Senior Travel

Fireworks season is almost here!

Fireworks displays are very popular with baseball fans of all ages. This photo was taken last summer at a minor league baseball game. The sparkling, colorful trails in this image remind me of sea jellies.

Where do you go to watch fireworks?

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Photo © Old Line Photography. Licensed to About.com.

Today is National Train Day in the United States. While there are many special events going on around the country, you can still celebrate our railroad heritage even if you don't live near a major rail hub.

Traveling by rail is extremely enjoyable, whether you journey by Amtrak to another city or take a scenic railroad trip. You can find historic and scenic railroads all around the US. Some, like the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad in Colorado, offer concerts and other special events along with rail excursions.

More About Scenic Railroad Journeys: West Virginia Scenic Trains | Skagway's White Pass and Yukon Route Narrow Gauge Scenic Railroad

Photo © Nancy Parode

Everyone loves a vacation - until bad weather arrives. Sightseeing in a downpour is seldom fun, and you can't relax on the beach in lashing rain.

Bad weather doesn't have to ruin your vacation. With a bit of flexibility and some ideas for things to do on a rainy day, you can continue to enjoy your trip. We have several rainy vacation suggestions to share with you.

Photo © Roberto Sosa

Ketchikan, Alaska, calls itself the Salmon Capital of the World. So many fishermen worked from this island city that the salmon fisheries collapsed in the 1950s. Happily, conservation and sustainable fishing practices have helped the fisheries to recover, and you can once again enjoy Ketchikan's delicious salmon.

The city is also a tourism hub; cruise ships regularly dock here, and there's plenty to do and see. Don't miss Ketchikan's many totem poles and the Creek Street Shops. If you visit, pack an umbrella; Ketchikan measures its annual rainfall in feet, not inches.

Take a photo tour of Ketchikan, Alaska.

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Photo © Nancy Parode. Licensed to About.com.

My parents recently traveled to France and, in what has become a fun family tradition, sent us emails every other day or so chronicling their adventures. After reading a couple of these emails, I noticed that they often mentioned taking naps.

I've lived in Italy twice, and quickly learned that the local "riposo" (daily nap / siesta time) wasn't just a nice local custom; during the heat of summer, it was practically a necessity, especially while traveling. While we didn't see as many paintings, churches and ruins, we enjoyed the places we visited so much more because we were well-rested. My parents definitely have the right idea.

It turns out that napping during your vacation offers many benefits. Don't feel guilty for building rest time into your itinerary; you're likely to enjoy your vacation more because you took a nap or two...or more.

Photo © Peter Caulfield

Sometimes your dream vacation includes less-than-dreamy weather. So it was with my recent visit to Cape May, New Jersey. In spite of the dreary sky and raindrops, we drove out to the lighthouse.

It was a nice day, even if it was not the day I'd imagined. We enjoyed an excellent lunch at the Maurice River Diner in Port Elizabeth and did some shopping on the way home.

What do you do when bad weather intrudes on your vacation?

See more Pictures of the Week at About.com.

Photo © Old Line Photography. Licensed to About.com.

Rail travel is considered to be quite safe. Problems can occur, however, so it's important to know how to protect yourself against theft, injury and other mishaps. If you plan ahead and stay alert, you are very likely to have a safe, relaxing journey.

Our train travel safety tips will help you prepare for your next rail journey.

Photo © David Rudge

As airline food options dwindle and the cost of airport food seems to escalate accordingly, air travelers must plan ahead if they are to eat healthy meals at the right times.

While eating at the airport is an option for many travelers, those with food allergies or other health issues may discover that there is little for sale that they can eat. Travelers rushing to catch a connecting flight may not have time to wait in line to buy food in the terminal.

Taking your own food onto the airplane is an excellent option for many travelers. Despite the restrictive TSA security regulations, there are many portable foods you can still bring on board. Our air travel meal tips, both for planning your menu and carrying your food items, will help you pack meals you will truly enjoy. You'll probably save a bit of money, too.

Photo © Alex Parode

Last week, Cruise Lines International Association and the European Cruise Council formally announced three safety policies that are designed to improve passenger safety in the aftermath of the Costa Concordia accident, according to CNN and other news outlets.

Each ship will be required to carry more adult life jackets than there are passengers aboard. This policy is designed to improve passenger access to life jackets in case of emergency.

During certain operational periods, only required ship's company will be permitted to be on the bridge. This policy is designed to minimize crew distraction during operations requiring extra attention.

Each ship's officers must draft a passage plan, have it approved through proper channels and inform all bridge personnel before the plan is implemented. This policy is designed to ensure that all bridge team members know the route the ship is to take.

More About Cruise Safety: What to Expect at the Lifeboat Drill

Photo courtesy Cruise Lines International Association

Have you ever wanted to drive all of Route 66? Go on a jazz music cruise? Tour an area one of your favorite authors made famous? If so, you have already taken the first step toward creating a themed vacation.

Themed travel offers you the opportunity to build a vacation around something you truly enjoy. You can take a guided tour or theme cruise, attend a convention or create your own trip.

So, if you've ever wanted to see the Blue Whale of Catoosa and other quirky Route 66 landmarks, why not design a trip around that goal? if you don't enjoy planning vacations, consider a theme cruise or tour; you'll be amazed at how many types of themed trips are available.

Find out more about themed travel and see some examples of theme cruises, special-interest tours and conventions.

Photo © Nancy Parode