Harold stated above, I send in my information when we travel.

Ditto. My theory is if you do it, you won't need it. If you don't, well, good luck.

Never heard of it before, and have no interest. I figure if there's something important to know, I'll find out in some way. What I consider the more important things -- such as train strikes, volcano-disrupted flights -- would not be covered by this.

such as train strikes, volcano-disrupted flights -- would not be covered by this.

How do you figure that??? Strikes and natural disasters are indeed part of the STEP notifications.

STEP probably saved my life. Was in China a few years ago during a wave of severe smog over the city. They sent out an email strongly warning of this and advising Americans to stay indoors, I followed the advice and even indoors in my modern hotel with functioning central AC I was still struggling to breath. I have asthma which is typically under control with medications, but even my rescue inhaler had very little effect. I had been to Beijing a few times in the past with moderate smog and it didn't bother my asthma, but on this day the smog was in another league. Without that warning I certainly would have gone out sightseeing, no doubt bad things would have happened to me without that warning.

I know of another instance of an American who was volunteer teaching in a remote part of Lebanon when the Israel-Hezbollah war broke out in 2006. Because she registered her stay, the US embassy was able to find her, and transport her to an evacuation ship to safety to Cyprus.

In yet another episode I was in Mexico City with a thousand other US soccer fans when the national team was playing a World Cup qualifying match. After the match a bunch of smart-ass US fans decided to hang a large American flag outside the window of the hotel the traveling fans were staying in, which happened to be across from a monument where Mexican fans congregate to celebrate a victory. The locals didn't take the flag well and hundreds of fans attacked the hotel and riot police had to surround the hotel and literally beat back the mob. The US embassy was adjacent to the hotel, they placed a spotter on the roof, and texted minute by minute details of exactly where the mob was and how to navigate around the police line for Americans stuck out in the streets.

While the above scenarios are unlikely in Western Europe, natural disasters can happen anywhere.

The Canadian government has a similar program called Travel Smart and there's a handy App to go with that - https://travel.gc.ca/mobile

I haven't registered in the past but likely will on future trips abroad. I normally travel solo so it's probably a good idea.

Thanks for your feedbacks. I will register for STEP.

More importantly for others not aware get travel insurance. But what about the old school folks who travel without smart internet cell phone thingy or email; do we need this technology to know that we are in trouble on vacation or traveling if we enroll in STEP? or is this just for the tech savvy like my 2 year old great grand son who can troubleshoot anything?

We don't. Our only connection to the world is the hotel wifi in the evening. If we turn on the ipad and the wifi is working. Doesn't always happen.

do we need this technology to know that we are in trouble on vacation or traveling if we enroll in STEP?

Without some sort of device one obviously wouldn't be able to receive alerts via text or email. But when you register you give the site your hotel details so in the event of some sort of serious "disaster" like an earthquake, the consulate can "physically" reach out to you to see if you are okay and need assistance. Also the service is an alternate method for your friends and relatives in the US to have in consulate contact you in case they have concerns for your welfare.

Strikes and natural disasters are indeed part of the STEP notifications.

I looked at the STEP web site, and it doesn't look like strikes are covered. Maybe if it was a crippling or violent nationwide strike. Natural disasters would probably be covered if it was actually in the country you're in. However, something like the Icelandic volcano that crippled air traffic for several days might or might not. I could see how it would be useful to some people who might need to be contacted in an emergency, but since we take a laptop and a phone for email and calls, we wouldn't need that.

laptop and a phone for email and calls, we wouldn't need that.

In the event of a natural disaster don't assume that you will have reliable internet/phone service, or even electricity to keep you devices charged.

Of course I can't find it now but I SWEAR I have received notices from the STEP program advising of big strike actions here in France.

Traveling in Europe, I don't use the program at all, never have, not interested.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

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• Smart Forum

My experience with the SMART electric bike

• Thread starter DHS
• Start date Feb 21, 2014
• Feb 21, 2014

Well-Known Member

Brambor said: Do You own the bike? Pics or it didn't happen. Click to expand...

Please give us a review. It has a belt drive doesn't it?  

