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Traveling is not just for the college kids who want to see the world and maybe study abroad; it’s for everyone with a thirst for adventure and a desire to see new cities and sights. Sometimes your adventure will take you just down the road, and other times it will require flights and bus rides and walking. In fact, no matter how young or old you are, or where you go on vacation, most of your time will be spent walking from place to place.

What many people don’t realize is that it is fairly common for travelers who spend a lot of time sitting or walking to develop a condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis). DVT is caused by blood clots in deep veins. Typically the symptoms of DVT do not show up until anywhere from one week to one month after travel, so you will enjoy the vacation without suffering the side effects until you return home. This is what makes DVT dangerous.

Thankfully, DVT can be prevented.

How to Avoid DVT

Credit Sally Jean (Creative Commons)

Being prepared for your travels can help you prevent the onset of DVT. There are a few different ways to do this, including:

• wearing loose-fitting clothing. The less constricting the clothing the less likely you are to induce the blood clots.
• drinking a lot of water. Proper hydration can reduce the risk of blood clots.
• avoiding foods and drinks that are diuretics, such as coffee, chocolate, and soft drinks.
• avoiding alcohol before taking a flight of more than four hours. While alcohol can thin your blood, it is dehydrates your body.
• wearing compression socks. These are designed to help the blood circulate properly through your legs, thus reducing the risk of blood clots. The best compression socks for your needs will be sized to fit your legs properly.

Keep in mind that there is no guarantee that these will eliminate risk of DVT completely, but they have been proven to greatly reduce the risk of contracting the condition.

Swollen Ankles and Calves

For those who suffer from swollen ankles or calves after long walks, use of compression socks can reduce the risk of long-term damage to legs and relieve some of the swelling and discomfort. Anyone who is interested in hiking or site-seeing would benefit from packing a couple pairs of compression socks for those days spent mostly on foot.

Why compression socks? They are designed to increase proper blood flow to the lower leg both when active and inactive. That means the risk of swelling from being on your feet for too long, and the risk of blood clots when sitting for too long, is greatly reduced.

The key is to get the right fit. Finding the right size for your feet is critical to the success of the sock. Socks that are too big will not restrict unneeded blood flow; socks that are too small will restrict the blood flow too much and increase the risk of clotting. It’s important to find a professional who can get you properly sized.

So before you travel, consider the benefits of wearing the appropriate socks for your needs. It seems like such a small detail, but it is more important to your health than you realize.

Travelling is an amazing experience regardless of whether you are 3 or 99 years old. Travelling can mean both the fact that you discover amazing places and the fact that you discover (and re-discover) things within you. If you ever thought that your age should stop you from seeing the world and if you ever thought that there is no place for seniors in the travelling world out there, then you should know that you were completely wrong. There is no reason to give up on your life-long dream of travelling the world now that you are a senior and if you are determined to make this happen for yourself, then you should definitely keep in mind the following tips.

Make Your Dreams Come True (Creative Commons)

Choose the Senior Options

Many of the travelling agencies out there actually offer travel packages that are specifically aimed at those who are over 65. This means that in most of the cases, these packages will come as an all-inclusive offer and that they will contain everything you will need during your travels (from transportation to accommodation and so on). If you do go for one such package, remember to see exactly what is covered and what is not covered.

Even more, these special packages are created especially for senior citizens from other points of view as well. Usually, they will include destinations you will find attractive and they will also include facilities that make your life easier during the trip. All in all, such packages can make for a wonderful, safe and hassle-free option when it comes to senior travelling.

In Full Shape (Creative Commons)

Plan Ahead

If you want to save money and to make sure that you don’t forget about anything, plan everything well ahead. This will enable you to think through the options thoroughly, to analyse all the offers, to make lists of things you should not forget and to get ready to see your dream come true. Even more, you can save important sums of money if you book well in advance, which is definitely a plus for everyone out there.

Don’t Forget about Travel Insurance

It is important that you purchase a travel insurance policy as well, because this means that accidents such as losing your luggage at the airport, cancellations you have to make due to bad weather or special situations, having luggage with medication in it lost and many other unfortunate situations will be covered in case they arise. This can actually save you money and the trouble of running around when all you should have to do is relax and enjoy your trip. When you purchase insurance do keep in mind the fact that there are special types of travel insurance for the over 65s that will definitely work to your advantage.

