People who have many solid friendships have been shown to live healthier and longer lives. Yet, as we age, we typically see a decline in the number of friends we have in our circle. If we are to receive the benefits of friendship, we must make new ones. But how?
Elizabeth Bernstein, a columnist for The Wall Street Journal, recently wrote The Science of Making Friends because she was noticing that downward trend in her own life. Friendships tend to decline during life transitions, she noted, with typical triggers including career changes, divorce and the death of a spouse.
Irene S. Levine, a clinical professor of psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine (and a Next Avenue contributor) told Bernstein that “as an adult, we think that everyone has their friends and we are the only ones seeking them. Nothing could be further from the truth."
Bernstein's article also pointed out a 2015 study published in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences which said that, on average, we lose two friends when we gain a romantic partner. But, take heart, there is hope for building new friendships.
How to Make Lasting Friendships
Bernstein offered these seven solid suggestions to help you successfully meet more people, and hopefully gain some lasting friendships in the process:
1. Don't expect too much too soon. Start with being acquaintances and go from there.
2. Look broadly. Try to meet people in places you might not have thought of checking out.
3. Share something of yourself emotionally. If you open yourself up to another person, it gives them the freedom to do the same.
4. Follow your interests. Get involved in a volunteering program or hobby that you enjoy. This will help you find like-minded people.
5. Be consistent. If you attend activities on a regular basis, it allows you to naturally connect with those people over time.
6. Consider rekindling an old friendship. Circumstances change with age — now might be the time to check in with a friend who didn't have the time before.
7. Be a friend when someone needs one. If someone you know is sick or going through a tough time, try to reach out and help.
For more insights on friendship, read Bernstein's article here.


7 Ways to Make New Friends

Amy Knapp

By the time Katharine Nohr, an attorney from Kaneohe, Hawaii, checked into her hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, she felt such an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that she almost regretted taking the vacation. Her door-to-door trip from Honolulu — including layovers in Los Angeles, Newark and Munich — took close to 24 hours. “I slept, but spent more time reading and watching movies than I should have,“ she said. The next day she felt foggy.
Jet lag.
According to the American Sleep Association, jet lag is experienced at some point by 93 percent of travelers. The hallmark symptoms associated with this sleep disorder may include: daytime fatigue, difficulty falling asleep at night, insomnia, disorientation, impaired alertness and performance, depressed mood, irritability and gastrointestinal problems. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize it, as you will see below.
Jet lag typically occurs when people fly across multiple time zones, disturbing the internal biological clocks that determine circadian rhythms regulating sleep, wakefulness and other bodily functions. While the symptoms are self-limiting and typically resolve in a few days, they can make you feel miserable. A byproduct of the “jet age,” jet lag affects leisure travelers, business travelers and those who fly professionally (such as pilots and flight attendants).
Jet Lag or Travel Fatique
However, certain individuals seem to be more susceptible than others. “There appears to be a genetic predisposition to how individuals respond to sleep deprivation,” says Neil Kline, a representative of the American Sleep Association. In addition, jet lag may be worse in those who are anxious about flying.
Jet lag is more acute traveling west to east and is exacerbated by the number of time zones crossed. Going east, travelers are more likely to have problems falling asleep. Going west, they are more likely to awaken early in the morning. Moreover, recovery takes longer traveling eastward. Flying within the same time zone is more likely to cause “travel fatigue” (from being confined in close quarters for a lengthy period of time) as opposed to true jet lag.
“Generally it takes about one day to accommodate to each time zone change,” Kline says. “So, for example, one should expect about three days to acclimate to cross-country travel,” he said. 
There is some evidence, too, that recovery from jet lag becomes more difficult as people age. “Older people take longer to fall asleep and sleep less when jet lagged compared to younger people," says psychology researcher Jay Olson, of the Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill University. While the reasons are unclear, he noted it might take longer for older people to shift their body clocks when arriving in a new time zone.
It can be tough to tease apart the residual effects of an exhausting trip from the effects of jet lag. “There’s a fine line sometimes between jet lag, technically speaking, and simple travel fatigue,” says Patrick Smith, an active airline pilot, air travel blogger and author of Cockpit Confidential. “After a long flight, with everything else being equal, I tend to feel roughly the same amount of tiredness no matter how many time zones I’ve crossed, or in which direction,” Smith says.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution to minimize the effects of jet lag, most experts agree on these simple tips:
Before the Trip
When planning an itinerary, allow a day or two to adjust to the time change, especially if you have important meetings or business scheduled.Begin adjusting your sleep time by going to bed earlier a few nights before your trip if you are heading east and by going to bed later if you are flying west.In the process of tying up loose ends before a trip, get enough rest so you don’t leave home sleep deprived.When flying west, if possible, opt for flights that allow you to arrive in early evening and try not to go to bed until 10 p.m. When flying east, opt for flights arriving in the morning.On the Plane
Adjust your watch to the time at your destination.Because dehydration exacerbates jet lag and airplane cabin humidity tends to be low, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and/or fruit juices.If it’s already nighttime at your destination, try to sleep. Earplugs and eyeshades may help. Avoid consuming stimulants like alcohol or caffeine (which can disturb sleep) both at the airport and on the plane.Eat a light meal during the flight; avoid overindulging in heavy foods.During the flight, move around as much as you can. Get up and walk and move your legs at your seat. (This will also help prevent deep vein thrombosis.)Arriving at Your Destination
If your stay is less than three days, stick to your regular routines as much as possible.If your stay is longer, adapt your routine to the time zone at the destination (in terms of times for meals, sleep and activity) as soon as possible.Take a shower upon arriving and avoid napping during the day. If you can’t stay awake, limit naps to no more than 20 minutes.Use caffeine judiciously to stay alert during the day, but avoid it in the evenings since caffeine may interfere with sleep.Some travelers rely on prescribed sedatives or over-the-counter sleep aids (either on airplanes or after reaching their destinations) to combat short-term insomnia. (While these may address symptoms of fatigue, they do not adjust circadian clocks.)Shedding Light on Jet Lag
Although there is a growing body of jet lag research and lots of advice available, there is still no definitive treatment that works for everyone. Charmane Eastman and her colleagues at the Biological Rhythms Research Laboratory of the University of Chicago have been studying one of the most promising approaches to reducing jet leg. It entails a combination of light, melatonin and adjusting the sleep cycle by one hour per day. The approach seeks to readjust the misalignment between a traveler’s body clock and the external environment.
After returning from a three-week trip to Greece several years ago, psychology researcher Olson surveyed the literature and developed a free app to “automate the process” of reducing jet lag. Because roosters signal wake-up time, he aptly named it Jet Lag Rooster.
The automated app, which has been used more than 240,000 times by travelers around the world, creates a schedule for reducing jet lag. Based on a traveler’s trip itinerary, it provides individualized suggestions for sleep time and light exposure, along with recommendations for small doses of melatonin. (Jet Lag Rooster can also be used without melatonin.)
While some research suggests that melatonin can be effective in shifting the body clock, the hormone (often purchased in health food stores) is unregulated. “The use of over-the-counter substances, like melatonin, is being studied and is not universally recommended,” said Kline.
If practical remedies don’t work and you need to fly frequently as part of your work, or if symptoms of jet lag persist more than two weeks, you might want to consult with a sleep specialist to discuss the possibility of prescription medication, use of melatonin, or light exposure therapy.
Frequent traveler Nohr said through trial and error she found her secret to adjusting to long trips over multiple time zones. “I make sure the plane is the best sleeping environment possible (comfy clean clothes, eye shade, lumbar pillow, neck pillow, soft blanket, sleeping pill, no alcohol, water, herbal tea, as much leg room as available, and a foot rest (my briefcase),” she said.
More Jet Lag Resources
American Sleep Association: Jet LagMedicineNet.com: Jet LagNational Sleep Foundation: Jet Lag and SleepWebMD: Jet Lag: How to Cope 


