Page 11 - RVO Senior Expo August 2017

RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATGAZETTE • SENIOR EXPO SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2017
11V V
Club director for First Security Bank in Conway has several suggestions. First, travel offseason and fly off-peak days or times, if possible. Pack light so you do not have to pay for extra baggage or overweight baggage at the airport. Try making a checklist for packing. Staying organized will help prevent having to purchase items that you have at home and forgot to pack. Depending on what city you are visiting, try walking to many of your destinations that are close to your hotel, which can save quite a bit in cab fare. If you do need to ride, try taking public transportation, and purchase a frequent-travel card that covers the time that you are there.
TRAVEL AS PART OF A GROUP
Group travel may not appeal to everyone, but it should appeal to older, budget-conscious travelers. Retirees who are uncomfortable driving at home will likely be even less comfortable driving in foreign countries where the rules of the road are not the same. Traveling in groups, whether it’s with a retirement community, a religious organization or another program, can save travelers substantial amounts of money. Many hotels and tourist attractions offer
steep discounts for group tours. A hidden benefit of signing up for a group tour is the chance to meet new people and develop new relationships with fellow globetrotters.
First Security Bank’s Gold Club offers a variety of trips throughout the year. The Gold Club is exclusively for those 50 and older with a minimum balance of $5,000 in a personal account or any combination of accounts with First Security Bank. Benefits of the Gold Club include escorted domestic and international travel, local social events and much more. Previous Gold Club trips have been to Yellowstone National Park.
“All of our trips are covered by travel insurance, which protects you if you have to cancel due to illness or emergency — also, if you are injured or have to be hospitalized while on a trip,” Hayes said. “We feel that it is very important.”
Many working professionals hope to spend the bulk of their retirement traveling the globe. While such a goal is potentially costly, there are various ways to save and still see the world.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative, with contributions by Cody Graves, special sections writer
Make a splash
Popular travel destinations for seniors
BY SARAH DECLERK SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
With many great travel options available, it can be difficult to choose where to go. Here are a few destinations to potentially visit.
NEW ENGLAND
As a region filled with American history, the New England area is a perfect getaway for history buffs. From scenic rail journeys to lobster dinners, this area provides relaxing views and delicious delicacies.
TAKE A CRUISE
Cruise ships are a great choice for seniors who don’t want to worry about
the details. Most cruise ships offer a variety of on-board entertainment and access to exciting destinations. Whether you’re looking for a tropical vacation, a Mediterranean excursion or an Alaskan adventure, there are a variety of cruise- ship options available.
ROAD TRIP
With the availability of interstates 30 and 40, Arkansas offers convenient access to two of the nation’s most-traveled highways. One can get on I-40 and visit diverse locations such as California, Arizona, Oklahoma and North Carolina. The highway passes through eight states, and there are many great things to see along the way.
Resource Center
1-866-801-3435