Travelling around the world is one of those things easily considered to be the true spice of life. The more one sees of the world, the more one realizes what a big, wonderful place it truly is. However, for some homeowners who trek around the globe on vacation, they end up returning home to disastrous situations. And these situations aren’t always centered on criminals who broke in or kids who decided to paint the town by trashing your house. Some of these issues include flooding and other serious types of property damage due to neglect.

There is a huge difference in leaving your home unattended and in leaving it unprotected. From tips to reduce flood damage to helpful advice that will reduce your risks of break-ins or vandalism, here are a few different ways to fully secure your home while travelling.

Different Ways to Fully Secure Your Home While Away

1: Locking Up

What does locking up your home really mean? When you’re running off to the store or going to work, locking your door is typically enough. But when you’re leaving for weeks or months, locking up takes on a completely different meaning. Make sure you truly secure your home by locking:

• Your doors
• Your windows
• Your garage
• Your basement
• Any type of access panels
• Your skylights, or any other potential entry point
• Your spare automobiles
• Your storage shed

Though criminals are notorious for breaking down doors and windows, the statistics suggest that forced entry crimes are statistically rare versus unlawful entry crimes (where a door, window or 2^nd floor French door was left unlocked). And, of course, nothing beats a good security system.

2: Shutting Down

Taking steps to avoid a break-in is essential, but it’s not only criminals and vandals that cause damage. What if you leave the gas on and something causes a spark? What if a pipe bursts, heavy rains hit, or a tap suddenly gives way? Locking up is smart, but actually shutting down your home can prevent serious property damage. Shut down your home by:

• Turning all the gas sources off
• Shutting down the main water supply
• Fortifying the basement against heavy rains
• Making sure your drainage systems are functional

There is a flipside to shutting down. Some things  you may want to leave on. For instance:

• You may want to leave your lights on for periodic use (see securing a lookout below)
• You may want to leave your land line active with a message that states “Stepped out for a bit, be back shortly, etc.”
• If you have a weekly lawn care visit, you may want to keep it

3: Securing a Lookout

Unless you live in a secluded location, trusted neighbors can be a big help while you’re away. Having one trusted neighbor tasked with keeping an eye on the home allows your home to appear occupied to those looking for abandoned houses. It also puts someone in and around the home in case it starts to flood, a fire starts, or some other unfortunate circumstance arises. A lookout can help you in numerous ways, including:

• Turning your lights on periodically to ensure a lived-in look
• Checking  your pipes and drainage systems
• Making sure no one has attempted to break in
• Storing some of your more valuable pieces
• Handling any visitors to the home

A lookout gives you extra peace of mind and guards against any smaller problems becoming much larger problems over time.

4: Removing “Secret” Entry Points

Hiding a spare key under that fake rock, the door mat or under some leaves is really dangerous at any time, particularly while you’re away for extended periods. Likewise with having a back door lock that you can shimmy open in a pinch. These might stand as secret conveniences to you, but they’re no safeguard against someone who wants to break in.

Make sure you take security seriously and remove and fix these “secret” entry points that so many homeowners have.

5: Delaying Your Mail

When your mail stacks up, it doesn’t matter that your phone is still active or that your lights come on periodically. Anyone on the lookout for empty houses will take that as a sign that your home is ripe for the picking. If you don’t have a neighbor coming over to collect your mail, make sure you cancel it for the length of your vacation, have it sent to a P.O. box, or some other solution.

Also, have any papers cancelled and don’t order any packages that may arrive while you’re away.

Securing your home is a matter of great importance, even if your trip is on the short side. You never know when a pipe will malfunction, when a flood or fire will occur, or when that friendly neighborhood cat burglar is on the prowl. The more steps you take to guard against damage and break-ins, the safer you’ll be.

The beauty of Thailand is definitely unbeatable and there is always something about it that appears to be like an image anchored in a dream. Warm-coloured Thailand is far from being a dream and it can become as real as you want it to be, even if you can’t afford to spend your entire lifetime savings. In the end, it all depends on your choices and on what you are looking for in this entire trip.