Jet Lag No More: Foolproof Tips for Your Next Trip

Irene S. Levine

One of the primary reasons empty nesters decide to downsize is to reduce fixed costs. But many boomers poised to enter the tight rental market may encounter an unanticipated recurring cost that’s increasingly common: having to pay a monthly rental surcharge for their pets.
A growing number of landlords across the nation are adding “pet rent” to monthly rental fees. In addition to one-time refundable pet security deposits to cover potential property damage and one-time non-refundable pet move-in fees, many landlords are now charging renters an extra $25 to $50 (or more) per month for a single cat or dog.
When Tara Parsell and her husband moved from New York City to Columbus, Ohio, they were shocked to learn that no matter where they rented, they would have to pay extra for their cat to live in their apartment. “The apartment complex we ended up choosing had one of the lowest pet rents in the area, $20 per month for the first pet and $10 for each additional one,” says Parsell.
“Pet rent is something we are seeing nationwide, although the amount charged varies by the location, competitiveness of the market and particular property,” says Dan Laufer, co-founder of the apartment review site RentLingo.com and a pet owner himself.
One anomaly worth noting is that pet rent hasn’t caught on as quickly in New York as it has in many other major markets. “Pet fees in New York City are legal but very uncommon,” says Max Galka, a real estate researcher who runs Metrocosm. He says it’s much more common for buildings to require an additional security deposit from pet owners, which can run as high as $1,000.
Ironically, some of the properties charging pet rent may even brand themselves as “pet-friendly” because they allow certain types and breeds of pets. They may offer special amenities like puppy parks, dog runs, costume parties and celebrations of National Dog and Cat Days.
The Property Owner’s Perspective
The rationale for charging pet rent is that pets create additional wear and tear (scratching and clawing carpets and wood floors, leaving odors, etc.), and require landlords to provide more services (for example, cleaning up behind the pets and in public spaces and supplying doggie pick-up bags in the courtyard), says Laufer.
Realtor and attorney Bruce Ailion, who manages 120 rental properties for Success Real Estate Brokers in Atlanta, says: “With pet owners it is about 70/30 positive vs. negative experiences. Unfortunately, responsible owners are penalized for irresponsible ones.”
When an owner isn’t responsible, Ailion notes, "a deposit seldom covers the costs of repairs.” The worst call he has had to make, he says, was to inform an apartment building owner that a tenant with a pet left the place a mess and the carpets or hardwoods need to be replaced.
“In our office, half the pet rent collected goes to the [property] owner and half to the property manager as a pet management fee, compensation for the difficult discussions we need to have with the owner and tenant,” Ailion explains.
Property owners also cite higher insurance costs associated with having pets on premises. “While there are many pros to having tenants with pets — like a larger tenant pool to draw from and higher rental incomes — landlords also need to consider increased liability costs for personal or property damage when determining what fees or how much extra rent to charge,” says Michael Park, president of Renters Warehouse in Dallas.
The Pet Owner’s Perspective
From the pet owner’s perspective, the general shortage of affordable housing coupled with restrictive lease policies prohibiting pets from many properties, places them over a barrel when they try to rent an apartment, condo or single-family dwelling. A recent survey by Trupanion, a company that offers medical insurance for cats and dogs, found that less than 3 percent of all available rentals in New York City are dog-friendly.
One city where the problem is particularly acute is Orlando, Fla., says Christie Zizo, a pet owner who blogs at Life With Beagle. “This past summer, we saw an upswing in people surrendering their dogs to shelters because they were moving into properties where they couldn’t take their pets, either because of restrictions or because they couldn’t afford to pay for their pets,” she says.
Laufer of RentLingo.com points out that some landlords aren’t collecting pet rents to recoup costs. Rather, they are using the money as a means to pick up additional revenue given the market dynamics.
Kathy Ludwig and her husband were living on seven acres in Pierson, Iowa, with a clowder of outdoor kitties during the mortgage crisis when her husband, newly diagnosed with cancer, had no work for six months. They were forced to sell their acreage and look for a house rental in a larger city about 13 miles away.
“After owning a home for 20 years, we were shocked by the rental situation,” says Ludwig. “Rental property was limited and prices had skyrocketed.” Although the couple was fortunate to know someone who owned a rental property, the landlord didn’t want to accept Ludwig’s 12-year-old neutered, declawed, “lazy old” rescue cat.
“There was no way I was getting rid of my baby,” she says. Ludwig pleaded with the landlord and finally negotiated a $1,000 security deposit and an additional $50 rent per month to keep her pet.
Her advice to other pet lovers: Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Showing up with cash in hand can help, too.
How Pet Fees Vary Across America
Trulia, a real estate search website, conducted a study looking at geographic differences in pet fees, rent and deposits across the 25 largest rental markets. See the key findings here.
 


