| The 50+ of going South for the Winter |
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| Written by David Delaney |
| Tuesday, 09 December 2008 19:00 |
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When you wake up suddenly and feel the first frosty winds of the year, it’s time once again to start planning for the winter. It’s an annual tradition that people in Toronto are only too familiar with. There are many ways to spend the winter. You can cocoon yourself at home, go on a skiing trip and enjoy the snow, or escape the winter altogether and do as the birds do - head down south for the warmer climes. For seniors, whose bodies naturally have a harder time now coping with the cold, the last suggestion is one of the best choices. Here are some tried and true destinations that Toronto travel agencies have been sending Toronto’s vacationers, both young and old to for the past several years. Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic is one of the hottest places to vacation, and we don’t mean that just rhetorically. It has extraordinary white-sand beaches, mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls and national parks. One of the favorite destinations here is Punta Cana. This exotic tropical destination has great beach resorts that cater to many other activities besides sunbathing and beach combing. For the adventurous, you can do parasailing and water-skiing, and for the older generation, how about a nice day at the spa or a massage under open air cabanas fronting the beach?
Mexico For seniors wishing for the best place for taking photo souvenirs and going on adventures a-la-Indiana Jones, then Mexico is the place to be. Make sure you have enough batteries and memory cards for your digital camera when you visit ancient Mayan ruins. When you’ve had your fill of ancient civilizations and their fascinating abandoned cities, it’s time for some fun in the sun at one of Mexico’s many beach resorts. The Mayan Riviera is Mexico also boasts the second-largest barrier coral reef in the world, for those who want to go snorkeling or diving. Hawaii Another tropical paradise that is even beginning to be a favorite senior’s retirement destination is Hawaii. Hawaii is best known for volcanoes and surfing. But what really attracts seniors is the slow and easy island lifestyle. It’s far removed from the stress and noise of the city, and although Hawaii has a bustling metropolis, the countryside is still where all the best scenery and resorts lie. You can also go and visit historical parks and museums if you like. But before you leave and migrate for the winter, make sure you have everything in order first. Have a check-up before leaving and make sure your doctor knows where you are going. Stock up on your medication, you may need it sooner than you think. Ask your doctor for a valid prescription as many airports screen for medication and may prohibit you from bringing your meds in or out of a certain country. It is also strongly recommended that you carry a brief medical history with you, scanned and stored in a thumb drive. Keep your passport and valuables safe, and have a backup color photo copy if possible. Make sure you also have the number of the embassy in your country of destination. When all the details have been fixed, it’s time to leave the winter chill and head on to summer shores for a nice southern escape. |