Maybe try http://www.thesmart.ca/ca/en/index/smart-electric-bike.html Yes it's a belt + custom BionX hub combination - very smooth, powerful, and quiet  

• Feb 22, 2014

DHS said: Maybe try http://www.thesmart.ca/ca/en/index/smart-electric-bike.html Yes it's a belt + custom BionX hub combination - very smooth, powerful, and quiet Click to expand...

Larry Pizzi

Active member.

DHS said: Best of all no more lubrication, ruined clothes or dirty chain maintenance - Bonus - this Gates carbon toothed belt lasts much longer than a chain. Click to expand...

Larry Pizzi said: Hi DHS - Out testing does not support that belts last longer then chains, but they do have the benefit of not needing to be lubricated. One of the reasons they are not use more widely on ebikes is that they only work with IGH (internally geared hubs like the Smart has built into the BionX motor) hubs or single speeds and if the bike has a torque sensor, your limited to placement in the bottom bracket. Click to expand...

Thanks DHS - I'll look forward to hearing how yours works over time.  

Administrator

• Jul 8, 2014

DHS said: Extremely pleased with this products performance and local support. The SMART eBike exudes legendary Mercedes performance, design, quality, fit, finish - built mostly in Germany. Click to expand...

Court said: Hey @DHS ! I just posted my review of the Smart Electric Bicycle and would love your input. They are still tricky to find (I had to drive to Canada to test this one!) and want to see if you think I got it right since you've actually been owning one for several months now Click to expand...

• Sep 29, 2014

I've been interested in these too, but am concerned with the battery replacement cost down the road. Oakville Mercedes (Canada) told me the current price was about $1600 (CDN) including taxes as they had to be ordered individually and shipped from Europe! Not an issue if Smart ebike sales take off, but if that process continues or worse, Mercedes drops the line due to poor sales... Any thoughts? As an aside, I did question Bionx which is located near me which replied with a glowing letter on the technology, but did not dispute my claim of a $1600 charge for replacement batteries.  

Surely, with proper care this carefully designed & superbly manufactured SMART battery will outlast the cheaper often smaller competing offers. Mercedes is world renowned for durability and value ... likely why they're the oldest car company. Expensive, yes, because they offer legendary products and service .. in my experience if you must pay less you'll likely get just that - less.  

• Sep 30, 2014

My response from Bionx was to expect 5-7 years in battery life. I generally respect Mercedes as a quality manufacturer, but lithium ion batteries are generally only rated for five years or so, regardless of who makes them... Just doing the math, that looks like about $300 per year (not including actual energy consumption or other maintenance costs), which unless you're commuting every day, isn't really cheap.  

John Ruskin quote: “There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price alone are that person’s lawful prey. It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money — that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot — it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.”  

• Oct 3, 2014

DHS said: John Ruskin quote: “There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price alone are that person’s lawful prey. It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money — that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot — it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.” Click to expand...

Like th Ruskin quote. I am new here so please forgive me if this is not an appropriate post. I own a smart bike and am very pleased with its looks and performance however a spoke has broken on the rear wheel and Mercedes don't keep spare spokes as it is still under warranty they have suggested that I take the wheel to a dealer and they will replace the entire wheel which is ludicrous and as the bike is at my house in Ibiza the wheel would have to be brought back to the uk my question is does anyone here know how to get a correct spoke for this bike unless there is a solution I would caution any one considering this bike to be aware that the out of warranty solution offered by Mercedes would amount to well over 1300euros  

Seems to me something's out of line. Have you tried tweeting this situation?  

Shea N Encinitas

I thought spokes could be cut and threaded as needed, any wheelsmiths in town? I'm not a fan of reduced spoke wheels, especially for e-bikes. -S  

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2024 GSA SmartPay Training Forum

This year’s GSA SmartPay Training Forum will be held in person!

Join us for the 2024 GSA SmartPay Training Forum, which will take place from August 6-8, 2024.

Whether you are brand new to the program or a seasoned professional, the GSA SmartPay Training Forum continues to be the premier training event for charge card program managers. The 3-day event will feature a comprehensive training schedule that will cover all aspects of how to successfully manage your charge card program.

Who should attend the forum?

• Agency/Organization Program Coordinators (A/OPCs)
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• Other agency personnel who play a role in managing their agency’s GSA SmartPay charge card program

Note: This event is not intended for cardholders.

