There are more seniors and they travel more.  These aging boomers are beginning to redefine the travel industry.

The ranks of seniors will swell with a vast generation that’s healthier, more active and more discerning about travel than any before them.  “They want new experiences, they don’t want the beaten track,” says David Cravit, vice-president of ZoomerMedia, which handles communications for CARP, the Canadian association for the 45-plus. “Obviously, there’s an age at which I can’t hang-glide anymore, and that age might be 40 or it might be 80. Eventually, the physical constraints rule, but that doesn’t mean the experiential component has to vanish.”

One in seven Canadians is over age 65 and driven by the boomers and falling birth rates, the fastest-growing segment of the population is 55- to 64-year-olds.

Population aging will lessen demand for strenuous activities like skiing, canoeing and fishing, particularly in the winter months. On the other hand, “low energy activities” like museum visits, live theatre, wine or culinary experiences and historical sites are expected to get a boost.

Boomers are now the first generation with the money and technology to travel widely and  there is increased demand for more specialized educational and experiential travel, including hobby vacations, cargo ship cruises, “voluntourism” and literary-themed travel.

If you are such a senior traveler, then it is important to be well prepared and there are some important Senior Travel Tips you should be following:

1. Pre-Planning for your Vacation: be thorough and watch that insurance.
2. Packing:  keep important items with you at all times.
3. Travelling with a Disability: if so, ensure the necessary help will be there for you.
4. Pre-Trip Medical Check-Ups: make sure you are fit enough for your trip.
5. Travelling with Medication: cover all contingencies.
6. Clothing: be comfortable
7. Exercise: keep at it
8. Crossing Time Zones: how does that affect when medications are taken.
9. Extra Care: watch out for infections
10. Key information: keep those telephone numbers handy.

In particular, remember there are important changes in travel regulations in crossing the US/Canada border as of June 1, 2009 so you should check that you have the appropriate Passport Cards if you are a US citizen.

Beginning in June, travelers will be required to present documents proving citizenship and identity when entering the US through a land or sea border.  If you drive to Canada or Mexico or take a cruise, but do not plan to fly abroad, the passport card is cheaper and  smaller than the normal passport.  It  is not valid for air travel.  They are good for 10 years and cost $45.

You should check the Canada Border Services Agency website if you are a Canadian citizen who wishes to cross the border.  Happy travelling.

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