When I travel, two things matter most to me: reliability and having as few problems as possible. As the Burt Bacharach song says, “Make it easy on yourself”—something I’ve learned after a few too many hiccups on past trips to France. [Don’t know who Burt Bacharach is? Think timeless classic pop with a smooth vibe—kind of like the travel experience I’m aiming for now.] So, I’ve come up with 10 travel tips—little reminders to my old(er) self—to help make future trips smoother, simpler, and more enjoyable.
Travel Tips For Older Travellers: What I Used To Do vs. What I Do Now
For a hassle-free trip, here are some smart travel tips as you get older—things that I do a bit differently now. They cover packing, transportation, accommodations, restaurants, and getting around. Over the years, my travel style has changed. I’m now more focused on experiences than things.
I used to bring home pans, whisks, outfits—even knick-knacks. Some were unique, but it’s the photos and memories that bring me the most joy. Maybe all those trips to France have taught me to slow down and soak it all in. Check out this post, 15 Ways The French Way Of Life Can Improve Your Life.
1. Pack And Travel Light
In The Past
I’ll admit that I used to spend days….weeks creating the perfect packing list. I overpacked to be “prepared”. But all that extra weight was literally a pain.
What I Do Now
Now I just do carry-on and my favourite fabric is merino wool. Why? I can wear it for days, not stink and the fabric wicks away moisture—-perfect in the winter and summer. I don’t worry as much about having lots of outfits.
Packing 2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes is also essential. And they can still be fashionable. When you’re in Paris, in particular, you’ll walk more than you ever have before, so switching shoes each day can also really help with tired feet.
2. Shortest And Most Direct Routes
In The Past
While it sometimes can’t be avoided, layovers can be brutal. I remember flying from Toronto to Marseille. We have to stop over in Paris and after a long overnight flight AND a long stopover, we were whipped.
What I Do Now
Having few or no connections can really make your journey more bearable. Do consider paying extra for that non-stop, direct flight or train ride.
3. Comfortable Journey
In The Past
In my younger days, I took economy flights. Granted, the seats were probably roomier than they are today, but I was looking for the cheapest fare. Today, the cheapest fare often has added costs, like a fee for a checked bag (or even carry on!), a fee to pick your seat, and even a fee for food on your long journey!
What I Do Now
I realize not everyone can afford it, but if you can, splurge a little on your flight. I try to use my airline reward points to do this and if I can do premium economy or even business class, it just makes the journey more comfortable. You board the plane earlier (getting space in that overhead bin) and the seats are wider and have more leg room (or allow you to lie down and sleep!).
4. Getting To Your Destination: Train vs. Car
In The Past
I have rented cars in France for many years. While I’ve gotten used to getting out of the airport car rental area, getting lost (often), paying tolls, filling up the tank with gas before returning the car, and photographing the car to ensure I’m not charged for damages I didn’t cause (check out this post: How To Dispute An Unfair Car Rental Damage Charge). It can be a stressful experience.
What I Do Now
More often than not, I look at taking the train if I’m visiting a city that has a train station. I just want fewer hassles and relax (often in 1st class if it’s a longer journey). I can get from the centre of one city to the centre of another, sometime in less time than driving. It’s much less stressful taking the train.
5. Getting Around: Subway vs. Taxi
In The Past
Paris is a city where I have taken the Metro frequently. It’s convenient, reasonably cheap, and such an easy way to get around. There are so many stations and it’s been said that stations are very close—-usually within a 548 metre radius of where ever you are. However, there are some downsides: those numerous stairs, lack of escalators at some stations, long distances between connecting lines in tunnels. and pretty large crowds during rush hour.
What I Do Now
I’m getting pickier…especially after having walked for 8 hours all day through Paris. If I’m running late, traveling at night, or in an unfamiliar area, or simply exhausted at the end of a long day, grabbing a taxi or Uber can simply be faster, easier, and safer. While more expensive, it can be worth the added cost.
6. Slow Travel
In The Past
Did you ever watch the 1960s movie, “If it’s Tuesday, it must be Belgium”? It was about a group of tourists who visited 9 countries in 18 days. I wasn’t quite that crazy but being younger, I was determined to see a lot of France in a short period of time.