Registration for the 2024 GSA SmartPay Training Forum will open online in mid May. Please note that no fee is required to register for this valuable training opportunity, however each attendee will be responsible for their own travel expenses. It is highly recommended that those registering for this event obtain agency approval to attend prior to registering. Event registration is required to attend. 

Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) will be available for many of the scheduled courses. You will also have an opportunity to earn a GSA SmartPay Program Certification (GSPC). Check out the Smart Bulletin for details about the GSPC requirements .

We hope that you will join us for this year’s in person event!

*Exit Notification/Disclaimer: By clicking on this link you are leaving a GSA Website. Registration link will take you to a non.gov domain where your registration contact information will be collected for use in managing your attendance at the Conference and you can opt-in to future communications on FAS-related information.

If you have any questions or concerns please email us at:

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Insights How Smart Tourism Experiences are Served by Technology

Today’s visitor journey is fragmented. Customer data can help brands unlock seamless, digitally-enabled guest experiences within connected smart destinations.

The concept of “smart destinations” or “smart tourism” has been advancing the guest experience for years, but there’s one piece of the puzzle that the travel and hospitality industry has yet to unlock: the integration of customer data for proactive insights that enable personalization.

Smart tourism defines travel experiences that are digitally enabled and connected to technology, allowing guests to efficiently navigate through foreign cities, book activities online and utilize their mobile devices to tackle their entire itinerary.

But smart tourism is entering a new era of seamless travel, served not only by technology, but also by customer data.  

“The future of smart tourism is travel experiences that are proactive,” says Mukundhan Sundaram, senior director of technology at Publicis Sapient. “You’re removing all points of friction and frustration by putting data in the hands of the customer to effectively guide their journey.”

Learn how the next era of smart tourism can build guest loyalty and how customer data will transform the end-to-end guest experience.

What smart tourism is—and what it isn’t

Smart destinations are often enabled by specific technology upgrades, like mobile apps or online booking platforms, but that’s not all it is. Smart tourism is tourism that transforms the end-to-end guest experience through interconnected physical and digital technology.

“Technology upgrades implemented in a vacuum aren’t truly ‘smart,’ because they’re not grounded in the end-to-end guest experience,” says Sundaram, travel and hospitality industry expert.

Smart tourism is not just luxury travel; it applies to mass-market or affordable tourism experiences as well. Smart tourism creates seamless and luxurious experiences enabled by technology, increasing convenience and accessibility for travelers.

The next era of smart tourism, sometimes referred to as “cognitive tourism,” goes a step further by utilizing first-party customer data to proactively recommend the next step of the guest experience, whether that’s a reminder to get to the airport, an invitation for a vacation activity or a coupon for a recommended restaurant. This means no more written itineraries that need to be carried around and the ability to plan a dream vacation at the click of a button, taking much of the thinking out of the process.

Why guests crave smart destinations now more than ever

Post-COVID-19, travelers expect and rely on technology to power travel experiences across every touchpoint of their journey. Understaffed travel and hospitality brands need to use technology to bridge the gap at formerly in-person touchpoints that are becoming overwhelmed with “revenge tourism.”

But the need for smart tourism isn’t just because of a lack of staff. As travel prices continue to rise and loyalty falls, guests will revisit brands that personalize products and messaging. Almost one-third of travelers are more likely to stay in hotels that offer contactless checkout and/or personalized digital offers, according to 2022 research. Digitizing the travel experience allows brands to further tailor marketing and recommendations to customers based on their data.

Smart tourism also enables more sustainable, regenerative travel experiences that appeal to younger travelers. Roughly two-thirds of Millennials and Gen Z say that sustainability is important to them when they travel, according to the same study.

How can smart tourism transform the end-to-end travel experience?

From booking to hotel check-in and travel activities, brands can allow customers to share first-party data through mobile devices for more personalized and efficient travel experiences.

Here’s how brands can integrate customer data across each step of the travel experience:

Booking the vacation  

• Read blogs, forums and articles to research vacation options.
• Manually enter log-in information on several different websites to receive points and discounts on bookings.
• Fill out lengthy forms with contact information for each booking.
• Go to the brand website to enter a virtual metaverse experience to explore and learn about the destination.
• Scan a QR code from the website browser to give consent for the brand to automatically access all required booking credentials stored within a [decentralized digital identity], from payment information to contact information.
•  Receive personalized recommendations for travel based on metaverse activity and decentralized digital identity.

