Taking A Different Path

Life as we have known it changes with retirement. No longer is there a requirement to jump out of bed by 7:00am to greet the same old routines of a work-a-day world. We can take the time to stop and smell the roses, or if you don’t have any, plant some. Don’t know how? Let your ‘Google’ do the walking. http://mygardenguide.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=869&Itemid=77.
Life becomes full of possibilities. Any of your ideas can be thoroughly researched. Between your local library and your computer, there isn’t anything that you can’t find out about.
Many people in retirement like to travel. Now you have the opportunity to travel in groups, and often save money by doing so. You may travel with old friends, previous colleagues or friends you haven’t met yet. Begin your search for possible destinations at Merit Travel, http://www.rtotravel.ca/. Don’t forget to also check out these other sites: http://www.travelocity.ca/ca, or http://www.expedia.ca.
Maybe there is a desire to travel to some out of the way places and you want to get information and find out what other travelers have thought about these locals. A multi search engine, Joongel, might be of help. http://www.joongel.com/. Through the various categories you can narrow your search to specific items such as average temperature in March. In Joongel, type a destination + “forums”, and you will get a listing of available discussions, advice and information about your possible destination.
Another fascinating way to see the world is to volunteer somewhere there is a need. There are a number of sites where you can get a lot of information: http://www.volunteertravel.com and http://www.volunteerworkabroad.net are but two of dozens of websites that cater to people who want to travel and volunteer. Be sure to check out any forums that previous adventurers posted. Just go to Google, type in the name of the agency followed by forums. If any are available, they will be listed.
Volunteering doesn’t have to be in foreign lands. There are many local and federal government websites that will help you find a volunteer assignment that suits your liking.
With all this talk about travel, it would be advisable to think about safety during your trip. First of all, check out the Canadian Government travel advisory website, http://www.voyage.gc.ca to find out if there are any advisories in places you want to go.
It is also advisable to carry some information regarding any medical conditions and drugs or remedies you are taking. You will need a comprehensive list of doctors (including phone numbers) and specialists you are seeing. Items such as prescriptions for drugs, eyeglasses and hearing aids are a must. If possible, you should have a version of your medical information translated into the language of your destination.
If you are taking a laptop or net book, you will want a U3 enabled flash drive with logins for websites, email, etc. in an encrypted portion of your drive. This flash drive will allow you to use an Internet café or hotel computer without leaving any information behind when your computer session is finished.
You can keep in touch with friends and family by using Skype. International calls are inexpensive. Using Skype does require a working Internet connection.
Thievery is quite common in some foreign countries. I found information about a travel backpack that has a lot of safety features built in such as wire mesh sewn into the handle and bag to prevent the ‘slash and grab’ type of theft. There are also security features that prevent pickpockets from grabbing your valuables, including passports. Check out www.travelonbags.com for more details. These bags are not all that expensive.
Getting involved begins right around you. Your district may have need of your services. Local libraries or seniors’ centres, Boys and Girls clubs, or youth sports leagues, all need assistance.
Smell the roses, plant some roses, or teach others how to do it. It all depends on your view of the world and how you want to enjoy your lifestyle change.