Wanderlust World Wanderlust World A person can make a 13-day trans-Atlantic cruise for less than the price of airfare. Cruises are easier for senior travelers for a number of reasons. During the voyage, people can get plenty of exercise. There are beds, instead of cramped seats. The body can adjust to time changes without going through abrupt jet lag. Cruises may be discounted up to 50 or 60 percent when they are not filled up. Inside cabins are less expensive than those with a view. At its beginning or end, the ship spends a few days docking in various port cities long enough to allow sightseeing. However, you do not have to move every night or every other night to a different location. You do not have to worry about handling money or making exchanging currency on board, since most cruises are inclusive and provide a charge account for additional purchases.
If you do want to see things away from the coast, you can book a two- or three-day add-on excursion to inland museums, cathedrals, castles or festivals. In that case, you might stay in a hotel and change hotels once or twice.
House exchanges are when you go to live in someone else's home for two or three weeks while they come to yours. Arrangements are made through a broker service. You find out through the broker who is interested in house exchanges in or near the area you want to visit. Then, introduce yourself on line, exchange pictures of your houses and agree on a time to travel. The advantage of the house exchange is you don't pay hotel fees for three weeks, and a home is usually more comfortable than a hotel room.
It is possible to volunteer in Europe, living with a host family for a year for the same amount as six weeks in a hotel. By living with a host family, you gain a deeper understanding of the culture, and you have time to form friendships.