Checking in at the airport for a flight

• Enter the airport well in advance of the flight to stand in a long line to check bags.
• Check into flight via the website, and have to enter the flight number and remember to check in well in advance of the flight.
• Enter the long TSA line for security, and have to show your passport/ID and boarding pass.
• Airline app sends a notification to check in for your flight, and boarding information is automatically added to the app.
• App recommends what time to get to the airport based on traffic flow and locations and also shows recommendations for food around the gate area, allowing passengers to place orders for products or food in advance with stored payment methods.
• App allows passengers to check bags through a contactless method and use their phone to get through security and boarding with no queues.

Checking into a hotel for vacation

• Arrive at the front desk to wait in a long line.
• Front desk staff member has to check multiple databases to locate guest check-in information as the guest waits with their family and luggage.
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• Receive an email on the day of check-in with instructions on how to check in.
• Geo-sensing technology recognizes when you have reached the hotel property and sends a ping with the room information and room key.
• App guides visitors to their rooms and provides recommendations for initial food, activities and added amenities based on demographic information and travel history.

Accomplishing the travel itinerary

• Research and book the best activities near the hotel far in advance of the trip.
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• In case of unanticipated events, the activities and overall itinerary are dynamic, with the ability to transition to new reservation times or plans depending on the situation.
• Receive proactive activity reminders for timing, transportation and necessary preparation.

In order to bring smart and even cognitive tourism experiences to life, travel brands need to connect physical and digital technology, as well as customer data, across the entire travel ecosystem. This includes city governments, payment processors, airports, airlines, hotels and more.

How Publicis Sapient creates smart destinations

Through partnerships with key industry players, Publicis Sapient helps global travel companies utilize artificial intelligence, big data, information of things, augmented and virtual reality and decentralized identity solutions to create connected travel ecosystems.

“Publicis Sapient is a global leader in smart destination solutions across geographies and sectors,” says Sundaram, travel and hospitality industry expert. “Our approach to smart tourism is customer-centric and involves a variety of stakeholders in order to be truly seamless.”

Approaching smart and cognitive tourism as an entire ecosystem rather than a singular touchpoint or brand in isolation allows hotels, airlines and cities to create frictionless and delightful travel experiences. At the same time, it creates experiences that are scalable over time and able to onboard and integrate new partners or hybrid legacy architecture.

Publicis Sapient helps brands like Miral to store every piece of information needed for travel in one place, digitally.

Contact Publicis Sapient to design and deliver a customer-centric smart tourism experience below.

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Entire Island Becomes a Smart Destination

Facial recognition allows guests to be contactless and connected across disparate customer attractions.

How to Build Your Smart Tourism Business Model

Consider the following steps to help craft smart travel experiences that are environmentally and economically sound.

The Latest in Digital Smart Destination Technology

Find out how to leverage existing and emerging technology to craft state-of-the-art experiences for travelers, residents and guests.

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GSA SmartPay Training Forum

August 6–8, 2024

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Agency/Organization Program Coordinators (A/OPCs), Financial Managers, Approving Officials, Billing Officials, and other agency personnel who play a role in managing their agency’s GSA SmartPay charge card program. This event is not intended for card/account holders.

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The GSA SmartPay Training Forum is the premier training event for charge card program managers. This 3-day in-person event will feature comprehensive training covering all aspects of how to successfully manage your charge card program. Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) will be available for many of the scheduled and on-demand courses. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to complete the GSA SmartPay Program Certification (GSPC) [PDF, 4 pages] by taking the required GSA Qualifying and/or Bank/Brand Qualifying classes offered at the forum.

This event is in-person only. There is no virtual portion of the event this year.

2024 GSA SmartPay Forum Website

The forum website will go live with 2024 details around April 2024.

For questions, reach out to the GSA SmartPay Program Support team at [email protected] .

