Top 5 Senior Travel Tips While in Europe

Nowadays retirement age doesn't only mean resting it out at home. More and more senior travelers view retirement as the opportunity to pack their bags and finally explore the rest of the world.

For any traveler of any age, Europe is one of the best starters. As for savvy senior travelers planning a trip to the continent, there are many things to do and enjoyable sights to see- as well as a few travel tips to make every step worthwhile.

Here are some useful and practical ways to make any senior traveling to Europe happy and fulfilled.

1. Go off-peak

To say that that Europe is crazy during the peak season is an understatement. For seniors, it's the worst possible time to travel. It is best to go during "shoulder season" aka between April to mid-June or September to October.

2. Bring all needed medications

Medicines vary from one place to the next, whether it's the kind, name, availability and price. Senior travelers are strongly urged to bring all their own medications with them. US names may vary widely from how they refer to these drugs in Europe. This is a kind of unnecessary (and time-consuming) stress seniors should never experience.

3. Avail of senior discounts

Europe is one place that's very kind to senior citizens, be it locals or travelers. In Europe, qualifying ages are from 60-67, which entitle these seniors to discounts for concerts, events, museum entrances and even rail passes in Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Spain and more.

Even if there aren't any discounts posted, it helps to ask big time.

4. Rent a ride or ride a taxi

There is a lot of walking and crossing involved when traveling. Calling in advance for a car rental will help but keep in mind that it's best to be transparent about one's age because other companies have age limits when it comes to renters. Cabs are also one's next best option.

5. Don't be afraid to take your time.

Slow travels make one appreciate even more. Senior travelers shouldn't be too conscious that they may move slower than others or they take their time more than other tourists. It's perfectly okay. After all, Europe demands such attention and appreciation, time isn't something a traveler needs to chase when on this side of the globe.