Kho Phi Phi, Thailand (Creative commons)

Thailand: From Your Airport to Heaven on Earth 

Thailand cannot be compared to anything else out there. Right in between the rich and extremely diverse Indian culture and the more Westernized ideas, this is a place that seems to be torn out of Heaven and nothing less. From the moment you start looking for flights from London to Bangkok, you know that you are making the first step into bringing dream into real life and into blending them together in a location that is as real as your home is.

The moment you will step foot on Thai soil, you will be amazed. The Bangkok airport itself seems to be torn between tradition and contemporaneity and you will have the chance to get a taste of what Thailand is really like. The amazing décor of the airport will be the greatest welcome message you could ever get from this country itself.

Startling Thailand (Creative commons)

Explore, Learn and Keep with You

Thailand is a jewel of the world and it will have something to offer for every kind of traveller out there. It literally has hundreds of attractions only in its capital city, Bangkok and if you want to explore further, the sky is the limit when it comes to the amazing things you can see and experience beyond Bangkok’s borders.

If you are looking into infusing yourself with Thai spirituality and beauty, then the Temple of Dawn (or WatArun) will definitely be one of the first things you will want to see. There is nothing like it in the entire world and everything about this place will leave you in absolute awe: gold and gods meet together for a feast in this great temple of Thailand.

And if you are looking for adventure, the Escape Hunt Experience amusement park in Bangkok will be absolutely great. Fun, interactive and extremely entertaining, this is a unique experience you will most likely not get the chance to live anywhere else in the world. A game of mystery, enjoyment and learning – this is what you should expect from this park!

As a matter of fact, this is what would describe the entirety of Thailand best as well and you will want to keep its memory with you for as long as you live. Your experience in Bangkok is something you will not be able to describe in words, but something you will keep in your mind and in your soul.

London is an expensive city to visit, but if you are organized enough, your London holiday could cost you half the money one usually spends in this thrilling metropolis.

London Cab (Creative Commons)

Central accommodation is not always a very good choice. There are different opinions on this: on the one hand, if you choose a hotel located in the city centre, you will pay less for the transportation. On the other hand, getting accommodation in the heart of the city can be very expensive. If you are visiting London for a long weekend, you’ll probably have to consider getting accommodation close to the airport, so as not to pay too much on your transfer from the hotel to the airport on your days of arrival and departure, especially if you happen to travel with heavy luggage. Money is not always the problem when it comes to getting to the airport. There are plenty of risks one has to take when deciding to get a bus to the airport, as this might get delayed because of traffic jams or even technical problems.

For the experienced traveler it is clear that the best place to get accommodation is the closest possible to the airport, considering how long you’ll be staying and how much you’ll be paying. This way, upon landing you can be in your room in about half an hour and then the real fun may begin. If the hotel assures the transfer that is even better, as you have no worries and no costs to bear. And after leaving your luggage at the hotel, getting to the very center of the city is a piece of cake in a metropolis like London, with a powerful net of public transportation.

It goes without saying that the price for exquisite services and an incredible level of comfort can be a lot more advantageous, so at a fraction of the price you can feel like a sheik in his palace, instead of paying a fortune for a small room without proper amenities, in the city centre.

Another advantage of staying in a hotel outside the city centre is the fact that you will actually get some sleep at night and be ready to enjoy the next day. City Centre hotels are usually noisy and unless you are up for a non-stop-party kind of holiday, you’ll want something quieter.

Image curtesy of Visit Finland via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Often overlooked in favour of its more accessible neighbours, Finland has become one of the least touristy countries in Western Europe. Travellers who dismiss Finland as an empty cold and dark wilderness are missing out. It is in fact one of the most unique and interesting regions in Europe.

There are few other places in the world where summer provides near 24-hour sunshine and winter brings with it almost total darkness. Along with this, Finland’s isolated location means that it retains its wild, natural beauty that includes wide, deep lakes and miles of forests. Alternatively its capital Helsinki will surprise visitors with its ability to provide a truly unique city break.

Helsinki

Finland’s capital is cool and modern city that has a creative, independent vibe that makes it distinct from any other European city. As well as this, its location right on the coast means that it benefits from the clean, fresh sea air, plus tourists can watch as large ferries dominate the skyline when they make their way to the city’s harbour. By European standards Helsinki is not a very old city and it has little architecture dating back before the early 20^th Century. This doesn’t mean the city is without character, as it has numerous elegant Art Nouveau and striking Art Deco buildings.