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Great organisation, amazing guides!! Everyrhing was perfect. Jelena is an amazing person, doung her... read more

It was a great expierence. My wife and me learned a lot about thousand years long history of Zagreb.

the best agency in Croatia is a wonderful owner and her staff. Going with them is indescribable. I recommend

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24 Smart Travel Tips for Seniors

Posted: February 24, 2024 | Last updated: February 24, 2024

Traveling doesn’t have an age limit, which makes exploring the world just as fantastic and fun for seniors as it is for the younger generations! However, just like most undertakings and adventures, it’s best to be well-prepared with tips and tricks for your next trip (especially if you’re a budget-minded person). 

1. Bring a Book

Technology is everywhere these days, but it can disappear in an instant. Data loss, power outages, and cellular service interruptions still occur in 2024, and the last thing you want is to be stuck without entertainment while you’re on the vacation of a lifetime! The advice here is simple: Bring a book or two to read whenever you can’t be connected to the modern world (or want a well-deserved respite from it all). 

2. Travel in Groups

Everything’s better with friends, and exploring the world is no exception. Countless like-minded travelers of all ages make ideal travel companions, so don’t be shy! Suppose sightseeing is something you’re looking to do. In that case, there is no better way to pass the hours you’ll spend waiting in lines all day than engaging in some good, old-fashioned conversation with friends. 

3. Shop Around

There are always deals to be found in the travel world; you just need to know where to find them! Utilize the internet to your advantage. Scour travel forums, hotel and airline websites, and credit card offers to score the best deals. If you’ve decided where to travel next, shop around and see if you can find better prices. In 2024, finding massive discounts is simple; never settle for paying full price!

4. Utilize Credit Card Rewards

In 2024, there isn’t a better way to parlay everyday spending into a memorable vacation than using credit card rewards. Many high-end offerings from companies like Chase, Capital One, and American Express offer rewards credit cards that reward you for shopping. Every purchase you make earns rewards that can be redeemed for cash, discounts, or free travel perks like amazing deals on everything travel-related! 

5. Familiarize Yourself With Local Customs

As every senior knows, respect is paramount for a civilized society. Before arriving at your destination (whether in the United States or abroad), it’s essential to familiarize yourself with local customs. Get to know the lay of the land ahead of time so you can enjoy your time there without sticking out like a sore thumb or, worse, making the locals angry due to your accidental lack of respect. 

6. Plan Ahead

While a significant aspect of traveling is the excitement that can be found around every corner, planning is essential. Don’t wait until the last minute to secure lodging. Purchase airport transfers before you arrive. You can waste a lot of time wandering aimlessly around a new city, so mitigate that by researching places to go and things to see ahead of time! 

7. Don’t Forget Your Medication

Securing your medication is arguably the most crucial aspect of traveling as a senior. I’ve heard horror stories of people arriving at the destination of their dreams only to get right back on the plane and return home because they forgot vital medication! Remind yourself over and over: Pack your meds. 

8. Give Family Members Pertinent Information

Some tips are as old as time: Let your loved ones know your itinerary and general travel plans! Give your family details about your stay, such as hotel location, flight information, and passport number. You can never be too prepared; your family will appreciate the abundance of information. A little information counts for a lot of peace of mind. 

9. Go Somewhere New

The world is your oyster. Don’t waste your golden years visiting places you’ve already been. Explore the world as intended and treat yourself to some truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As we all know, life goes by in the blink of an eye, so capitalize on much-deserved travel time by crossing out as many places from your bucket list as possible. Trust me, you’ll have zero regrets.

10. Skip Hostels

While hostels are among travelers’ most affordable lodging options, seniors should stay far away. Trust me, seniors deserve all the creature comforts in the world, and loud, dirty, and jam-packed hostels will not make their travels comfortable. Countless budget-friendly hotels and Airbnb rentals are available at affordable rates; not every hotel is the Four Seasons! 

11. Walk Everywhere

Public transportation is overrated! Walk everywhere you can. Many men and women confess exploring a new location on foot was immensely satisfying. As long as you take the extra time you’ll need into account, you can appreciate a city differently than taking Uber and public transportation everywhere. In addition, you’ll enjoy the money you save, too! 

12. Take Advantage of Sightseeing

Unless you’re visiting a place you’ve been countless times before, there’s a decent chance the things you see on your next trip will be the first (and last) time you experience them. Always remember to savor each moment and take advantage of all sightseeing opportunities! There’s a lot to see in the world, and you don’t want to visit iconic cities without seeing what makes them so special with your own eyes. 

