TravelsandEscapes

Lately, I’ve been reading about places that are too touristy. What’s that mean to you? Do you look for a place that has been mentioned frequently on travel shows and in travel blogs? Or, do you look for someplace that isn’t too touristy?

For instance, the Galapagos Islands control how many people they allow to visit at any given time. Many museums do the same and you pick a time when you book your tickets.

But, places like Cancun and the Riviera Maya exist for tourists. You probably expect to see many people and it doesn’t really feel too touristy.

What’s your definition of too touristy? Does it affect your travel plans?

I know I’ve mentioned checking your passport well in advance of booking your trip. Here are some more reasons you should check it early.

For the first time, 10 years ago Americans needed passports to travel to Canada and Mexico. As you can imagine, the number of people applying for passports spiked. According to the State Department, they added about 17 million that year.

Guess what? Those passports are expiring this year. Many of those 17 million are applying for renewals. That doesn’t count the number of new applications.

In order to avoid the rush or get behind when you need your passport renewed, these tips can help:

1. If you apply by mail, your passport should arrive in about six weeks.

2. Only go to a passport office to expedite your request. It will cost an extra $60.

3. If you go, make an appointment to cut down on wait time.

4. Make sure you’ve checked the address of the closest passport office. Some of them have changed.

I hear people say the always get sick when they travel. I don’t…but, how about you?

Do you pay attention to the local food? Do you know whether you should eat street food when running water is almost non-existent?

Do you know when you need to have a vaccination?

If the water is questionable to drink, do you brush your teeth with it anyway?

Do you keep your hands washed? If water isn’t handy, do you use a hand sanitizer?

Do you have basic medical supplies with you?

Do you drink enough water…bottled if in some countries?

Packing tips are all over the Internet and in every magazine you pick up. Some you’ve heard a dozen times, some are new ones.

Recently, I read this tip for women. When traveling, pack three different colors of pants. Then, pack the tops to go with all three.

Hmm…three different colors of pants seems like a lot to me. Unless, that is, I’m traveling for two or three weeks and don’t have access to a washer and dryer. Or, my pants can’t be rinsed out in the sink. if I’m taking three pairs of pants, I’m going with black. Then, whatever tops I pick will work.

Having said that, you could be traveling where you will need different colors for different events or planned activities.

What do you think?

According to AARP, 99% of Baby Boomers who travel in 2016 will do so for fun. And, at least half of those will travel internationally.

Does that apply to you or to someone you know?

Want to know what AARP thinks are on the bucket lists of Baby Boomers? The Arctic Circle, New Zealand, Australia, and Panama top the list.

How about you? What’s on your list?

Depending on how much you travel and where…you will probably come across a toilet that doesn’t look like what you’re used to. A squat toilet.

This squat toilet is exactly what it says it is. It’s a slab of porcelain on the floor with indentations to place your feet.

There might be a pitcher of water to use to flush…but probably not toilet paper. If you do bring your own toilet paper, throw it away in a garbage can. Don’t throw it in the toilet.

Be prepared…