In summer Helsinki comes alive, with its green spaces and parks packed full of residents and visitors. The city barely sleeps and its 20-hours of sunshine a day means it becomes an outdoor lover’s dream location. In winter the city is at the other extreme with only six hours of sunshine, the temperature drops to well below freezing and its streets become almost deserted.

If you are visiting in winter then there are many museums and art galleries where you can discover Finland’s rich history and creativity. Once you’re all cultured out you can head to one of the city’s many cafes, some of which retain the same décor and menu from when they first opened in the 1930s, while others offer a modern and trendy alternative.

The Lakeland

A great place to visit in summer, Finland’s Lakeland region is full of lakes, rivers, locks and canals. Its remote location means that there are miles of unspoilt nature to enjoy and stunning scenery that will stay in your memory forever. There are lots of activities to enjoy in this part of the country; those who enjoy hiking will love exploring its forest trails and hills, while those seeking a bit more excitement can have a go at white water rafting or head off mountain biking.

This region also has a lot to offer in the winter months, with skiing being a big attraction. If you’re looking for more offbeat activities try dog-sledding, snowmobiling, ice-fishing and cross-country skiing.

Lapland

One of the most famous parts of Finland is Lapland. Stretching far into the north of the country and hundreds of miles above the Arctic Circle, Lapland is a wilderness that enjoys an extremely brief summer and a very long, cold winter. This beautiful and isolated region is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see the Northern Lights in their full glory, plus it offers unique experiences such as watching reindeer races across frozen lakes.

Getting there: You can either fly directly into Helsinki airport or travel by ferry into the city. From there you can either get a connecting flight or travel by train to other parts of the country.

Written by Derin Clark, a writer, editor and blogger

Travelling with your dog (creative commons)

There are few things more satisfying that exploring somewhere new with your family – so why shouldn’t that include your pets, too? Dogs love to discover new places, and having them will you will help avoid any concerns or worries you might have about them while you’re away. They also make great companions if you’re travelling alone.

There are a few things you can do to make travel easier on your pet while you book, such as ensuring that you travel on relatively quiet services, which will make the whole journey much less stressful for your dog. You’ll still need to prepare them for the trip in advance though, as long travelling times can be difficult for them. You should also make sure you have your pet’s travel insurance set up before you go – take a look at our guide below to make sure you and your dog are ready!

One month before you leave

About a month before you’re due to leave, you’ll need to start getting your dog ready to travel. If you haven’t already, purchase a carrier that your dog can comfortably sit, stand, lie down and turn around in, and help them feel comfortable in it by placing a few of their favourite toys inside it. A good way to get them to associate it with comfortable travelling is to take them on increasingly long journeys in their crate throughout the month, either in the car or on the train, so that when it comes to a long flight they will know what to expect and how to get themselves comfortable. Have a chat with your vet, too, and find out when you’ll need to have your pet vaccinated.

One week before you leave

The major task you’ll need to complete is to make sure that your pet has been treated for fleas and worms. Your vet will be able to do this for you, and will also give you all the paperwork that you need to travel with your dog. At the same time, you should also have your dog microchipped, and double check that the information is up-to-date with your contact details while you are away, just in case. If you’re concerned about how your dog will cope with the journey, it may also be worth buying some calming tablets or a calming spray to help them settle down.

The day before your journey

Get your pet’s crate ready with plenty of bedding, and ensure that they can comfortably move around inside it. Feed them no later than two hours before you set off, and make sure they have access to water throughout your trip. You should be ready to travel now, as long as your pet seems happy in its carrier – you might want to include a favourite toy as well though, in case they get nervous during the journey.

Dodrum Marina, Turkey (creative commons)

Turkey is a popular holiday destination with the Brits, but do you know all the tips you could benefit from when visiting this exciting country? Packed full of culture and thrilling attractions, there’s a lot to think about when visiting Turkey.

Where to stay

The south west of Turkey, referred to as the Turquoise Coast, offers visitors clean, unspoiled beaches and is often seen as the gateway to Turkey. Stay here for the perfect trip and look at top Turkish resorts including:
Belek
Bodrum
Kemer
Palmiye

Flights and airports

If you’re visiting the Turquoise Coast, Dalaman and Antalya Airport will be the most convenient destination airports. Both service regular flights to and from the UK, with a variety of holiday providers.