13. Target Warmer Climates

Nobody likes being cold. Do yourself a favor and target warm-climate locations for your next trip. While the thought of traveling to Alaska or Iceland seems intriguing, you should prioritize your long-term health, and subjecting your body to frigid temperatures is an unwise plan of action. Countless seniors agree that tropical (or temperate) climates are preferred over places where you’ll freeze your butt off.  

14. One Lock Goes a Long Way

Although it sounds trivial, many travelers advise bringing a small padlock (and its associated key) with you on your next journey. Whether securing a day bag or backpack or clamping your luggage down for an overnight hotel stay, bringing a small lock gives much-needed peace of mind. Having items stolen can severely damper a trip, to say the least, so protect yourself from that!

15. Pack Light

The last thing you want is to experience back, shoulder, or neck pain by lugging around heavy backpacks and suitcases while traveling. Overpacking may seem sensible, but your body deserves much better than that! Pack light and don’t overthink it: Traveling later in life should be about enjoying every second of an adventure, and there’s nothing fun about aches and pains. 

16. Embrace the Local Nightlife

Living like a local is one of senior travelers’ most rewarding experiences. Local pubs and restaurants will never let you down in terms of meeting like-minded people. Trust me, you’ve never lived unless you’ve had an in-depth conversation with a stranger for an hour in a language you barely understand! If that’s not what life is all about, then what is? 

17. Keep Cash to a Minimum

Unfortunately, as a senior, you are a prime target for pickpockets and thieves, especially in foreign cities. Don’t worry, though. Keeping the cash you carry to a minimum and using credit cards for most purchases will make you less of a target for these petty thieves. After all, nothing screams, “I’m a tourist!” like pulling out a wad of cash every time you pay for something. 

18. Pause Recurring Subscriptions

If you’re planning to travel for more than a month, take the initiative and pause recurring subscriptions. Streaming platforms, music services, and meal-kit delivery platforms can all be paused relatively quickly. You won’t be around to use these subscriptions, so it makes zero sense why you should pay for them. In most cases, pausing these services is painless and can be accomplished with a few taps on your smartphone. 

19. Rent Out Your Home

There are no rules against making money while you’re on vacation, so why not rent out your home while you’re away? Plenty of options are available, from renting it out on Airbnb to letting friends and family use it (for a nominal price). Trips can be expensive, so you can help combat the overall cost by making a little money on the side. It’s an ingenious idea that makes traveling more affordable for everyone, regardless of age. 

20. Bring Extra Charging Cables

Most people can openly admit they are helplessly addicted to modern technology, and that’s okay! Society has changed dramatically over the last few decades, so being tethered to your smartphone won’t raise any eyebrows in 2024. Bringing spare USB charging cables with you on your next trip is so important. They are effortless to lose, and you don’t have to take time out of your adventure to track down compatible chargers in an unfamiliar location. 

21. Travel in the Off-Season

Savvy travelers know the secret of off-season travel: It’s fantastic. When traveling during off-peak times of the year, you’ll encounter fewer crowds, a more temperate climate, and lower hotel and airline pricing. Trust me, there’s nothing fun about being herded like cattle through major cities in the middle of summer! Traveling during the off-season gives you more flexibility and more opportunity to relax. 

22. Use the Right Credit Card

Sometimes, savvy traveling can be as straightforward as always paying with the correct credit card. Remember, not all credit cards are created equal, and when traveling overseas, always use a card that offers zero foreign transaction fees! Many cards don’t provide this service, resulting in sticker shock when you finally get home and look at the unexpected charges in your bank account. 

23. Bring Heating Pads

Even if you travel in relatively warm climates, countless people advise bringing heating pads. You never know when you’ll need it, and it has many uses. Sure, it can heat your body, but a heating pad offers much-needed muscle relief. So, if you’re a senior who intends to explore an unfamiliar city on foot all day, I think a heating pad is a must-have in your suitcase. 

24. Use Any Discount Available

As any senior knows, the low-key greatest asset you have is your senior citizen’s discount! Don’t hesitate to use it when traveling. You can find discounts nearly anywhere you are; hotels, airlines, restaurants, and excursion companies often offer generous senior citizen discounts that will ease the load on your wallet. Don’t be shy; take advantage of being you!

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