More Flexibility, More Time: Travel Tips for Boomers

Hotels.com recommends top Canadian destinations to suit boomer travellers' needs

TORONTO, May 28, 2013 /CNW/ - So you've put in 40 years or more of hard work, and retirement, if it hasn't already happened, is just around the corner. Extended leisure time is no longer a hot commodity, but now part of your everyday life. So what do you do next? Travel of course!

Since you've been around the block, at least when it comes to sightseeing, the travel experts at Hotels.com® have put together a list of top Canadian destinations to suit your various needs and allow you to experience something new.

Trip Type: Multi-Generational Family Vacation
Destination: Calgary Stampede and Rodeo in Calgary, AB
Highlights: There is something for everyone at this world-famous event, from the million dollar rodeo, to chuck wagon races and an ENMAX Corral Show. Not to mention, the city's most popular food trucks are onsite to satisfy even the most hard-to-please taste buds - plus your grandkids will go crazy for the deep fried bubblegum.
Where to stay: For a boutique hotel experience, try Hotel Arts, or bundle up together at Calgary Westways Guest House .

Trip Type: Couples Retreat
Destination: The Midnight Sun or Northern Lights in Yellowknife, NT
Highlights: The Canadian wilderness gets almost 24 hours of sunlight throughout the summer, making it perfect for late-night picnics or romantic boat rides. Travellers can view the city sights from above with an aerial tour by float plane, plus if you go in late August you can catch the beginnings of aurora activity. The impressive Northern Lights may be most popular in the winter months, but if you go earlier you can skip the sub-zero temperatures. Sounds like a good deal to us.
Where to stay: Considering it was the hotel of choice of Prince William and Princess Kate during their 2011 summer tour, The Explorer Hotel takes the cake with its convenient amenities and in-house dining options.

Trip Type: A New Adventure
Destination: The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, NS
Highlights: Although the drive can be done in five hours non-stop, why rush? Take advantage of all the exciting activities along the way, from whale watching in Pleasant Bay, to hiking up to the scenic viewpoints in Cape Breton Highlands National Park and, of course, dancing at a high-energy Cape Breton ceilidh (a traditional gathering with music, dance and storytelling).
Where to stay: Located on a lake, a stay at Inverary Resort has that East Coast charm travellers can't resist.

Trip Type: Green Getaway
Destination: Les Jardins de Quatre-Vents in La Malbaie, QC
Highlights: Whether or not you have a green thumb, you will be blown away by the gardens of Quatre-Vents. Built in the 1930s and sitting on a 20-acre estate, this stunning garden incorporates elements inspired by both England and Japan. Making an appointment to view this artistic garden is a must.
Where to stay: While the chain is a familiar crowd-pleaser, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is particularly impressive as it's one with nature surrounded by both forest and sea.

As a retiree, selecting your destination of choice is only half the battle. Hotels.com has also put together a list of top boomer travel tips to make the process of getting there as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Tip 1: Check for Senior Discounts
Although it may not be openly advertised, many travel companies offer discounts to travellers, 60 years of age or older. VIA Rail is one such example offering 10 per cent off economy bookings.

Tip 2: Get Extra Legroom
Feeling like a sardine can quickly put a damper on a trip, so if you're flying, look for seats in the exit row that include more room to stretch out your legs. While some airlines have started to charge for these prized seats, you can still get them from select airlines at no additional cost.

Tip 3: Plan for Easy Access
When looking at hotels, consider asking for the ground floor when booking your room. If it's a smaller B&B, you can avoid stairs and if it's a larger chain, you'll likely be closer to the help desk and fire exits.

Tip 4: Keep Medical Information On-Hand
Always pack prescription medications and contact numbers in your carry-on for easy access and in case of an emergency. Plus, by bringing copies of your prescriptions along, it will ensure they're easy to get refilled if needed.

TIP 5: Shake It Out
Whether travelling by airplane or car, try to get out of your seat and move around every two hours. Not only will it stop your legs and feet from swelling, but doing so can also prevent blood clots.

Nothing beats boomer travel. With no restrictions and an appetite for new experiences, this generation of seasoned travellers is eager to try it all. For unique ideas on destinations to satisfy all interests, check out the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index™, a helpful resource for planning your next getaway.

About Hotels.com^®
Hotels.com (also known in Canada as Hotels.ca) is a leading online accommodation booking brand. Through the Expedia, Inc. global network of websites, Hotels.com, LP connects travellers with 205,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favourites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Hotels.com, LP benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry, obtaining the best rates for its customers, and offers frequent sales, special deals and promotions. There are more than 7 million Guest Reviews on the websites from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers can make an informed choice when booking. Through Hotels.com, LP's industry-leading loyalty program Welcome Rewards^TM, customers can earn a free night for every 10 nights stayed at more than 85,000 hotels. Under its Price Match Guarantee, if a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com, LP will refund the difference. Travellers can book online or by contacting one of the multilingual call centers. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded at www.hotels.com/deals/mobile_app/ enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals. Hotels.com publishes an award-winning twice-yearly review of international hotel room price trends called the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index™, which is now produced in 31 individual country editions, with North American data available at www.hotel-price-index.com. Follow Hotels.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Hotels.comCA, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hotelsdotcomca and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/hotelsdotcom. More Hotels.com news is available at: http://press.hotels.com/en-ca/.Hotels.com, LP is part of Expedia, Inc., the largest online travel company in the world with an extensive portfolio that includes some of the world's best-known brands.

Hotels.com, Hotel Price Index, HPI, Finding You the Perfect Place and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2013 Hotels.com, LP. All rights reserved. CST # 2083949-50

Image with caption: "As a boomer, the world is your oyster and there's no better time to explore Canada's unique attractions (CNW Group/Hotels.com)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130528_C2478_PHOTO_EN_27099.jpg

SOURCE: Hotels.com

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