In spite of the hassle of airport security, international travel has become more convenient, safer, faster, and universal than it was a generation ago. It isn’t just the province of the wealthy or vagabonds anymore. Ordinary, middle-class citizens travel worldwide regularly now. Major political factors such as the collapse of the Soviet Union, the expansion of the European Union, the opening to trade of China, and the development of the World Wide Web are some of the steps of the globalization of trade. While the primary effect has been wider trade policies, these factors also has affected the ability of individuals to travel across borders more easily.
Of course, there are still some hot spots such as the Middle East and some of the nations in Africa, but the political situation in Central and South America is much more stable and economical for travelers from the United States. The U.S. State Department still issues travel advisories for countries that it considers unsafe. A recent roadblock is the requirement for passports for travel to and from Mexico and Canada which is now considered international travel. The requirements were delayed by the Transportation Security Administration but are still predicted to create major roadblocks at U.S. border crossings.
Basic transactions such at the Euro, ATM’s, wired lines of credit, widespread availability of cell phone service, and common usage of English as an international language have all contributed to the ease in which Americans travel to even many of the most remote areas. Visas, passports, and immunizations are still required in many countries, and American citizens are prohibited from travel to Cuba even through those restrictions are widely ignored simply by travel through a second country. It is too early to know whether travel restrictions to Cuba may be eased with the retirement of Fidel Castro.
Terrorists, thieves, pirates, and con men still thrive across the world, but we face problems from criminals in this country every day also. Piracy at sea appears to be primarily of concern to private yachts and particularly to merchant ships in the Indian Ocean. Ordinary precautions are usually adequate protection against pick-pockets. Although our political leaders appear to be unpopular in many regions, most individual Americans are still well received even in countries where the leaders are openly hostile to the U.S.
Perhaps the most serious concern for seniors is what to do in the event of a medical emergency. Separate travel insurance is needed to provide coverage since Medicare and most private insurers will not provide for care overseas or for evacuation to the U.S. Of course you will take your prescription drugs with you, but you may find it difficult to obtain ordinary cosmetics and household items that we take for granted in this country. Of course, illegal drugs (differently defined in each country) are taboo as well as transport of animal products and pets. If you are traveling abroad for an extended period and want to take your pet with you, be forewarned they may be impounded for as long as a month.
American hotel chains and fast-food outlets have exploded worldwide and are available in some of the most surprising locations, but why travel half-way around the world to have a McDonald’s hamburger? That’s why international travel is so much fun is because you have the opportunity to see how other people live, think, and work. It is an enriching experience beyond what you can get from movies or television.
Some useful sites:
http://www.eurairpass.com/index_dm.php
http://www.intltravelnews.com/
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html