During my 4th trip to France in the early 90’s, my friend and I visited Paris (4 nights), the Loire Valley (3 nights), Burgundy (1 nights), Grenoble (1 night), and Provence/Côte d’Azur (5 nights) and returned to Paris from Nice on an overnight train. I still can’t believe how much territory we covered in 2 weeks! No wonder I called this trip, “Trip #4: Paris, Loire Valley, Burgundy, etc”.
What I Do Now
Today I would never recommend that type of itinerary! My travel style has slowed…and not because I’m getting older. I appreciate not travelling every day and not having a fully-packed itinerary. It’s not about checking a experience or site off my bucket list anymore.
It’s about quality, not quantity. Build in buffer days and don’t over-schedule yourself. This way, opportunities can open up for you, too. It also gives you time to enjoy the view, soak in the atmosphere and culture, and recharge your batteries.
One of my favourite, leisurely activities is visiting a local market, like the famous one in Aveyron in Villefranche-en-Rouergue. Just pursuing the produce and local foods and then relaxing with a coffee and pastry afterwords in a great experience to have.
7. Accommodations: Location, Location, Location
In The Past
When I travelled with friends, we would often choose hotels in the centre of town, but not always. And in the early days I recall we even agreed to share a bathroom! Some of our house rentals were located out in the country, not near any boulangerie or restaurant. We had to drive to the nearest town to get what we needed.
In some hotels, I didn’t flinch at having to carry my suitcase up 7 flights of stairs.
What I Do Now
Today, I’m fussier and I’ll spend the money for convenience. I’ll go up 2 flights of stairs, but not 7! I much prefer a hotel (or rental) that has an elevator. Being where all the restaurants and activities are just makes it easier. And if there’s a spectacular view, like this one in Tarascon-sur-Ariege, it’s even better! [I would easily return to this town and hotel in the Arielle because it is so beautiful. Tarascon-sur-Ariège: Perfect Base To Explore The Ariège.
I tend to choose hotels that are in the centre of town or near a train station. I’d rather not have to take a taxi or subway (exception: Paris, because the city is so big and has so much to offer). Just get me to my hotel!
In Bordeaux, my hotel was near the train station and the walk into the centre of town was along the beautiful boardwalk. I loved my accommodations in Dijon as well. Around the corner was the main street with lots of shops and restaurants.
8. Restaurant Reservations
In The Past
I’ll never forget travelling with 4 other women many years ago. We had no idea where we were going for dinner and just wandered around Paris looking at menus. We could have saved a lot of time and likely would have had better meals had we done some prior research.
What I Do Now
Don’t wander the streets searching for a place to have lunch or dinner. Save your energy. Do some research, perhaps using the app, The Fork, and make a reservation. No more stress. No more waiting (in line).
9. Half or Full-day Tours
In The Past
Much of my travelling through France has been self-guided (I planned everything). I would even get the audio guides that are often included in the entrance fee. But I’ll be honest, I often found the commentary boring and too lengthy and my mind would often wander.
What I Do Now
That’s where guided tours pay off. I get tired of doing all the planning and just want someone to take care of it for me. And when transportation is included you don’t have to worry about getting to the site. Your entrance is also taken care of and made visiting Versailles for the first time so much easier. While it can be a crowded place, going for the first time with a guide got us in much more quickly. After that first visit, I was able to do it on my own with ease. Check out this post: Tips For Visiting Versailles.
On some tours, you are provided with headphones where you can hear the tour guide over the crowds. This happened during my tour of Palais Garnier (Paris Opera) and I and SO glad I took this tour with a guide.
10. Tech Is My Friend
In The Past
In the “old days”, it was all paper—maps, museum plans, French-English dictionaries, travel guides, and American Express traveller’s cheques. Remember?
What I Do Now
Today, there’s likely an app that can solve your problems. Technology helps me solve problems and makes doing things so much easier….like looking up directions, figuring out the exchange rate, or translating an item on a menu!
And nowadays (due to Covid), more and more restaurants just provide a QR code that you scan with your phone. It then links to a webpage with the menu. In the example above, the Gille Cote Bistro in Rouen provided a QR Code for their English menu. I even use Apple Pay rather than pull out the actual credit card. As I wrote in this post, using Apple Pay or Google Pay is a much more secure to pay.
Consider some of these apps and websites (25 Best Websites And Apps For Travelling In France). They are essential, especially when you need directions, want to order an Uber or taxi, contact your hotel, access a ticket (ie. in your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) or need to be notified of train strikes!
Do you have any travel tips and hacks to share?
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