THE EIFFEL TOWER

 

 

One of the most recognizable landmarks in France is the Eiffel Tower, designed by Maurice Koechlin to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution, and named after Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. Construction ended in 1889, and its location marked the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair. Since then, the tower has become synonymous with Paris. The tower is a wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower from 1887 to 1889.

Locally nicknamed "La dame de fer" (French for "Iron Lady"), it was constructed as the centrepiece of the 1889 World's Fair, and to crown the centennial anniversary of the French Revolution. Although initially criticized by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design, it has since become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.

 

For Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the decision was made to combine one of the strongest symbols of the Olympic Games - the medals - with the most iconic symbol of the French nation - the Eiffel Tower. Chaumet, expert French jewelers designed every Olympic and Paralympic medal by adorning them with a highly symbolic and invaluable piece of metal: the original iron used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower! The tower itself played a vital role in the Olympic Games, hosting the Beach Volleyball and providing a scenic backdrop to road cycling, marathon, judo ad wrestling. It also remained a silent backdrop to various other activities during the Olympic Games and was the central hub of activities during the Games.

 

I have been to Paris on several occasions and have seen the Eiffel Tower with friends and all by myself. I have picked up brochures from various places, listened to Walkman audios and watched many YouTube videos, and these are the few things I want to share with you all about the Eiffel Tower:

1. The tower stands 324ft (98m) tall, and is constructed of 18,038 metal beams, weighing over 7,300 tons.

2. Painting the tower required 60 tons of paint, and a new coat is needed every seven years.

3. The architect the tower is named after, Gustave Eiffel, also designed the Statue of Liberty. The design of the Eiffel Tower is attributed to Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, two senior engineers working for the Compagnie des Établissements Eiffel.

4. The tower’s construction was not popular, and many artists and architects protested against it.  A petition called "Artists against the Eiffel Tower" was sent to the Minister of Works and Commissioner for the Exposition, Adolphe Alphand, and it was published by Le Temps on 14 February 1887: ‘We, writers, painters, sculptors, architects and passionate devotees of the hitherto untouched beauty of Paris, protest with all our strength, with all our indignation in the name of slighted French taste, against the erection ... of this useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower’

5. Originally, the Eiffel Tower was planned to stand for only 20 years.

6. In 1905, the French newspaper L’Equipe held a race to the first level. The winner’s time was three minutes and twelve seconds (the winner won a bike).

7. In 1964, the city of Paris celebrated the Eiffel Tower’s 75th anniversary by televising a group of mountaineers, climbing to the top of the tower.

8. On the tower’s 100th anniversary, a tightrope walker named Philipe Petit walked over a 2,296ft (700m) tightrope between the Tower and the Palais de Challiot.

9. During WWII, at the First Battle of Marne, the allies used the tower to block Nazi radio signals, facilitating their victory.

10. During the winter, the tower shrinks by six inches (15cm).

11. Winds and heat cause the tower to sway as much as seven inches (18cm).

12. Gustave Eiffel actually had a small apartment on the top floor, which he used to entertain friends and family.

13. These days, the 2nd floor is the home of the world-famous Jules Verne restaurant.

14. Surprisingly, the majority of tourists who visit the tower are French.

15. Every night, over 20,000 light bulbs illuminate the tower.

16. Before the installation of elevators, visitors who wished to get to the top had to use the 1,665 steps.

17. Over seven million people visit the tower annually. The Eiffel Tower received 5,889,000 visitors in 2022.

18. The tower is 330 metres (1,083 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building, and the tallest structure in Paris. Its base is square, measuring 125 metres (410 ft) on each side.

19. It was the first structure in the world to surpass both the 200 meters and 300 meters mark in height. Due to the addition of a broadcasting aerial at the top of the tower in 1957, it is now taller than the Chrysler Building by 5.2 metres (17 ft). Excluding transmitters, the Eiffel Tower is the second tallest free-standing structure in France after the Millau Viaduct.

20. The tower has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second levels. The top level's upper platform is 276 m (906 ft) above the ground—the highest public observation deck in the European Union.

