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Rick Steves: Our Fave Travel Guru Disses Tourist Traps


Usually a most pleasant guy, in a USA Today Rick's critique listed places he calls tourist traps. He’s soon to hit age 60, so maybe it’s because Rick’s getting as grouchy as the rest of we wandering elders.

You may plan accordingly while pondering Rick’s opinions. Frankly, wherever we travel to any popular tourist site, it’s there to make bucks with entry fees, schlock for sale and snarky snacks. Here are several from Rick’s list, along with some travel4seniors.com input.

Torture Museums:
They’re there for shock and awe, with a year-round Halloween creepiness. Hey, Rick, tourists want to be scared by skeletons, grungy tombs and royal head-chopping blocks.

Blarney Stone, Ireland:
Not quite as creepy as the torture stuff, but it’s an old Irish tradition, and the upside down poses make great photos to send home to the folks.

Mamertine Prison, Italy: Old jails are popular in many countries, including some turned into hotels and cafés. Hey, Rick, in the U.S., who doesn’t want to see Al Capone’s old cell on Alcatraz?

Morocco: For a taste of Humphrey Bogart’s classic movie, it’s worth seeing the fake version of an earlier Rick’s gin joint. Who knows: maybe Ingrid will stop in and ask Sam to play As Time Goes By.

usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2014/12/06/europe-tourist-trap

Marooned: Suddenly Your Travel Tour Goes Bust PDF Print E-mail


In the middle of your cruise or tour, when totally unexpectedly, you’re like a shipwrecked Robinson Crusoe. What can you do about it?

It happens more frequently than your travel agent likes to admit. Just recently a Russian tour company suddenly went bankrupt. It left thousands of tourists stranded in various parts of the world. Similar incidents can also happen when cash-troubled small airlines and cruise companies are forced to halt their services abruptly, leaving travelers to find their own way home.

Read more...
 
Tennessee Pass CO: Two-Mile Rocky Mountain High PDF Print E-mail


Your travel4seniors.com editor pauses at Colorado’s Sawatch Range sign at more than 10,400 feet elevation, the highest in the Rockies. It’s dedicated to the U.S. Army’s famed 10th Mountain Division. Veterans of the unit fought in battles from World War II to Afghanistan. For more info, go to 10thmtndivassoc.org

 
New Orleans LA: Free PB&J At Le Pavillion PDF Print E-mail


We all loved them as kids. It was Elvis’ fave snack, and still a classic American lunchbox staple. N’Awlins is beignets, prawns and jambalaya, but peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are also a beloved treat.

A local tradition of the posh Le Pavillion Hotel on Poydras Street is the setting out of complimentary PB&J makings for guests every night at 10 pm. Alongside are choices of cold milk and hot chocolate. Room rates are from $159 per night. For more info about the hotel and current events, go to www.lepavillon.com

 
West Hollywood CA: Pawn Shop Window Reflections PDF Print E-mail

 
Senior Discounts At Popular Restaurant Chains PDF Print E-mail


Cheaper eats: If you want to keep your retirement nest egg a bit longer when dining out and/or traveling, consider these deals. Some are automatic, some for limited times of day/week, some require AARP membership and for others, you won’t get discounts unless you speak up for ‘em.

Arby’s, Golden Corral, Bubba Gump, Burger King, Denny’s, Wendy’s, Sonic, Subway and IHOP take 10% off your bill. Outback offers 15%. Many privately-owned restaurants, especially in city areas where seniors live and visit, offer similar deals.

Some well-known food delivery services also entice seniors with discounts. For example, Papa John’s offers a generous 25% off to AARP members. Therefore, whenever sitting down for or ordering a well-seasoned delivery meal, make sure you ask for the seasoned citizen discount.

 
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