Pet Rent Puts the Bite on Empty Nesters

Vacations of any length can be expensive, especially the long trips we want to take as our work and caregiving responsibilities taper off. Yet, retirees and those approaching retirement can’t risk exhausting their savings to indulge their wanderlust.
To be sure, the cost of travel is rising. In 2013, overall annual leisure travel costs averaged $3,311 per household, a $400 increase from the preceding year. Three in 10 households spent $4,000 or more, according to a recent report by Phocuswright, a travel industry research firm. Lodging and transportation account for a sizeable proportion of the typical traveler’s budget, each making up about 25 percent of total travel costs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
So how can you afford a longer trip that lets you travel slowly and savor and connect with people and places? I interviewed several boomers — all intrepid travelers — and found these three creative ways to substantially slash travel costs:
Repositioning Cruises
During certain seasons, usually spring and fall, cruise lines typically reposition their ships to different regions for the upcoming season. For example, a line may need to move ships that cruise in the Caribbean to ports in the Mediterranean. Sailing on these repositioning cruises can help strategic travelers save considerable sums.
Anita Oliver and Richard Nash (who blog at No Particular Place to Go) have been full-time travelers since 2012, calling themselves retired nomads. The couple was visiting the Dominican Republic last March and wanted to travel to Barcelona, Spain. Although they had never cruised before, they learned that Norwegian Epic was making an 11-night trans-Atlantic repositioning voyage from Miami, Fla. to Barcelona.
“At the time we looked at air tickets, we were thinking roughly $2,000 or more to get the two of us to Europe,” says Oliver. “But the cruise was about $1,800 for both of us after we upgraded to a balcony room. Since we have to eat and sleep somewhere, we ended up with 11 days and nights free! At least $1,500 worth of savings. We viewed it as an easy way to get from point A to B and it was also a great way to relax and meet new people.”
More pros:
Repositioning cruises offer value; per diem rates are far lower than on ordinary cruisesThey are relaxing because they are lengthier; to combat boredom, many are themedLengthier voyages tend to foster camaraderie among fellow passengersThey entail a greater number of sea days, compared to more hectic and active port daysTraveling slowly through time zones (e.g. on a transatlantic cruise) helps minimize jet lagDepending on the line you cruise, pricing can range from a mostly inclusive package (meals, accommodations, room service, entertainment, enrichment programs) to a very inclusive  one (e.g. wines, alcohol, specialty coffees, Internet use, etc.)Itineraries often offer visits to off-the-beaten-path ports along the wayDownsides:
Compared to air travel, cruising is a slower means of transport for getting from Point A to BSome people tire of too many sea days without a chance to explore portsIf you need to return, one-way airfares are generally more expensive than round-trip tickets (although, these are sometimes included in the price of the cruise)You can incur substantial additional expenses if you visit the casino, indulge in spa treatments, or purchase costly Internet packagesYou may need to add on ground transportation costs to reach or leave portsHome Exchanges
The concept of a home exchange is pretty straightforward: Two people simultaneously swap homes for an agreed-upon time period with no payment changing hands, virtually eliminating the expense of lodging.
When Canadians Brenda Janke and her sister, Donna (who blogs on Destinations Detours and Dreams) were planning a European vacation a couple of years ago, Brenda used a home exchange company called Intervac to swap her home on Vancouver Island for a 10-day stay in a two-bedroom apartment in a desirable residential area of Barcelona. Their convenient home base was a short walk to the beach and 10-minute subway ride to the city center.
“One of the greatest strengths of a home exchange is the money saved,” says Donna. The sisters estimate they spent about half of what they would have ordinarily paid for a vacation had they stayed in hotels. “Staying in someone’s home also gives you more comfort and space, making it a great alternative for families with children and teens. It gives you a glimpse into how other people live and takes you a bit beyond the pure tourist experience,” she adds.
More pros:
Swapping homes has become easier, because technology has spawned a number of companies facilitating home exchanges, such as HomeLink USA and HomeExchange.comYou can interview prospective home exchange owners using Skype, Google Hangouts and other free or inexpensive video conferencing technologyYou can cook your own meals, which lets you eat healthier and save the costs of dining out You’re more likely to mix with neighbors and other localsDownsides:
Finding an exchange requires time and energyFlexibility may be required to find a mutually agreeable time for the swapYou may encounter language or cultural barriersHome exchange programs have modest annual membership feesYour “home” is likely to be located in a residential areaYou may encounter (and have to resolve) “homeowner” problems such as those involving plumbing, heating or coolingYou need to ready your own home for guestsPet Sitting
Pet owners taking vacations often face the tough dilemma of either boarding their furry family members in a kennel or taking them along on their trip. However, as another outgrowth of the sharing economy (like home exchanges), it’s becoming increasingly popular for owners to connect with live-in pet sitters, willing to feed and care for house pets in exchange for lodging.
Betsy and Pete Wuebker (who blog at PassingThru.com) call themselves location independent entrepreneurs. By coupling online businesses with housesitting, they have been able to travel to 12 European countries as well as to Russia, Hawaii, the South Pacific and Australia. All but one of their housesitting jobs has entailed pet sitting. “When you scroll through listings on various housesitting sites, pets are generally part of the package,” explains Betsy.
The couple says they’re “crazy about dogs.” They’ve cared for a German shepherd on Kauai (Hawaii), a Westie in Darwin (Australia), and an elderly Pug and French Bulldog puppy in Brussels (Belgium). They have gigs lined up to watch Labradors in Sussex (England) and a Springer Spaniel pup in Brussels.
Living in Fiji wasn’t on the couple’s radar until an intriguing opportunity arose. In exchange for pet sitting for two Dobermans, the Wuebkers got to live in a hilltop compound on the Coral Coast for ten weeks. They were able to immerse themselves in the food and culture of Fiji and forge friendships with locals as long as they returned home each day by 5 p.m. to feed the “girls” a hand-cooked, frozen dinner pre-prepared by the owners.
Prior to their stay in Fiji, the Wuebkers had lived in Hawaii. “Eliminating most of our expenses reduced our monthly outlay by at least $3,000,” says Betsy. “So in total, we saved about $6,000, because everything costs less in Fiji. Not everything is available, but then again you don’t need a lot.”
More pros:
It enables longer, in-depth stays in remote locationsIt’s gratifying to get to know homeowners and their animalsItinerant travelers who love animals and don’t have pets of their own enjoy watching someone else’s petsDownsides:
You need to be comfortable with the animals you’re caring for and spend time finding a good match for where you want to goResponsibility for the pets has to be your first priority (e.g. many require medications, exercise, special meals, etc.)Homeowners often want to communicate on a regular basis so they feel secure about their pet’s well-beingAdapting to someone else’s home and way of life requires flexibilityThings can go awry either with the house or with animals, usurping your time and energy

3 Ways to Slash Vacation Costs

Are you a food enthusiast looking for a novel way to meet new people? Social dining — eating a meal with strangers — is becoming increasingly popular among travelers both in the U.S. and abroad.
 
A growing number of platforms like BlendAbout, PurpleDinner and MealSharing are harnessing the power of the Internet to connect strangers over dinner, at private homes and restaurants. The trend is an offshoot of the sharing economy that spawned popular peer-to-peer sites like Airbnb, HomeAway and Uber. First popularized by tech-savvy young people, it has spread to other users of computers and smartphones.
 
(MORE: Housesitting: A Fun Way to Travel the World on a Dime)
 
For travelers, it’s a way to meet locals while experiencing new cuisines, customs and cultures in authentic settings. For those who opt to participate in meals closer to home, it’s a non-threatening way to get out of the house, enjoy a shared dining experience and potentially meet new friends who live nearby.
 
Home-Cooked Tapas in Spain
 
Josie Schneider and Conrad Knutsen, 61 and 75 respectively, are intrepid travelers who have been professional housesitters since 2010. The married couple was planning a trip to Spain with two other couples last year and found out about two women in Madrid on HomeHostedMeals.com who were hosting a dinner during their stay. They signed up at a cost of 25€ per person.
 
(MORE: Home-Swapping: Slash Your Travel Costs and Live Like a Local)
 
Schneider and Knutsen left the menu to the discretion of their local hosts, Ángeles and Lorena. The social worker and psychologist, both in their 30s, professed a love for cooking and entertaining. Josie brought a small house gift from her home in Michigan. At 7 p.m., the women came in two separate cars to pick up the couples and drive them from their hotel to an apartment about 25 kilometers outside the city.
 
Although the women weren’t fluent in English, Schneider was able to use some of her Spanish language skills as they got to know each other in the car. When everyone arrived at the high-rise apartment, living room furniture had been moved aside, so a few small tables could be placed together to accommodate the group. The table was elegantly set with china and crystal wine glasses.
 
The traditional dinner of small tapas-style dishes paired with wines lasted until midnight. One of the recipes on the menu had been handed down from Lorena’s family.
 
“I got to ask a lot of questions about government, politics and culture,” says Schneider. “In someone’s home, you’re more likely to get straight answers than you would from a tourist guide,” she says.
 
Would she do it again? “Absolutely,” Schneider says. In fact, she’s considering hosting dinners at her home in Ann Arbor because she, too, loves to cook and entertain.
 
Restaurant-Hopping in Cherry Hill, N.J.
 
Tiffany Hair, 47, an accountant by profession, organizes social dining experiences in New Jersey restaurants through Meetup, a popular social network that makes it possible to organize or join a multitude of interest-based groups that meet locally.
 