21. Tickets have to be purchased to the three levels. Both lifts and stairs service the lower and middle levels with a 300 and 600 stairs ascent. There are stairs to the top level but is is accessible only by lift. A ticket for two, valid for 90 minutes costs INR 4000 and with summit option it costs INR 4570.

 

A walk from Notre Dame to Eiffel Tower, along the Seine river is a leisurely 5 Km early morning pleasure, which you can not avoid if you are in Paris. You can also do this journey through Champ de Mars, down rue St Dominique, right on Blvd St Germain, then through St Michel, but walking by the side of the river is a very different experience.

In 2015 workers gave the tower an environmentally friendly makeover by installing two wind turbines on the second level of the structure. These devices convert wind into electricity for the tower's shops and restaurants. A system was also set up to collect and funnel rainwater into the tower's toilets. The tower has two small laboratories on the third level where astronomers and meteorologists could work.

If you are interested in knowing more about the Eiffel Tower then I will advice you to see this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/RmnRF_lNDbA

DO YOU LIKE AIRPLANE FOOD?

 

I you do, let me assure you, you are in a horrible minority. Yes, some airlines serve better food than others like Air France, and some used to serve good food in good old days like Air India in the Maharaja’s reign. But, by and large airplane food is certainly notorious, with the number of people boarding a flight and not complaining about the food by the end of it can be counted on finger tips. With that being said, we must admit that most of us still eat the food served because what other choice do we have? We are in the air, the flight lengthens, and the hunger and boredom begin to sink in until finally, the in-flight meal starts looking like an attractive option...

But if you are already eating airplane food and drinking the drinks served as well, you may very well want to be aware of what you should eat and what you should avoid. This is not my personal opinion, but the opinion of most seasoned travellers:

 

1. This is not home-cooked food, but purely industrial food

If you've ever entertained the illusion that airplane food was prepared in the airline's top kitchen, where the best chefs cook for you, then know that this is a pretense that has nothing to do with reality. Yes, Sahara Airlines used to serve Tunde’s world famous kebabs I their flights, but that was to promote their home city, Lucknow. The food in the aircraft is 100% industrial and prepared in huge kitchens adjacent to the airport which serve many airlines at the same time. In these kitchens, the largest of which are located in Switzerland, Germany and Dubai, hundreds of thousands of dishes are sold daily to dozens of airlines, with the value of this thriving industry touching 10 billion euros a year. The food for the flights is prepared and packed by the kitchens’ production workers and machinery, loaded on to every flight, and then reheated by flight attendants before serving you.

2. Do not trust the "fresh" label affixed to the box

The food on the plane is cooked long in advance Many dishes served in the air carry the label "fresh" but know that the truth is that most meals served on the plane are produced long before they are served to the passengers, often between 12 and 72 hours before the flight originated. The salads, desserts, pastries, plastic cutlery and the napkins that are served on the flight are packed after being prepared and placed inside the boxes intended for them until they are loaded onto the plane just before takeoff. The hot meals are prepared in large pots, then moved to plastic containers, covered with aluminum foil, and are shock frozen at 5 degrees Celsius for about an hour and a half, and then packed into large metal boxes until they are delivered to the plane before taking off.

 

3. Opt for meat cooked in sauce and avoid pasta and rice

If you are a vegetarian, and your flight going to or coming from India, you may have a problem with your choice of meals. There is no concept of vegitarian food in Chinese, Tiwanese and Japanese flights, and you will not get it if you have not pre booked. When the flight attendants reach your row and ask “chicken or fish?” there is only one way to ensure you get a meal that isn’t too dry or bland: find out which of the options contains more sauce. The explanation is simple: meat stews cooked in a sauce, as well as liquid dishes such as soup, are the best options when you are on the plane because they are filled with rich and spicy flavors that compensate for the meager taste of the other dishes served on the flight. Also, choose dishes that include tomatoes, mushrooms or Parmesan cheese, ingredients that’ll make your food more palatable, without the need to add too much salt. On the other hand, avoid noodles, pasta, rice or fried foods because they tend not to keep a uniform texture when reheated on the flight and become a big tasteless lump.