Currency

Before hopping off the plane, you’ll need to change your pounds for Turkish Lira. Depending on the exact rate, you will get around 2.75 Turkish Lira to the British pound.

History

Turkey is often referred to as the world’s largest open air museum because history is everywhere you look. From Julius Cesar to the Gulf War, Turkey has a vast and varied history, so make the most of it and get exploring!

Location

You will find Turkey where the Middle East meets the Mediterranean. It borders eight other countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria.

Weather

The popular south west Turkish resorts have a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and wet winters, but up north towards the Black Sea, it is cooler all year round. Pack the sun cream, as temperatures can reach 35-40?C.

Antalya – Hadrian’s Gate by Ingo Mehling (Creative commons)

Cuisine

A blend between the spicy Middle East and traditional Mediterranean flavours, the traditional Turkish cuisine is popular with most visitors. However, you will find dishes from all around the world in the restaurants and cafés, so there’s no need to worry about missing your home favourites.

Things to do

If the swimming pool and beach isn’t enough to keep you occupied, don’t worry as there are plenty of things to do and see in Turkey. Some of the most popular attractions include:
Termessos and Güllük Dagi National Park
Antalya Archaeological Museum
Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya
Koprulu Canyon National Park
Castle of St. Peter, Bodrum

Beaches

Due to vast sea borders, Turkey has a lot of beaches. You will find some excellent beaches at the top resorts, but if you fancy venturing elsewhere, check out these gorgeous golden sands:
Marmaris
Kusadasi
Oludeniz
Bodrum
Antalya

Nightlife

For a true taste of the best nightlife in Turkey, there’s no better place than Istanbul. If you’re staying outside the city, other top destinations include Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris and Halikarnas.

If all this sounds right up your street, visit Club Med to find out more about luxury holidays to Turkey.

“The world is a book”, the philosopher Saint Augustine once famously said, “and those who do not travel only read a page”. Whether embarking on a fortnight, month or year of travel, the experience will undoubtedly change your life, almost certainly for the better. And if you are spending time volunteering, the experience will be all the richer if you do it abroad.

Atop Sharp Top Mountain by L. Richard Martin, Jr. (creative commons)

Experience new cultures

You could spend an entire lifetime hunched in front of Wikipedia learning about the cultures of the world, but until you’ve experienced it first-hand, you have only reached the tip of the iceberg. Diving into the deep end of a new and unusual culture is a thrilling adventure: challenging but wildly gratifying.

You could spend some time soaking yourself in a country’s history and heritage. Gorge yourself on the local cuisine and become a food connoisseur of unique delicacies and trends. Or simply get to know the people and see how differently others live. Their outlook on life might offer you a whole new perspective of your own.

Helping others

There is a profound sense of achievement that comes with volunteering. Instead of simply indulging yourself in a luxurious beach holiday, volunteering gives the sense that you have contributed some essential good to human society, and does wonders for your self-esteem.

There are volunteer programmes in virtually every corner of the globe, and countries everywhere are grateful and welcoming for friendly, energetic volunteers to assist in practically every field of work. Whether you want to do conservation, construction or voluntary teaching abroad with children there are a number of programmes for everyone.

Volunteering abroad by The Dilly Lama (creative commons)

Learn a new language

There are countless advantages to studying a second language, including improved cognitive and literacy skills, greater understanding of a culture and increased employment opportunities. There is no better way to learn a new language than in the country where it is natively spoken. By immersing yourself in a foreign language and its culture you can pick up a vocabulary faster and more accurately than any classroom could teach you. And you will have earned a skill for life, providing a handy reason for return visits in future years.

Remind yourself how lucky you are

Many people who have done voluntary work with organisations like Projects Abroad in more vulnerable parts of the world have spoken of how the experience dramatically affected their perspective on life and the world. Living in the West, where healthcare and running water are taken for granted, it is easy to forget how fortunate our lives are; being confronted with extreme poverty teaches an important lesson in humility and provides a singular vantage point on the world. It can also make you appreciate your own native land, making your return home that extra bit sp