Hair organized Saturday Dining in Cherry Hill more than seven years ago because she wanted to meet others who were interested in trying out area restaurants. Ranging in age from their 20s to 70s, the group has been meeting about once a month. The menus are a la carte so everyone can choose what they want and pay for their own portion of the bill. Participation is limited to 20 to 24 people per event.
 
Focusing the group around food facilitates the social aspects of the get-together, says Hair. “Often, people begin conversations based on the food choices on the menu and it leads them to share everything from travel adventures to cooking tips,” she says.
 
Some people form strong ties with other members. “I’m really an introvert by nature but I’ve become close friends with six or seven women through this group,” she says. “We have gone on cruises together and often do things outside of Meetup.”
 
How the Sites Work
 
Each site, many of which have mobile apps, operates a little differently. But signing up for a social dining experience usually entails only a few clicks of a mouse or keypad. Sites like MealSharing, Blendabout and Meetup make it especially easy to register through existing Facebook accounts. Once logged in, potential guests can search for meals by cities and neighborhoods.
 
For example, on MealSharing, each meal page also includes information about the host, the menu and the cost. Because these meals take place in private homes rather than public places, visitors are provided with verified phone numbers and reviews with feedback on past meals. Most events are priced to cover the expense of the meal, which is paid at the venue. 
 
The Appeal of Social Dining
 
There is something inherently social and, perhaps, transformative about breaking bread with strangers. Schneider still stays in touch with her new friends in Madrid.
 
(MORE: Oh, the Places You Will Go In 2015)
 
“Sharing food facilitates interaction,” says Willa Zhen, an anthropologist and instructor at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. “When you’re sitting next to someone, you have to talk, and small pleasantries lead to bigger conversations. Eating at the home of a stranger adds novelty to the experience because you get to take a peek inside someone’s personal space and way of life, their music, books and decor,” she adds.
 
In terms of the culinary experience, Zhen says that home cooking transcends the restaurant experience. “While restaurants provide more consistent and perfect dishes, no restaurant meal can compare to one home-cooked with love and care,” she notes.
 
Like the rest of the shared economy, experts predict that social dining will continue to expand.
“There is a growing demand for new, unique experiences in travel, especially among Millennial travelers, who demonstrate a strong appetite for more local, authentic experiences and more exploring and decision-making through online and mobile services,” says Douglas Quinby of Phocuswright, a travel industry research firm.
 
A Few Tips Before You Go:
Meal-sharing experiences are more likely to be available in large cities rather than small towns.Arrangements generally need to be scheduled in advance, and often involve emails or conversations over Skype between the host and guests to confirm attendance and event details.Dining with strangers requires a sense of moxie and adventure. When dining abroad, language or cultural barriers may need to be overcome. Most hosts are flexible about menus, willing to accommodate food allergies and aversions, but home-based meals don’t offer the same choices as restaurants.Like other parts of the largely unregulated sharing economy, social dining is predicated on some degree of trust. Users always need to be vigilant about making offline arrangements with strangers. Restaurant-based social dining experiences are likely to be less risky because they are held in public spaces. 
Other social dining websites include: Bonappetour, Plate Culture, Feastly, VizEat, HomeFood, Social Dining Network, Table Crowd, Eat in Common, Chattable and EatWith.
Irene S. Levine is a psychologist, lifestyle and travel journalist, and member of the Society of American Travel Writers who produces MoreTimeToTravel.com, a blog offering advice and inspiration for travelers over 50.


The Case for Eating with Strangers When Traveling

Jonathan Elliman was raised in Napa Valley, the famed grape-growing region of Northern California. His high school friends were sons and daughters of winery owners, so everyone used to hang around the area’s ubiquitous caves, barrel rooms and fermentation tanks. Given his unique surroundings, it’s not surprising that wine — figuratively — got into Elliman’s blood.
 
After graduating from college, Elliman worked for early web tech companies. Soon, he put together an idea to link his love of wine country with a web idea. He spent several years building and piloting CellarPass, launched in 2012. It’s an OpenTable-type reservation system to explore, book and share wine country experiences. A free CellarPass app is also available for iPad and iPhone users.
(MORE: 6 Hotels and Resorts for Wine Lovers)
 
With harvest season underway, Next Avenue asked Elliman to share his advice for planning a visit to wine country:
 
Next Avenue: Why are California winery visits so popular in late summer and fall?
 
Elliman: The hypnotic aroma of the harvest, the action in the vineyards and the blood, sweat and tears of the production teams are simply remarkable.
 
Many wine country travelers don’t realize that harvest is a short period — two to three months and it’s done. To celebrate this special time of the year, many wineries offer something called “grape to glass” tours, by appointment.  
 
Essentially, you learn about the entire wine production process: from the winery’s growing practices via a vineyard tour (while the grapes are still hanging on the vine), through the “crushing” process, through the fermentation tanks, through the barrel room and then to the tasting room where you get to sample a glass of wine, sometimes right out of the barrel.
 
Also this time of year, wineries throw some of their biggest parties of the year called “harvest parties." Tickets to these events are sold through CellarPass.
 
What is the optimum length of a visit to wine country?
 
I recommend at least three days. This allows ample time to visit the region’s best wineries and also to enjoy other experiences like balloon rides, Michelin-starred restaurants, relaxing day spas and resorts, hiking and biking trails, golfing and in some areas, rafting.
 
If you have just one day, we recommend not venturing too far, especially during high season, as there is often heavy traffic on the weekends. There are a dozen wineries in the Crusher Wine District in south Napa, just a 45- to 60-minute drive from San Francisco. These small production wineries deliver wines that rival the iconic brands and also offer amazing tasting experiences. In most instances, the person pouring the wine is also the winemaker — and you can literally walk from one to the other.
 
How does CellarPass work?
 
Many tourists flock to wine country only to find that not all of their favorite wineries are open to the public, let alone have space. In Napa Valley, there are only two- or three-dozen wineries that are legally open to drop-ins; the rest require reservations. That’s where CellarPass comes in.
 
Wineries use CellarPass to organize and promote their real-time availability just like restaurants do with OpenTable. Our destination partners pay a monthly fee to be part of our program.
 
Guests can go to the website or download the mobile app to check availability and book instantly. There is no charge to users.
 
For folks who do not know which wineries to visit, CellarPass.com can help them make informed choices. Our search tools allow visitors to pick from dozens of “points of interest” such as wine cave tours, barrel tastings, vineyard treks or food and wine pairings or they can narrow it down more by varietals, such as Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon or Super Tuscan Blends.
 
We don’t feature every single winery; that’s done intentionally. Each of our featured destinations goes through a rigorous qualification process and is “secret-shopped” to maintain its status.


Have you looked at the demographics of your visitors?
 
About 34 percent of our visitors are between 25 to 34 years old; they are the generation that grew up with wine at their parents’ tables. About 37 percent are over the age of 45, and we are seeing an increase in this older group as first-time visitors.
(MORE: Why Boomers Should Drink Wine Like Millennials)
 
CellarPass has a virtual concierge to help guests personalize tours. What criteria do you use to help them select wineries?
 
We always ask where they are staying. We try to minimize their travel time and maximize their time at the winery so they can enjoy the experience, relax and not feel rushed.
 