4. Don’t buy a first class ticket thinking you’ll get better food

First class passengers tend to think that, unlike Economy, they get their food fresh and cooked on the spot, because it is served in elaborate, fancy dishes with metal cutlery, sometimes accompanied by a rather persuasive plating ceremony by the polite hostesses. However, this is only an illusion because even the food served in first class is cooked and prepared on the ground, in the very same kitchens where economy class meals are cooked. Airline chefs take care to prepare a guide for the plane's crew, which teaches them how to serve the food in a more convincing and enjoyable manner that will make the passenger believe they are getting good quality food. In addition, there is also the issue of serving with metal cutlery, which has been shown to have a completely psychological effect on the taste of food. People who dine with metal cutlery rate the quality of the portions served as better than people who ate the same food with plastic cutlery. This is information the airlines have acquired from their feedback forms. Therefore, the illusion that first-class food is better is merely psychological and airlines know and take advantage of this fact.

 

5. Bring salt and pepper from home to spice up your meal

Bad taste is not necessarily due to the quality of the food served to us, but also because of the physical conditions we are in; At 30,000 feet above ground, air pressure is very low and humidity drops to less than 12 percent. These factors make our nose dry and our taste buds become numb, which makes assessing the true quality of our food a challenging task. Studies have shown that our ability to taste salt plummets by 30 percent, and the ability to taste sweetness is 20 percent lower than when we are on the ground. So, the next time you board a flight, bring a little salt and pepper in a bag and sprinkle some on your meal to add flavor and compensate for what was lost due to the difference in altitude.

 

6. Politely refuse the stewards' offer of coffee and tea

The sparse air pressure in the passenger cabin causes water to boil at a temperature of only 90 degrees, as opposed to the 100 degrees required for it to reach a boil on the ground, and as a result, the flavor of hot drinks served becomes somewhat tasteless. In addition, the water that is poured into the coffee or tea served to you is not always bottled mineral water, but rather comes from the planes water system, which isn’t necessarily cleaned thoroughly between flights, especially if layover times are short. Bacteria may not die if the boilig point of water comes below 100!

 

7. Bring wet wipes with you and wipe down the folding tray

It may be a bit startling and surprising to hear, but the folding tray, attached to the back of the chair in front of you, is considered the dirtiest surface on the plane, with more bacteria on it than on the toilet seat in the bathroom. Unfortunately, airlines do not take much care in cleaning it, so it is important that you bring a wad of wipes with you and thoroughly wipe it down before eating your meal on it. Also, don’t place your personal items on it, and certainly refrain from placing any food you are about to put in your mouth on it, whether served during or after the meal.

 

8. Drink alcoholic drink early in the flight and opt for something bubbly

If you drink alcoholic beverages on the plane - beers, wines, liqueurs or anything else offered by flight attendants, you do so early in the flight before your taste buds dry up due to the air pressure. If you are among the people who like to sip wine on the flight, know that wine that normally tastes good on the ground can lose its taste completely when in the air. Therefore, experts recommend, ordering high-quality wines, such as Argentinian wine, which is produced at 1,500 meters above sea level, where air pressure is similar to the pressure in the passenger compartment. Champagne and sparkling wines are an even better option for drinking on an airplane, because the flavor distribution mechanism is different from that of regular wines, and the bubbles that rise up the nose and mouth allow the body to taste and smell despite air pressure conditions. In any case, it is important to remember that low air pressure on the plane causes blood thinning in the body, which can lead to alcohol levels being higher in the air than on the ground, so it is strongly recommended to avoid overdoing it with the drinks when flying.

 

9. Avoid eating too much on the plane

Despite the gnawing hunger experienced when flying and the many temptations offered by flight attendants, the bottom line is that you should avoid eating too much in-flight. This is mainly because airplane meals are far from healthy, with every food item containing about 360-400 calories, adding up to an additional 1,500 calories to your body for the whole meal. In any case, due to sharp differences in air pressure, you will likely end your flight a little more swollen in the legs and bloated in the tummy, throw in these extra meals and you’ve got a recipe for a gassy disaster.

