Retirement Blog #5 March 12, 2017 Traveling
“Flâneurs versus Planeurs.”.
I had picked up the newspaper “The Seniors Times” www.seniorstimes.com March 2018 What attracted me to it was on the front page “Our Visit to India.” Serendipitously my blog post was to be on traveling. As I have now joined the ranks of this august grouping, seniority. I was curious about travel planning as that is high on the list of priorities for most retirees. A quirky column written by Barry Lazar “The Flavour Guy” introduced me to the ideas of “Flaneurs versus Planeurs.” A quick Google translation found these words to mean “some one who chases things” and Flaneurs, translates into “someone who is an idler or walks slowly.” The author of the column continues with there are a few basic rules to be a “flaneur” and that is “indulge in serendipity, take advantage of what is offered, and keep on moving on.”
UPTICK OF FLANEURS
The article titled “Times and Places.” introduced us to a high-level “Flaneurs.” The author, Barbara Moser is about to embark on a trip to India with her husband. The plan was to follow his trip itinerary from 1972. “We did it the hard way. Why? Because we pride ourselves on being independent travelers.” They had no reservations for accommodations, with the original plan was to take trains. That all soon changed to taking taxis and planes. These were high end Flanneurs.”
I had my share of “Flanneurs” over the course of 19 years in the travel industry. People unchained from their work, and family routines flinging themselves in search of experience, wanting to get away from it all. Most of them were not all organized, expecting to sleep in a bed without reservations at the height of the tourism season. Hitting the open road, without one clue as to what to see, do or eat locally. Most were surprised when they have to pay primo prices when they arrived with out a reservation.
BE A PLANEUR!
Note to my readers. You don’t have to be super organized but it does not hurt to be a little prepared. Old fashioned I know but call the local establishments for information and reservations. Bonus, it will be cheaper than online. Guided by big data and sophisticated algorithms, large travel suppliers are increasingly able to control pricing by the second and previously reliable money-saving tactics have lost some punch. Be a part time Planeur at least. Do a little homework, chase the major categories, or you may just drive by an event, great food, beach, attraction or not find accommodations at all. Know what you care about.
THE REWARDS FOR THE PLANEURS or, ask and you shall receive.
Never take the list price at any age on anything for Gospel. Join a travel club, loyalty programs especially hotel programs, and if you can, travel off peak times. Being a senior traveler means that you have the option of flexible traveling that is when everyone else is tucked back in school or work. “Dr. David Lipschitz believes that travel helps senior citizens live longer lives, and now that children are out of your hair.”
Planes are now replaced with trains. Being a senior or not, one avoids huge security line ups, take more baggage, see more sitting down, and do nothing but stare out the window at the passing scenery. The ride is the trip.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
The United States is the favorite destination for the Canadian traveler. Buy health insurance. Well worth the $100. Check out your home owner insurance, or your credit cards, as you may already have coverage thru them. Purchase some travel insurance at least. Some include flight delay, baggage lost or stolen, cancellation insurance just to name a few. Read the fine print.
So my question to you all, my dear and gentle readers, where have you been lately? Does thread count, count in your travels? Does comfort take over our urge to travel as we age? Are you a Flaneur or a Planeur?