The second question we ask is aimed at finding out the type of experience they want. Are they looking for a simple tasting, a lunch with a winemaker, a vineyard trek, a private tasting or something in between?
Lastly, we ask if it is their first trip to wine country or if they are celebrating a special occasion like an engagement, honeymoon, wedding anniversary or milestone birthday. We recommend destinations that will be ideal and leave a lasting impression.
 
How much does it cost to visit a winery?
 
The cost is based on the experience and on the location of the winery, so there’s a wide range. Tastings that include food or a personal tour with the winemaker where you blend your own wine can cost more than $300 per person. A handful of wineries offer free tastings, while others offer complimentary ones with bottle purchases. CellarPass shows all the pricing before you book and does not charge guests to book a reservation.
 
Can you offer any other practical advice to visitors?
 
Start your day with a light breakfast. There is nothing worse than trying to get through one or two tastings before lunch without a decent morning meal. Your body will thank you for it. There are great cafes to check out like Bouchon in Yountville and Alexis Baking Company in Napa. Traveling to wine country, you’ll quickly realize that it’s also a foodie heaven.
 
After breakfast, we recommend that you book two wineries before lunch at the most popular destinations that are on your list, then schedule one or two smaller ones after lunch to avoid the crowds.
(MORE: Try This Simple Trick to Drink Less Wine)
 
It’s important to pace yourself. Pour out wines you do not like. The tasting room staff actually likes to see this (it’s not an insult) and that’s what the buckets on the counters are for. Drink lots of water. Wineries offer or sell water and we recommend that you have at least one to two glasses of water for every glass of wine. This not only helps you hydrate, but also helps your body stay fresh and ready for your next stop. 
 
We urge visitors never to book more than three tastings a day without appointing a designated driver.
 
[For additional information about visiting and touring Napa County’s 800 wineries (there are hundreds more in Sonoma County), visit the Napa Valley Tourism website.]
Irene S. Levine is a psychologist, lifestyle and travel journalist, and member of the Society of American Travel Writers who produces MoreTimeToTravel.com, a blog offering advice and inspiration for travelers over 50.


How to Customize a California Wine Country Visit 

If you’re a boomer considering cruising by yourself — whether because you're single or your spouse can't or won't travel — you may have some anxieties about it. They might run the gamut from wondering if you’ll be the only one traveling alone to concerns about making conversation with a table full of strangers each evening (or listening to them).
But there are quite a few reasons why cruising solo may be more appealing, and less expensive, than in the past. Boomers represent more than 50 percent of cruisers overall, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the cruise industry trade organization, and some CLIA members say as many as 10 percent of their passengers are solo travelers.
(MORE: Why Solo Travel Is the Way to Go)
“We’ve seen a jump in solo travelers,” says Priscilla O’Reilly of Grand Circle Cruise Line, which owns and operates a fleet of 15 small ships and riverboats. “Today, solo travelers represent one out of four passengers on our line, up from one out of five only five years ago.”
Predictably, both large cruise ships and riverboats are expanding their efforts to woo this growing market segment.
An important note: Many people confuse solo cruising with themed singles cruises. Solo cruisers opt to travel alone and aren’t necessarily interested in connecting socially with other single people. “Singles cruises” are organized to connect singles with other unmarried people for romance or friendship.
Why Cruising Can Be Ideal
Cruising eliminates many of the hassles typically associated with travel, which can be more stressful when you’re alone:
Passengers aren’t burdened with the logistics of arranging for hotels, excursions and transfers.Cabins are a “home away from home” for the entire length of the journey; you pack and unpack once.Cruisers experience the safety and security of being part of a group — with plenty of crew onboard to tend to their needs — but can also spend time alone.All-inclusive pricing on some lines helps control costs and can add convenience; no reaching for your wallet each time you want a snack or drink.Chuck Flagg, who owns a Cruise Holidays franchise outside Atlanta, says he sees solo travelers checking destinations off their bucket lists. Cruises can make a travel goal easy. “This ranges from seeing the tulips blossom in Holland, to visiting the Galapagos Islands, to Russian River cruising to setting foot on Antarctica,” Flagg says.
(MORE: 10 Travel Apps to Make Your Trip Easier, Safer and More Fun)
A Growth in Single Rooms
Historically, one of the biggest barriers to solo cruising has been the “singles supplement,” a hefty surcharge imposed on single travelers. “The cruise industry, as a rule, bases pricing on two people in a stateroom,” Flagg says. The normal supplement is 200 percent of the cruise fare.
But with a growth of single travelers, the industry is changing.
For one, single cabins are becoming more common. Norwegian Cruise Line has been a pioneer in designing cabins for solo cruisers. The modern 100-square-foot studio staterooms with showers are specifically designed for singles; they open to a common lounge area — a virtual living room where passengers can meet for a drink, watch TV or chat.
Earlier this month, Cunard announced it was adding single staterooms with oversized windows on its refurbished Queen Elizabeth. Riverboat cruises, another growing area, also offer single cabins on some ships.
Experts recommend solo cruisers book early. Because the number of single staterooms (on cruise ships and riverboats) is limited, these cabins often sell out quickly.
Comparison Shop on Single Supplements
If you do book a double cabin, you may relish the extra space. But it comes at a price. Check around, because single supplements vary widely.
“I have seen everything from the supplement being waived in the case of some river cruise lines to ones as low as 150 percent of the per person rate,” says Flagg. “Lower rates often appear about 45 days before sailing,” he says.
Luxury, all-inclusive Crystal Cruises offers one of the lowest single-supplement rates in the industry, starting from 125 percent to 175 percent, based on stateroom category. A few times a year, Crystal offers even lower, time-limited Solo Traveler Book Now Fares. Norwegian Cruise Lines also offers special rates or reduced supplements from time to time.
(MORE: 12 Money-Saving Travel Secrets From the Insiders)
On Holland America Line cruises, depending on the itinerary and stateroom category, single guests can book a double stateroom for 150 to 200 percent of the double-occupancy fare.
For 2014, Grand Circle allocated 1,160 cabins for solos, about two-thirds of them on Grand Circle’s five most popular destinations. The line charges no single supplement on three 50-passenger ships and offers reduced supplements on other itineraries. Its Solo Travel Challenge guarantees solo travelers the lowest price on any comparable international trip for Americans.
Escorted tour operator Abercrombie & Kent also has a Solo Savings program to court solo travelers on selected departures.
Social Media for Sharing
While sharing a cabin compromises privacy, it allows solo cruisers to take advantage of per person/double occupancy rates. So some lines and travel agents help pair unrelated same-gender adults.
For example, Grand Circle Cruise Line has a free Roommate Matching Service. If the line is unable to find a match on a particular cruise, it places solo travelers in single cabins at no additional cost.
Some travelers take to their own social media outlets to buddy up and reduce costs.
Flexibility to Be With Others or Be Alone
Cruising affords the flexibility of being with others or being alone. On large ships, there’s always a quiet lounge or spot on the deck to retreat to with a book. When solo travelers want company, there are opportunities to make new friends with singles and couples, both on the ship and on excursions.
Meals can be ideal opportunities to meet new people. Many cruise ships have moved to “open seating,” allowing guests to dine whenever they want, as long as the dining room is open.
On large ships, guests can eat at large tables (with other singles or with mixed groups) or small ones, ask to be seated alone or opt for the solitude of room service.
Crystal Cruises has a Table for Eight program that seats singles together at specialty restaurants.
On riverboats, seating is usually unassigned and the small number of passengers encourages mingling. Solo guests can ask to be seated with other singles or table hop from meal to meal to find kindred spirits. Viking River Cruises even provides “conversation starter” cards at each table to break the ice.
Some Social Direction
Small-group excursions also tend to be social. “We train all of our program directors [guides] and ship staff to be on the lookout for solo travelers and to engage them from their first day with us,” says O’Reilly of Grand Circle. “We include free time for independent exploration throughout the cruise or tour and our program directors make sure solo travelers have a buddy or group of new friends to go off exploring with [if they want company], or else they, themselves, may accompany solo travelers, if desired.”
Many lines host welcome receptions, dinners and other special meet-ups or events for solo cruisers. On some lines, solos don’t even have to worry about not having a dance partner. Male dancer/hosts have been on many cruise lines for years, but now Crystal Cruises has introduced female dance partners for single men.
Social media has made solo cruising even more social. “If you want to meet people, join a Cruise Critic Roll Call before you board and you’ll start making friends before you sail,” says Carolyn Spencer Brown, the Cruise Critic site’s editor-in-chief.
Although you’re likely to feel comfortable as a solo cruiser, don’t be surprised if you cultivate a new friendship or find a travel companion for your next voyage.
Online Resource for Solo Cruisers
Interested in doing a little research before you go?
The Cruise Critic Community Forum for Solo Travelers allows travelers to share tips and advice, such as which ships to choose, which excursions are best and tips for open seating at dinner.
Irene S. Levine is a psychologist, lifestyle and travel journalist, and member of the Society of American Travel Writers who produces MoreTimeToTravel.com, a blog offering advice and inspiration for travelers over 50.