Airplane food tastes bad mostly because your body can’t taste it properly. Your ability to perceive salt and sugar drops by roughly 30% at cruising altitude, thanks to a combination of dry air, low cabin pressure, and engine noise that collectively dull your senses. The food itself isn’t always as terrible as you think. Your mouth and nose just aren’t working the way they do on the ground. But, that does not mean that the food is excellent, usually it is average.

TRAVEL ADVISORY AND THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

A travel advisory is an official warning issued by government agencies, such as the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India or the U.S. Department of State, informing their country’s travelers about safety risks and recommended precautions for specific destinations.

It aims to inform travelers about safety and security conditions in foreign destinations. For more localized travel advisories, one can refer to resources like the DHS Travel Advisory Map, which provides current travel status for specific counties. 

 

Purpose of Travel Advisories

Travel advisories are designed to help travelers make informed decisions about their travel plans. They provide essential information regarding potential risks, including:

• Crime and Terrorism: Advisories may highlight areas with high crime rates or threats of   terrorism.
• Natural Disasters: Information about regions prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, is included.
• Health Risks: Advisories may warn about disease outbreaks or health- related issues in certain areas.
• Civil Unrest: Travelers are informed about political instability or protests that could affect their  safety.

 

Levels of Travel Advisories

The travel advisories are categorized into four levels, depending upon the degree of risk associated with traveling to a particular country or region:

Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest level of risk, advising travelers to   remain aware of their surroundings

Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution: Travelers should be more vigilant due to heightened risks.

Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: There are significant risks, and travelers are advised to think very carefully about their plans.

Level 4 –  Do Not Travel: This indicates a high risk of life to the traveler  and they are strongly discouraged from going to the area

 

In the past few years, Government of India has issued travel advisories for Indians with respect to Venezuela, Iran, Nepal, Syria, Libya, Bangladesh, Israel, Cambordia (for employment}, Myanmar, Niger, Iraq, Yemen, Canada, and Pakistan.

Not all parts of a country are freely accessible for foreigners. Indians and Pakistanis are issued city specific visas, valid for only those mentioned cities and are not allowed to enter the cantonment areas of each other’s countries. Overseas guests in India are advised by their own government to avoid certain areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Indo-Pakistan land border, Manipur, Maoist hinterland in Central India and Arunachal Pradesh. At times Nagaland, and Tripura too are on their prohibition list.

Countries of the world often issue ‘country summary’ for various countries which their citizens would like to visit. Such advisories are often not very kind to these countries, but these countries do not like to risk the life of their citizens. While there are advisories for all countries, but the Level designated matters, because that decides the level of confidence travellers have about their safety. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Switzwrland, France, Italy enjoy very high tourist confidence and so are filled with tourists throughout the year. India unfortunately is designated Level 2 by the U.S State Department. No wonder despie having such rich history and heritage, such varied geography and climate and such vibrant culture and customs, we fail to attract tourists less than Singapore.

The travel advisory country summary for India, issued by the U.S. government is particularly harsh. It says:

• Violent crime and terrorism occur in India.
• Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India.
• Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations.
• Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target

o   tourist locations

o   transportation hubs

o   markets/shopping malls

o   government facilities

·   The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in India must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

·         If you decide to travel to India:

o   Do not bring a satellite phone or GPS device. Possessing a satellite phone or GPS device is illegal in India and may result in a penalty of $200,000 or jail time of up to three years.

o   Do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman. Read travel tips at Women Travelers .

o   Review your personal security plans and stay alert to your surroundings.

o   Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP ) to get alerts and make it easier for us to find you in an emergency.

o   Review the India Country Security Report  from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)

o   Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

o   Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.

