Looking for suggestions on how to meet travel companions
Sep 26th, 2006, 03:51 PM
#61
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Jeena, if you do a search on Ulster County New York Mad Cow Disease, you will find that 3 of the 5 people died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. They state that none of the deaths were linked to Mad Cow. Apparently, CJD is responsible for one in 10,000 US deaths each year, and Mad Cow Disease has only been linked to 150 deaths Worldwide. There is only 1 case in the US and the woman died after eating tainted beef in England more than a decade ago.
I pulled this information from an AP article dated October 24, 2004.
As for the Medicare question, the poster who asked it was not being rude, just trying to resolve a possible inconsistency. She even apologized for asking a personal question like that.
Sometimes it's very difficult for folks to continue suggesting ideas when they just keep getting shot down. After a while, you start to wonder why the person always has an excuse. Now, I have done that myself many times, identifying every little thing that could possibly go wrong with a suggested plan. I found out that it turned people away. Now, if I ask for suggestions, I accept them at face value. Rather than pointing out why that exact plan WON'T work, I use it as a launching pad. If someone suggests a river cruise, I might think, "I don't really want to spend my time on a ship, but it could be nice to take a road trip down along the Mississippi River - that way I could enjoy the river scenery without worrying about motion sickness."
We can't give you the perfect solution to your question, but if you take a bit from each idea, you can create your own perfect solution.
I pulled this information from an AP article dated October 24, 2004.
As for the Medicare question, the poster who asked it was not being rude, just trying to resolve a possible inconsistency. She even apologized for asking a personal question like that.
Sometimes it's very difficult for folks to continue suggesting ideas when they just keep getting shot down. After a while, you start to wonder why the person always has an excuse. Now, I have done that myself many times, identifying every little thing that could possibly go wrong with a suggested plan. I found out that it turned people away. Now, if I ask for suggestions, I accept them at face value. Rather than pointing out why that exact plan WON'T work, I use it as a launching pad. If someone suggests a river cruise, I might think, "I don't really want to spend my time on a ship, but it could be nice to take a road trip down along the Mississippi River - that way I could enjoy the river scenery without worrying about motion sickness."
We can't give you the perfect solution to your question, but if you take a bit from each idea, you can create your own perfect solution.
Sep 26th, 2006, 04:13 PM
#62
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jeena, you are obviously upset. Why don't you take a "break" for a day or two from Fodor's and than come back and read all the good suggestions you have received.
I will add a few. I wouldn't know how to change a tire if you put a gun to my head and most of my friends wouldn't know how to either. Having a cellphone and your AAA membership is a way to not have to worry about a flat tire etc. And staying off of lonely roads when it is dark is a good idea also.
You are correct, Medicare does not cover you when you are outside of the US. May I suggest that you go to the website: www.insuremytrip.com. It will give you lots of insurance company policies to review and you can decide which company offers you the coverage you would need for travelling outside of the US. I have never purchased a policy but I understand one needs to buy any of the policies within a short period of time after purchasing their airline ticket etc. so that exsisting medical problems would be covered. When you have time do some research on said website and I think you will find you would be able to purchase needed coverage for not to much money.
I think at your age Senior Citizen Groups would not be of interest to you.
In that you live in NY have your thought about joing some volunteer organizations that would offer something you are interested in be it a musueum, an art group, hospital volunteer group, political group, library volunteer group, your Chamber of Commerce, a theater group etc. I don't know about NY but many communities in CA now have volunteers that work with their local PD in all kinds of jobs. They are carefully checked so you would be sure that you are getting acquainted with people that have a good law abiding backgroup.
Also, have you thought about taking some classes. If there is a particular country you have always dreamed about visiting you could check and see what community colleges offer classes in the language of that country. You no doubt would meet people that at least have an interest in the country you are interested in and are interested in travelling.
Regarding not eating red meat, I think half of my friends no longer eat red meat. And so many Fodorite's do not either. That was silly of your mother's group to have so many discussions about what you do or do not eat. But I have seen that kind of thing happen with some groups, especially senior groups I am sad to say. They need to get a life!!
Anyway, just some more food for thought. Best wishes to you.
I will add a few. I wouldn't know how to change a tire if you put a gun to my head and most of my friends wouldn't know how to either. Having a cellphone and your AAA membership is a way to not have to worry about a flat tire etc. And staying off of lonely roads when it is dark is a good idea also.
You are correct, Medicare does not cover you when you are outside of the US. May I suggest that you go to the website: www.insuremytrip.com. It will give you lots of insurance company policies to review and you can decide which company offers you the coverage you would need for travelling outside of the US. I have never purchased a policy but I understand one needs to buy any of the policies within a short period of time after purchasing their airline ticket etc. so that exsisting medical problems would be covered. When you have time do some research on said website and I think you will find you would be able to purchase needed coverage for not to much money.