Why Cruises Are Ideal for Boomers Traveling Solo

As people over 50 opt for more active and adventurous vacations, two-wheelers are becoming a preferred vehicle to see the world, both here and abroad.
A recent travel segment on Sky News went so far as to dub bicycling vacations “the new golf.”
 
Touring by bicycle is easier on aging joints than jogging, lets riders cover greater distances than walking and allows for a more intimate, up-close experience than riding in cars, buses or trains.
This environmentally-friendly mode of transport can offset vacation weight gain with healthy exercise and its broad appeal extends to solo travelers, couples, friends and multigenerational groups.
(MORE: 6 Travel Tips for Midlife Adventurers)
 
By definition, the term “bicycle tourism” refers to non-competitive cycling trips, ranging from daylong city tours to multi-day explorations along a route. Experienced cyclists may travel independently on self-guided tours, but most boomers opt for organized ones designed to meet their interests and skill levels. Devotees often feel as passionately about the biking experience as they do about the destinations they visit.
 
Because choosing among the many thousands of tours can be confusing, Next Avenue asked experts to answer questions that first-timers might have about planning a bicycle vacation. Here is what they said:
(MORE: How to Save Enough to Fulfill Your Travel Dreams)
 
How do I figure out where to go and select an itinerary?
 
Your choice will depend on a host of factors: How much time you have, when you want to go, how much money you want to spend and what you want to experience and see.
Some tourists opt to visit destinations already on their bucket lists; others are driven by special interests (such as learning about the foods or wines of Italy.) For some, overnight stays in castles or chateaux with gourmet meals can be a big draw; others want to visit iconic sites or trace their family roots.
 
Experts stress the importance of thorough research. Bicycle tours vary in terms of group size; trip intensity (both the pace and the number of miles pedaled each day) and the number, length and types of breaks taken each day. Accommodations range from tents to luxury stays in five-star properties. Terrain (flat vs. hilly or rocky; paved vs. gravel or cobblestone), climate and time of year are also important considerations in selecting a tour.
 
“Especially with folks over 50, whose joints may be feeling a bit of wear and tear, the last thing they should do is go way above their heads in terms of physical fitness level,” says Dave Aidekman, founder of The Trip Tribe, a company that curates group trips. “At the end of the day, the majority of these travelers aren’t looking for a workout; they want to see an area from an on-the-ground view with breaks in-between for activities outside of biking,” he adds.
 
How fit do I need to be to go on a bicycle tour?
 
If you can ride a stationary or outdoor bike or participate in a spinning class for at last an hour, you are probably up to the rigors of a beginning bicycle tour.
(MORE: How Fit Are You, Really?)
 
“Similar to starting any new physical activity, like jogging or Zumba, make sure you’ve had a physical within the past year and ask your doctor whether you are fit for this type of exercise,” suggests Dr. Robert A. Wolfson, an internist with the Mount Kisco Medical Group in New York.
 
Since there are different levels of cycling, tour companies generally assess your level of experience to determine whether you belong in a strong (25 to 60 miles per day), moderate (20 to 40 miles per day) or light (15 to 35 miles per day) activity group. Extremes in climate and altitude can exacerbate the difficulty of any tour.
 
“Be honest about what you can currently do versus what you used to be able to do,” says Loren Siekman of Pure Adventures, a self-guided tour company.
 
For peace of mind, Seth Heald, president of Arizona Outback Adventures, recommends inquiring about cell phone coverage in the areas where you will be traveling and finding out about access to emergency care.
Will I be able to keep up with the group?
 
Bicycle tours are largely self-paced and flexible: You can stop whenever you’re tired, pause to take photographs or choose to skip a morning or afternoon ride and catch up with the group at the next stop.
 
Most active travel companies, like Backroads, also offer van support so cyclists can catch a ride, have a snack, get help with bicycle maintenance or grab a boost up a hill. More recently, this company and others have made electric bikes (e-bikes) available to trip participants.
 
“Sometimes, one person will rent an e-bike to keep up with their spouse,” says Liz Einbinder of Backroads. “Maybe they are a slower cyclist because of an injury or one spouse is more of a cycling fanatic than the other. E-bikes help level the playing field,” she says.
 
Preparation beforehand is important, too. “My advice to any first-timer is to train (and cross-train) consistently with professional support, especially if you are not generally fit or active,” say Jeremy Loeckler, founder of TourMatters.com, a curated database of tour operators. Experience Plus! Bicycle Tours offers a 12-week training program designed by cycling coach Joe Friel that is geared to cyclists over 50.
 
Don’t worry about being slow. “Guides don’t mind,” says Heald. “One person is always the slowest in any group.”
 
How can I find a reputable company?
 
Ask friends, colleagues or relatives who have taken bicycle tours about their experiences. Ask tour operators to connect you with former participants via phone or email. Ratings on review sites, such as TripAdvisor.com, can also provide valuable insights.
 
Any reputable tour operator will have phone reps available to answer questions and provide detailed information about what you can expect. Inquire about the training and experience of tour leaders, the type of equipment and gear you’ll be using, the specifics of the itinerary and who else will be coming on your trip in terms of age, biking experience and the numberof people in the group.
 
If you are more comfortable traveling with others around your age, companies like RoadScholar.org cater exclusively to the over-50 market. VBT and ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours also specialize in travelers over 50.
 
What costs are included in the tour?
 
Most tours offer packages, but you always need to determine the specifics of what is and isn’t included.
Organized tours often build in the price of leaders/guides, bicycle rentals, transport support services (vans), accommodations, meals and snacks. The costs of air travel, transfers, tips and taxes are generally not included, though. Insurance (health, medical evacuation and trip cancellation) are optional costs that may be worth considering. Don’t forget that the distance from your home to the starting point of the tour might impact the cost and length of any trip.
 