The Australian Scenario

Most Australian travellers are aware of their government’s Smart Traveller advice that sorts nations into the same four categories. Australia, in turn, cops a whole variety of advisory cautions. A positive common thread is that, as France puts it, “Australia is not a country with a significant security risk.” Still, every government says that terrorism is a real concern and that their citizens should be alert to petty crime, vehicle break-ins and drink spiking, all described as common. The US warns its citizens about Australia’s “narrow” roads that have just two lanes. Some additions are unexpected, such as Canada’s warning that “tour operators may not meet Canadian safety standards” or the United Kingdom’s that “some drinks served in bars in Australia can be stronger than those in the UK”. France advises against hitchhiking and tells visitors not to think of distances in European terms. Everyone warns, too, about the dangers of swimming, outback travel, mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, and our fierce and poisonous wildlife. “The continent and its waters host animals that merit awe and respect in equal doses,” says the United States. The wildlife is “fascinating yet dangerous”, adds New Zealand. Bushfires, floods and extreme weather get extensive coverage. “Sudden storms and strong winds can make driving difficult,” adds the UK. Ireland and France are wary of sunburn.

You can detect national preoccupations and strengths. The UK, ironically, has a long section about our horrendous weather. The US is dismayed at highways only two lanes wide and “roads and streets … frequently narrower and less graded than US highways”. France complains about railways, which it describes as “little developed … and neither fast nor good value”.

Some governments give polite advice on social norms. China suggests visitors split restaurant bills, maintain a proper distance while queueing, bring beer to barbecues and avoid arguing. “Regardless of wealth or status, locals treat everyone equally and typically address people by their names, using ‘mate’ rather than honorifics,” China says. “They are generally open and direct, and enjoy a humorous and self-deprecating tone. ‘No worries’ is a common expression.”

Japan too, is struck by our “egalitarianism, known as mateship ... It is important to note that the Australian people have a strong sense of classlessness and social equality”. Japan is, however, agitated about theft, with a lengthy section of its travel advisory telling travellers to lock and chain their hotel doors and never leave bags unattended on beaches, golf courses and buses. “Avoid parking on the street whenever possible, even in places with parking meters” and use secure parking instead. “Australia is often thought of as a relatively safe country but, compared to Japan, there is a lot of general crime,” it sighs.

China in contrast devotes its longest travel advisory section to financial and internet scams including “romantic dating scams” that lure the lonely into handing over personal information or payment. The Chinese are also concerned about domestic violence, murder, robbery, sexual assault, illegal weapons, vehicle theft and “bar fights”.

The US concurs with China on most points, including the potential for “bar brawls” and the prevalence of “internet romance and financial scams”.

Ireland on the other hand, although it finds the risk of terrorism “probable”, calls crime levels “relatively low” except in certain (undefined) “party areas” of Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. Ireland finds its own citizens part of the problem: “A significant number of Irish nationals … come before the Australian courts each year,” it laments. It cites road accidents as the leading cause of death and injury for Irish visitors in Australia. 

Germany warns of potential assaults in Alice Springs, the Gold Coast, Cairns and Sydney’s Kings Cross but is otherwise pleasant, issuing only genteel warnings about snakes, credit-card fraud, “unusual emails” and theft from backpacker accommodation. 

Many countries have little concern. India offers no advice, saving its ire for places such as Iraq, Myanmar and Haiti, plus of late, Canada, because of Sikh separatists demanding Khalistan. 

And while you’d think super-safe Singapore might have Japanese anxiety levels about crime, its travel advice is short and laid back, with tut-tutting saved mainly for vehicle break-ins in Western Australia.

 

The Cricket playing countries have a lot of fan travel in between them despite these travel advisories, but reputation matters and Pakistan suffers maximally because of ongoing home grown terrorism and unstable democracy. South Africa too suffers because of crime, mugging, kidnapping and terrorism. Visitors are advised not to go out for a strol or use public transport for the fear of getting robbed.

Israeli and U.S. citizens are advised to travel with extreme caution in Muslim countries. Canada warns its LGBTQ travellers to be cautious while visiting certain cities in the U.S. The war zones in the Gulf and Europe are a tinder box, avoided by all travellers.

