Finally you're retired and have the time to travel. How can you make sure you'll have fun, be worry free, and be safe wherever you go? There are always risks when you travel, but you can reduce those risks by being well prepared.

Decide ahead of time what kind of a trip you want -- is it quiet time, seeing lots of sights, or lots of excitement? Plan accordingly, and don't try to do too much. Your travel shouldn't require you to be more active than you are used to. If you are very active, the sky's the limit. If you are generally sedentary, take it easy and slowly build up to being more active.

Before You Start

• If you're traveling outside the country, apply for a passport at least three months before you plan to leave.
  
  
• Some countries require a visa. You will need to apply directly to the embassy or consulate of the country that requires the visa. You can call the embassies or consulates of those countries you plan to visit to ask for specific visa requirements.
  
  
• Check out the countries you plan to visit. Are there special requirements? Are there safety issues? Are there health issues? Bookstores, libraries, the Internet, and the U.S. Department of State's Consular Information Sheet [phone (202) 647-5225] are good sources of information.
  
  
• Make all travel and accommodation arrangements well ahead of time and have tickets and itineraries in hand before leaving home.
  
  
• Leave a detailed itinerary with friends or relatives so you can be reached in an emergency. Include your passport number, credit card numbers, addresses of hotels, airline ticket numbers, travelers check numbers, dates you plan to be at specific locations, phone numbers, and other pertinent information. Make a copy for yourself and keep it with you at all times.
  
  
• You may want to check into trip insurance -- a short-term policy that would reimburse you if you were forced to cancel your trip. It would also cover losses if a travel company were go out of business or for some other reason cancel tour packages, charter flights, or cruises.
  
  
• If you are planning to buy a tour package, check with your local Better Business Bureau to find out if the company is reputable and reliable. Nobody wants to be stranded 10,000 miles from home if a company suddenly goes out of business.
  
  
• If you need a wheelchair or other assistance, make sure the airports, hotels, and ground transportation can accommodate you.
  
  
• Pack everything you need, but nothing extra. The less you can take, the better. You will need to know how often you can have clothes laundered, whether there may be changes in weather or climate that require heavier or lighter clothing, and what needed items you will not be able to purchase while traveling, such as prescriptions.

Health Check

• See your doctor and dentist before you leave on any lengthy trip. A good check-up may detect a health problem to resolve, or just add to your peace of mind.
  
  
• Get a written copy of all your prescription medicines and make sure you have enough of each medication to last the entire trip, and then some. Keep prescriptions in your hand luggage.
  
  
• Keep prescription medicines in the original containers so customs officials can see what they are, who prescribed them, and how much you take. Drugs are often carefully scrutinized when you are traveling.
  
  
• Medicare and many other health plans do not cover you outside the U.S. Check with your insurance provider to find out if you are covered. You may need to purchase a health insurance policy to cover you during the time you're abroad. Your travel agent can probably help you find companies that carry such polices.
  
  
• Your local health department can help you find information about required immunizations. Most people would already have the basic immunizations -- diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Some countries may require an AIDS screening or additional tests or immunizations.

Summary

A good traveler will always be prepared. Make lists, talk with those who travel frequently, read, compare, and check with government agencies. Time spent in preparation is time well spent.