I think at your age Senior Citizen Groups would not be of interest to you.
In that you live in NY have your thought about joing some volunteer organizations that would offer something you are interested in be it a musueum, an art group, hospital volunteer group, political group, library volunteer group, your Chamber of Commerce, a theater group etc. I don't know about NY but many communities in CA now have volunteers that work with their local PD in all kinds of jobs. They are carefully checked so you would be sure that you are getting acquainted with people that have a good law abiding backgroup.
Also, have you thought about taking some classes. If there is a particular country you have always dreamed about visiting you could check and see what community colleges offer classes in the language of that country. You no doubt would meet people that at least have an interest in the country you are interested in and are interested in travelling.
Regarding not eating red meat, I think half of my friends no longer eat red meat. And so many Fodorite's do not either. That was silly of your mother's group to have so many discussions about what you do or do not eat. But I have seen that kind of thing happen with some groups, especially senior groups I am sad to say. They need to get a life!!
Anyway, just some more food for thought. Best wishes to you.
Sep 26th, 2006, 04:19 PM
#63
Jeena, No one called you a liar. This thread is absolutely packed with wonderful ideas in reply to your initial inquiry. I hope you will come back and read it with an open mind, perhaps another day. kindly, Suze
Sep 26th, 2006, 04:25 PM
#64
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Jeena, Check out www.virtualtourist.com. There are members from all over the world. As you get to know who some of them are, you'll find they love to connect with travelers to their town for coffee, a glass of wine, even tour you around their town.
Sep 27th, 2006, 11:27 AM
#65
I wish there was a way to save this thread and re-title it "Helpful tips for successful solo travel". So many people put such thoughtful replies here, I'm sorry it went side-ways because the OP was unhappy with the suggestions.
Sep 27th, 2006, 03:45 PM
#66
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I'm also a cautious traveler, and that paid off when I had to cancel a trip after I broke my shoulder. Fortunately I'd bought travel insurance, and the trip costs were covered for me and my husband.
Do you belong to an HMO? If so, ask about overseas coverage. As far as I can tell, Kaiser covers me in Europe--but I also have travel insurance, just in case.
Do you belong to an HMO? If so, ask about overseas coverage. As far as I can tell, Kaiser covers me in Europe--but I also have travel insurance, just in case.
Sep 27th, 2006, 04:15 PM
#71
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When I started traveling solo, I did a couple of short trips. From there I graduated to longer trips, and became to enjoy my own company.
Previously, I traveled with a "friend" that packed and repacked her suitcase 3 times each night, etc., and I vowed never again.
I don't know want to be bothered with anyone tagging along. I don't like being the leader and then being criticized about decisions; I enjoy coming into my own hotel room and kicking my shoes off, flopping on the bed, and doing exactly what pleases me. I can enjoy my own jokes.
I have my cell phone, I take a book to read while eating...yes, I talk to others. With a tour, I have met some wonderful people, and we all had the same feelings. So, no one stepped on my feet, and I didn't step on theirs.
(No whining) I made some great friends, and I am in contact with one from a trip I took in 2000.
Previously, I traveled with a "friend" that packed and repacked her suitcase 3 times each night, etc., and I vowed never again.
I don't know want to be bothered with anyone tagging along. I don't like being the leader and then being criticized about decisions; I enjoy coming into my own hotel room and kicking my shoes off, flopping on the bed, and doing exactly what pleases me. I can enjoy my own jokes.
I have my cell phone, I take a book to read while eating...yes, I talk to others. With a tour, I have met some wonderful people, and we all had the same feelings. So, no one stepped on my feet, and I didn't step on theirs.
(No whining) I made some great friends, and I am in contact with one from a trip I took in 2000.
Sep 27th, 2006, 06:33 PM
#73
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Suze - I was thinking about that also, and I think one could remove the Jeena's specifics and the comments directed at her and just save the "clean" suggestions. It'd take a bit of editing, but I think it could be done and without hurting anyone's feelings.
Sep 29th, 2006, 11:46 AM
#76
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I have done some major editing and have "reposted" the helpful information onto the Solo Traveller forum. I hope folks will add to that thread with additional info.
I tried my best to pull out any info that related on a personal level to the OP (and for that intent, removed all posts by the OP). For those that may have posts not in the revised version, please know I did it only to keep things on a general basis, not for any personal "attack" for a poster. Thanks!
I tried my best to pull out any info that related on a personal level to the OP (and for that intent, removed all posts by the OP). For those that may have posts not in the revised version, please know I did it only to keep things on a general basis, not for any personal "attack" for a poster. Thanks!
Sep 29th, 2006, 11:54 AM
#78
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My pleasure. I remember the first time I contemplated travelling alone and I would have been much more relaxed had I known about a resource like this. In addition, there are some places that you just don't want to go alone and this thread has great ideas for that also.
Sep 29th, 2006, 11:58 AM
#79
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