For tourism to prosper the safety of the tourists is paramount, and travel advisories are all about keeping the tourists safe. A country has to be friendly, safe, and welcoming for its tourism industry to boom. Countries inflicted by social unrest and terrorism are losing out big time.

BUDGET TRAVEL PLAN FOR SENIORS

 

 

Retirement is the perfect time to explore the world, fulfilling those travel dreams you’ve nurtured throughout your working years. In fact, a recent survey by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies confirms my own post retirement plans. It suggests that 60% of retirees dream of spending their golden years traveling. And it's no wonder—travel can broaden our horizons, rejuvenate our spirits, and create lasting memories. But, retirement is also the time when your earnings are limited and concerns of big spending on health emergencies maximum. The good news is that with thoughtful planning and a few savvy strategies, retirees can satisfy their wanderlust without draining their savings. Let us see how we can make the most of our retirement travel dreams while keeping our savings intact.

 

1. Make a retirement travel budget

As a retiree, having a dedicated travel budget can help you afford the trips and experiences you've been looking forward to. Typically, retirees spend around 55-80% of their pre-retirement income each year. However, if you plan to travel often, you may need to budget more for the same. To create a realistic travel budget, research the costs of your desired destinations, including living expenses, food, and activities.

 

2. Try the 50/30/20 spending rule to budget for travel in retirement

A helpful way to plan for travel in retirement is the 50/30/20 rule. This rule divides your after-tax money into three parts: 50% for essentials, 30% for things you enjoy, and 20% for augmenting your savings. Travel falls under the "things you enjoy" category. Most retirees spend about 5% to 10% of their yearly budget on travel. Some retirees save up a lump sum each year for a big trip, like Rs. 500,000 for an overseas couple vacation. Others might plan on spending around Rs. 200,000 per year for the next decade or so travelling inland.

 

3. Plan your trip as far in advance as possible

The earlier you plan your trip, the better. Airlines usually open up their flight schedules about 11 months before the travel date. Instead of booking immediately, spend some time looking at prices for your trip. This way, you'll be able to spot a good deal when you see it. A good time to book domestic flights is usually one to three months before your trip, and two to eight months before for international flights.

 

4. Travel on Tuesdays

When booking flights, Tuesday is almost always the cheapest priced day of the week to travel, due to the low demand for flights on this day. If you’re willing and able to travel out and/or back on a Tuesday, this will save you some money.

 

5. Travel off-peak

The cheapest time to visit a place is when no one else wants to go. As retirees for you everyday is a holiday, so why do you want to compete with regular travelers and jostle with the crowd?  For some destinations, visiting in low season is not only more affordable, but far more pleasant given the lack of crowds. For other places, it might not be feasible: maybe the weather will be prohibitive, or the key attractions will be closed. If that's the case, opt for the shoulder seasons. Either way, you'll save.

I have a blog written on the benefits of off season travel, and you can read it by clicking: https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-joy-of-off-season-travel.html

 

6. Be flexible with your destinations

Keep your holiday options open, in terms of both destination and timing. Watch for flight sales and accommodation discounts. Keep an eye out for great deals. Eventually, you'll be able to nab a trip to… somewhere, for a great price. Sometimes some of the most amazing destinations in the world aren’t on your radar yet but are totally worth the trip. Often they’ll even been cheaper too.

 

7. Save on Visa charges

Some countries don’t require visas for entry as a short term traveller, and others charge for the privilege of entering. Be aware what you’re getting into, as you can plan your journey around destinations with cheap visa processes.

 

 

8. Consider staying in Airbnbs / OYO accommodations

 Thanks to vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and OYO, travelers can skip traditional hotels and choose from various condos, apartments, or houses. Hosts on Airbnb often provide discounts for stays of 28 days or more, making longer visits more budget-friendly. Staying longer also allows for a smoother adjustment to a new city, reducing the pressure to see everything at once. If the weather isn’t favorable one day, there’s no rush to visit a tourist spot; you can wait for a nicer day.

