Older people who journey to other countries often have many personal concerns. Unlike young backpackers who can hike non-stop for miles, eat anything and sleep anywhere, traveling seniors must consider their vulnerabilities. Some tips may help you avoid the unexpected during that next venture into the unknown.

Prescriptions: With flight schedules, weather and other unpredictable happenings, you never know when you’ll be delayed getting home. Take enough daily prescription meds to last through your journey. Then add and take along an extra week’s worth.

Everyone loves Walt Disney World, but is that all you can enjoy in the beautiful Orlando area? Of course, consider rival Universal Studios, a theme park just as entertaining as WDW. Here are some others to explore:

Lake Eola Park: Orlando once was a small Florida town, and you can experience a bit of it at Lake Eola Park in the downtown area. Enjoy the old-fashioned swan-shaped paddle boats ($25 per half-hour rental). For lazy senior travelers, they also offer electric paddle boats. Lake Eola Park, 195 North Rosalind Av., Orlando, FL, cityoforlando.net

SeaWorld: The Manta roller coaster swings up from the ground, providing great views of the park, then races down at breakneck speed. The main attractions in SeaWorld's large center pool are performing sea lions and dolphins. They display jumping, precision swimming and interactions with trainers. If you bring kids, they may be allowed to pet the dolphins.

In Tokyo, London or Monte Carlo, an always-handy car allows senior travelers to see more, get off the tourist track and explore everything at their own pace. On the other hand, renting a car can also bring a lot of hassles and unexpected costs. Here are some tips to help make your international car rental go more smoothly:

Book in the US with a US agency: Hertz, Budget and Avis operate throughout the world. Working with established agencies in the US gives more consumer protection. Pay with a credit card, so you have recourse if there's a problem. You may also find rates are lower when booking in advance in the US, compared to those in some other parts of the world.

Consider yourself a senior scholar and can name the world’s oldest, continuously-operating airline: Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij voor Nederland en Kolonien. If you can spell and pronounce it, consider yourself a genius.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines began operations in 1919, just one year after the end of World War I. The first American airline was Delta, which emerged from its crop dusting business to begin hauling passengers in 1924.