What do I need to pack?
 
Most companies provide guests with a packing list. Find out whether you need to bring your own safety helmet (so it fits properly) your own bike seat (for comfort) and/or rain gear — or whether those will be provided.
 
Some people prefer to travel with their own bicycles. But if you will use a tour operators bike, prepare yourself. “Riding in a new saddle for a week can be a disaster,” says Heald of Outback Adventures. “Get some high-quality modern bike shorts, consider using products like Chamois Buttr (http://chamoisbuttr.com/ (a skin lubricant popular with cyclists) and let the guides know if you are uncomfortable.”
If I’m not sure, is there a way to “try out” a bicycle vacation?
 
You may want to test your skills and stamina at a destination close to home before signing up for an extended tour. With increased awareness of the health and environmental benefits of cycling, there has been a spike in hotel bicycle programs. For example, Kimpton’s Florida hotels — EPIC Miami, Surfcomber Miami, Vero Beach Hotel & Spa and The Angler’s Miami South Beach — offer complimentary bike rentals for guests. Similarly, most Fairmont properties offer BMW bikes for complimentary use.
 
You can also weave some cycling into your cruise itinerary. One of the most enjoyable parts of taking a barge cruise in France, such as the type offered by European Waterways, is to disembark and ride along the towpaths parallel to the river as the boat slowly makes its way through the canals. In April 2014, Crystal Cruises announced it was adding 16 bicycle adventures to its roster of shore excursions, allowing passengers to visit charming villages only accessible by bike.
 
The Bottom Line
 
The friendships and camaraderie engendered while touring with a group also make bicycling an attractive travel option. Travis Pittman, CEO and co-founder of TourRadar, a website that compares and books group tours, echoes a sentiment experienced by many over-50 cyclists: “Touring a region on two wheels, powered by their own strength and surrounded by a group of like-minded individuals with whom they can share a well-deserved meal after a long ride is more satisfying that visiting the same destination, sightseeing from the windows of a loaded tour bus.”  
Irene S. Levine is a psychologist, lifestyle and travel journalist, and member of the Society of American Travel Writers who produces MoreTimeToTravel.com, a blog offering advice and inspiration for travelers over 50.


Bicycle Vacations: Boomers' Latest Travel Trend

I was looking forward to catching up on some work on the flight home. Before sitting down and fastening my seatbelt, I reached into the overhead bin to grab my laptop out of the zipped side pocket of my carry-on bag.
 
Hmm. My first sweep came up empty-handed.
 
“Don’t panic yet,” I told myself.
 
After dragging the carry-on down from the bin, I wedged it on my seat so I could inspect the zipped side pocket more carefully while passengers made their way past me down the aisle. It was empty.
 
My husband double-checked. Still empty.
 
I frantically unzipped every compartment inside and out — even ones only large enough to hold pencils — and threw all the toiletries, hairbrushes and papers out of the suitcase and onto my seat. My laptop was gone.
(MORE: Tips to Keep Your Laptop Safe From Thieves)
 
When you lose something, the conventional wisdom is to retrace your steps. But after a plane door closes, you can only do that mentally. So, I made a to-do list of everyone I needed to call upon returning home — the hotel, the airport and the airline — just in case the computer turned up. Could it really have disappeared?
 
Why a Lost Laptop Is So Traumatic
Yes, travelers have far worse experiences — e.g. being mauled by lions in Africa, becoming deathly ill on a ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, falling off steep cliffs in the Andes — but losing a laptop is traumatic for a variety of reasons: the hassle, the expense, the potential for identity theft and the guilt and regret of having let it happen.
 
A 2008 survey commissioned by Dell Computers estimates business travelers alone lose 12,000 laptops in U.S. airports each week. The same study reported that 80 percent are never recovered.
Unfortunately, I suspect I’m not the only person who has compounded that misery by storing passwords, phone contacts and other personal information on their laptops.
5 Tips If Your Laptop Goes Missing
 
When your laptop is missing or stolen while traveling, there are five things you need to do:
 
1. Report the loss as soon as possible. Call local police, airline baggage offices and airport lost and found offices (on both ends of your trip). If it is a business laptop, report the loss to your employer. If there is any other location where it could have been left or gone missing, add that to your list of calls.
 
After I called our hotel, the management checked our room and screened security videos to see if they could spot anyone tampering with my carry-on in the few minutes it was left unattended (after the bellman brought our luggage to the lobby while we were still paying our bill). They found nothing.
 
If you have an Apple laptop (as I did), don’t bother reporting the loss to the company. Although customer service exudes sympathy — “We are so sorry for your loss” — they don’t have a system for tracking serial numbers of lost laptops. When I purchased a replacement, as a courtesy Apple extended a prorated refund on the unused portion of the prior AppleCare service contract.
 
2. Inform credit bureaus. Because of the risk of identity theft (someone fraudulently using your personal information for financial gain), you'll want to report the loss immediately to one of the three major credit bureaus. They will place a free fraud alert on your account, notify the other credit bureaus and make it more difficult for someone to obtain credit or open new accounts in your name.
 
Monitoring the report will help you spot any suspicious activity or inaccurate information. Since you are entitled to a free credit report from each agency annually, you can obtain one every four months by spacing the requests.
(MORE: The Truth About Those New Free Credit Scores)
 
3. Determine whether the loss is covered by insurance. Check your homeowner's or renter's policy. Some policies cover computer loss, although often with a deductible. We were very fortunate. A $30-per-year rider we had added to our homeowners policy reimbursed the entire replacement cost of the computer (up to $2,100).
 
If the laptop had been purchased with an American Express Platinum Card and wasn’t covered by any other insurance policy, AmEx’s Purchase Protection plan would have covered losses of up to $10,000 per occurrence for eligible items lost, stolen or damaged within 90 days of purchase. (My toddler laptop was six months old).
 
4. Attempt to recover lost data. Until I left home, I regularly backed up my laptop data on an Apple Time Capsule so I was able to easily retrieve and know what I had lost. Always keep up-to-date copies of important files (backed up to a cloud or on a hard drive) in the event your computer is lost or otherwise compromised.
 
5. Prevent it from ever happening again. My laptop never resurfaced and the odds of seeing it again are slim to nil. Getting over the loss hasn’t been easy. Concerns about identity theft still hang over me, as well as the guilt of not having done enough to prevent the loss.
Looking back, however, this experience taught me a few things that can help avoid a repeat experience.
Labeling your laptop can help; just tape your name and phone number on the exterior. That way, if your device is misplaced, a Good Samaritan might be able to return it.
Being vigilant when traveling is essential. Place your laptop in the hotel safe each time you leave your room. Never leave bags that have electronics or other valuables out of your sight in hotels, on cruise ships or in airports — even for minutes. Even if you are exhausted, don’t be tempted to hand over your carry-on to anyone else. While bellmen and porters may be trustworthy, they are busy and can’t be as vigilant as you.
 
When passing through airport security checkpoints, develop a routine for placing your laptop on the conveyer belt and retrieving it. Place it in the last bin (after your shoes and coat) so you can watch it go into the screener before you meet the computer at the other side. Consider purchasing a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag to avoid the time-consuming hassle of taking the laptop in and out of your bag. 
 