 

9. Exchange currency wisely

Don't let currency exchange fees eat into your travel budget. Before you go, do some research to find the best exchange rates. Compare what banks, currency exchange booths, and ATMs are offering. The trick is to find a bank card that doesn't charge for foreign transactions or accessing foreign ATMs. It's also worth looking into cards that allow you to load up in a foreign currency, to take advantage of a strong exchange rate.

Using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can be a good option for purchases, but double-check if there are any extra charges for converting currencies. Another tip is to withdraw larger amounts of local currency at once to minimize ATM fees. Just be sure to keep your cash safe! No matter where you are in the world always keep some US Dollars with you for contingency and emergency.

 

10. Use travel credit cards

Financial advisors suggest using credit card travel rewards. With more free time, retirees can learn how to get the best value from their daily expenses through these rewards. As they often spend time with family or purchasing gifts for grandchildren, using the right travel rewards cards can help them earn points for their trips without increasing their usual spending.

 

11. Get a sense of local prices before you arrive at your destination

Having a basic idea of what things usually cost in different destinations can help you avoid being overcharged, like a hidden "tourist tax." For example, check the average taxi fares before you go so you have a general idea of what to expect. Look up typical prices for things at the market so you can feel more confident when you're bargaining. Knowing how to buy official bus tickets ahead of time can help you avoid paying too much for a bus ride.

Tip: Websites like Numbeo or Expatistan can be useful for getting a sense of the cost of living in different destinations. They often have information on things like groceries, transportation, and dining out, which can help you plan your budget more accurately.

 

 

12. Use public transport

Save money on transportation by using buses, trains, and ferries instead of taxis. It's cheaper and a great way to experience the local culture. Many cities offer passes that give you unlimited rides for a few days, which can help you save you even more. Or, of course, you could save even more money and walk. You'll see far more of a city if you do this, plus work off a few of those buffet breakfasts.

You don’t always have to take a bus or a train. Try local fishing boats, kayaks, trams, scooters, rickshaws etc. There’s certainly no good reason not to do a little exploring to find a way of getting around that you wouldn’t find back home, and often it’ll be a lot cheaper.

 

13. Join free tours

In most major cities these days you'll find multiple options for free tours. These are usually government-funded walking tours that could be general introductions to a city, or quite focused special-interest tours, all hosted by passionate locals keen to share their city. The open top big red bus is very economical and has audio guides too.

 

14. Go to free attractions

Some of the world's most famous tourist attractions cost nothing to visit. Think Central Park in New York; pretty much all of the museums and galleries in London; the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul; the Smithsonian in Washington DC.

 

15. Visit free galleries and museums

Some cities like London and Berlin are full of free museums, including numerous collections of art and history that are free to the viewing public. Other cities charge a small fee for entrance into their museums, but even those places frequently offer discounts and even free days. Google it!

 

16. Shop and haggle like locals

Shop in local markets and not in tourist stores. Temple Bar in Dublin is home to 3 different types of markets all held over the weekend. They offer cheaper and more unique souvenirs than what you will find in the shops. In many cultures it’s the norm to bargain a price down from the asking price. It may not feel comfortable but it’s normal. But, also know when to stop and pay a decent price.

 

17. Cook food or eat where locals eat

If you are staying long in a Airbnb then buy fish, chicken, vegetables, pulses and rice and cook your own food. It cuts down your food bill drastically. Occasionally you can go to eateries where locals eat and avoid 5 star restaurents. Street food is great for breakfast and lunch and a quite home cooked dinner is usually just fine.

 

18. Claim the tax back

Each country has a different process but it is definitely worth investigating if you can claim the taxes of your purchases during your holidays. Look for the tax free logo in the establishments you visit. Some will require a minimal purchase expense and you will usually have to present the passport. Once at the airport back home, before checking in, introduce yourself at the tax return stand to complete the process.

 

Travel extensively and enjoy your golden retirement years. Don’t just hop from place to place but make it a long and languid vacation and enjoy the new place, the new culture and the new society. Nothing is more enjoyable and educational than this.