‘Forever Young’ is the kind of magazine you will be seeing more of on city streets:

LAS CRUCES – It’s about “the joy of life after 50,” and you’ll find it on local newsstands today. Forever Young is a free monthly magazine catering to area seniors. “Las Cruces is a prime retirement community.  Our senior population is large, active and ready for adventure – that’s FY’s premise.  Too many seniors’ magazines are all about the woes of old age. Not us. We’re about people enjoying the life they’ve worked so hard to achieve.”

It is all part of the changing demographics.  Seniors are living longer, they’re staying fitter and they are traveling more.  Often that can be by coach but many wish to maintain their independence and travel by automobile.  Although a small car may be adequate for traveling in your local neighborhood, something bigger is more appropriate when covering the miles.  If so seniors may be renting bigger cars or RVs for greater comfort.

Even though they may be fitter and healthier than their parents, they should be aware that sometimes regulations and practices are not keeping up with the times.  For example there are often rental car age limits in Europe.  Before you commit to a driving trip in Europe, make sure all the drivers in your party conform to local requirements. Although those requirements are generally similar to what you find at home, a few may surprise you.

In several countries, some car rental companies impose maximum age limits for rentals, generally, or for rentals of some models of cars:

• Denmark: Some rental agencies impose a maximum age of 80.
• Slovenia: Some rental agencies impose a maximum age limit of 73, and renters ages 70 to 73 may face surcharges.
• Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Romania and Slovakia: Some rental agencies impose a maximum age of 70.
• United Kingdom: Some rental agencies apply an extra fee for travelers age 70 or over; some rental agencies apply a maximum age limit of 69 on some car classes.
• Ireland (Republic): Rental agencies bar anyone over 75 from renting a car

It’s all points to the need to carefully preplanned your trip.  For car rental you should make sure you are aware of all the suppliers who may meet your needs and seek out the car hire package that will work best for you.  You may well be ready for adventure but to enjoy that you should make sure that all your arrangements will fall into place without a hitch.

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