Make sure your passwords are tough to crack by using complex patterns of letters, numbers and symbols, so a crook will have a harder time getting into your accounts. Avoid using the same passwords for multiple accounts. And don’t store passwords on your computer (or smartphone). Instead, consider using a password manager, like LastPass or SplashID Safe, that generates and encrypts impossible-to-guess passwords and remembers them for you. 
 
To protect your email account, use a two-step verification process such as the kind offered by Gmail. 
 
You might also want to use device-tracking software. Apple has a simple-to-use Find My iPhone, iPad and Mac feature that lets owners track the locations of missing devices and lock them if they suspect they've gotten into the wrong hands (I made the foolish mistake of not activating the feature). Some technology experts recommend installing anti-theft software programs, like Prey.
Irene S. Levine is a psychologist, lifestyle and travel journalist, and member of the Society of American Travel Writers who produces MoreTimeToTravel.com, a blog offering advice and inspiration for travelers over 50.
          


What to Do If You Lose a Laptop While Traveling

When boomers want to escape the 9-to-5 workplace grind and the demands of caregiving for parents and/or kids wane, many dream of traveling. A recent survey found that 59 percent of retirees look forward to exploring new places during the second part of their lives.
 
But people soon realize the cost of traveling for extended periods can be daunting, especially when living on a reduced income. That's why housesitting has become an increasingly popular way to live away from home without the steep pricetag.
(MORE: Boomer Travel Trend: Couchsurfing for Grown-Ups)
 
What is Housesitting?
 
Housesitting entails taking care of someone else’s property (and possibly their pets) in exchange for your stay.
 
In the past, it typically took the form of informal arrangements between people who knew each other. Less commonly, individuals or couples were hired by professional agencies that employ housesitters at a salary, usually for long periods of time.
 
Over the past decade, though, technology has spawned a new model of unpaid housesitting, with websites connecting homeowners and potential sitters for jobs lasting weeks or months at a time.
(MORE: Home-Swapping: Slash Your Travel Costs and Live Like a Local)
 
This peer-to-peer model is part of the same “sharing economy” that laid the foundation for successful businesses such as Uber and Airbnb.
 
Retirees are leading the pack among housesitting-site users. The sites are also popular with people who are semi-retired or have location-independent (portable) careers. “Without a doubt, other housesitting networks would agree that ‘silver surfers’ are a trusted mainstay of our customer base,” says Lamia Walker, founder of HouseSitMatch.com.
 
Why Housesitting Isn't Entirely Free
 
Housesitting isn’t a totally free ride. While it can offer substantial savings on accommodations, housesitters still must pay for their food, airfare and transportation costs. Since it can be difficult to coordinate sequential jobs and there may be gaps between them, some housesitters maintain a home base, incurring additional expenses such as mortgage payments, rent and utility bills.
(MORE: 8 Ways to Combat Outrageous Hidden Travel Fees)
 
The benefit to homeowners is that when they're visiting relatives for long stays, residing at their second homes or vacationing elsewhere, they can feel secure that their home is taken care of and less vulnerable to burglaries thanks to the housesitter. (Homeowner insurance policies vary but some don’t extend coverage to homes unoccupied for 30 days or more.)
 
As a condition of many jobs, housesitters are expected not only to take care of the routine maintenance of the house and property but also watch over any pets or handle other responsibilities requested by the homeowner.
 
In fact, devotion to pets is a major factor propelling the growth of housesitting. Many pet owners see it as a way to avoid long kennel stays for their animals, says Andy Peck, director of TrustedHousesitters.com, one of the largest sites with over 500,000 visitors and close to 1,500 housesitting listings each month.
 
“Many people housesit, too, out of sheer love for pets, especially single travelers or those who don’t have a pet because of personal circumstances,” says Peck.
 
The Intangible Rewards of Housesitting
 
In anticipation of their first foray into housesitting, retirees Colleen and Rick Ray (now 56 and 67, respectively) put their house up for rent in California and placed all their belongings in storage. In May 2012, they flew to the historic city of Merida, Mexico and spent two months caring for two dogs and four cats in a lovingly restored colonial home. During their stay, they visited Mayan ruins and old haciendas and got a taste of local food and culture.
 
“It was a cost effective way to stretch our travel budget and allowed us to spend a longer period of time in a place that interested us,” says Rick.
 
After that rewarding experience, they watched over nine other houses for periods ranging from three weeks to more than two months — in places as diverse as Seattle, Wash. to Edinburgh, Scoland to Kauai, Hawaii.
 
The couple especially enjoyed the relationships they developed with homeowners and their friends and neighbors. “We’ve been invited to neighborhood parties and dinners, and even went Christmas caroling with neighbors in Kauai last year,” Rick says.
 
During their 10 years of housesitting, a couple from the UK, Angela and John Laws, now 68 and 70, have traveled to over five continents.
 
“We live like locals, not vacationers,” says Angela. “The lifestyle allows us to indulge our passion for travel, pets and having new adventures in a way we could not otherwise afford.”
 
Landing a Housesitting Gig
 
Each housesitting site operates slightly differently (see a list of some popular sites below) with membership or registration fees ranging from $10 to $90 per year (listings placed by homeowners are typically free). The sites also differ in terms of the regions covered and types of properties listed.
 
Once enrolled, housesitters submit online profiles describing themselves and their experiences. They're also advised to provide a criminal records check and references.
 
Then they evaluate what’s available from, and required by, homeowners.
 
The sites typically let registered users sign up for daily email alerts announcing new opportunities. “We would encourage people to use these alerts because good opportunities require a quick response,” says Rick Ray, noting that competition can be keen.
 
After an online match is made, the parties often use Skype or Google Hangouts to communicate (by phone or video conference), exchange photos, get to know each other and ask questions before hammering out a written agreement outlining roles and responsibilities.
 
Australian Ian White was one of the first to set up a housesitting matching service almost 14 years ago. Like some others, his HouseCarers.com site offers users templates for preparing written agreements.
 
Look Before You Leap
 
Peck, of TrustedHousesitters, calls these arrangements a “win-win dynamic,” benefiting both parties. “They are also perfect for housesitters hoping to avoid cold winters, check out potential retirement options or take a ‘gray year’ before retirement,” he says.
 
While the idea of housesitting is alluring, it isn’t suitable for everyone.
 
“Housesitting requires someone who is flexible and able to adapt to new circumstances, places and people with a sense of ease,” says Colleen Ray. “People want you to temporarily step into their shoes and take care of their homes and pets in the same manner they do, and that may be different from the way you would do it.”
 
Because there are no regulations governing this relatively new “cottage industry” that crosses international borders, even with due diligence, housesitters (and homeowners) must be willing to take some degree of risk. As with other sectors of the sharing economy, the strengths and pitfalls of housesitting are built on a foundation of trust among strangers.
 
Matching Services:

		HouseCarers.com
		HouseSitMatch.com
		HouseSittersAmerica.com
		LuxuryHousesitting
		MindMyHouse.com
		TrustedHousesitters.com
Housesitting Blogs for Inspiration:

		Hecktic Travels
		House Sitting Perfected
		Our Adventures House Sitting
		The House Sitting Travel Blog
		Vagrants of The World
		What Boundaries? Live Your Dream!
		1Dad1Kid
Irene S. Levine is a psychologist, lifestyle and travel journalist, and member of the Society of American Travel Writers who produces MoreTimeToTravel.com, a blog offering advice and inspiration for travelers over 50.


Housesitting: A Fun Way to Travel the World on a Dime

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